Did I overpay? Please help! All help is greatly appreciated!

[gdan]

All,

I just want to know if I overpaid for my fiance's engagement ring. Here is the certification from EGL USA. I've heard about the adverse rapport this certification agency has had but the value seems right.

Cut (Shape and Style) PRINCESS
Carat Weight 0.70 CT
Clarity Grade VS1
Color Grade F
PROPORTIONS
Measurements 4.81 x 4.68 x 3.6 mm
Table 69%
Depth 76.9%
Crown Height 15.6%
Crown Angle 48.8°
Pavilion Depth 57.7%
Pavilion Angle 39°
Girdle
Culet
OBSERVATIONS
Finish
Polish GOOD
Symmetry GOOD

The setting is white gold, 14K. It is a cathedral setting. Further, the prongs are platinum.


I spent $2,975 post tax. Cost breakdown is as follows: Tax - ($225), Ring- ($2,500), Lifetime Protection Plan- ($249.99). I appreciate any feedback!!

FYI: We lost our previous engagement ring and we received a credit of $800 towards the purchase of a new ring. The sales price was $3,300. The original retail price was $5,000 and some change.

I feel that the deal was too good to be true yet too good to pass up. I appreciate any and all feedback, but will not tolerate combatant responses. Thanks ahead of time !

 

[arkieb1]

Re: Did I overpay? Please help! All help is greatly apprecia

Hi EGL USA or EGL International? EGL USA is usually one or two grades out on colour and one up to two out on clarity and EGL International are usually 2 to 4 even as high as 5 grades out on colour and one or two out on clarity gradings compared to GIA. What else do you need to know, if you like the stone then you like the stone. Most people prefer GIA graded stones on here because you know exactly what you are getting for your money. EGL stones often seem like bargains, but may not be because of the inaccurate grades. No-one can accurately compare a EGL graded F VS stone to a GIA F VS stone unless you had it graded by GIA or to a top valuer that could tell you exactly what the stone is. Only then can you do a strict apples to apples comparison.

 

[msop04]

Re: Did I overpay? Please help! All help is greatly apprecia

Hi EGL USA or EGL International? EGL USA is usually one or two grades out on colour and one up to two out on clarity and EGL International are usually 2 to 4 even as high as 5 grades out on colour and one or two out on clarity gradings compared to GIA. What else do you need to know, if you like the stone then you like the stone. Most people prefer GIA graded stones on here because you know exactly what you are getting for your money. EGL stones often seem like bargains, but may not be because of the inaccurate grades. No-one can accurately compare a EGL graded F VS stone to a GIA F VS stone unless you had it graded by GIA or to a top valuer that could tell you exactly what the stone is. Only then can you do a strict apples to apples comparison.

+1
Well said, arkie!

 

[GoSounders]

Re: Did I overpay? Please help! All help is greatly apprecia

Sounds like you paid $3800 before the $800 credit. Was this credit from the insurance company and usable anywhere? Or was it from the store and had to be used there?

The setting is probably the largest variable when determining how well you did. Do you have a picture or link? Do you know how much of the cost was from the setting?

As for the stone, here's a 70 point princess with GIA cert that is very well cut for $2000:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.70-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-169318

 

[SB621]

Re: Did I overpay? Please help! All help is greatly apprecia

Your F, VS1 is probably an H, SI2. Been there- done that- wont' do it again. There is no value because you are paying more for a lower quality diamond. Also for my ering I wouldn't buy a diamond that is just good for symmetry and polish. By GIA standards I bet one of those would drop down to poor. If you can take it back for a refund. Then stick with AGL or GIA diamonds. If it is an RB then run it through the HCA. ANd if you really want a deal post a new thread and let someone on this board find you one through a PS vendor. I wish I had done that....screw the B&M store (I'm still jaded by my own experience).

 

[gdan]

Re: Did I overpay? Please help! All help is greatly apprecia

http://www.rogersandhollands.com/jewelry/view/Princess-Cut-Diamond-Solitaire-Engagement-Ring/6007142

I believe that was the ring.

 

[GoSounders]

Re: Did I overpay? Please help! All help is greatly apprecia

http://www.rogersandhollands.com/jewelry/view/Princess-Cut-Diamond-Solitaire-Engagement-Ring/6007142

I believe that was the ring.

If it's just a solitaire, I'm afraid you definitely overpaid.

As SB mentioned, your princess probably isn't cut nearly as well as the JA stone linked above. Add that stone to this platinum setting:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/platinum-2mm-comfort-fit-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-1981

And you've got a $2700 ring that is just as white, clearer, and brighter. Plus, you get a real certification.

 

[gdan]

Re: Did I overpay? Please help! All help is greatly apprecia

I took your advice and actually just purchased the stone with a 18K solitare for $2,400! My question is how reputable is the vendor? I have read good things and the return policy and lifetime warranty got me to go for it. I seek value and I hate overspending.

 

[gdan]

Re: Did I overpay? Please help! All help is greatly apprecia

I took your advice and actually just purchased the stone with a 18K solitare for $2,400! My question is how reputable is the vendor? I have read good things and the return policy and lifetime warranty got me to go for it. I seek value and I hate overspending.

 

[JulieN]

Re: Did I overpay? Please help! All help is greatly apprecia

Who is the vendor? Link the diamond page.

 

[GoSounders]

Re: Did I overpay? Please help! All help is greatly apprecia

I took your advice and actually just purchased the stone with a 18K solitare for $2,400! My question is how reputable is the vendor? I have read good things and the return policy and lifetime warranty got me to go for it. I seek value and I hate overspending.

You bought the JA stone I linked above? Did you ask them for an ASET image?

I was merely looking for a comparable stone to your old one. Did you look at other alternatives (and their ASETs)?

JA is a reputable seller, though you kinda have to do your own legwork to find the right diamond. Their return policy is great, so if it doesn't look as good in person, you can send it back with no problem.