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Buying downunder, overseas & how far to haggle

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Scribblette

Rough_Rock
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Hi everyone, Eac recommended I post in here. I'm on the hunt for the best diamond in my budget to make the engagement official, but feel as if my location is a limitation.

I'm in Adelaide, South Australia. Come September I'll be moving to Melbourne, Victoria. Well, providing we find a place - the rental market there is insane! My diamond budget is something under 1,800 USD (2k Australian), courtesy the upcoming move, bond, utilities, a half-dead work laptop and the fact that I'm the housewife(husband) in training, not her!

I would LOVE to make the purchase online, but have a few qualms.

For one, is JamesAllen.com the only site that shows photos of their diamonds? Isn't it a massive risk, buying something you can't actually see the imperfections of before purchase?

What about distance - Eac's purchase took a week to arrive so the 30 day guarantee was still in place, but how much room is there for screwups? I've always had my purchases (of other goods) take several weeks to arrive, when not held up in customs as well!

I'd be terrified of buying something that looks as fantastic as, say, this SI1 ideal cut 62 point diamond with no visible flaws, only to get something like this 81 point diamond full of dead tadpoles right as my 30 day guarantee expires! And there's the matter of things getting lost in the mail, whether they'd claim to have sent it out and haven't - all up, I really can't afford to screw up. I don't have the budget for a second diamond for her ring!

How many people here have bought long distance? Do you know any reputable wholesalers in Australia that'd cater to my budget? I've been recommended Garry Holloway's Precious Metals in Melbourne, and while their site is helpful and I'll be sure to contact him, their catalogues are double my budget and up.

I've spent the last few weeks and more full days than I remember reading up about it all on the net, browsing most of the FAQs here and wandering in and out of local shops, and have long since passed saturation point, so pardon my ignorance.

How much do jewelery stores mark up their diamonds, anyway? How much am I supposed to haggle?

Far as I could see, they market their 25-36 point diamonds of 'good' quality for the same as that 62 point diamond I linked earlier - and that's after they offered to drop the price 15% on my asking.

Of course, she deserves this one, but I doubt it'd fit on her finger, and I suppose it'd be a little selfish to completely screw with gravity just to give her that tiny little bit more sparkle...
 
Whoops, posts can only be edited once each on this forum, seems.

Couple corrections - I''ve since browsed further and found there are other sites that offer pictures of their rings, so JA seems incorrect in stating to be the only online jeweller that shows photos of their diamonds. And other sites also show detailed photos of their diamonds under idealscopes, etc. So my first point seems taken care of.

I''d love to edit my post down to a simple query, but I''m not sure how to phrase it. Something about asking for advice on the risks of long distance, the satisfaction of other Australians here, suggested local wholesalers - and most of all, how far to haggle.
 
Hi Scriblette and welcome,
I am an Aussie who has purchased online after finding PS - there are a number of others such as Honey22, Deelight, all of us who have made recent e-ring purchases, and all of who have been ecstatic with the service and quality.

I encourage you to look at Whiteflash and Good Old Gold. I purchased my diamond from GOG and had WF set it, and I can say without a doubt it was the most pleasurable retail transaction I have made.
Jonathan at GOG is infinitely helpful - he will give you any image of a diamond you need, and most are already on the site with the listings. To make things easier for long-distance customers like us, he can also film a video of potential diamonds you are choosing from so you can let your eyes decide.
I dealt with Jamie at WF, and she is an absolute sweetheart. I haven't bought a diamond from them (yet
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), but will have no qualms at all when the time comes.
They made my setting and set my stone for me, and the quality is A++ (especially for the reasonable prices).

Compared to in Aus, the prices are greatly more competitive from US online vendors.
Other highly recommended vendors are Infinity Diamonds, Engagement Rings Direct, Winfields.
They are all favourites around here because they act with integrity and help to educate consumers about their purchase. Many of these vendors also post on PS regularly.

