Buying just a diamond online

[tdiggity]

Hey everyone
I have been looking into buying a ring for my girlfriend. I think I am ready for that step! I have visited a store and talked to a friend but then I started to look online a little. I have found a few great sites (uniondiamond.com, diamonds.com, and bluenile.com). The ring my gf is eyeing is pretty uncommon (three stone, two tone, princess cut center, round sides) but I am thinking about purchasing the main diamond online.

I have found the prices to be amazingly cheap in comparison to what I have seen in the stores. Please don''t put a jewelry store spin on this, but what are the concerns I should have with just buying the stone online and then taking it to a local retailer to get a ring she''ll love. I haven''t found a ring that fits what she wants online yet, but I saw one at Jared that I loved.

Should I be concerned about how I am treated at a jewelry store if I come with my own diamond? Anyone else do this? Good/bad experiences?

 

[belle]

just put on your suit of armor and be prepared for some less than friendly welcome''s when you come in with your diamond. not all stores are like that but b&m''s are definitely feeling the heat. i found a few amicable jewelers when i was looking to set a stone locally, hopefully you will too.

 

[Ellen]

This link might help you find a jeweler willing to work with an already purchased stone.

 

[tdiggity]

Where is the link? I don''t see one...

 

[Ellen]

Date: 10/27/2006 10:28:01 AM
Author: tdiggity
Where is the link? I don''t see one...

oops, lol sorry, not enough coffee yet.

http://www.pricescope.com/jewelers.aspx

 

[Upside Down Man]

It''s hit or miss. In my area, I found some jewelers who wouldn''t touch the stone I brought in, some who would set it in a mounting I bought from him, but charge me "a couple hundred dollars" to do so, and one who would set it at no charge. The thing is, there are so many B&M jewelers in a metropolitan area, there should be enough competition between them where if one turns you down, you can just move on to the next one.

(No matter who sets your stone, though, I would have it insured before they do it. Even though the jeweler I found was reputable, and even though in the end nothing happened to the diamond during the mounting process - the goldsmith mounted it right in front of me - you can never be too cautious. My fear of "setter damaged the diamond" outweighed my fear of snakes at one point.)