Buying Diamond From Whiteflash and Setting From Leon Megé

[nguyee]

I am from Montreal, QC in Canada and looking to get an engagement ring for my girlfriend. I am in the search for a 2 carats loose diamond cushion cut. I have found one I like on Whiteflash but it was on their virtual inventory.

First, I was wondering whether it is possible to buy a diamond on Whiteflash and have the setting by Leon Megé? Is this a practice accepted by Leon Megé? What is the procedure?

Second, since the stone is currently in Whiteflash's virtual inventory, they have indicated me that there is a 10 day inspection period and they recommend sending the diamond to me first for my approval. How does this work considering I live in Canada. Will I get slapped with taxes and/or duties upon reception of the diamond? Remember that I am looking to have the setting done by Leon Megé and that I would need to send the diamond back to the U.S.

Third, if I decide to skip the approval process done by myself, could Leon Megé (or his concierge) give me his opinion on the diamond?

Thank you everyone for your help. This is really appreciated!

Eric

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Buying Diamond From Whiteflash and Setting From Leon Meg

My very strong advice to you is to have Leon's associate Perry find you a cushion. They will video the stone for your approval. From all I have heard, he does an excellent job and the prices are good. I think it will be extremely complicated for you to be sent a stone and then have to send it to Leon, and that is not counting the possibility that you might not like the stone and have to send it back!

Have you seen photos of this cushion from WF? Because you can't pick a cushion without at least seeing it in pictures.

 

[rubybeth]

Re: Buying Diamond From Whiteflash and Setting From Leon Meg

I guess I'll be the first to ask... what about the stone that's in virtual inventory at WF appeals to you? You really can't buy a cushion 'by the numbers,' since they all look so different. Has WF looked at it for you? Can they take photos for you instead of shipping it across borders? Can they do an ASET image?

It's definitely possible to buy a stone from one vendor and have it set at another, but generally, this makes the process more complicated since you have to insure the loose diamond while it's being set, and your being in another country from your preferred vendors makes it even more complicated. Talk to Leon's diamond concierge to find what you're looking for--he may have access to the exact same diamond that Whiteflash has access to. This would cut out so many steps and make it so much easier on you.

Some basic info. on cushion cuts: https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/cushion-cut-diamond

 

[nguyee]

Re: Buying Diamond From Whiteflash and Setting From Leon Meg

There was no high resolution picture of the diamond on Whiteflash's website. Only a small picture and a GIA certificate were available. I guess I could ask Perry to find me a cushion cut stone (modern brilliant). It would not be impossible but indeed be a hassle to have the diamond sent to Canada and send it back to NY.

Here is on paper the characteristic of the loose diamond:

2.05 carat
Color H
VS2
No fluorescence
Some inclusions but not on the table
Measurements: 7.26 mm x 7.14 mm
Table 65% and Depth 67.7%

So far, what do you think? I have sent an email to Whiteflash to get picture and imagescope of the diamond. I will post it online so I could get your feedback.

Thanks guys!

Eric

 

[yennyfire]

Re: Buying Diamond From Whiteflash and Setting From Leon Meg

I would call Leon first and see if he will even make a setting for a stone that he did not source for you. If he won't and you're set on having him make the setting, that answers the question for you. Second, I have worked with Perry before (ultimately didn't purchase from them, but went through the process) and he is wonderful. Honest, gets what you want and their prices are reasonable (for the stones). They will send you a video of the stones they suggest for you so that you can compare them side by side. That way, you won't be paying to ship stones back and forth. As rubybeth (and others) said, you can't select a cushion solely based on numbers. You have to examine each stone individually. Have you seen modern cushions as compared to antique cushions? Do you know that's what you (and your future wife) prefer? I think a call to Leon/Perry (his diamond concierge) is the first step. Please keep us posted and let us know how we can help.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Buying Diamond From Whiteflash and Setting From Leon Meg

You simply cannot pick a cushion by numbers. I am sure Leon would make the ring if you bought the stone elsewhere, but there is absolutely no advantage to you to buy elsewhere when Perry can source stones for you easily. It would be different if you were sourcing a special cut that couldn't be obtained elsewhere (such as an AVC from Good Old Gold), but there is no reason to try to buy a cushion from a virtual inventory with absolutely no information on the stone when Perry is in the diamond district and can go look at cushions and show you a couple to choose from.

 

[rubybeth]

Re: Buying Diamond From Whiteflash and Setting From Leon Meg

There was no high resolution picture of the diamond on Whiteflash's website. Only a small picture and a GIA certificate were available. I guess I could ask Perry to find me a cushion cut stone (modern brilliant). It would not be impossible but indeed be a hassle to have the diamond sent to Canada and send it back to NY.

Here is on paper the characteristic of the loose diamond:

2.05 carat
Color H
VS2
No fluorescence
Some inclusions but not on the table
Measurements: 7.26 mm x 7.14 mm
Table 65% and Depth 67.7%

So far, what do you think? I have sent an email to Whiteflash to get picture and imagescope of the diamond. I will post it online so I could get your feedback.

Thanks guys!

Eric

As I said before, numbers really can't tell you anything about how a cushion looks. Example:

#1: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4921/
#2: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8583/

Tell Perry what you're looking for and save the hassle.

 

[mrssalvo]

Re: Buying Diamond From Whiteflash and Setting From Leon Meg

I agree with those who said to just let Perry find a couple of stones and email you pics/video's. He has an amazing eye and has found beautiful cushions for pricescopers. He is an expert and I would trust his judgement over my own. Then you can choose from what he presents to you and have Leon make the setting. It will be stunning, no doubt!

 

[nguyee]

Re: Buying Diamond From Whiteflash and Setting From Leon Meg

Thanks guys! I will call him up today and will let you know.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Buying Diamond From Whiteflash and Setting From Leon Meg

Super! Good luck! He chooses gorgeous stones, so I think you will be pleased!