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completely lost. can''t I buy her a car instead?

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hem01

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jan 23, 2009
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I''ve been reading this forum and am getting more and more confused. I was originally looking for > 3 ct round diamond, but then I found ridiculous deals for stones > 5 ct with sacrifices on inclusions and colors. I am learning thru this ps forum, that stones are tremendously complicated. I posted some stones a few days ago but then decided I need to stop and understand this process and the value of each diamond.

I''ve promised my wife a diamond, but am trying to talk her out of it. I bought her a car couple of years ago to forget about the diamond. I tried doing the same thing again, but she didn''t bite (so I bought myself a car instead). It''s much easier to buy a car, especially in this market.

I guess my first and most important question is where do I shop. I know most ps''ers highly recommend the forum sponsors. I have started searching there. I have a colleague who swears by estate sales or auctions. He pointed me towards Sotheby''s jewely auctions. To me, those auctions seem like a crap shoot. Another colleague referred me to "his jeweler" at the LA (I''m in SoCal) Jewelry Mart. Another recommended that I stay with consignment shops. As the economy worsens, people will be letting go of their diamonds.


thanks in advance
 
Well, I'm in LA too and there are some lovely places to visit for a diamond. I recommend XIV Karats in Beverly HIlls (don't be afraid of the BH's address - you can get GREAT deals there!!! Talk to Yosi) and if your lady wants more of an antique feel in a ring, then I suggest Singlestone at the downtown location and talk to Ari. I've also purchased jewelry at 23rd street jewelers in Santa Monica and at Servis & Taylor in West LA with great success!

As far as online vendors - I've dealt with Jonathan at GOG (Good Old Gold) and with Jim at James Allen and both are great! If you post your budget and what shape you're looking for, tons of really experienced and knowledgeable PS'ers will help!

I'd want a ring and not another car too!
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GOOD LUCK!!
 
All the other suggestions, other than the vendors we normally recommend here, means that you will have to do more leg work and have the right equipment for it, namely an IS or ASET scope at the very least, to be sure of getting a good performing stone of value.
 
Start reading under the 'Knowledge' tab above. Spend a little time on the Show Me The Ring forum looking at the rings people post. (Most are way under 3 ct!) Spend some time shopping in LA at reputable stores if you want to see what's available. (Not estate sales or consignment shops. Jewelery mart for looking at ring styles and background research - come back here to buy.) Spend a little bit of time on the pricescope search engine seeing what stones cost (Compare a 2 ct D VVS to a G SI1 to a K I1 and see what happens!) But mostly, ask your wife what kind of ring she wants! And use your knowledge of her taste to figure out what you are going for - simple round stone in a plain solitaire? Fancy shape in a glittering, pave setting? What is your budget? Etc. Then we can help more.

Its not actually harder than buying a car. You just have probably had a lifelong education on car features and car prices and car brands, and need a little catch-up education on diamonds.
 
Where should you shop?

I''m in L.A too and totally second all of Miss Fortune''s local suggestions. But I''ll also throw in Whiteflash as that''s DH bought my ring, and I''ve been back for several other purchases.

The vendors on here are highly respected for good reason. Although I LOVE to look at stones IRL, I will almost always purchase them from one of the PS vendors. They''re THAT good!
 
Forgot to add re: auctions and consignment shops...

i too have heard that this COULD end up being a bonanza because of the economy. BUT, you would really need to know what you''re looking for in order to score a QUALITY piece.

i''ve heard about Superior Galleries in Woodland Hills, but haven''t checked them out in person. i think they''re an auction house? i really should visit them as they''re in my end of the Valley!
 
would get kinda heavy on her hand...
2.gif
 
Date: 1/26/2009 6:58:49 PM
Author:hem01
I've been reading this forum and am getting more and more confused. I was originally looking for > 3 ct round diamond, but then I found ridiculous deals for stones > 5 ct with sacrifices on inclusions and colors. I am learning thru this ps forum, that stones are tremendously complicated. I posted some stones a few days ago but then decided I need to stop and understand this process and the value of each diamond.

I've promised my wife a diamond, but am trying to talk her out of it. I bought her a car couple of years ago to forget about the diamond. I tried doing the same thing again, but she didn't bite (so I bought myself a car instead). It's much easier to buy a car, especially in this market.

I guess my first and most important question is where do I shop. I know most ps'ers highly recommend the forum sponsors. I have started searching there. I have a colleague who swears by estate sales or auctions. He pointed me towards Sotheby's jewely auctions. To me, those auctions seem like a crap shoot. Another colleague referred me to 'his jeweler' at the LA (I'm in SoCal) Jewelry Mart. Another recommended that I stay with consignment shops. As the economy worsens, people will be letting go of their diamonds.


thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Welcome!

Firstly don't worry, we are here to help you - us veteran PSers have helped buyers buy a nice rock a time or 2!!!
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I would definitely read through the tutorials here,

http://diamonds.pricescope.com/

And the education section here www.highperformancediamonds.com a new website with an extremely informative and well written educational section.

