Fair price?

[CarterB]

I recently purchased a loose diamond from Blue Nile and am looking for a little advice.

Details: Round, 1.73, VS1, F, AGS Ideal cut cert. Price = $20,600

I spent a few months shopping online and also at local retail outlets. I was looking for something high quality at around 1.75 carats, which proved tough to find. I found a few similar stones at local retailers that were more expensive. Also found a few online that were a bit cheaper (give or take ~$700) but for a variety of reasons wanted Blue Nile''s 30-day return policy.

I had it appraised locally by someone who is frequently recommended on this board. He confirmed that there weren''t many stones in this category and that I paid a good price. When I took my diamond to get set, however, the jeweler told me that I overpaid by several thousand dollars.

So my question: Who''s right? It seems quite possible the jeweler was trying to discourage me from buying online rather than from him. But regardless, I welcome the honest opinoins of others. I can still return the stone if necessary. I''m also considering getting a second appraisal.

 

[BlackIce]

I work at a jewelry store, and it sounds like a bit much. I would think you could find something comparable for $1000 to $2000 less.

 

[turtledazzle]

Well, here is a comparable diamond on JA for $20,890 http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?cid=131&item=895849.
Another (but E color) is on WF for $21,100 http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-2416694.htm.

So, the price seems in-line with other online vendors.

 

[Lorelei]

Welcome

It has been brought up before that sometimes B&M stores can be a little disparaging regarding an online purchase - not in all cases but some - so it could be the case here. Also diamonds in this size and quality are at a premium right now - very desirable size and with the cert it has too. I would tend to listen more to the appraiser''s view as he is impartial rather than someone who has potentially lost a sale. You can also use the Pricescope Your Diamond tool to compare prices. I wouldn''t have thought the price was too far out if anything for what you have there.

 

[pricescope]

CarterB, welcome to the forum.

Diamonds with AGS ideal report and ID polish and symmetry could have higher price.

E.g. this diamonds with GIA report cost about $1K less although marked as ideal H&A:
1.70 F VS1 61.2% 55% GIA tn-m f no ex vg ft 7.72x7.74x4.73 $19,671

When comparing other diamonds, make sure you''re comparing all the details including the grading labs.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

That guy was jealous that you bought online! That price is right in line with prices for other similar top quality stones! I''m sure he could get you a poorly cut F VS1 for less, but it sure wouldn''t be the same as what you have!

 

[CaptAubrey]

Large, high-quality stones are in great demand right now, and are not easy to find, as you discovered.

It''s possible the jeweler was trying to "steal the sale;" it''s also possible he wasn''t really clear on what you had. Not all jewelers service that end of the market.

You might have saved some more money by scouring the ends of the earth, but "several thousand dollars" is overstating it IMO.

If you had it independently appraised, I would pay more attention to that valuation.

 

[CarterB]

Thanks for all the replies.

As was suggested, the diamond does indeed have ideal polish and symmetry.