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Diamondsourceva.com a good vendor?

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hair guru

hair guru

Rough_Rock
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Dec 8, 2009
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35
Has anyone ever dealt with Diamondsourceva.com They seem to have really competitive prices when I asked them to find me a diamond they came back with about 5 similar diamonds. this is my prospective pick: a round hearts and arrows, 0.71 carat, GIA cert, G color, VS1 clarity, price $2969, depth 61.7 %, table 56 %, measurements 5.74 x 5.76 x 3.50 mm, EX EX N

[hearts and arrows] [laser inscribed with GIA number] [Excellent GIA cut grade]

After checking Pricescope, I''d pay about $3400 for a ring like this. Could I be missing out on something?
 
Can the vendor provide a H&A image? What is the GIA report number?
 
Date: 12/9/2009 10:25:55 AM
Author:hair guru
Has anyone ever dealt with Diamondsourceva.com They seem to have really competitive prices when I asked them to find me a diamond they came back with about 5 similar diamonds. this is my prospective pick: a round hearts and arrows, 0.71 carat, GIA cert, G color, VS1 clarity, price $2969, depth 61.7 %, table 56 %, measurements 5.74 x 5.76 x 3.50 mm, EX EX N

[hearts and arrows] [laser inscribed with GIA number] [Excellent GIA cut grade]

After checking Pricescope, I''d pay about $3400 for a ring like this. Could I be missing out on something?
Click to expand...
If price is for stone alone it''s not that special

See below

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1197178.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1225042.asp

both priced at $2820 plus you get a discount if you link from pricescope plus discount for wire payment (this is just 1 of the pricescope vendors)
 
Agree with BobR. You can see them here.

Diamondsource has been mentioned a number of times here on Pricescope...and near a year ago (?), a couple of their people posted here...but that was reasonably short lived.

Stone asks the good questions. This is a discounter that should be able to offer pictures. If they can't, take a pass. They know well about Pricescope and it's tools. They should know about the need for this. Late in the day, they claimed knowledge of the HCA, after earlier discounting it.

JA, as you can see, presents them on screen, with a discount. That's hard to beat, unless you stock them otherwise, and have them at your elbow, and can make other claims for them, etc. (know where they're sourced from, for example).

Best,
 
ok, here''s the thing. I''m a hairstylist and I got engaged last month with a .30 diamond tiffany setting. Prongs are getting caught on everything, pain when shampooing. So we agreed to get a new slightly larger diamond and have it set in semi or full bezel. I saw the JA diamonds referred to but the thin girdle scares me since it might be set in a half bezel. Got the GIA cert from them but waiting on H & A image. Am I worrying about the girdle for no reason?
 
I am REALLY hard on my hands!
 
Ya, you are worrying over nothing IMO, bezel setting is suppose to protect the girdle, usually recommended for very thin girdles. :P
 
Awesome. I''ll definitely look to turn my interest back to those stones. Any ideas of where I could try on a bezel solitaire in North Jersey? No jeweler I''ve been to (only 4) has anything in stock. I''m just wondering if it will actually be the best setting for me if I want to wear my ring while working.
 
Date: 12/9/2009 12:42:04 PM
Author: hair guru
ok, here''s the thing. I''m a hairstylist and I got engaged last month with a .30 diamond tiffany setting. Prongs are getting caught on everything, pain when shampooing. So we agreed to get a new slightly larger diamond and have it set in semi or full bezel. I saw the JA diamonds referred to but the thin girdle scares me since it might be set in a half bezel. Got the GIA cert from them but waiting on H & A image. Am I worrying about the girdle for no reason?
Click to expand...
Thin girdle should not present a problem, rarely very thin or extremely thin might do but not in all cases.
 
GIA was sent to me, any thoughts about whether this is a diamond worth looking at?

http://www2.gia.edu/reportcheck/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showReportVerification&reportno=2106404543&weight=0.71
 
numbers look promising.
 
There policy is that you can have the stone sent for free but you have 48 hrs to decide on it.

