Buying without detailed images?

[DaBears]

I am working with Solomon Brothers on a diamond. They seem to have the diamond that I would like (and can afford) but other than a GIA report they do not have any additional details regarding the stone itself nor do they have the equipment to get such details.

My questions are:
1. Has anyone run into this issue before with Solomon Brothers (or another vendor)? If so, how do we get around this issue?
1. What are the risks that I may be taking if buying a diamond without all of the detailed images?
2. Is there another way to determine the same characteristics of a diamond? Perhaps another report? or going to an appraiser perhaps?

Thank you in advance.

 

[miaolinwei]

I bought a diamond ring 1ct from blue nile couple days ago, I only saw the GIA report, on the report, it shows very little needle and one tiny crystal, and with in my budget, hopefully I will get it tomorrow and see how good it looks.

 

[DaBears]

Thanks miaolinwei - wish the best for you. Let us know how it goes your response should be helpful.

Also, did you get the diamond set in a ring or are you buying it for evaluation purposes?

 

[yssie]

I am working with Solomon Brothers on a diamond. They seem to have the diamond that I would like (and can afford) but other than a GIA report they do not have any additional details regarding the stone itself nor do they have the equipment to get such details.

My questions are:
1. Has anyone run into this issue before with Solomon Brothers (or another vendor)? If so, how do we get around this issue?
1. What are the risks that I may be taking if buying a diamond without all of the detailed images?
That the info on the report is insufficient to reveal some characteristic(s) that you dislike, and don't want/want to see in your stone
2. Is there another way to determine the same characteristics of a diamond? Perhaps another report? or going to an appraiser perhaps?
Appraisal can tell you more about the stone, yes. Only seeing it with your own eyes can tell you if *you* love the stone, though. As long as SB has an ironclad return policy I don't see any reason not to have it shipped out to look at.

You most likely want to see it loose to confirm you like it before having it set, unless the stone has common dimensions and/or the setting is very basic, to ensure you aren't stuck narrowing the pool to unusually proportioned stones to fit into a complex setting if you wind up not liking it. Definitely see it loose if you're choosing a bezel setting.

Thank you in advance.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Is this a round diamond? If so, post the GIA certificate or the numbers on it here. We can tell a lot by the GIA report for round diamonds. Or at least guide you on next steps.

 

[miaolinwei]

I just had them set on a 18k classic white gold solitaire, I should have searched in more places and look at more real photos before I get it set, but I didn't have much time since it's a surprise on Christmas eve, I will post info tomorrow if I get it, good luck to you on finding the right diamond.

 

[DaBears]

Charmypoo the GIA Report # is: 2145067510

Here is a link to the report itself:
https://myapps.gia.edu/ReportCheckPortal/getReportData.do?&reportno=2145067510&weight=1.05

 

[marygrace]

How did it turn out? I live in Atlanta. Soloman Brothers has a good reputation. It seems most people here get their jewelry from them or Tiffany's.

I found the full report on GIA.edu

 

[Dreamer_D]

What is theireturn/refund policy?