Diamond vendors (in Canada)

[Cachette]

Are there any online diamond vendors based out of Canada out there dealing in Canadian currency? I`ve been searching but I`m having a hard time finding any good ones.
Unfortunately, the exchange rate (Canadian/US) isn`t too good right now for this Canadian.

If someone could help out that would be great.

Thanks.

*´¨)
¸.• ´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•''Cachette

 

[anne_h]

Hi Cachette,

I'm from Montreal and went through an extensive vendor/stone hunt in 2005 (CAN dollar was not too strong then either, tho not as bad as now).

Anyways, I couldn't find a single vendor in Canada with anything near the selection or prices than the good "online" ones from the US. I shortlisted:
- Good Old Gold
- WhiteFlash
- Mark Turnowski at Engagementringsdirect.com

* There are also many other great PS vendors that I personally did not investigate; they more or less have access to the same inventory anyways

I eventually selected Mark T, because I wanted a cushion, and Mark was the reputed cushion expert at that time.

I *did* find a vendor in Montreal whose website claimed to have a good selection of loose stones, but when I called them, they were very crabby and said they were not open to the public. Okay then!

Anyways, you *can* find loose stones in Canada through many local jewelers, but they usually do not have much of a selection. And they will charge you more than the US "online" vendors because retail stores have higher operating costs. Also, often the staff there will know very little when it comes the diamond specs (although they may think/talk otherwise). Be careful!

Sorry if this is not really the info you were looking for... But if you're going to be spending more than 2-3k on the stone, I strongly suggest you consider looking in the US. If you buy from a vendor with a trade-in policy, you can always trade up later too!

Anne

 

[Cachette]

Thanks Anne_h,

Like yourself, I`m also interested in a cushion and am very frustrated with the lack of "selection" in Canada. I`ve spoken to my local jeweller and he said they are really hard to find (good ones that is). He would sell me a nice RB anyday but that`s not what I want.

So even with the exchange being that way it is right now, you still think that I would get a better price with the vendors often seen here on PS? I`ve been looking online and doing the exchange and it seems like such a big difference (ex: 5,000 USD = 6,268 Canadian).

Not sure what to do. Any economists out there that can see a rise in our dollars`s value anytime soon?

Thanks again.

*´¨)
¸.• ´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•''Cachette

 

[crease123]

You can try USAcertedDiamonds. Despite the name, I believe they are located in Ontario. Not too sure whether they trade in Canadian currency though.

 

[Cachette]

Thank you crease123! I''ll check it out.

Cachette

 

[bling77]

hi cachette,

I''m from vancouver and just recently purchased my loose diamond from James Allen. I found that although our exchange rate is not so good right now, I still got a better price & diamond. My jeweller also agreed that he couldn''t beat the price & that there are better selections across the boarder. There are alot of great vendors to choose from on PS!! GOG, WF, JA.... so on. Hope that helps a little. Good luck!!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Cachette - I''m in Vancouver and was helping a friend with a diamond purchase and we went to Spence Diamonds. We thought just for fun, however, when we asked questions and for the good stuff, basically, I was surprised that they had such great quality diamonds. Pricing was "meh" but ... given the exchange, I''m sure it is comparable to what we could get nowadays from the US.

Try giving them a call to see if they can source what you are seeking and what price they can give you. Might be worth a shot. Good luck!