This was their reply when I asked about a H & A report:

"In answer to your question, there is no official Hearts & Arrows report so we have to examine the diamond personally to ensure it has a nice Hearts & Arrows pattern, a great Ideal Scope pattern, and a great AGS ASET Scope pattern. Since wholesalers do not use these tools and do not take pictures of the patterns, we must inspect the diamond in person before we can be sure it is good enough for our clients."

So, should I have a look? Honestly, I really didn''t love the H & A report on the 1 JA diamond suggested in the beginning of this thread (forget why I was against the other JA diamond)which is why I''m still pursuing this deal. I''m sure part of that is because I have champagne taste with a beer budget.
 
Date: 12/12/2009 8:35:13 AM
Author: hair guru
There policy is that you can have the stone sent for free but you have 48 hrs to decide on it.

This was their reply when I asked about a H & A report:

''In answer to your question, there is no official Hearts & Arrows report so we have to examine the diamond personally to ensure it has a nice Hearts & Arrows pattern, a great Ideal Scope pattern, and a great AGS ASET Scope pattern. Since wholesalers do not use these tools and do not take pictures of the patterns, we must inspect the diamond in person before we can be sure it is good enough for our clients.''

So, should I have a look? Honestly, I really didn''t love the H & A report on the 1 JA diamond suggested in the beginning of this thread (forget why I was against the other JA diamond)which is why I''m still pursuing this deal. I''m sure part of that is because I have champagne taste with a beer budget.
Click to expand...
If you want an undisputed h&a diamond then images of both hearts and arrows are essential, without no way to tell whether the diamond meets the standards to be considered a '' true'' h&a with crisp and even patterning of both hearts and arrows. Can this company provide images of the h&a?
 
Date: 12/12/2009 8:35:13 AM
Author: hair guru
There policy is that you can have the stone sent for free but you have 48 hrs to decide on it.

This was their reply when I asked about a H & A report:

'In answer to your question, there is no official Hearts & Arrows report so we have to examine the diamond personally to ensure it has a nice Hearts & Arrows pattern, a great Ideal Scope pattern, and a great AGS ASET Scope pattern. Since wholesalers do not use these tools and do not take pictures of the patterns, we must inspect the diamond in person before we can be sure it is good enough for our clients.'

So, should I have a look? Honestly, I really didn't love the H & A report on the 1 JA diamond suggested in the beginning of this thread (forget why I was against the other JA diamond)which is why I'm still pursuing this deal. I'm sure part of that is because I have champagne taste with a beer budget.
Click to expand...
This is perilously close to the lines of propriety for vendors, so if it is deemed over will the moderator kindly remove it. I feel this is important information for Hair Guru.

My first comment is that 48 hours is NOT adequate to make an informed decision. Especially since none of the information used to make that decision is provided.

My second comment is that stating that wholesalers do not use the tools of the trade that are involved with selling high cut quality diamonds is not an accurate or valid statement. If they are not using the tools, how can they accurately claim the diamonds to be of H&A cutting? Take out the word accurately and then they can (and do) claim anything they want.

You have stated that you want the best, yet have a beer budget. By the time you hire an independent appraiser who has the equipment needed to help you see what you are getting and pay shipping on however many stones it takes to get one that matches what is promised, you will pay just as much or more than if you go to a vendor who is not trying to slide by on the cheap. If you try to do it yourself, then you will never really know if you got what you paid for.

Just my thoughts on an early Saturday morning.

Wink
 
Wink:

1) I don't understand what the problem is with stating a vendor's policies like 48 hour evaluation we discuss the PS vendor's policies here all the time like the buyback and upgrade policies of GOG. In terms of DVA's policy if it is the OP's intention to use an appraisor then they should state that to the vendor and tell them the amount of evaluation time needed and get it in writing that they will have the right to return after the appraisal.

2) In my experience most vendors(wholesalers or cutters as well) (whatever you want to call them but they don't sell directly to consumers) do not provide these images, so what DVA said is quite true. The certificate says hearts and arrows and they are doing what any PS vendor would do for this particular diamond they would have to call it in and get the images taken. They are more truthful than most dealers who wouldn't get past the Hearts & Arrows and just claim the images are not necessary as it is printed on the certificate. Many reatilers would just give the consumer a free HA viewer with purchase to view it themself but once set its rather useless using it for most settings.