It is cut quality which gives a diamond its beauty, so it is very important to concentrate on that aspect. If you are open to buying online and you are ready to take the plunge, let us know and we can help you look for a well cut diamond, we search around GIA and AGS graded diamonds unless you tell us otherwise. We need to know the following in order to search....

Budget ( just for the diamond, not to include the setting unless you want us to help you source that too)
Desired carat weight ranges
Type of cut quality you want - for example a top quality cut along with or without hearts and arrows, or just a well cut diamond.
Colour and clarity preferences
Where you would compromise if needed - for example - if you wanted a 3 ct G colour VS2 clarity and we couldn't find one for the budget, would you consider lowering the colour or clarity or carat weight in order to broaden the options.

If you prefer to shop in person, then I would recommend you buy an Idealscope -

http://www.ideal-scope.com/cart_zoom_item.asp?Id=2&ShowAdd=Y

Idealscope are the easiest I believe for the rookie buyer to use, as what you are looking for is light leakage which will show up reasonably clearly in lesser cut diamonds.

Here is a chart you can use to see how IS works and so you can interpret the results.

http://www.ideal-scope.com/using_reference_chart.asp

I hope this is helpful and don't worry - we will guide you through it if you want us too!
 
Date: 1/27/2009 2:30:11 AM
Author: :)
would get kinda heavy on her hand...
2.gif
Click to expand...

LOL . . . But, my foot could get heavy on the pedal.
10.gif
 
I''m slowly, grant it, very slowly getting this. I posted a 3 ct stone a while back. Feedback wasn''t too positive. I plugged it in the hca tool, and the less then enthusiastic feedback made more sense. It''s kind of fun (nothing like testdriving a brand new bmw) but fun anyways.
 
Date: 1/27/2009 10:57:20 AM
Author: hem01
I''m slowly, grant it, very slowly getting this. I posted a 3 ct stone a while back. Feedback wasn''t too positive. I plugged it in the hca tool, and the less then enthusiastic feedback made more sense. It''s kind of fun (nothing like testdriving a brand new bmw) but fun anyways.
Click to expand...
LOL!!! You seem to like cars....
30.gif
I do too actually!
 
Date: 1/27/2009 10:55:47 AM
Author: hem01


Date: 1/27/2009 2:30:11 AM
Author: :)
would get kinda heavy on her hand...
2.gif
Click to expand...

LOL . . . But, my foot could get heavy on the pedal.
10.gif
Click to expand...
You could TOTALLY make this into a ring....... ;) (those are actual diamonds - it's $140,000)

The PERFECT compromise!
- Jodie -

diamond - hotwheels_12.jpg
 
Date: 1/27/2009 12:36:44 PM
Author: mausketeer

Date: 1/27/2009 10:55:47 AM
Author: hem01


Date: 1/27/2009 2:30:11 AM
Author: :)
would get kinda heavy on her hand...
2.gif
Click to expand...

LOL . . . But, my foot could get heavy on the pedal.
10.gif
Click to expand...
You could TOTALLY make this into a ring....... ;)

- Jodie -
Click to expand...
LOL!!!
 
Okay, using my price range, and qualifications, this diamond below fits. What should I do next in terms of research? Can I obtain the AGS report online such as the GIA report?

3.94 G SI2 61.7% 57% AGS m no id id no 10.04x10.12x6.23 $8592 $33851*SP
 
Date: 1/28/2009 1:44:10 PM
Author: hem01
Okay, using my price range, and qualifications, this diamond below fits. What should I do next in terms of research? Can I obtain the AGS report online such as the GIA report?

3.94 G SI2 61.7% 57% AGS m no id id no 10.04x10.12x6.23 $8592 $33851*SP
Click to expand...
Yes, you can.

this link. http://www.agslab.com/verify_diamond_grading_report.php
 
Date: 1/28/2009 1:44:10 PM
Author: hem01
Okay, using my price range, and qualifications, this diamond below fits. What should I do next in terms of research? Can I obtain the AGS report online such as the GIA report?

3.94 G SI2 61.7% 57% AGS m no id id no 10.04x10.12x6.23 $8592 $33851*SP
Click to expand...
Yes indeed. Do you have the report number please?

http://www.agslab.com/verify_diamond_grading_report.php

Ok I just had a look, this is a virtual diamond so you would need to ask your chosen vendor to call it in, also make absolutely sure it is eyeclean to your standards. This is a very large diamond and SI2 might not be eyeclean but it is of course worth finding out if it is or not if it ticks some of your boxes.
 
Date: 1/28/2009 1:49:00 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 1/28/2009 1:44:10 PM
Author: hem01
Okay, using my price range, and qualifications, this diamond below fits. What should I do next in terms of research? Can I obtain the AGS report online such as the GIA report?