I suggest you go to the sites and read the tutorials on colour and clarity etc. When you have a fair idea what you like, post again and PS'ers can help you find top notch stones in your budget.
You can also just email the vendors direct with your budget and range of size you're after, and they will help you find the best cut stone for you.
Read a lil while hre and you will learn that cut is everything for diamonds to be able to sparkle, shine and out-perform what you usually see.

To your specific questions - there is no such thing as a "wholesaler" unless you are a retailer
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It is a misnomer that is used to mislead the buying public.
The sites I have mentioned have some of the most competitive pricing you will find, and some also offer PS discount, just ask.
As far as haggling, it is up to you if you wish to ask for a discount but there doesn't seem to be a huge margin with these vendors as their normal pricing is transparent.
It is not like mall stores where they mark stuff up 50% so they can offer you 25% discount
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Can you please advise is your budget for diamond only, or for whole ring? And do you know what style your girl likes? (ie. solitaire, side stones, what colour metal etc?).

Here are the links to my threads if you're interested, please ask if you have any more Q's
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background https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/its-finally-finished-thankyou-gog-and-wf.89109/
photos https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-wonderful-e-ring-upgrade-thankyou.89827/
 
Ditto to everything AJ said, I went through GOG and dealt with Sarah who is without a doubt the loveliest most fantastic person to deal with she made everything so easy and was just a pleasure, I would do it again in a heartbeat. Jon''s video''s are also fantastic, I had one done and you can just hear the enthusiasm both he and Sarah have for what they do. Personally for me and the FF seeing the vid was important as we won''t see the product until we pick it up from Leon in NY for insurance purposes we also sent her off for an appraisal to Chris at AGA who assured me she is a stunner :D.

In terms of haggling I didn''t bother you get a discount for wiring the funds but really the prices were great and I was happy with it for the amount he spent we would not have not got something as nice for the price.

I would also not hesitate to deal with any of the other vendors that post and advise here, if you post a budget (don''t forget to allow for taxes) we happy to advise and help you get something lovely for your future mrs :).
 
Evil, evil browser. Ate all my carefully collected links. And this was Firefox!

In my ideal world, we''d all wear cheezels instead of diamonds, and the most us poor blokes would have to learn about when it came to choosing was the difference between barbeque and cheese flavors...

*sniffle*

Alright. Let''s start over, and in Notepad this time...

Spent the last few weeks researching all this - as mentioned, I''ve reached saturation point. Past six months I''ve been collecting jewelry junkmail mags so I could circle the ones I thought she''d like and learn what her tastes were.

I''ve been browsing at GOG since before I saw your post, looks like a great place to choose diamonds, appreciate the effort he goes through to show all the photos of each one. Whiteflash looks like it''ll price me out of my budget, though.

Wholesalers: Silly me, I only realized it as I read your post. They''re mostly in Africa and India, heh, and everyone else is a retailer. By wholesaler, then, I mean folk who aren''t reselling rings crafted by someone else.

Discounts: Ah, I meant at local stores - not mall stores, but other independent jewellers down side streets, etc. RL locations, not online. Never occured to me to even think of haggling with online sellers.

Budget: $2000 AUD (1800 USD atm) - including the ring if possible.

DIAMOND
Cut: Ideal or Hearts & Arrows.
Clarity: SI1 and up. No dead tadpoles in my ring, please.
Color: Anything considered.
Carat: The most I can get.
Shape: Round, probably, but possible square if for an impressive setting.

RING
Oddly enough, I was under the impression that rings were only a couple hundred dollars, whereas now anything beyond a band seems to be more expensive than the diamond itself.

Metal color: Anything''s good with her, though from what I read and the color grade I''ll probably get, yellow gold will likely work best.

Ring style: Pretty much exactly like this Zamel''s ring would be optimum, or this one, though I haven''t found such a design on the other sites mentioned. I don''t know what to call it - soft but non-bulbous tension contours, or what?

A distant second is the Engraved Cathedral Solitaire. I haven''t been able to find the same sort of cross around/over contours on other websites yet.

