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Engagement Ring or Spanish Lessons?

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sardonic

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 16, 2005
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Hello all.

i’m in the process of purchasing an engagement ring, and this process has been like learning a new language at times. i’ve done some research and have a basic understanding of what i’m looking for in a diamond, but I thought I’d go ahead and post some questions to get your thoughts.

i’m on the market for an ideal princess cut diamond around the 1.7 to 1.9 carat range (G-I, VS2-SI1). I met with my first “wholesaler” this past week; the company is local to the DFW (TX) area and specializes in custom jewelry. However, after reading some of the posts on PS about this company I’m hesitant to trust them...i truly appreciate the honestly of this forum. I too want to make sure I’m getting an excellent diamond at an excellent price (just like 100% of the other diamond shoppers). I’ve been reading the PS board for a couple of weeks now, and I trust the information you guys offer.

does anyone have anyone they’d like to reference as a reputable custom jewelry designer in the Fort Worth or Dallas area? i was quoted $8500 on a ideal princess cut (EGL Cert.), 1.79 carat, I, VS2…the stone has a ton of fire and almost no fluorescence...does that sound reasonable?

my somewhat custom idea is the following (please see the attached pic)…except i’d like to have three baguette diamonds down each side, as opposed to the round, baguette, round pattern. Any thoughts? Picture courtesy of uniondiamonds.com.

sorry for the lengthy post...thank you for the wealth of information and help in advance. you all have made this process much easier for a diamond virgin.

diamidea.jpg
 
Whenever I hear of a "wholesaler" who sells directly to the public, it rings a warning bell! There is something inconsistant there.

Be aware that the word "Ideal" is frequently grossly misused in the industry, and the term is not applied generally to fancy shapes. By American Gem Society standards, very few diamonds (currently round diamonds only) called such actually fit their description, usually due to symmetry and polish. Many major labs are also in the midst of re-defining their proportion standards.

The AGS is just getting ready to grade princess cut diamonds for proportions. My advice is to go on-line www.ags.org and select "Locate an appraiser." This person should have an idea where AGS is heading, and can help you with advice. If you have a copy of the EGL Certificate, that may help.

You may need to pay something for a consultation, but it could prevent more costly error. Whatever you do, do not go to an appraiser recommended by the seller. I recently had a seller call me to see if I would give his customer the desired appraised value if he recommended him to me! Neadless to say, we did not see eye to eye.

Best of luck! Soon you will be able to buy a diamond with an AGS Report, where the term "Ideal" will really be more relevant.
 
hey sardonic!
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welcome to ps!
i would have to agree with what rick says....there are several flags that go up with this, not the least of which being the words, ideal, princess and egl, all in the same sentence. if you want an truly ''ideal'' graded princess, have a look at paul-antwerps site, www.craftedbyinfinity.com for a list of dealers.

best of luck to you!
 
thanks for the suggestions...you know, the more i research the more i''m liking the jubilee cut and square hearts and arrows cut more than the princess cut. any of you have suggestion as to some reputable dealers for these cuts? thanks again.
 
Check out Good Old Gold. They''re in Long Island, NY, but also have a fantastic website. They deal with the Jubilee & H&A squares & a lot of PS-ers have had wonderful experiences with them. Good luck!
 
I''ll have my diamond (Square H&A) from GOG today. I have it appraised Thursday. Customer service was great and they have an excellent return policy. I''m in Texas as well and had considered the Dallas area. Too far of a drive for such a long process. Besides going over the internet saved me a bunch on Sales Tax which let me have a little more $ for the setting here locally.

Michelle
 
Congrats, burnban! Please post pics of your new diamond!
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I read your previous thread--which stone did you choose?
 
thanks again for all of the advice and assistance. i am currently speaking with the guys at good old gold and have been very pleased with their customer service...and no sales tax (i''m in texas) is definitely a plus as well.

burnban, please do post pictures of your square h & a diamonds; i''d love to see it. BTW, does it look even better in person? thanks!
 

My husband and I are very happy with it. It Rocks! We take it for an appraisal on Thursday, I''ll let you know what the results are.


I can''t get any pictures that do the diamond justice though. I plan on getting some better pictures Friday. I''ll try to post then. I also will be ordering my setting from Signed Pieces/Facets. I talked to them today. They are going to custom make a ¾ eternity e-ring and band. I was quoted almost twice as much for the same with a lower clarity/color at a B&M store.


I definitely recommend GOG. They were excellent. Christen was very patient with me. They''ll do the setting for you as well, but the setting isn''t returnable. I felt more comfortable shopping around locally until I found exactly what I wanted. From there I went back to the Internet. It helps to save the sales tax and it helped more to find a better quality ring for almost less than half of what I almost paid.


I found GOG on my own, but have turned to pricescope for additional information and referrals. Signed Pieces/Facets is mentioned here frequently.


Good Luck and I will post pics as soon as I get a decent one of the diamond.

Michelle
 
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