Costco Ring Choice

[crae10]

Hi,

My fiance and I have been searching for a ring for ages and looking online (Bluenile), and in a local reputable gemstone dealer and decided to go by Costco a couple weeks ago and found for the price and quality it looked pretty good. Unfortunately, we had a bad experience as the 1 ct princess cut diamond we purchased which was supposed to be "I" VVS1 actually appraised (by an independant appraiser) turned out to be more of a J-K. We returned no problem and they sent a couple rings for us to look at today and I''m trying to decide.

I am going to have another appraisal done for insurance as soon as I get the ring I just need to decide with the limited information provided in the IGI certification (I know this certificate means very little).

If anyone can provide some advice I''d really appreciate it as I''m going quite crazy about the whole thing! Along the way we decided to go for a round as the beauty of the fire and brilliance really can''t compare although I love square diamonds. We''re really confused because IGI doesn''t list the specific cut!

Here goes: (both rings are priced the same at $5,199 Canadian)

Ring #1:
Round Brilliant Cut
Dimensions: 6.33-6.38x3.99mm
Weight: 1 carat

Proportions
Depth: 62.8
Table: 60.5
Girdle: Slightly Thick, faceted
Culet: none

Finish
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Very Good

Clarity Grade: VS(2)
Colour Grade: Near colourless (I)
Fluoresence: None

Ring #2 (sorry only partial info I didn''t write down the dimensions)
Round Brilliant Cut
Weight: 1 carat
Depth: 62.7
Table: 57.5
Girdle: Thin to Slightly Thick
Culet: none

Colour Grade: (H)
Clarity Grade: VS(2)
Fluoresence: none

Polish: Good
Symmetry: Very Good



I tried to enter into the cut adviser but I don''t have enough information so any assistance that can be provided would really, really be appreciated. I''ve been lurking around this site for weeks and have learned so much.

Thanks.

Cheryl

 

[swingirl]

Without more information these stones can''t be evaluated. If you have a budget tell us and you likely will get some suggestions. The vendors most PSers like to refer are the ones that offer a lot of information about the stones they sell; photos, ASETs, GIA or AGS reports with enough info to use the HCA, AND real a real sales staff that can look at the stone for you.

 

[Dreamer1116]

I am no expert by any means, and perhaps others who know a bit (a lot) more can chime in...

However, just from the information you have provided--the diamonds both seem a bit deep. A ''ideal'' 1 carat should be 6.5mm in diameter (I believe that is correct). When asking for advice on a diamond it''s always good to try and include pavillion and crown information just so you can get as much help as possible. So perhaps you can do better than the two diamonds you have provided information on--I''d keep searching...

GOOD LUCK!!!

 

[honey22]

They are both too deep. My cutoff is 62% max all other numbers being good. I don''t like the table size on the first one at all.

Lorelei posts a great little summary of a good range of numbers to aim for, ie. depth, table, crown and pavillion angles. I can''t find it at the moment, hopefully she will chime in cos my brain is a bit fuzzy tonight, and don''t want to lead you down the garden path.

I would say get a full refund from Costco (you are entitled to this as they sold you something that wasn''t as described) and then look for a great stone using a trusted PS vendor. You will save money and get a much better diamond.

Good luck!

 

[somehowcollide]

Just for reference, did you get a full return or store credit? Is there any other reason you are still sticking with Costco?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/21/2008 3:46:43 AM
Author: honey22
They are both too deep. My cutoff is 62% max all other numbers being good. I don't like the table size on the first one at all.

Lorelei posts a great little summary of a good range of numbers to aim for, ie. depth, table, crown and pavillion angles. I can't find it at the moment, hopefully she will chime in cos my brain is a bit fuzzy tonight, and don't want to lead you down the garden path.

I would say get a full refund from Costco (you are entitled to this as they sold you something that wasn't as described) and then look for a great stone using a trusted PS vendor. You will save money and get a much better diamond.

Good luck!

Crae welcome to Pricescope,
The others are correct that unfortunately we can't evaluate a diamond without the angles, so if you could get that info that would help. You can use the numbers given below as a guide to help you find a well cut round diamond, here are the ones Honey mentioned.

depth - 60 - 62% - although my personal preference is to allow up to 62.4%
table - 54- 57%
crown angle - 34- 35 degrees
pavilion angle - 40.6- 41 degrees
girdle - avoid extremes, look for thin to slightly thick, thin to medium etc
polish and symmetry - very good and above


note - with crown and pavilion angles at the shallower ends ( CA 34- PA 40.6) and steeper ( CA 35- PA 41) check to make sure these angles complement in that particular diamond - eyeballs, Idealscope, trusted vendor input - check as appropriate!

 

[honey22]

Thanks sweetie! We can always rely on you!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/21/2008 4:52:51 AM
Author: honey22

Thanks sweetie! We can always rely on you!

Most welcome dear!