Three stone rings price me out of my budget (see Trois Brilliant), though I know she likes them. Zamel''s, again.

I love this design.

She''ll be working in a hospital, so the ring will either be coming off often, or need to be set low so it doesn''t catch on things, etc. The styles I''ve preferenced are all set lower than most solitaires I''ve seen online.

I''m still concerned about being here in Australia and the time shipping will take, though. Particularly if one gets the ring crafted first, and overseas at that. It seems doubtful I''d have much of my 30 day guarantee left in which to appraise and return a diamond/ring should it not match up.

Sorry if I posted too much information, and thanks for any advice. :)
 
I`m an Aussie as well and purchased my e-ring from Melbourne Diamond Exchange (www.diamondexchange.com.au). They have good prices and you can actually go see them and look at the in-house diamonds yourself. I recommend to talk to Annie, she is just wonderful and very knowledgable. The only downside with MDX is their upgrade policy, which doesn''t cover all of their diamonds.
 
Date: 8/10/2008 5:39:59 AM
Author: chiquitapet
I`m an Aussie as well and purchased my e-ring from Melbourne Diamond Exchange (www.diamondexchange.com.au). They have good prices and you can actually go see them and look at the in-house diamonds yourself. I recommend to talk to Annie, she is just wonderful and very knowledgable. The only downside with MDX is their upgrade policy, which doesn''t cover all of their diamonds.
My boyfriend got our stone from MDX too (through their Sydney office) - it''s currently at the jeweller''s being set. MDX has had mixed reviews on here but we didn''t have any problems with them (although he handled it all).

We were hesitant to buy from overseas, however lots of Aussies seem to have had great experiences doing just that on here. I believe it can also be a bit cheaper to buy from a US vendor although the price we got from MDX was quite good.
 
Date: 8/11/2008 11:06:58 PM
Author: Scribblette
Thanks guys. I''m currently looking at the 62 point diamond I mentioned earlier - http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1182642.asp

Thinking I''ll propose with the diamond alone, and then we can go ring making later, as I haven''t seen anywhere that offers a ring shaped like the one we like at Zamels.
Thats can be a good idea, but you need to be aware that of a couple of things first:
No jeweller in australia will cover your diamond for damage, chipping etc while its being set. Moreover, chain jewellers such as zamels and most prestige jewellers will not set a stone thats not theirs.
The other thing is, and I have researched this heavily, there are currently no Ins. Co''s in Aus that will insure your diamond whilst its being set. They will only insure the finished product.
It is rare that something may happen when you are working with an experienced benchman, but not sure if its worth the chance..?

I don''t want to talk out the side of my mouth, as I am one of the few people that went this route and had my stone set whilst it wasn''t covered, but I wouldn''t recommend it to others.
Plus, I used WF and was Very confident in their track record and abilities.

I don''t think you answered whether your budget is just for the diamond or no, but I''m guessing it is due to your JA choice?
You will need to ask for the IS image from JA for us to comment properly - I will have a look if there''s anything else.
But i would really urge you to just email GOG and WF and give them your specs. They often have access to stock that is not on their site, especially in the case of GOG they can order it in special. They can also have their suppliers make a setting within your budget, I got an 18k rose gold cathedral setting made from GOG a couple of months ago that was less than $300. The quality will also kick butt over Zamels!

hth
regards
AJ
 
Sorry for the slight threadjack Aussies, but I am helping a fellow Aussie with his e-ring purchase. What do you pay in customs and GST? Is it another 20% or so on top of the price of the ring?
 
Arjuna, you may have missed my post with all the details. Scroll up to where it says "budget: $2000 AUD (1800 USD atm) - including the ring if possible" and other details.

The diamond at JA is $1400, leaving up to $400 USD for the ring. I requested the IS image earlier and have been told I'll get it inside 48 hours.

I find it surprising that ring crafters won't cover it for damage they can do themselves. It's frightening. Just how 'rare' is a rare chance of it happening?

