Diamond Studs - Any problems going uncertified?

[Lerris]

The more research I do the more I get confused.

Is there any reason to not buy uncertified diamonds for studs? I am looking at 1.0 carats per stud and was told by jewelers that if I chose uncertified stones that I could get a significant discount on the price compared to certified stones.

They also said they would have no problem with my taking the diamonds to an independent appraiser before I purchased them.

 

[mrssalvo]

I probably would not buy uncertified stones in that size. 1 carat each are big and I''d wonder why they weren''t sent to a lab in the first place. If they can bring in a larger premium with a cert. why wouldn''t the jeweler send them to get one? Also, cut is the most important C and what will make the diamond sparkle, you''d need all the angles in order to determine the cut of the stones. Does your jeweler have a sarin or helium scan to be able to determine this info?

 

[kenny]

I wouldn''t.

There is a a reason diamonds are not sent to a lab.

There is a reason diamonds are sent to labs with soft grading.

I''d only buy a stone with a recent report from AGS or GIA.

 

[justjulia]

I''ve bought studs uncerted and they were lovely. Of course, I inspected them closely in person before purchase.

 

[belle]

you could save even more if you got diamonds that are clarity enhanced

but i wouldn''t recommend it.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 10/27/2006 4:54:19 PM
Author: kenny
I wouldn''t.

There is a a reason diamonds are not sent to a lab.

There is a reason diamonds are sent to labs with soft grading.

I''d only buy a stone with a recent report from AGS or GIA.

Yep, learned that lesson the hard way. Bought a 1.5 ct. pair that were supposedly H SI, and they turned out to be I1. Truthfully, I did look at them with a loupe but clearly did not know how to determine clarity grades! So the "good deal" I thought I was getting wasn''t at all. I sold them at a loss and am now looking for new ones, and I am looking for ideal cut only. I just feel like if we are spending thousands of dollars on diamonds, why get poor quality ones? I''d MUCH rather get smaller ones from a vendor llike GOG or WF and upgrade them later as finances allow.