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jessfitz75

Rough_Rock
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I have been looking at eBay recently just to gauge the pricing around EC rings sold there. I've notice some sellers are selling single stones at ridiculously low prices. For instance, I watched an auction for a 1.63 ct D, VS1 EC that sold for $1624! The seller has over 4000 ratings, 98% positive. I read through the comments and they were good and complimentary. The few negative comments I saw were regarding the stones color ratings not as described.

Am I missing something? How can ebay sellers do this? I don't see any mention of certification so that could be one factor. While I never even considered buying from ebay (because if I've learned anything from this site is it is hard to judge an EC by numbers alone
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), it is tempting when seeing stones at those prices. I'm interested in your thoughts.
 
Do a quick search on here for ebay, and all the negative experiences may give you some ideas on how they can "afford to do it."
Nothing against ebay in general, I use it, but just wouldn''t for an expensive purchase.
 
You can get some good deals from reputable sellers on ebay however, but you need to be very cautious. Browneyedcountrygirl got her beautiful asscher from an ebay retailer.

what is your budget and spec requirements?
 
Until I found this site, I was also tempted to shop on ebay.

Then I read hours upon hours of threads here, and found out more about diamonds that I could ever imagine. Ebay is risky at best to find diamonds - there are horror stories about being misrepresented, ''shops'' closing up, etc.

There are much better places online to find stones!
 
Date: 8/1/2008 12:56:32 AM
Author:jessfitz75
I''ve notice some sellers are selling single stones at ridiculously low prices. For instance, I watched an auction for a 1.63 ct D, VS1 EC that sold for $1624! The seller has over 4000 ratings, 98% positive. I read through the comments and they were good and complimentary. The few negative comments I saw were regarding the stones color ratings not as described.


Am I missing something? How can ebay sellers do this?
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I could be wrong, but I would *guess* that it is because most people who buy diamonds on eBay (not all - please, don''t bite my head off!) just plain don''t know much about diamonds, don''t see how a stone over a carat and a half for under a grand is too good to be true, and just ... never get them appraised. So, they''re happy wearing whatever it is that they''re wearing - a stone that is in reality something other than advertised, be it an M, SI as opposed to their D, VS1, a fracture-filled stone, a sim, whatever - on the logic that it was affordable and is pretty, and *we* see a lot of the other sort. And, as for the actual deals ... well, people who contact their sellers, see stones in person, and actually get them appraised ... the stories that go around about *them* are enough to keep everybody else thinking, "Hey, maybe it *is* possible ...." And so, the cycle continues.
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Before some recent changes ebay''s feedback system, 98% was a terrible feedback rating. A few months ago I would never in a million years have spent real money with a seller who had such a low rating. It might not be as bad now--ebay has started counting "neutral" feedback as negative, and they''ve taken steps to actively encourage dissatisfied customers to leave negative feedback. Even so, that 2% of customers who are unhappy would give me pause.
 
You get what you pay for, no one would sell a good diamond for less than it''s worth. If the price is cheap, then you''ll get a cheap diamond. End of story.
 
Date: 8/1/2008 11:01:34 AM
Author: RxTechRN2b
You get what you pay for, no one would sell a good diamond for less than it''s worth. If the price is cheap, then you''ll get a cheap diamond. End of story.
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True of retailers or professional eBayers, not necessarily true of random owners of a ring or pendant. Additionally there are a handful of jeweler eBay sellers that are trustworthy and have decent return policies.

There are people selling on eBay that are afraid to sell through Craigslist, and found out that the pawnshop would offer $500 on their $6000 ring. They are more than happy to get $1200 or more through eBay.

Now, the question is, do YOU want to roll that dice? Do they have a return policy? Decent feedback? Do you believe they won''t disappear with your money? Can you get an appraisal? If it''s advertised as a F and it appraises as a H are you OK with the price you paid? Lots of questions to answer BEFORE you roll the eBay dice.

I''ve purchased several diamonds from eBay and so far every single one has appraised as advertised (mostly small OEC''s, a 5 stone E VVS). Personally my method is to drop the color and clarity grade by 2, then look up the equivalent stone on pricescope. If I can pick it up for 50% of THAT cost, then I''m good to go. It''s unlikely to be more than 2 grades off their claim and I paid half. I can loupe my own diamonds, I have known GIA diamonds to compare color with, and a local appraiser to confirm. I''ve bought 2 that were as advertised, but I just didn''t care for the cut, so they were returned with no problems.