Whiteflash lists one price for rings on their menu, and then when you click the ring, they list prices nearly three times as high. I don't know what I'm missing there. See Ring vs Menu.

I'll contact GoG, however. Will email them right now. Thanks. ^^

I'm curious about GST & customs as well.
 
Scribblette, my friend said it was 10% customs and 10% GST, so another 20% basically...but I am wondering about firsthand experiences from the Aussies who have done it. Plus, does WF ship for free internationally? (I should just go on their website and check, I know.)
 
Oh, Arjuna, I forgot - I''d emailed them already to ask other questions. I''ve emailed them again now.

The diamonds I''m looking at are among these: http://goodoldgold.com/diamondResults.php?shape=8207&ctMin=.5&ctMax=1&clarity=240&priceMin=900&priceMax=1600&resultsColumns=268435471

The nicest setting they have seems to be the Vatche Comfort Fit Royal X-Prong.
 
Here are some choices from GOG:

0.65 J vs2 ~$1600 http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/4692/
no need to worry about the J it should face up white. I have a K from GOG and its gorgeous

0.57 I si1 ~$1400 http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/4661/

0.61 I vs2 ~$1700 http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/4681/

Thats just a couple of the larger size ones in your range, but there were tons in the 0.5ct size as well. You can go to the site and do the search for yourself (sorry, the link was too long for me to p0st here.)

As far as timing, it may suit you to use a vendor such as GOG/Wf where all the info you need to make a decision is there. JA you will need to contact for reports etc.
What is your deadline?
 
I paid some tax on diamond stud earrings from WF to Sydney a few months ago. Fed Ex charged the tax. I cannot remember the percentage though.
 
Date: 8/12/2008 12:34:18 AM
Author: Scribblette
Arjuna, you may have missed my post with all the details. Scroll up to where it says 'budget: $2000 AUD (1800 USD atm) - including the ring if possible' and other details.

The diamond at JA is $1400, leaving up to $400 USD for the ring. I requested the IS image earlier and have been told I'll get it inside 48 hours.

I find it surprising that ring crafters won't cover it for damage they can do themselves. It's frightening. Just how 'rare' is a rare chance of it happening?

Whiteflash lists one price for rings on their menu, and then when you click the ring, they list prices nearly three times as high. I don't know what I'm missing there. See Ring vs Menu.

I'll contact GoG, however. Will email them right now. Thanks. ^^

I'm curious about GST & customs as well.
Yeah, must have missed that sorry.
I still think the diamond suggestions I've made are suitable, but you may have to go down to the 0.5 range.

With WF, the listed price will be for gold, which is cheaper than the platinum price
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as far as customs, you can read up here http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=5549 and it has examples of how to do your figures.
It is roughly 15% but not flat, it is staggered.

As far as damage to diamonds whilst being set by someone you didn't buy it from, that is just industry standard here and in US. The risk is supposedly too high for them.
Its a bumber, but not much you can do. You can do a search here for instances of breakage, but its really up to to make up your mind on that one.
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Sorry if my answers are a bit disjointed, I'm posting from work
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It might be worth speaking with Garry Holloway (CutNut) who posts on here. He has a diamond place in Melbourne & can probably help you out with something stunning within your budget - which''ll avoid the worry of paying import tax/duty on a ring from overseas.. plus you can see the stones in person.


Here''s his website: http://www.hollowaydiamonds.com.au/


x x x

 
Date: 8/12/2008 2:50:11 AM
Author: Cleo

It might be worth speaking with Garry Holloway (CutNut) who posts on here. He has a diamond place in Melbourne & can probably help you out with something stunning within your budget - which''ll avoid the worry of paying import tax/duty on a ring from overseas.. plus you can see the stones in person.



Here''s his website: http://www.hollowaydiamonds.com.au/



x x x

Hey Cleo, the OP mentioned precious metals in his first post and said they were too expensive.
But I second your suggestion of making an enquiry - you never know until you ask what they may have !
 
Rats. :) We''re all missing stuff! LOL!

