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Buying diamond at home vs. online

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scvr

scvr

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 23, 2007
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46
Hi All.

I live in Michigan (Ann Arbor) and am having an e-ring designed by Leon Mege (even though I''ve been married for nearly six years, we eloped and only bought platinum bands).

Here is what I''m looking for:
Cushion cut (I think I would prefer a LxW ratio of between 1.00 and 1.05 - as close to square as possible)
I''m looking for rougly 3 carats (a bit more or a bit less is fine too)
I would prefer a G/H color and would go down to SI1

I''m not sure if I''m missing anything else. My question is, where on earth do I go to find the diamond? This may sound stupid, but is online safe? If not, is there a store in Michigan that you all trust/recommend? I''ve seen quite a wide range of 3 c cushions online but most of them do not have the report availabe to view. Anyone I should clearly avoid? Does modified mean that it has been enhanced (i.e., modified cushion)?

I''ve been in contact with Leon he said he would source a few diamonds for me but I''m thinking I want to be able to take my diamond to him when I visit his studio. I was a bit freaked out reading all the negative posts on Leon after searching his name last night but he''s also had great reviews. He''s been extremely patient with me and has answered all of my emails and phone calls and has been pleasant so far. The setting I am haivng done is also very simple - it is r572.

I did read a poster recommending Pearlmans which is not too far a drive for me. I went to their site as well.
Thank you!
slvr
 
Bill Pearlman can find you a gorgeous cushion. He is great to work with. Another vendor on here to consider is Mark Turnowski. He''s in NYC, and does a lot of work with Leon. www.engagementringsdirect.com He''s known as the go to guy for cushions. HTH, good luck and welcome to PS
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I second Bill pearlman and Engagementringsdirect. I have personally bought from Pearlmans and visited his store several times in Battle creek. Well worth the trip if it's at all possible. bill also can get you Daniel K cushions which are amazing and all cut with ex/ex polish and symmetry. Mark T is known around here as the cushion king and could find you something as well.

Welcome to Pricescope
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Well, I know I have a lot of faith in James Allen and I know Jennifer was very knowledgeable on rounds. However, as to the being safe online, I purchased a diamond from Blue Nile and returned it, it took all of four days for them to get the diamond and confirm everything as ok, and there weren''t any other problems at all. Very smooth, nothing lost. I would say stick with a credit card purchase though--just use one with incentives and bonuses--so that if anything does happen then you have a major credit card company able to back you up.
 
Date: 6/24/2007 9:40:30 PM
Author:scvr
Hi All.

I live in Michigan (Ann Arbor) and am having an e-ring designed by Leon Mege (even though I''ve been married for nearly six years, we eloped and only bought platinum bands).

Here is what I''m looking for:
Cushion cut (I think I would prefer a LxW ratio of between 1.00 and 1.05 - as close to square as possible)
I''m looking for rougly 3 carats (a bit more or a bit less is fine too)
I would prefer a G/H color and would go down to SI1

I''m not sure if I''m missing anything else. My question is, where on earth do I go to find the diamond? This may sound stupid, but is online safe? If not, is there a store in Michigan that you all trust/recommend? I''ve seen quite a wide range of 3 c cushions online but most of them do not have the report availabe to view. Anyone I should clearly avoid? Does modified mean that it has been enhanced (i.e., modified cushion)?

I''ve been in contact with Leon he said he would source a few diamonds for me but I''m thinking I want to be able to take my diamond to him when I visit his studio. I was a bit freaked out reading all the negative posts on Leon after searching his name last night but he''s also had great reviews. He''s been extremely patient with me and has answered all of my emails and phone calls and has been pleasant so far. The setting I am haivng done is also very simple - it is r572.

I did read a poster recommending Pearlmans which is not too far a drive for me. I went to their site as well.
Thank you!
slvr
Click to expand...
No. Enhanced means enhanced. Modified is a generic term used to explain a slight variation. Like my name "modified brilliant."
1.gif

GIA and other labs use the term "square modified brilliant" or something similar to describe what we know as a "princess cut."
Good luck with your search!

www.metrojewelryappraisers.com
 
Any of the PS vendors are fantastic, but if it were ME (and it was a few months ago!) I would hands down go to Mark at Engagement Rings Direct. He can do everything with you via email/phone or else you could visit him and pick up/pick out your diamond in NY right before you meet with Leon.

His prices are great and he has a great supply of gorgeous cushions and an eye for picking great performers.
 
When it comes down to cushions, I would go with Mark at ERD. Plus he''s in NY and knows LM, so it makes it even easier for you.
 
Especially if you're going to visit Leon in person, I'd consider giving him a chance to source your stone since he is offering. He has a good eye and good contacts there. Although you don't usually want three dealers looking for the same very specific item, I see nothing wrong with talking with all of the folks recommended and see what they say, and to see if you make a connection with anyone. It's even possible to visit everyone recommended here in person. Of course, the usual suggestion to get an independent opinion applies, especially for a 3 carater.
 
Hi Everyone,
Thank you for your patience and wonderful suggestions! This is a tad overwhelming and I''m still learning all the lingo - I''m adopting a baby from China and I''m still getting used to all the acronyms on that Forum - so if I throw out LIDs, REs, TAs, etc., just ignore me - I''ve nearly lost my mind!

Shelley
 
How do I contact Mark directly? Do you think that this will be okay with Leon as he offered to source the diamond for me? Also, is it too much to have both Pearlman''s and Mark T find me a stone or what? Sorry, I''m quite overwhelmed!
 
Date: 6/29/2007 10:46:28 AM
Author: scvr
How do I contact Mark directly? Do you think that this will be okay with Leon as he offered to source the diamond for me? Also, is it too much to have both Pearlman''s and Mark T find me a stone or what? Sorry, I''m quite overwhelmed!
Click to expand...
You can reach Mark here:
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com
(212) 221-1594

LM also works with stones purchased by his clients. Just make sure he knows that you are supplying your own centerstone.

It is all right to have several vendors working to find your stone.
 
Does it matter to Leon if I''m only going to have one stone who sources it? I am going for his r572 which has only a center stone.
Thanks!
Shelley
Date: 6/29/2007 10:57:49 AM
Author: Chrono

Date: 6/29/2007 10:46:28 AM
Author: scvr
How do I contact Mark directly? Do you think that this will be okay with Leon as he offered to source the diamond for me? Also, is it too much to have both Pearlman''s and Mark T find me a stone or what? Sorry, I''m quite overwhelmed!
Click to expand...
You can reach Mark here:
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com
(212) 221-1594

LM also works with stones purchased by his clients. Just make sure he knows that you are supplying your own centerstone.

It is all right to have several vendors working to find your stone.
Click to expand...
 
Nope, it doesn''t matter if you have only one stone (center stone) and you are going to get it yourself.
 
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