Can anyone give me an idea about trade up please?

[luckky]

Hi guys, here is my story

5 years ago when my husband and I didn't know any better (also we didn't know this web site yet He got me a Leo diamond 1 karat, H, SI1. Since I follow so many post here and very skeptical about Leo, should I do better than that? Please don't get me wrong I do love my wedding ring no matter what, and for other friends who own the Leo doesn't mean your diamond is no good but I just think when I can afford it I should do better

Now our 5 years anniversary, he so sweet give me a budget for upgrade my ring for 10K (He knew that I would love to have 1.5 karat or more My problems is I would love to get the better deal, better diamond and bigger than the one I got, but with 10K I can't see how beside trade up with the same shop at the mall. What should I do? I have to go back at Jared or K and trade in the same brand for the bigger? do I have another choices? because I don't think other place else will take a trade in beside the mall store? Help me please I really don't have much of the knowledge about trade up. Any idea welcome and thank you so much in advance.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I wouldn't trade up the old stone with the original jeweler because you'll overpay for the upgrade diamond. You'll probably be better off keeping that diamond and setting it in a pendant and then use the $10,000 to buy a new diamond which CAN be traded up later if you desire. I am sure the Leo would make a beautiful pendant!

Here are some examples of ideal cut 1.5 ct. stones in the $10k range:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-104047809021

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2531903.htm

Both offer wire discounts and ask about a pricescope discount as well.

 

[luckky]

Thank you so much! diamondseeker2006 for your idea and the links. That's great idea and I probably go with that Still have couple more months to go and decide on the setting. Thanks again

 

[MissGotRocks]

Excellent suggestion by DS - don't think you'll do much better than this!!

 

[tyty333]

If you dont mind flour here is a brian gavin blue 1.7ish in your price range. Great buy...
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=BLAGS-104049675008

 

[kenny]

Diamond prices have gone up a lot but vendors don't give you that increase when you trade up, but you can be darn sure they will resell it at today's market price.
Also, as you mentioned, you may have learned more since buying your first diamond, and not want anything that vendor offers.
Also if you planned to try to negotiate on the price of the new one, I'd guess trading in the old one would weaken your bargaining position.

The price increases have to increase what you could sell it for today compared to 5 years ago.
I'd just take the hit and sell your old stone on one of the many online sites.

 

[luckky]

Thanks! guys for all your suggestions, and Tyty...that's is make my eyes big! for me is really more than what I expected on this price rank. Yes, absolutely I will study, be patient more this time before I really pull the trigger. In my mind right now, I pretty sure will used the old one for my pendant since I didn't have a diamond pendant yet and still keep my first diamond with me. Sell it probably dosn't make any sense for me, and look up for the new one. Thank you again, I'm so excite with this project.

 

[Acrossley]

I am also trading up to a 1.5 carat stone in the same budget as you - and I want a new setting to boot! We have a Diamonds Direct here in Birmingham, AL - from my understanding there are only two more in the US (one in N. Carolina (?)). Their main business is in diamond wholesale ... they are the 11th largest diamond supplier in the world. They have an amazing showroom and carry many designer lines like Tacori and Martin Flyer. Anywho - I am looking at a few stones currently. The nicest option is 1.51, F/ VS2, Ideal Cut ... this stone was very lovely and came in at $9800 INCLUDING my chosen setting! The stone was also EGL certified. Not sure if you have access to a retail store, but I have not found a better deal. They also guarantee lifetime purchase price for your stone ... very nice security!

 

[luckky]

Well come to the trading up club! if you don't mind could you please give me a name or website that I can look up please? wow...with the setting still under 10K? that even nicer. I'm looking and looking so many place now mostly reference from our friends here like WF or BGD, GOG etc.

All the best wishes!

 

[Dancing Fire]

I am also trading up to a 1.5 carat stone in the same budget as you - and I want a new setting to boot! We have a Diamonds Direct here in Birmingham, AL - from my understanding there are only two more in the US (one in N. Carolina (?)). Their main business is in diamond wholesale ... they are the 11th largest diamond supplier in the world. They have an amazing showroom and carry many designer lines like Tacori and Martin Flyer. Anywho - I am looking at a few stones currently. The nicest option is 1.51, F/ VS2, Ideal Cut ... this stone was very lovely and came in at $9800 INCLUDING my chosen setting!

[code][b]The stone was also EGL certified. Not sure if you have access to a retail store, but I have not found a better deal.[/b]

[/code] They also guarantee lifetime purchase price for your stone ... very nice security!

you can't compare EGL vs GIA or AGS. EGL stones will always sell for less $$$.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I live near the Diamonds Direct in Charlotte. DF is right that EGL grading is a little soft and stones generally are a color grade or two lower. So you aren't really getting a great price for what you're actually getting. I'd stick to GIA Excellent and AGS Ideal only. And Diamonds Direct is not wholesale, it is a retail jeweler. I looked there for my anniversary diamond and when my daughter was picking out a wedding band. Both times we did far better in quality and price by ordering from reputable vendors I found here. But it is a fabulous place to look at thousands of settings!