Definitely worth calling though...

x x x
 
Thanks Arjuna - think those stones were under the link I looked at, and they do look gorgeous. I especially like how that VS2 is cheaper (because of the slight flourescence?) - but above $1400 USD is probably leaving less of a budget for a ring.

I''ll happily take yellow gold to save there, though, and like how it looks anyway. Thanks for explaining that too.

It makes sense to get the ring from the same place, then.

Now that I''ve got a clearer picture of all this, I''ll drop Garry an email. It''d be nice if we could save on all the overseas trouble by doing this, I just feel a bit like my budget probably prices me a bit below his interest range, heh. I suppose I was secretly hoping he''d fly in here and cry out "I''ll save you!"
 
Date: 8/12/2008 3:27:25 AM
Author: Scribblette
Thanks Arjuna - think those stones were under the link I looked at, and they do look gorgeous. I especially like how that VS2 is cheaper (because of the slight flourescence?) - but above $1400 USD is probably leaving less of a budget for a ring.

I''ll happily take yellow gold to save there, though, and like how it looks anyway. Thanks for explaining that too.

It makes sense to get the ring from the same place, then.

Now that I''ve got a clearer picture of all this, I''ll drop Garry an email. It''d be nice if we could save on all the overseas trouble by doing this, I just feel a bit like my budget probably prices me a bit below his interest range, heh. I suppose I was secretly hoping he''d fly in here and cry out ''I''ll save you!''
No worries, yeah like Cleo mentioned I think we all seem to be missing things, lol!
Is there a reason why you feel you need ~0.6ct? 0.5 is a lovely size in any persons book, then this would leave you more budget for the ring.

I haven''t interacted with Garry professionally so can not say about their inventory, but I know that when I had a smaller budget project I got treated just as well at GOG as when I came back to spend more
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My first purchase was similiar to yours, a 0.6ct stone that was ~$1500 and the plain gold solitaire I told you about, so total less than 2k USD.
Jon was eternally helpful and everyone worked with me for weeks to find what I needed. That is why we like our PS vendors
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I hope Garry won''t mind me para-phrasing him, but his role in these boards is in an educational position so I don''t think you will find him discussing particular sales/inventory on here.
This of course goes for Jon from GOG, WF etc all of which post here.

I can understand wanting to buy at home - just remember that prices are usually higher in Aus, and you are paying GST anyway so its almost the same thing...Let us know how you go with Holloway''s !

btw, what is it a pic of in your avatar out of interest?
 
Date: 8/12/2008 4:42:53 AM
Author: bling addict
Have you seen this ring design by whiteflash
http://com.pricescope.com/photos/whiteflash/category1048/picture1610.aspx
Only thing is I''m not sure on price, but you could check with them. It seems sort of similar to the ones you mentioned you like, and very sleek looking!
Oh great suggestion BA!
I adore that setting, another PS''er purchased it recently and it was just stunning on the hand.

Is that the idea Scriblette?
 
Date: 8/12/2008 4:50:14 AM
Author: arjunajane
Date: 8/12/2008 4:42:53 AM

Author: bling addict

Have you seen this ring design by whiteflash

http://com.pricescope.com/photos/whiteflash/category1048/picture1610.aspx

Only thing is I''m not sure on price, but you could check with them. It seems sort of similar to the ones you mentioned you like, and very sleek looking!

Oh great suggestion BA!

I adore that setting, another PS''er purchased it recently and it was just stunning on the hand.


Is that the idea Scriblette?

Thought I''d seen it around lately, and thought it was rather fabulous looking
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Date: 8/12/2008 4:52:06 AM
Author: bling addict


Date: 8/12/2008 4:50:14 AM
Author: arjunajane


Date: 8/12/2008 4:42:53 AM

Author: bling addict

Have you seen this ring design by whiteflash

http://com.pricescope.com/photos/whiteflash/category1048/picture1610.aspx

Only thing is I'm not sure on price, but you could check with them. It seems sort of similar to the ones you mentioned you like, and very sleek looking!

