Best to buy diamonds

[daysie]

Hi all...I''m totally new at this so sorry for any naive questions.

I live in Australia and have recently started looking for an engagement ring. Our budget is AUD$25,000 - $30,000 (USD $20,000 - $24,000).
I am very keen on diamond of 2cts and an excellent cut. Not that pedantic about clarity but my bf prefers colour to be E grade and above. Certifications also preferred. Do you think it is possible to get diamond of these specifications and within our budget? If so, where will be the best plc to get it?
Because we live in Australia, we are bit wary of shopping online from international sellers. Are online sellers reliable?

Many thanks on any advice you may be able to give!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 9/24/2008 8:07:44 AM
Author:daysie
Hi all...I'm totally new at this so sorry for any naive questions.

I live in Australia and have recently started looking for an engagement ring. Our budget is AUD$25,000 - $30,000 (USD $20,000 - $24,000).
I am very keen on diamond of 2cts and an excellent cut. Not that pedantic about clarity but my bf prefers colour to be E grade and above. Certifications also preferred. Do you think it is possible to get diamond of these specifications and within our budget? If so, where will be the best plc to get it?
Because we live in Australia, we are bit wary of shopping online from international sellers. Are online sellers reliable?

Many thanks on any advice you may be able to give!

Welcome to PS!

I don't know if you would be able to find a very well cut GIA/ AGS D or E colour at 2 cts for that budget....Diamonds of lower colour can still look very white, say F to H, would you consider lowering the colour? That could help. Many of the PS vendors have a superb rep here so you would be in excellent hands, if you preferred to buy from Aus then Garry Holloway who posts here is in Melbourne ( don't know if that is near you) but he can be contacted here -

www.preciousmetals.com.au

 

[arjunajane]

Hi daysie, and welcome as a fellow Aussie

May I ask what state you are in? As far as I'm aware, the only place that is regularly recommended is Gary Holloway's store in Melbourne - http://www.preciousmetals.com.au/default.asp

I would feel secure buying there, but there is potential you can make your money go further buying from US (even though you have a great budget!).

I personally have bought a diamond (twice) from Good Old Gold, and a setting for my ering from Whiteflash. These 2 are the most commonly recommended and used vendors on PS, and they are highly regarded. Completely safe.

There are many other Aussie PS'ers who have also purchased from these 2 vendors with great results. You can do a search on any of the above to read buyer reviews.

I guess it just depends if you would prefer to shop in person, or are comfortable with phone/email.

hope that helps, please ask more questions if you need !

ETA: lol, Lorelei too quick for me!