Expert Advice wanted for buying diamond online

[kidneydoc]

Hi
I''m new-I''m confused.So here goes!
Recently the diamond from my engagement ring fell out (tragic

) Am now looking to buy a new one with setting.Never dreaming that I could buy a diamond online, I went to Tiffany to have a look .that evening found this website. Many hours of reading later, realized that thanks to Pricescope that I do have other options. So first of all, thank you to all who write here!
I am looking for a Round diamond that is not too big (does that sound strange?

) but is of excellent quality. Also need a safe setting
Here are some things I''m not clear about:
1. How much difference does the Heart&Arrow cut actually make?
2.What is the difference between a HA and A Cut Above HA from whiteflash? What does the term "Ideal " signify. In that same vein..what is a Super Ideal Cut. All the terminologies out there are a bit confusing.
3. What is everyone''s opinion about GoodOldGold Vs Whiteflash? Would you recommend I speak with someone before just buying a diamond online
4. Does one usually get the stone independantly appraised before AND after it has been set? Who pays for the shipping to & from?
5. What do you recommend is the safest setting for a round stone. Would like it to look beautiful as well !
6.How does one maintain the ring once bought?Do you send it back to the original store to be inspected OR from a local jeweller
Would be happy with any advice
Thx
Kidneydoc

 

[belle]

hey kidneydoc, welcome to ps!

sorry to hear about your diamond

that is a bummer. i'm glad you found ps though, and were able to discover your many options.

i don't know what you mean by looking for a diamond that is 'not too big'.....around here that can be 2cts!
anyway...to your questions....

1. hearts and arrows stones do not in themselves mean a great diamond. i just read this thread and it has some good points about h&a in it.
2. any diamond has the potential to exhibit h&a patterning. a cut above (aca) is a brand of true h&a diamond cut to exacting specifications. aca's are considered super-ideal. super ideal means that the diamonds are cut within a very tight set of proportions with little variance. the term 'ideal' gets thrown around a little more loosely. you would have to check with each vendor to determine what their definition of ideal is exactly.
3. i have never purchased from gog. the problem i have with them right now is their stone listings aren't live and don't seem to be updated often(though they have recently said this should be resolved soon.) if you see a stone on the wf site, you can be guaranteed that it is available for purchase. you don't neccesarily have to speak to anyone before purchase, especially if you go with a trusted vendor.
4. if you buy from a trusted vendor and obtain a respected grading report, it is my opinion that you do not have to have the stone appraised prior to having it set. if you need to have the completed ring appraised for insurance purposes, you would have to pay for shipping the stone.
5. i think depending on the size of the stone, a 4 or 6 prong setting is a solid choice.
6. it would be prudent to develope a working relationship with a local jeweler for routine maintenance.

 

[Daniela]

In response to question #3: My opinion of GOG and Whiteflash is that they are both reputable. I would see who has a stone you really like that perfectly meets your budget needs. If there are stones on both sites that you like, I would go with the vendor who has the setting that you like the best. Also, if you want anything custom made, you should definitely go with Whiteflash because this is a service they can provide and they do nice work.

 

[kidneydoc]

many thanks belle and daniela!
my idea of ''not too big'' is 0.5 - 0.80 carat..clearly differing from the average view of ''not too big'' from PS regulars

Just learned about superbcert-THe more I read on this website the more I learn. Is there a list somewhere on this forum of reputable(according to PS) online diamond stores

KD

 

[atroop711]

Hi Kidneydoc

I am also new here and have decided to purhcase online. We were torn between WF and GOG....from what I read, you can''t go wrong with either. We are in the process now of having a custom setting made. We are doing all of this (buying diamond and setting) through WF.....the only reason we picked WF over GOG is that we are from NY and would have had to pay hundreds in taxes to go through GOG.

Good luck with your search but I think that your experience with the online vendors will be worth it. I am dealing withe Denise at WF and she is amazing.

Good Luck

 

[Kaleigh]

I bought my asscher .92 E VS1 from GOG and was thrilled with them. Good luck!!!!!

 

[belle]

Date: 9/5/2005 7:31:37 PM
Author: kidneydoc
my idea of ''not too big'' is 0.5 - 0.80 carat..clearly differing from the average view of ''not too big'' from PS regulars

that is my preferred size range for an e-ring. i can appreciate the bigger sizes...they''re just not for me.

here is a list of ps ''e-friendly'' vendors

 

[kidneydoc]

Thanks Folks

will keep you posted and ask for advice on a rock (?pebble) or two when we narrow our selection. the husband so far has not been involved, but he sure is about to be!!

KD


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Love your Beans !
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[Daniela]

Date: 9/5/2005 7:31:37 PM
Author: kidneydoc
many thanks belle and daniela!

my idea of ''not too big'' is 0.5 - 0.80 carat..clearly differing from the average view of ''not too big'' from PS regulars

KD

I think that sounds like a lovely size. It''s important to know what you want.