Buying settings online?

[that_someone_special]

Hi, I''m new here! I was mostly a lurker but have had some questions in the back of my mind for a while. Anyways...

To the point, I would like my BF to buy my diamond locally (at least, in my mind I think I want him to) but most of the settings I''ve looked at in person I don''t like. No, we''re not engaged yet, but he''s letting me be part of this initial process of looking at rings. I''m set on a round solitaire, hopefully 1ct but will probably around .75ct

I HAVE found some settings that I enjoy online. A few on jamesallen.com and some on that whiteflash site (and a few others). Is it weird or possible to just buy the setting on these sites without the diamond? Another issue I have with some of the local settings I''ve looked at is that they''re like $900 with no diamonds or anything, and I''d rather have that money go into the diamond quality than a ring that I might change later.

hope this makes sense!!! I would have no problem buying a setting that I love for that amount or more (or him buying it-whatever) but I don''t know.

Also, if anyone else is bored, roughly what kind/quality diamond can you get for about $4k? He says that''s his limit for the ering, but he ALWAYS goes over his initial budget for ANYTHING .. I''m thinking it''ll be something closer to $5k. Can I get a decent 1ct for that? I''m not too color sensitive I''ve noticed, I''m ok with G-H, but would prefer SI1 or higher. Thanks so much everyone!!

 

[Ellen]

Hi tss,

You'd just have to call JA or whomever and ask if they would sell you the setting. I honestly couldn't say.

As for what you could get for 4-5 thousand, that's tough to say too. Because different jewelers mark their goods up different. It could be anywhere from $200-2000 more compared to a stone online. Online you would be looking in the .75-.80ish H SI1 range, unless you went lower in color.

If you're truly set on buying locally, I would stick to AGS0 and GIA EX stones. AGS0 is a bit easier, they grade for light performance and that takes some of the guesswork out. Some people have found a stone with a jeweler, then found a comperable one (or sometimes the same if it's in the virtual listing) and have gotten the jeweler to price match (or come close) with an online vendor.

HTH!

 

[Lorelei]

I found this one, if you paid by bank wire and could stretch the budget a little. You would have to check if it was eyeclean to your comfort level.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3903/

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I would strongly encourage you to look at WF and JA diamonds. You will get a diamond that is better quality for a better price online. If you were only buying one thing online. it should be the diamond. The savings is greatest on diamonds, and also you cannot find a selection of fine quality diamonds locally like you can from a vendor like WhiteFlash who specializes in cutting them. Then choose a setting from the vendor from whom you buy the diamond.

 

[that_someone_special]

thanks for the good ideas.. and the input. I''m thinking that for our budget a 3/4 carat is going to have to work for us! There is always upgrading. I''ve been lurking for a few weeks here looking at all of the gorgeous diamonds and never have heard of that term before