Buying emerald cut in Boston

[wally100]

I checked out some of the previous threads on reputable jewelers in Boston as well as asked around.

I have been looking at 1.5 carat emerald cut stones and have been relatively shocked by the wide variety in pricing.

I do not have all the details about some of the diamonds I looked at, but to give an idea:

Barmakian (in the diamond district)
Emerald Cut 1.52 carat D VS2, very nice ratio and appeared to have a nice table and proportions: $8800

Shreve Crump & Lowe
Emerald Cut 1.51 carat E VS1, also nice ratio $14,000 (several other similar sized, quality diamonds all in the $14,000-$15,000 range)

I am a nervous shopper so despite the fact that I have tried very hard to educate myself, fear of making a mistake is driving me toward Shreve''s because of its reputation, but I can''t get over the sticker shock.

Are there enough "subtle" differences that can explain a $5000 price differential in a diamond of similar quality or is this all price markup from a high end store? I don''t want to make a mistake by buying a cheaper stone that has something that makes it undesirable to other stores. At the same time, I''d also rather not throw away $5000 just for a name.

This is probably a common theme in this forum, but thanks for being patient.

 

[Colored Gemstone Nut]

I am a nervous shopper so despite the fact that I have tried very hard to educate myself, fear of making a mistake is driving me toward Shreve's because of its reputation, but I can't get over the sticker shock.

Are there enough "subtle" differences that can explain a $5000 price differential in a diamond of similar quality or is this all price markup from a high end store? I don't want to make a mistake by buying a cheaper stone that has something that makes it undesirable to other stores. At the same time, I'd also rather not throw away $5000 just for a name.

This is probably a common theme in this forum, but thanks for being patient.

----------------

Welcome to the forum....

Well first off let me assure you that you have come to the right place. Please Please Please do not pay the high sticker price for the Shreve's stone. You can either get yourself a bigger stone or save yourself a good chunk of money by going through an online vendor. I understand that some people prefer to see their stones in person but arrangements can be made for that too and with companies which offer a money back gaurantee you can't go wrong. Emerald cut stones are unique and even though are not as dazzling as a round brilliant they have some really amazing light return when cut properly, the different size of the facets plays an important role in establishing this cut with it's own unique personality and the way it returns light.

Personally I would browse the forum for some more information before you jump in and make a purchase. See who the others on this board keep talking about. It will soon become obvious what vendors on this board provide excellent service, products and the most comprehensive information. When your done looking at testomonials you can decide who you want to go with. Get a feel for the vendor and just throw a few general questions their way and see how they react. If they respond with helpful courteous insightful answers without trying to push any particular stone but are just addressing your agenda you probably have a winner on your hands.

Personally when people see my fiancees diamond they don't ask what store I got it from, They really don't seem to care but are amazed at the beauty and know "where" doesn't matter because it is performing and giving off amazing light return and with a little homework you can get yourself a diamond that puts the large majority of the people who own diamonds today to shame.

You should see some of the looks the wives give their husbands after looking at their ring and seeing Regina's, it's really funny, but when I talk about performance I am telling you its a good idea to shop around and consider all your options and weigh what is important to you. Is it the pricey tag ? No one will ever know where you got the Diamond .... or should it be the amazing light return at a fair reasonable price without getting screwed? Just my 2 cents but things to consider..


-Josh RIoux
Sitka, Alaska

 

[hoorray]

I agree with Scorpion 100%. I don't know much about selecting a good emerald cut (but I love them

), but I'd bet $$ that at least part of the price difference you are seeing is the store markup.

Check out David Atlas' DIY cut guide at http://www.gemappraisers.com/. He has a good chart in there that should help you know what the better cut are.

Also, I agree with starting a dialog with several of the online vendors, telling them what you are looking for. I found that some were super helpful in furthering my education, and helping me sort out the tradeoffs as they applied to me. Other seemed more interested in pushing specific stones. It's a matter of finding someone you feel comfortable working with. If you get it narrowed down to 1-2 stones, you can usually have it shipped to an independant appraiser so that you can see it and they can validate/evaluated the stone for you.

Good luck, and report back!

PS you can't search and/or read too much on this site. Lots of people get here late in the process, and become even smarter AFTER their purchase. There are some great experts and inputs here, so take advantege of their help!