 

[crae10]

Hi, thank you for providing some feedback. To answer a few questions our budget is what we are at for those rings which is $5,100 Canadian (unfortunately our dollar is really taking a beating right now too) at this amount we are over what we originally budgeted at $4,000 to $4,500 originally I was looking at 1 ct princess cut but really love the fire and brilliance of the round and would like a round if possible (and as you know they also cost much more). I had wanted to go with a good online dealer and not deal with Costco again but my fiance wanted to stick with them as we''ve been talking with the buyer to bring in a "good replacement" and she brought in two rings that were assessed by their gemologist and we are able to see them in advance. In store I also don''t have to pay one tax which is a pretty good incentive as well as being an executive member we get 2% back and if we order online we also have to pay extra shipping etc. I was set to get a similar diamond from blue nile or something similar but he really wants to stick with Costco. As a last note we also had to push up our wedding date from April to December and we''re getting married in four weeks so have this added pressure to wrap up the ring shopping.

As many of you have pointed out though it''s difficult to assess the diamonds without all of the specifications as they don''t list them with the crappy IGI certification and Costco doesn''t provide GIA certificates for diamonds under 1.25 carats.

This is all just so very stressful but based on your feedback I am seriously reconsidering and looking at ordering from pricescope or bluenile however comparable size are much above our budget (I realize though it would have a GIA certification and likely be a better diamond). If any of you see anything that sounds like it could work for us please post.

Thanks again for the feedback and welcoming a newbie to PS.

 

[Lorelei]

Glad to help you crae! We would be very pleased to help you search for some suitable diamonds, can you give me an idea of what your budget would be in US dollars please?

 

[crae10]

Hi, the conversion (is horrible right now) for $5,000 Canadian is $3,905.48 USD

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/21/2008 8:19:36 AM
Author: crae10
Hi, the conversion (is horrible right now) for $5,000 Canadian is $3,905.48 USD

Thanks! I don't know if you could stretch the budget a bit more, but I found this one and some others. Also with any SI clarities you would need to check carefully with the vendor that the diamond is eyeclean to your standards.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1197107.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4719/

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1166841.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-or-less-signature-ideal-cut-i-color-si1-clarity_LD01432743

 

[purrfectpear]

I don''t understand the desire to deal with Costco. You''re already out money to pay for an appraisal to prove that they ripped you off the first time. Now your FI wants to give them a second crack at your pocketbook? There''s no rush for an engagement ring for a wedding really, you only need a band for the ceremony.

I''d slow down and explore better options such as Whiteflash.

 

[bgray]

Date: 11/21/2008 8:50:19 AM
Author: purrfectpear
I don't understand the desire to deal with Costco. You're already out money to pay for an appraisal to prove that they ripped you off the first time. Now your FI wants to give them a second crack at your pocketbook? There's no rush for an engagement ring for a wedding really, you only need a band for the ceremony.

I'd slow down and explore better options such as Whiteflash.

i agree..................if you want a really good stone for a fair price why dont you conisder Whiteflash, GOG etc. Costco is a source for mediocre goods at what are considered good prices. for the same amount of money you should buy a great stone from a solid vendor

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 11/21/2008 9:06:15 AM
Author: bgray

Date: 11/21/2008 8:50:19 AM

Author: purrfectpear

I don''t understand the desire to deal with Costco. You''re already out money to pay for an appraisal to prove that they ripped you off the first time. Now your FI wants to give them a second crack at your pocketbook? There''s no rush for an engagement ring for a wedding really, you only need a band for the ceremony.


I''d slow down and explore better options such as Whiteflash.

i agree..................if you want a really good stone for a fair price why dont you conisder Whiteflash, GOG etc. Costco is a source for mediocre goods at what are considered good prices. for the same amount of money you should buy a great stone from a solid vendor

To be fair to Costco some people have gotten some beautiful stones with them. They do have some decent prices and nice stones, but not ALL are nice, just as not ALL are nice at many vendors. So if you want to deal with Costco, by all means go ahead, but you need to go in VERY prepared as their salespeople aren''t going to have the knowledge for you.

 

[bgray]

Date: 11/21/2008 9:23:04 AM
Author: neatfreak

Date: 11/21/2008 9:06:15 AM
Author: bgray

Date: 11/21/2008 8:50:19 AM

Author: purrfectpear

I don''t understand the desire to deal with Costco. You''re already out money to pay for an appraisal to prove that they ripped you off the first time. Now your FI wants to give them a second crack at your pocketbook? There''s no rush for an engagement ring for a wedding really, you only need a band for the ceremony.


I''d slow down and explore better options such as Whiteflash.

i agree..................if you want a really good stone for a fair price why dont you conisder Whiteflash, GOG etc. Costco is a source for mediocre goods at what are considered good prices. for the same amount of money you should buy a great stone from a solid vendor

To be fair to Costco some people have gotten some beautiful stones with them. They do have some decent prices and nice stones, but not ALL are nice, just as not ALL are nice at many vendors. So if you want to deal with Costco, by all means go ahead, but you need to go in VERY prepared as their salespeople aren''t going to have the knowledge for you.

i agree--the burden is completely on the buyer