Oh great suggestion BA!

I adore that setting, another PS'er purchased it recently and it was just stunning on the hand.


Is that the idea Scriblette?

Thought I'd seen it around lately, and thought it was rather fabulous looking
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emthup.gif


Scribblett, there are a heck of alot of choices in your budget at WF too - all top notch performers.

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/MoreSearches2.aspx
 
Oo, I think I must''ve missed that ring by Whiteflash before? Browsing their site now - where''d you find it, BlingAddict?

I think that ring might overdo the curves just a bit, but I''ll have to ask her to see what she thinks of that design. When it comes to the design itself, she''s just going to have to give me a clue from the choices I have. Anyone else who missed it, the one I was looking for was something like this.

Doesn''t have to be 0.6 carat, just seems to be about the biggest I can afford in the quality bracket I was looking at.

Ta for all the diamond links, Arjuna. Forgot to search WF for diamonds too!
 
Date: 8/12/2008 6:25:25 AM
Author: Scribblette
Oo, I think I must've missed that ring by Whiteflash before? Browsing their site now - where'd you find it, BlingAddict?

I think that ring might overdo the curves just a bit, but I'll have to ask her to see what she thinks of that design. When it comes to the design itself, she's just going to have to give me a clue from the choices I have. Anyone else who missed it, the one I was looking for was something like this.

Doesn't have to be 0.6 carat, just seems to be about the biggest I can afford in the quality bracket I was looking at.

Ta for all the diamond links, Arjuna. Forgot to search WF for diamonds too!
That ring is really lovely - I'm afraid I can't find the thread right now, but it looks amazing and feminine IRL, just like the diamond was floating on her hand..The finish will be alot higher than the zamels one, too.

here is the link to that ring http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/Lilly_1216.htm
It is $750 in 18k gold.

As to the diamonds I linked, WF's ACA (A cut Above) line of diamonds are extremely well cut, you will be getting one of the tightest cut diamonds around. As you probably know from reading on here, the cut is what makes the stone sparkle and throw off fire.
A really well cut 0.5 stone will actually look larger than a lesser cut 0.6ish, as it will return more light from edge to edge.

You could get either of these and put it in that setting, would be fabulous!
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0.56 J si1 - $1176 http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-1148638.htm

OR

0.567 J vs2 $1294 http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-1148637.htm

WF also gives a reasonable PS discount on both diamonds and settings, so all up this could come in under $1800 USD.

I would also shoot off an email to Jamie at WF, she was my rep and is incredibly helpful. They have a range of stones called "Expert Selection", which can also be top performers, but don't carry the slightly higher premium of ACA.
I would ask her if she has any great recommendations for you from the ES, you may find a bargain
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hope that helps!


ETA:..The other thing you can do is have it set in a plain Tiffany-style setting for $250 and then you will be under-budget, and can focus on the best (and biggest
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) diamond for your money right now. Then you guys can re set it down the track with whatever your girl really loves..?
http://www.whiteflash.com/golden-wardrobe/Gold_Details.aspx?ItemCode=ST4PW&CategID=13

I'll shut up now, I'm probably just confusing you!
 
Ah, but that''s a different ring - the prongs stick out on the side there. The ring above actually curved around the diamond setting. So there''s a degree of customization they must be able to do, cool.

I was talking above about getting the diamond without a ring, but was warned that - hey, wasn''t that you? :P - resetting the stone would be trouble for not being able to get it insured. So was trying to get the final ring off the bat. It really needs to be something set low, though, so the diamond doesn''t catch on things especially with her medical career.

What does a ''high finish'' mean? Shinier ring?
 
Hi Scriblette, I couldn''t find that design on their stock settings, I could only find it in their picture gallery so perhaps it is still a custom job - it seems like whiteflash can tweak all their designs to your liking, but you may find that it starts eating into your budget a bit if it is very customised. Perhaps you should email them to see if they have any suggestions. I think a 0.5 - 0.6 looks great in bezel - half bezel settings! Good luck with your search.
 
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