Hi All,
First I'd like to thank everyone for contributing to this site. Just from lurking I've been able to narrow down the specs of the diamond I'm looking to purchase.
I currently live in Grand Cayman/Cayman Islands but will be heading to NY next month. From what I've gathered, it seems unless you know your diamonds your best bet is to NOT purchase a diamond on the Caribbean Islands. However, I'm only going to be back to NY for a few days (pretty much only have Saturday and Sunday to shop) so I'm not sure if it's feasible to purchase an engagement ring within that time.
1.) Is that time frame too short? I think that I could probably purchase a loose diamond and have it appraised in NY, but then I'd like to have it set at the same time. Being a New Yorker, I'd be a bit wary of having the diamond set on island. They could swap the diamond and I'd be none the wiser. Plus I hear the craftsmanship is hit or miss. Definitely wouldn't want the diamond to fall off the setting either. Then there's also the issue of getting the ring resized.
2.) Any recommendations or things to look for when getting the diamond insured? Google tells me that I'd just need to have it appraised and provide a receipt. As I'd like to have the diamond insured ASAP could anyone provide some insight to how long the process takes and if they tend to cover if I live overseas? It'd suck if I lost it on the plane ride.
3.) Can anyone recommend any B&M stores in NYC to go to and to avoid for the sake of time? If anyone has had any great experiences with purchasing from a dealer in Grand Cayman I'd be happy to hear that too. That would actually take a lot of pressure off caused from the time constraint.
Summary in case above is too long
Looking to purchase an engagement ring in NYC within a two day time span (unless convinced otherwise).
Would like to have the diamond purchased and set (if purchased separately), appraised, sized, and insured.
I'm open to all options at the moment so any recommendations and advice would greatly appreciated!
Side note: I did consider online retailers but shipping is spotty here so that wouldn't work. I could possibly have it shipped to a friend but then that would require me to carry around a very expensive tiny piece of diamond in my pocket while looking for a setting (I don't trust myself around expensive things). I'm also a very visual person. I feel like I'd be disappointed if I had the ring made online and it didn't come out the way I envisioned. Then I'd also have to deal with the return. Although, I am open to the suggestion if the argument is compelling enough. Example, savings. If I can the best bang for my buck through blue nile than through a B&M it might be worth taking the risk. If you do recommend going through an online retailer, a source would be appreciated (Blue Nile, James Allen, etc...)
First I'd like to thank everyone for contributing to this site. Just from lurking I've been able to narrow down the specs of the diamond I'm looking to purchase.
I currently live in Grand Cayman/Cayman Islands but will be heading to NY next month. From what I've gathered, it seems unless you know your diamonds your best bet is to NOT purchase a diamond on the Caribbean Islands. However, I'm only going to be back to NY for a few days (pretty much only have Saturday and Sunday to shop) so I'm not sure if it's feasible to purchase an engagement ring within that time.
1.) Is that time frame too short? I think that I could probably purchase a loose diamond and have it appraised in NY, but then I'd like to have it set at the same time. Being a New Yorker, I'd be a bit wary of having the diamond set on island. They could swap the diamond and I'd be none the wiser. Plus I hear the craftsmanship is hit or miss. Definitely wouldn't want the diamond to fall off the setting either. Then there's also the issue of getting the ring resized.
2.) Any recommendations or things to look for when getting the diamond insured? Google tells me that I'd just need to have it appraised and provide a receipt. As I'd like to have the diamond insured ASAP could anyone provide some insight to how long the process takes and if they tend to cover if I live overseas? It'd suck if I lost it on the plane ride.
3.) Can anyone recommend any B&M stores in NYC to go to and to avoid for the sake of time? If anyone has had any great experiences with purchasing from a dealer in Grand Cayman I'd be happy to hear that too. That would actually take a lot of pressure off caused from the time constraint.
Summary in case above is too long
Looking to purchase an engagement ring in NYC within a two day time span (unless convinced otherwise).
Would like to have the diamond purchased and set (if purchased separately), appraised, sized, and insured.
I'm open to all options at the moment so any recommendations and advice would greatly appreciated!
Side note: I did consider online retailers but shipping is spotty here so that wouldn't work. I could possibly have it shipped to a friend but then that would require me to carry around a very expensive tiny piece of diamond in my pocket while looking for a setting (I don't trust myself around expensive things). I'm also a very visual person. I feel like I'd be disappointed if I had the ring made online and it didn't come out the way I envisioned. Then I'd also have to deal with the return. Although, I am open to the suggestion if the argument is compelling enough. Example, savings. If I can the best bang for my buck through blue nile than through a B&M it might be worth taking the risk. If you do recommend going through an online retailer, a source would be appreciated (Blue Nile, James Allen, etc...)
. The pictures provided on the James Allen website is a gift and a curse. It's most likely because the pictures are blown out of proportion, (not even going into the 40x magnification) but it makes the inclusions on a VS1 look as clear as day. She has a better eye than me too so if I can see it, she will definitely be able to see it.
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