3.94 G SI2 61.7% 57% AGS m no id id no 10.04x10.12x6.23 $8592 $33851*SP
Click to expand...
Yes indeed. Do you have the report number please?

http://www.agslab.com/verify_diamond_grading_report.php
Click to expand...

On USAcertifieddiamond, it is listed as AGS 10143101, 3.94 ct. That is not coming up under the AGS search
 
First of all, your subject is just too cute. "completely lost. can''t I buy her a car instead?" I love it!

Secondly, Miss Fortune gave you some great recommendations. If you''re uncomfortable buying online (many people are, nothing wrong with it) then those are a great place to start!

I wouldn''t personally recommend going most places in the LA Jewelry District (there are some good spots, but it''s very hit-or-miss) unless you''re armed with quite a bit of knowledge. It''s easy to buy a dud there.
 
First of all, I have to say that I simply adore you. What a great husband you are!

When it comes to diamonds, my husband also doesn''t have a clue so he is letting me do all the research on my own. Buying a car is easy , because you know what you want in a car, and you can shop around and compare "apples" to "apples". Finding the "right" diamond for the money is extremely difficult and challenging. One, because each diamond is unique (no 2 are exactly alike) and secondly, because you have to figure out what is in that diamond you want so different than the other ones out there (shape, color, cut, clarity, size, sparkle, etc).

To me buying a diamond is like buying oil in today''s market... where am I going to get the best deal and be the most happy. At this point, I am trying to figure out what it is that I am looking for in my diamond purchase. I do know that size is probably the number one thing that I am looking for, cut is number two and from there I am not completely sure. I think the best thing is to go out and visit some stores and look at some stones to get a better understanding and then come back here for suggestions.

Sorry, I can''t be much help in your search, but I am interested in finding out what you have decided on and see the final product.
 
Date: 1/28/2009 1:57:19 PM
Author: hem01
here is the url. I don''t know how to copy from the pricescope search page

http://search.virtcert.com/cgi/u/1012/v.cgi?stock=9010758&_s=1012&_p=sdf348gd743&_c=&_fs=1&prestock=&_ln=ps
Click to expand...
I have tried and can''t get it to work so what I suggest you do is to contact Martin and USACerted if you want to work with him, ask him to check the report number and carat weight - or better yet get all the details from the AGS report, especially the crown and pavilion angles.
 
okay, stone #1 (others to come):

Round Brilliant
Measurements: 9.71 - 9.75 x 6.01 mm
Carat Weight: 3.52
Color Grade: I
Clarity Grade: SI2
Cut Grade: Excellent
Proportions:
Depth: 61.8 %
Table: 56 %
Crown Angle: 35.5°
Crown Height: 15.5 %
Pavilion Angle: 40.8°
Pavilion Depth: 43 %
Star length: 50 %
Lower Half: 80 %
Girdle: Thin to Medium, Faceted
Culet: None
Finish:
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None
ideal scope is attached

How do I cut and paste directly into this form?



1187208%20Ideal%20Scope[1].JPG
 
Date: 1/29/2009 1:13:29 PM
Author: hem01


okay, stone #1 (others to come):

Round Brilliant
Measurements: 9.71 - 9.75 x 6.01 mm
Carat Weight: 3.52
Color Grade: I
Clarity Grade: SI2
Cut Grade: Excellent
Proportions:
Depth: 61.8 %
Table: 56 %
Crown Angle: 35.5°
Crown Height: 15.5 %
Pavilion Angle: 40.8°
Pavilion Depth: 43 %
Star length: 50 %
Lower Half: 80 %
Girdle: Thin to Medium, Faceted
Culet: None
Finish:
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None


ideal scope is attached

How do I cut and paste directly into this form?

Click to expand...
It has potential, the IS will help - if you are having trouble posting it, rename the file firstly and don't use any unusual characters, also name the file something unique otherwise it won't post. If this doesn't work then email the image to admin who will post it for you.

The JA diamond also has potential but I would ask JA for an Idealscope image also and check with them if any inclusions are visible from any angle and at close scrutiny, they will be honest with you.
 
I posted the ideal scope picture as an attachment.
 
I tried posting it for you but I think the problem is that the pic needs resizing.

Ok I took a look at the image, it is a good IS, not the best I have seen but I don't see much in the way of light leakage which is the enemy by the way, if you want a decently cut diamond which isn't the cream of the crop cutwise but nevertheless a nicely cut diamond with great size then this might fit the bill if eyeclean.
 
that is quite a poorly taken IS. Can you have them retake it again? It is almost useless.
 
Here is the IS.

112231156900dt6.JPG
 
Date: 1/29/2009 1:29:58 PM
Author: Stone-cold11
that is quite a poorly taken IS. Can you have them retake it again? It is almost useless.
Click to expand...
I disagree, it is not ' almost useless.' Except for a very small portion of the diamond at the top and bottom the image is reasonably clear!
 
well, at least I can''t interpret it. It seems to be place too deep into the scope and there is a slight tilt, so you can''t tell if there really is leakage. Maybe you can.
 
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