How many wholesalers(ie someone who does not sell directly to a consumer) provide such images? I think the list will be quite small and confined to the niche dealers who sell exclusively hearts and arrows diamonds or a branded cut of diamond. If this isn't true please show me proof otherwise.

Hair:

1) DiamondSource should provide those images to you and if you are interested in that stone they should do that for you before sending it to you and without cost to you. However you should be prepared to purchase if those images are up to your standards though. Make sure you are satisfied with the information you do know from the certificate already otherwise no point in having it called in.

2) You are on the right track considering JamesAllen and DiamondSource as you have probably concluded already that for the "Beer Budget" youwill not be able to purchase a branded cut with your size requirements.

3) A Thin girdle is really not worth worrying about. It is only when the girdle gets to be very thin or extremely thin where there are issues. Thin to Thick or Medium or Thin to Medium are all common and reasonable for girdles and 99% of the time not worth worrying about.
 
Thank you for all the help in understanding the standard practice of what a purchaser should expect. I guess I''m being silly expecting I''ll get an ideal G hearts and arrows diamond for less than $3,000. I looked on the price stats here and it looks like I have to lower my standards to an H or I''ll have to skimp on my setting and go with white gold instead of platinum. I can''t figure out which is more important now, the diamond color or the platinum setting.
 
Date: 12/12/2009 9:51:11 AM
Author: ChunkyCushionLover
Wink:

1) I don''t understand what the problem is with stating a vendor''s policies like 48 hour evaluation we discuss the PS vendor''s policies here all the time like the buyback and upgrade policies of GOG. In terms of DVA''s policy if it is the OP''s intention to use an appraisor then they should state that to the vendor and tell them the amount of evaluation time needed and get it in writing that they will have the right to return after the appraisal.

2) In my experience most vendors(wholesalers or cutters as well) (whatever you want to call them but they don''t sell directly to consumers) do not provide these images, so what DVA said is quite true. The certificate says hearts and arrows and they are doing what any PS vendor would do for this particular diamond they would have to call it in and get the images taken. They are more truthful than most dealers who wouldn''t get past the Hearts & Arrows and just claim the images are not necessary as it is printed on the certificate. Many reatilers would just give the consumer a free HA viewer with purchase to view it themself but once set its rather useless using it for most settings.

How many wholesalers(ie someone who does not sell directly to a consumer) provide such images? I think the list will be quite small and confined to the niche dealers who sell exclusively hearts and arrows diamonds or a branded cut of diamond. If this isn''t true please show me proof otherwise.

Hair:

1) DiamondSource should provide those images to you and if you are interested in that stone they should do that for you before sending it to you and without cost to you. However you should be prepared to purchase if those images are up to your standards though. Make sure you are satisfied with the information you do know from the certificate already otherwise no point in having it called in.

2) You are on the right track considering JamesAllen and DiamondSource as you have probably concluded already that for the ''Beer Budget'' youwill not be able to purchase a branded cut with your size requirements.

3) A Thin girdle is really not worth worrying about. It is only when the girdle gets to be very thin or extremely thin where there are issues. Thin to Thick or Medium or Thin to Medium are all common and reasonable for girdles and 99% of the time not worth worrying about.
Click to expand...
This is the heart of the issue. The GIA and AGS grading reports do NOT designate H&A. I wish they would. Currently only some of the lower tiered labs are doing that, and with very mixed results, at least according to Pricescope standards.

The issue that I have with many suppliers is that even when you talk to them on the phone they will tell you that they have looked at a diamond and it is definitely H&A, then when you get the stone there are only six or seven arrows and those not well defined and vaguely heartlike images which may or may not be even close to symmetrical and the retailer has wasted his postage to and from the wholesaler who does not have a clue.