NOTE: I do not buy from sellers who claim they have "contacts" in Isreal, Antwerp, are in the diamond district, etc.

There are about 10 eBay sellers that I trust. Some would be Weston''s, Dover, Burgi-N, EricaGrace, and a few more that I can''t remember as I''m at my work computer.
 
Thanks all for your input. It sounds like there are some reputable ebay sellers but I''m not sure that I want to take the risk.
 
jessfitz75..

The good thing about Norman Goodmand and Company is Howard can get most of the diamonds in the Virtual Database that the PS Vendors source thier diamonds from... If you find a diamond on one of thier web sites, and like it, he may be able to get it for you and sell it for less!! Plus he has a 14 day return policy. He also has sources in Israel that gets diamonds before they hit the US and are marked up. I bought an EGL 2.49 ct, I, VS1 from him. It scored a .8 on the HCA, beautiful stone. He sent me pictures of it before I bought, comparing it to GIA Certed J stones, to show the true color. I'm about to upgrade to a larger stone, and he has spent the past 3 weeks looking at stones in Israel, NY, and LA for me.. Just a great diamond guy to have who can get score you a great deal.. He is a power seller, and his family jewelry business has been around for over 60 years.
 
It could be cut horribly like a lump of gravel, and then I would suggest that price would be way over the top. For an well cut stone, then yep, the price is awesome. I really doubt that anyone in their right mind would put a well cut stone up of that size colour and clarity and let it go for such a price. You get what you paid for unfortunately.
 
zebramoray...

Thanks for all the information on Howard. It is great to know that there are options on ebay out there that are reliable.
 
Date: 8/4/2008 9:53:20 PM
Author: jessfitz75
zebramoray...

Thanks for all the information on Howard. It is great to know that there are options on ebay out there that are reliable.
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Just taking a Very quick look at that vendors RB''s - they are mostly EGL cert or GIA very good cut..
That may likely explain some of the price difference between them and other online retailers such as WF, GOG.
Also alot seem to be potential steep/deep cut combos (ie. not desirable cut). - do a quick thread search for more info.

I''m sure zebramoray has made some purchases from this vendor they are very happy with, but jessfitz I will re iterate my previous post in that you may need to know alot about what to look for to really get a bargain for ebay and diamonds..
just mho, of course.
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Thanks, arjunajane! I appreciate your input. I went to ebay just to look and won''t be using it for our first, very important diamond purchase (e-ring). But nonetheless it was interesting what is out there. I''m a huge believer in you get what you pay for. I just was stumped on how those prices could be possible!
 
I have made several major Ebay purchases from Dover and Burgi-N and have never been disappointed. The pieces are spectacular and I''ve been extremely pleased with their service and quality.

Other than that, I''m very leary....

Lori
 
Date: 8/5/2008 2:43:24 AM
Author: jessfitz75
Thanks, arjunajane! I appreciate your input. I went to ebay just to look and won''t be using it for our first, very important diamond purchase (e-ring). But nonetheless it was interesting what is out there. I''m a huge believer in you get what you pay for. I just was stumped on how those prices could be possible!
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No worries!
If you are open to buying online, the vendors mentioned already such as GOG, WF, Winfields are all very well regarded.
I have recently bought my ering upgrade from GOG and WF and would recommend both in a second. My only disappointment is that I didn''t learn of them or PS earlier!
You will find their prices are also alot more competitive than B&M 9bricks and mortar) stores.
hth!
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arjunajane

The first stone I bought from him a few weeks ago..

EGL 2612077833
2.49 ct RB
Color I
Clarity VS1
Depth 59.5 %
Table 58 %
Crown 14%
Pavilion 43%
Polish Excellent
Symmetry Excellent
HCA .8 Ex, Ex, Ex, Ex

Paid $14,000 Cash

This stone is the best cut diamond I have seen, comparing it to over 10 similiar stones here in Dallas.. Faces up white and so much fire.. Even in a dark room the thing is like a dance ball.

Find a stone on Pricescope if that''s what does it for ya, give him the info on the stone, and he will bring it in and sell it to you for less..
 
Date: 8/5/2008 9:35:07 AM
Author: zebramoray
arjunajane

The first stone I bought from him a few weeks ago..

