Educated Buyer -- But Still Has Questions *Engagement Ring Purchase*

[KurtisCummings]

Well, I consider myself a very educated buyer. I do TONS of research prior to making any purchases.

I need some pricing help...

Here is what I am looking at from a local jeweler:

Both GIA Certified, Both Marquise Cut
#1:

0.71 c.
G color
SI-1
No Fluorescence
Very Good cut/Polish/Symmetry
$2,703.00 Base Price
$3,116.91 - with tulip setting 14k white gold, 7% Indiana tax included


1.06 c.
I color
SI-2
No fluorescence
Very Good cut/Polish/Symmetry
$4,155.00 - base price
$4,702.65 - tulip setting, 14k white gold, 7% Indiana tax included

I know with the different cut dimensions and such that it can be hard to estimate a good price, but I just wanted an impartial opinion of this purchase.

Thanks to everyone!

I look forward to chatting on this forum!

Kurtis

 

[the tree sees]

Kurtis,

Welcome to Pricescope, and congrats on the upcoming proposal! I also considered myself an educated buyer . . . until I found this forum!

But don't worry; after awhile browsing the materials and posts here, you'll feel much more comfortable. The search for the perfect stone can get really exciting once you really know what you're looking for.

Unfortunately, I don't think anyone will be able to offer any constructive comments on your prospective purchases without at least measurements and, even then, Idealscope & ASET images tend to reveal the most. Read up on this site about those things; if you're dubious about the difference that good cut can make, just visit http://goodoldgold.com/ and check out the videos there. I'm not promoting GOG only--after reading a few posts, you'll grow familiar with the names of all the most reputable diamond vendors out there )--but I don't know of anywhere else that you can find so many informative videos; they certainly convinced me not to shop at brick-&-mortars anymore.

Enjoy

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

IRL, which did you prefer? Do you have any dimensions for these stones and have you seen Dave Atlas'' site about (old) cut grades for fancies?

cheers--Sharon

 

[KurtisCummings]

I unfortunately did not write down the dimensions

 

[canuk-gal]

Date: 6/15/2009 9:45:33 PM
Author: KurtisCummings
I unfortunately did not write down the dimensions

HI:

No worries! It might only speak to your preference--long and thin vs a chubbier look.

Which stone "called out" to you? Did either one have a noticeable bowtie or lack of? Have you seen many stone of this shape and are you settled on choosing between these two? Have you used the database above to get an idea of price comparison?

cheers--Sharon

 

[Todd Gray]

Date: 6/15/2009 9:36:28 PM
Author: canuk-gal
IRL, which did you prefer? Do you have any dimensions for these stones and have you seen Dave Atlas'' site about (old) cut grades for fancies?

Here is the link for
the marquise cut grade chart created by Dave Atlas for your reference. This information is nice to have even though you''re able to see the diamonds...

 

[KurtisCummings]

I have looked at MANY diamonds over the last few months from many different retailers (locally owned shops).

This local jeweler did not have what I wanted in stock, they showed me a list of MANY diamonds to chose from, with all of the diamonds specs on it (size, dimensions, color, clarity, certification ,etc) I picked out 4, which they had shipped in via UPS, I believe the diamonds came from Stuller.

Regardless, out of the 4 I picked those two as my final two.

I want to keep my price below $4500 with tax and setting, so I wanted to see what everyone thought on the pricing of these two stones so I kinda know how I can haggle some with them.

I want to support my local economy, and my local jeweler. This place does not work off of commission, and they have been around for 75 years in the same store front, right on the square downtown.

My to be fiance''s grandmother actually recommended them to me. It is where she has bought her jewelry for years.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/15/2009 7:26:07 PM
Author:KurtisCummings
Well, I consider myself a very educated buyer. I do TONS of research prior to making any purchases.

I need some pricing help...

Here is what I am looking at from a local jeweler:

Both GIA Certified, Both Marquise Cut
#1:

0.71 c.
G color
SI-1
No Fluorescence
Very Good cut/Polish/Symmetry
$2,703.00 Base Price
$3,116.91 - with tulip setting 14k white gold, 7% Indiana tax included


1.06 c.
I color
SI-2
No fluorescence
Very Good cut/Polish/Symmetry
$4,155.00 - base price
$4,702.65 - tulip setting, 14k white gold, 7% Indiana tax included

I know with the different cut dimensions and such that it can be hard to estimate a good price, but I just wanted an impartial opinion of this purchase.

Thanks to everyone!

I look forward to chatting on this forum!

Kurtis

Hi Kurtis

Well as an example for you, a similar marquise online price is $1787 with bank wire discount, .71 G SI1 GIA report. So you can see the one you are considering is much more expensive, even though store jewellers tend to be more than online. If you prefer to buy from a store that is not a problem, it depends on your preferences and wallet.

 

[DiamondFlame]

0.71 vs 1.06? I think they belong in different category of purchase. But I found a 1.06 I VS2 for $3880 on JA so your 1.06 I SI2 seems a tad overpriced which is what we would usually expect from a B&M. Imho, if you really wanna stretch your dollar and get the best bang for your $4500, you shd widen your search..

 

[phoenixgirl]

Have you compared prices on here? That should be part of your research. You might even find the exact same stone listed through some of the online vendors.

I have to say, though, that I don''t think you are making an educated purchase if you don''t even know the table and depth. Can you go back to the store, write down all the information from the GIA certs, take pictures of the stones, and come back to us?

How did you decide upon marquise shape?

Have you looked for inclusions, especially on the SI2?