It took me a while to find a few unbranded dealers who I could rely on to be accurate, but they are out there. They will supply me images and although I only use them when Paul does not have what my client wants, there are enough of them for me to say that I consider the comment that no wholesalers use the equipment to be somewhat self serving.

This I agree with completely.

Wink
 
Date: 12/12/2009 8:35:13 AM
Author: hair guru

This was their reply when I asked about a H & A report:

'In answer to your question, there is no official Hearts & Arrows report so we have to examine the diamond personally to ensure it has a nice Hearts & Arrows pattern, a great Ideal Scope pattern, and a great AGS ASET Scope pattern. Since wholesalers do not use these tools and do not take pictures of the patterns, we must inspect the diamond in person before we can be sure it is good enough for our clients.'
Click to expand...

Maybe I'm wrong, pre-coffee and all that, but I interpret this statement to read that "since the wholesaler does not provide H&A, ASET, Ideal Scope images" the vendor intends to bring the diamond in for evaluation and determine whether the diamond has the cut precision desired... I would verify this to be correct, ask the vendor to bring the diamond in for evaluation so that they can provide you with the images... And then I believe that from that point "you have 48 hours to decide whether you want the diamond" or they will probably return it to the wholesaler
2.gif
 
Since you are in NJ, there are several PS vendors with good services in NYC, Long Island. Why not go down there and have a look to see what you really want? GoodOldGold in long Island. JamesAllen, IdJewelry, EngagementRingDirect and ExcelDiamond are in NYC. Give them a call, I think most require an appointment.
 
Date: 12/12/2009 10:53:42 AM
Author: hair guru
Thank you for all the help in understanding the standard practice of what a purchaser should expect. I guess I'm being silly expecting I'll get an ideal G hearts and arrows diamond for less than $3,000. I looked on the price stats here and it looks like I have to lower my standards to an H or I'll have to skimp on my setting and go with white gold instead of platinum. I can't figure out which is more important now, the diamond color or the platinum setting.
Click to expand...
You want plat.
My sister is a stylist and some white gold rings react to the chemicals.
Some don't but some do.
Go with a lower color diamond.
It seems to be getting worse as some of them have had them for years and no reaction and now they are starting to react.
Dunno if it is changes in the chemical formulas or what....
 
I ran a search for the stone on Rap Net and believe that the characteristics on this GIA diamond dossier match the the measurements which you refer to above. As a vendor, I can''t comment on the diamond, but perhaps with the additional information provided on the report and proportions label laid over it, some of the expert consumers here on the forum can provide you with additional insight into the likelihood of the diamond exhibiting an H&A pattern, excellent ASET and Ideal Scope based upon the measurements provided.

gia2106404543.jpg
 
Date: 12/12/2009 11:11:57 AM
Author: Wink

Date: 12/12/2009 9:51:11 AM
Author: ChunkyCushionLover
Wink:

1) I don''t understand what the problem is with stating a vendor''s policies like 48 hour evaluation we discuss the PS vendor''s policies here all the time like the buyback and upgrade policies of GOG. In terms of DVA''s policy if it is the OP''s intention to use an appraisor then they should state that to the vendor and tell them the amount of evaluation time needed and get it in writing that they will have the right to return after the appraisal.

2) In my experience most vendors(wholesalers or cutters as well) (whatever you want to call them but they don''t sell directly to consumers) do not provide these images, so what DVA said is quite true. The certificate says hearts and arrows and they are doing what any PS vendor would do for this particular diamond they would have to call it in and get the images taken. They are more truthful than most dealers who wouldn''t get past the Hearts & Arrows and just claim the images are not necessary as it is printed on the certificate. Many reatilers would just give the consumer a free HA viewer with purchase to view it themself but once set its rather useless using it for most settings.

How many wholesalers(ie someone who does not sell directly to a consumer) provide such images? I think the list will be quite small and confined to the niche dealers who sell exclusively hearts and arrows diamonds or a branded cut of diamond. If this isn''t true please show me proof otherwise.

Hair:

1) DiamondSource should provide those images to you and if you are interested in that stone they should do that for you before sending it to you and without cost to you. However you should be prepared to purchase if those images are up to your standards though. Make sure you are satisfied with the information you do know from the certificate already otherwise no point in having it called in.

