Buying a diamond without the band

[dislak]

I''ve been looking for many months on Blue Nile for a perfect diamond. I was wondering if I just bought the diamond on it''s on without a band, how hard would it be for a local jeweler to place that diamond into a band of my choosing? Thanks! I''ve been reading your forums for months and everyone here is so helpful!

 

[dislak]

I was looking at this diamond here. Priced at $2,474, just in my price range

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/11/2009 8:37:09 AM
Author:dislak
I've been looking for many months on Blue Nile for a perfect diamond. I was wondering if I just bought the diamond on it's on without a band, how hard would it be for a local jeweler to place that diamond into a band of my choosing? Thanks! I've been reading your forums for months and everyone here is so helpful!

It wouldn't be hard at all, the problem is, most won't insure/cover a stone they don't sell you. So if something happens while setting it (i.e. chips/cracks), they won't cover/replace it. You can always ask though.

Not loving the numbers on that. (angles) You could do better.

 

[Lula]

It would not be hard for a local jeweler to set a loose stone, but here are some considerations:

1) Will the local jeweler insure your stone against damage while it''s being set or will you need to insure it on your own (you can get a policy through Jewelers Mutual and other independent jewelry insurers; your own homeowner''s insurance policy will likely not insure a loose stone -- mine won''t).
2) How much will the jeweler charge you to set your stone (beyond the cost of the setting -- a setting "fee").
3) You will be paying sales tax on the transaction, whereas if you buy the setting from Blue Nile, you will not pay sales tax.
4) Have you visited jewelry stores in your area to see if they carry the brands/types of setting your gf likes? If the local stores don''t have a wide selection of settings, you are in for a lot of work. If you live in a large city, you should have plenty of choice, but if you live in a smaller community, your selection may be limited.

 

[dislak]

Not loving the numbers on that. (angles) You could do better.

What kind of angles should i be looking for?

 

[SalanG]

Too add to his question, how difficult is it to get a stone set by a jeweler who sold you neither the setting or diamond?

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/11/2009 8:55:16 AM
Author: dislak

Not loving the numbers on that. (angles) You could do better.

What kind of angles should i be looking for?

It''s not as easy as just giving a set, but in general, if you stick with CA of 34-35 with a PA of 40.6-41, that would help. But there are certain combos that are better than others. It''s a bit tricky, especially because BN won''t provide any pics.

Let me have a look around to see if I can help you find something. Are you set on only BN?

 

[dislak]

Let me have a look around to see if I can help you find something. Are you set on only BN?

Nope, just recommended to BN by some friends. Any other sites will work fine, I''ve just found I can get a lot better deal online then in a jewelery store.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/11/2009 9:17:12 AM
Author: dislak

Let me have a look around to see if I can help you find something. Are you set on only BN?

Nope, just recommended to BN by some friends. Any other sites will work fine, I''ve just found I can get a lot better deal online then in a jewelery store.

That you can, and better cut too.

However, in looking for those specs, I''m not finding anything at that price. Part of that is because the price was lowered because the cut (angles) wasn''t so good. Diamonds are priced on cut as well as color/clarity/carat weight. So, you might want to consider lowering things a bit. You can easily go to F and see absolutely no difference, and G is safe at almost any size, seriously. Also, many SI1''s are totally eyeclean, so that could help you out pricewise/size. The one thing you don''t want to skimp on too much is the cut, that''s actually what makes the diamond pretty and sparkly.

So, I found this one. It looks like it could be nice. You would need to ask for an Idealscope picture, they will provide you with one, and that would help out, as the PA is at an iffy area, could be just fine, or not. Also would need to ask if it is eyeclean. You would get it for the Pricescope price of 2460.00.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1242611.asp