EGL 2612077833
2.49 ct RB
Color I
Clarity VS1
Depth 59.5 %
Table 58 %
Crown 14%
Pavilion 43%
Polish Excellent
Symmetry Excellent
HCA .8 Ex, Ex, Ex, Ex

Paid $14,000 Cash

This stone is the best cut diamond I have seen, comparing it to over 10 similiar stones here in Dallas.. Faces up white and so much fire.. Even in a dark room the thing is like a dance ball.

Find a stone on Pricescope if that''s what does it for ya, give him the info on the stone, and he will bring it in and sell it to you for less..
Click to expand...
You keep saying this was such a good deal, better than online vendors.

Yet, in your previous posts you indicate that with your own eyes, it is NOT an I, VS1 but more likely a J/K. EGL Isreal is one of the most NOTORIOUSLY poor grading reports for accuracy. I just pricescoped a 2.50 J/VS2 from Whiteflash that was just over $12K, not $14K.

It''s good that you love your diamond but I don''t think there''s any reason to go on and on about this guy''s pricing IMO.
 
purrfectpear

very good. post the link for the 2.50 stone..
 
Here $12,161 with bank wire discount. It''s virtual so Whiteflash would have to call it in to evaluate it.
 
purfectpear..

Hey, this link is for an EGL K/VS2.... The stone that I purchased was an EGL I/VS1.. Very different my friend. Why would want to compare an EGL K/VS2 with an EGL I/VS1?
 
purfectpear..

not only that.. but this EGL K/VS2 has been graded with a polish of Good, and Symmetry of Very Good. The spreas is 8.62-8.66.. The EGL I/VS1 stone I purchased, was graded Excellent Polish and Symmetry, with a spread of 8.86-8.82.. 2 totally different stones.. What you want to do is compare apples to apples.. Pricescope EGL I/VS1 stones, and compare pricing/cut, etc.. Do the same with GIA stones... But don''t say hey, this EGL K/VS2 is cheaper than this EGL I/VS1 stone.. Of course it will be.. There is 2 color grades and 1 clarity grade difference, graded from the same lab.. Price goes up as color and clarity grades improve. Just read through Pricescope forums... So much good info in here..
 
I have done VERY well in buying ebay diamonds. I do buy from the random seller and here are some of my IMHO great buys. Sorry the descriptions are not in order of the pic.

.71 Carat Princess cut Center with .25 Halo in 14K. EGL USA Card. H Color SI2 5.01x4.83x3.46 71.6% Depth, 71% Table (Ideal Cut I believe) $950.00

.50 D color VS 2 RB with .5 carat genuine rubies in 6 grams 14k, (verbal from my appraisor). $350.00

.70 RB center (custom setting purchased seperate) J color, SI1 5.68x5.66x3.24 60.3% depth, 61.7% table, 49% pavillion, 34 degree crown angle (cut class 2a) that came with .3 carat VS setting, and 7 Grams 14 k mens band. $700

.55-60 carat RB H color VS with .5 carats of H-SI1-SI2 surrounding diamonds in 14k(verbal from appraiser). $237

.50 Carat 90% Platinum, 10% irridium coctail ring with H color SI1 RBs. $350

4.70 Natural Alexandrite Mixed Cushion Cut 9.81x8.56x5.83 Minor Eye Visible Inclusions, Hue Green, Greenish Yellow with Brown saturation Daylight. Hue Orangy Red-Incandescent Light, Color Change Good in 5.57 Grams of 18k with .12 carats H/SI1 diamonds for. $700. Appraised at $5325.00

7 grams of 90% platinum, 10% irridium antique ring with genuine rubies, and blue sapphires (verbal from appraisor). I bought this believing the stones synthetic so this was great surprise. $235

So I really like ebay. But of course don''t spend more then you can risk losing.

Regards,
Lisa

005ring.JPG
 
Date: 8/5/2008 9:35:07 AM
Author: zebramoray
arjunajane

The first stone I bought from him a few weeks ago..

EGL 2612077833
2.49 ct RB
Color I
Clarity VS1
Depth 59.5 %
Table 58 %
Crown 14%
Pavilion 43%
Polish Excellent
Symmetry Excellent
HCA .8 Ex, Ex, Ex, Ex

Paid $14,000 Cash

This stone is the best cut diamond I have seen, comparing it to over 10 similiar stones here in Dallas.. Faces up white and so much fire.. Even in a dark room the thing is like a dance ball.

