buying a diamond - round brilliant - 2nd time is a charm

[michael777]

This is my second go at buying the right diamond. Apparently I didn't choose the right one last time because the marriage didn't work out. I blamed everything on her foremost, and my selection process in regards to the diamond, next.

So this time I know I have chosen the right girl - so now it is time to find the right diamond.

If I could get some help from the "experts," leverage some amateur buyers ( or unbiased professionals ), that would be great. My dilemma, like everyone else with a budget, is to get the most bang, i.e. size and sparkle, for my buck.

Here is what I am looking for (with flexibility of course, with input)

G-H
VS1-SI1
Triple ex - ideal
No Fluorescence (maybe i need some to save $$?)
1.10 (ish) - larger would be better of course
I would like to spend around 7k

I have found a couple nice diamonds using the tool on this site. I have, however, found some price discrepancies with a couple sites (both deemed reputable). Neither one can provide me with anything but a cert.

I have noticed about a 20% premium added to diamonds coming from a website with images (e.g. Idealscope). As an inexperienced buyer, should I pay that premium or take a chance on a stone without an image?

 

[SparklySoprano]

I would not be considered an "expert," but am going through a third diamond purchase myself. This time armed with a LOT more information than ever before, thanks to PS. Do the best you can right now with getting all the cert info and using tools, like the HCA (Holloway Cut Adviser found on PS) to see how the diamond fares on "paper." I've already rejected many stones this way.

I would ask about the vendor's return policy. If they can not send you all the images you would like, perhaps having them send you the stone is an option and you can have it inspected when you get it in hand. After all, I think that being able to see it for yourself and examine how you wish is key.

My vendor is sending me photos and then will send it to me with a 14-day inspection period. It's not as generous as some other places (30 days, e.g.) but it's enough time for me.

Good luck!

 

[Rosebloom]

I think if you post in Rocky Talk you'll get more responses. That's where the prosumers hang out and offer their (amazing!) advice. Generally it is wise to suggest a few stones that you like if you are fairly certain on your specs. If you are hoping that people will suggest alternative specs to maximize size, then make sure to ask for that feedback as well. Good luck!

 

[michael777]

Thank you for your reply. I have used (and do use) the HCA tool, and I probably rely on it too much! I guess that is one of my concerns.

 

[michael777]

I think if you post in Rocky Talk you'll get more responses. That's where the prosumers hang out and offer their (amazing!) advice. Generally it is wise to suggest a few stones that you like if you are fairly certain on your specs. If you are hoping that people will suggest alternative specs to maximize size, then make sure to ask for that feedback as well. Good luck!

Thank you - I wonder if a moderator can mode this post?

 

[Rosebloom]

I think if you post in Rocky Talk you'll get more responses. That's where the prosumers hang out and offer their (amazing!) advice. Generally it is wise to suggest a few stones that you like if you are fairly certain on your specs. If you are hoping that people will suggest alternative specs to maximize size, then make sure to ask for that feedback as well. Good luck!

Thank you - I wonder if a moderator can mode this post?

Yep! Just hit "report concern" and ask that they do so.

 

[michael777]

Any thoughts?

 

[michael777]

Same diamond...

 

[emmebee]

The white under the table is leakage. I'd pass.

 

[michael777]

thanks for your reply

How about this one:

 

[michael777]

second part to the most recent post

 

[JulieN]

Looks good.