Hi everyone,
I have been looking for a diamond for a few months now, and it has been a really unpleasant experience, I think my head might explode.
I had been visiting a local jeweler that has a history with my family and claims to be showing me diamonds at a significantly reduced price (due to our relationship). However, I am not really certain if I trust him (as I posted about in a different thread).
From what I have gathered from this site is that cut is very important. So I told him I am looking for a ~1.29 (+/- .05) carat, round brilliant, ~H-color diamond that is eye-clean.
He has shown me numerous diamonds but most of them were "Good" cut quality rather than "Excellent" which is my highest priority (right?).
Right now he told me he has a stone that is 1.31 carats, E color and SI1 for $6,400 but it is certified by the EGL. I did some research on truthaboutdiamonds.com and he seems to indicate that EGL should be avoided completely.
I am starting to lean towards buying a diamond online. For the qualifications I have laid out, what should I expect to be able to buy a diamond for? Is online the right way to go? And what websites are best? Truthaboutdiamonds.com recommends jamesAllen and BrianGavin but he seems to be affiliated with those sites... For a round brilliant diamond should I get a lower color (I have heard H is the highest I should go).
Clearly I need a lot of help, but if someone could point me in the right direction I would appreciate it. I have already conceded to exceeding my budget of $5,000... but I would rather not push it much more than $7,000.
I have been looking for a diamond for a few months now, and it has been a really unpleasant experience, I think my head might explode.
I had been visiting a local jeweler that has a history with my family and claims to be showing me diamonds at a significantly reduced price (due to our relationship). However, I am not really certain if I trust him (as I posted about in a different thread).
From what I have gathered from this site is that cut is very important. So I told him I am looking for a ~1.29 (+/- .05) carat, round brilliant, ~H-color diamond that is eye-clean.
He has shown me numerous diamonds but most of them were "Good" cut quality rather than "Excellent" which is my highest priority (right?).
Right now he told me he has a stone that is 1.31 carats, E color and SI1 for $6,400 but it is certified by the EGL. I did some research on truthaboutdiamonds.com and he seems to indicate that EGL should be avoided completely.
I am starting to lean towards buying a diamond online. For the qualifications I have laid out, what should I expect to be able to buy a diamond for? Is online the right way to go? And what websites are best? Truthaboutdiamonds.com recommends jamesAllen and BrianGavin but he seems to be affiliated with those sites... For a round brilliant diamond should I get a lower color (I have heard H is the highest I should go).
Clearly I need a lot of help, but if someone could point me in the right direction I would appreciate it. I have already conceded to exceeding my budget of $5,000... but I would rather not push it much more than $7,000.