Find a stone on Pricescope if that''s what does it for ya, give him the info on the stone, and he will bring it in and sell it to you for less..
Click to expand...
I am not going to enter a slinging match with you.
I was offering assistance and answers to the OP''s original questions, period.

Many here would not buy an EGL papered stone due to their inconsistency. Seeing as GIA excellent has such a large range of cut parameters, who has the time to sift through tons of GIA very good cut?

Ditto PP, it is great that you are happy with your diamond and if you feel you got a deal then congrats to you.
Frankly, I find your promotion of and sensitivity over this vendor interesting..

peace,
AJ.
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Date: 8/5/2008 10:58:08 AM
Author: zebramoray
purfectpear..

not only that.. but this EGL K/VS2 has been graded with a polish of Good, and Symmetry of Very Good. The spreas is 8.62-8.66.. The EGL I/VS1 stone I purchased, was graded Excellent Polish and Symmetry, with a spread of 8.86-8.82.. 2 totally different stones.. What you want to do is compare apples to apples.. Pricescope EGL I/VS1 stones, and compare pricing/cut, etc.. Do the same with GIA stones... But don''t say hey, this EGL K/VS2 is cheaper than this EGL I/VS1 stone.. Of course it will be.. There is 2 color grades and 1 clarity grade difference, graded from the same lab.. Price goes up as color and clarity grades improve. Just read through Pricescope forums... So much good info in here..
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Exactly, this was my point to the OP.
Your price comparison of GOG, WF inventory (consisting mainly of GIA triple Ex or AGS000), is not apples when compared to your vendors stock of mainly EGL graded and GIA Very good.

They may or may not be cheaper than PS vendor on a virtual stone, I don''t know. And frankly I never mentioned pricing anyway.
But the (slight) premium that may exist for using top notch internet vendors I am more than happy to pay for excellent return / upgrade policies, top-notch inventory and customer service (ad-nauseum..).

To each his own, I never attacked your choices in my original posts, imo there is no need for such defensiveness.
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Date: 8/5/2008 10:50:19 AM
Author: zebramoray
purfectpear..

Hey, this link is for an EGL K/VS2.... The stone that I purchased was an EGL I/VS1.. Very different my friend. Why would want to compare an EGL K/VS2 with an EGL I/VS1?
Click to expand...
Because your EGL Israel graded stone is almost 100% misgraded and is NOT an I, VS1.

EGLUSA is slightly more accurate and could possibly be what it claims to be. EGLIsrael, not a chance. Your price would not have been awful if it was an I. VS1 but it is not.
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That is correct.. And EGL paper is discounted as such.. I buy diamonds with my eyes.. I know this site is in love with it''s Vendors, and I have worked with both Whiteflash and Abazias.. Both vendors are first class all the way.. The B&M''s here in Dallas all have access to the same diamonds as the PS Vendors, but they can''t match the prices.. Buying diamonds on-line is the way to go these days.. I only caution peeps on this board to see the forest instead of the trees.. There are more on-line vendors that are smaller in scale, and not listed on Pricescope, and can offer a better deal on the same stones, in some situations.. I love diamonds as much as the next person, but I have found that there are more than 4 on-line vendors.. I encourage ya''ll to do the same.
 
Date: 8/5/2008 12:50:51 PM
Author: zebramoray
That is correct.. And EGL paper is discounted as such.. I buy diamonds with my eyes.. I know this site is in love with it's Vendors, and I have worked with both Whiteflash and Abazias.. Both vendors are first class all the way.. The B&M's here in Dallas all have access to the same diamonds as the PS Vendors, but they can't match the prices.. Buying diamonds on-line is the way to go these days.. I only caution peeps on this board to see the forest instead of the trees.. There are more on-line vendors that are smaller in scale, and not listed on Pricescope, and can offer a better deal on the same stones, in some situations.. I love diamonds as much as the next person, but I have found that there are more than 4 on-line vendors.. I encourage ya'll to do the same.
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Wha?
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sorry I must have missed where someone said this.

Also, to some people the "bottom dollar" is not everything. Please see my posts above.
 
Thanks again for all of your input!

LisaRN - Love the collections and the great finds. I can only aspire...
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