2) You are on the right track considering JamesAllen and DiamondSource as you have probably concluded already that for the ''Beer Budget'' youwill not be able to purchase a branded cut with your size requirements.

3) A Thin girdle is really not worth worrying about. It is only when the girdle gets to be very thin or extremely thin where there are issues. Thin to Thick or Medium or Thin to Medium are all common and reasonable for girdles and 99% of the time not worth worrying about.
Click to expand...
This is the heart of the issue. The GIA and AGS grading reports do NOT designate H&A. I wish they would. Currently only some of the lower tiered labs are doing that, and with very mixed results, at least according to Pricescope standards.

The issue that I have with many suppliers is that even when you talk to them on the phone they will tell you that they have looked at a diamond and it is definitely H&A, then when you get the stone there are only six or seven arrows and those not well defined and vaguely heartlike images which may or may not be even close to symmetrical and the retailer has wasted his postage to and from the wholesaler who does not have a clue.

It took me a while to find a few unbranded dealers who I could rely on to be accurate, but they are out there. They will supply me images and although I only use them when Paul does not have what my client wants, there are enough of them for me to say that I consider the comment that no wholesalers use the equipment to be somewhat self serving.

This I agree with completely.

Wink
Click to expand...
Great stuff Wink thanks. I just read about this "SINISTER" pre inscribing. This is no reflection on DVA but really poor reflection on some cutting houses and/or vendors. Not really sure what DVA is talking about when they say H&A on the certificate now though.

GIAHAMISREP.jpg
 
Date: 12/12/2009 11:53:57 AM
Author: Todd Gray
I ran a search for the stone on Rap Net and believe that the characteristics on this GIA diamond dossier match the the measurements which you refer to above. As a vendor, I can''t comment on the diamond, but perhaps with the additional information provided on the report and proportions label laid over it, some of the expert consumers here on the forum can provide you with additional insight into the likelihood of the diamond exhibiting an H&A pattern, excellent ASET and Ideal Scope based upon the measurements provided.
Click to expand...
Is that an AGS report of the numbers?
The diamond was submitted to both labs?

Seems like the rounding really helped this diamond on the GIA report and based on those overlayed numbers (not sure where you got them ????) now it will likely show leakage and is deeper than expected. It could still be H&A but it isn''t going to have the ideal optics like the branded H&A''s we reccomend here like HPD, WF ACA, BGD, or GOG brands.
 
Date: 12/12/2009 12:12:30 PM
Author: ChunkyCushionLover

Great stuff Wink thanks. I just read about this ''SINISTER'' pre inscribing. This is no reflection on DVA but really poor reflection on some cutting houses and/or vendors. Not really sure what DVA is talking about when they say H&A on the certificate now though.
Click to expand...
Ah, I was wondering why you were saying that it was on the cert. I completely forgot about some houses having H&A inscribed on the girdle.

I see now that we are more on the same page than I thought, thanks for the picture.

Wink
 
As Chunky Cushion Lover indicated previously, H&A inscriptions are usually added to the girdle edge of a diamond by the cutter prior to submitting it to a lab for grading knowing that the lab will then indicate the presence of the inscription as a "characteristic" of the diamond. The GIA however does not grade diamonds for Hearts & Arrows and thus this practice can be misleading to consumers.
 
I was disappointed in my experience with Diamond Source of Virginia.

They pitched me that they were the lowest price vendor around and operated on unbelievable thin "single digit" mnargins. But, they sent me proposed stones which I could compare with the virtual inventory on Pricescope, and they were far from the lowest.

But most importantly, their policies were not as good as the premier Pricescope vendors. No buyback guarantee at all. They tried to convince me that a buyback policy was unnecessary, as they would "broker" a stone for me if I needed to resell. But, of course, they would not guarantee anything!

Also, as soon as they realized I was using Pricescope and was semi-informed, they quicklly lost interest in helping me. My advice would be to carefully compare policies and prices, and pass on Diamond Source of Virginia.
 
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