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First time buyer looking to seriously wow his SO

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dafrey23

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jan 13, 2008
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Ok, I''ve been lurking here for a while just soaking up information. Now its time for me to finally buy an engagement ring for my girl and I''m hoping you all can help me out a little.

I''m planning to buy the diamond separate from one of the many vendors that are on this site. So far I''ve only been looking at Blue Nile, James Allen and Good Old Gold. Are there any other vendors that you all have used and can recommend?

Next, my budget is 8,000-12,000 for the stone. I''m looking for a round 1.3-1.5 carat stone, F-G color, VS1-SI1 clarity and a top notch cut. Does my budget match up with what I''m looking for? Cut is my biggest concern. Clarity is the lowest concern. As I''m looking for a round stone, I''ve been using the HCA to help me determine how good the cuts of these internet diamonds are. Is this a good way to judge the stones?

Next, after I purchase the stone I want to have it appraised before I have it set. Are there any appraisers anyone can recommend in the Chicago area or should I mail it off to one of the experts on these forums?

Next, I need a great jeweler in Chicago that will set my stone in white gold for me temporarily. I then plan on taking my girl and the ring back to the jeweler to get a final setting in platinum. Does anyone have any recommendations for jewelers in Chicago that will do this work?

Thanks for all your help.
 
Hi Dafrey! Welcome!
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Congratulations on taking the leap!

Are there any other vendors that you all have used and can recommend?
I absolutely recommend Whiteflash. Phenomenal service and diamonds!

Next, my budget is 8,000-12,000 for the stone. I'm looking for a round 1.3-1.5 carat stone, F-G color, VS1-SI1 clarity and a top notch cut.

I found the following 2 'A Cut Above' diamonds on Whiteflash.com for you ... See the links below...
1.565 G SI1
1.586 G SI1

You would have to call them and ask whether or not they are eyeclean. They don't have the 40x mag pics up yet probably b/c this is new inventory, however, the AGS report/plot & idealscope image etc is available for you to see.


Does my budget match up with what I'm looking for?
It seems to ... Taking into account a Pricescope Discount, both of the diamonds I provided as an example above are right around the high end - $12K of your budget.

Cut is my biggest concern. Clarity is the lowest concern.
In my estimation, this is a smart strategy.
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Cut will influence how all the other "C's" manifest themselves.

As I'm looking for a round stone, I've been using the HCA to help me determine how good the cuts of these internet diamonds are. Is this a good way to judge the stones?
The HCA is a great tool. When used in conjunction with other tools, e.g., idealscope image and ASET image, etc, it should be a really good indicator as to how a diamond will perform in real life.

Next, after I purchase the stone I want to have it appraised before I have it set. Are there any appraisers anyone can recommend in the Chicago area or should I mail it off to one of the experts on these forums?
Unfortunately, I am not able to advise, however, you should be able to find that info in one of the resources here on PS.

Next, I need a great jeweler in Chicago that will set my stone in white gold for me temporarily.
I know that, if you are interested, Whiteflash, for example, will be able to set your stone in a white gold temp setting. I just got one for my mom over Christmas for around $195.

I then plan on taking my girl and the ring back to the jeweler to get a final setting in platinum. Does anyone have any recommendations for jewelers in Chicago that will do this work?
Not sure about Chicago area, however, I would suggest looking into it with whatever online diamond vendor you choose as they may be more than willing & able to assist you. Also, you may consider Pearlman's Jewelers as they also have a great reputation here in PS and have a large selection of designer settings from which to choose.

Good luck with your search. I hope I was able to help.
 
spark found you some nice ones. I'll throw one more in, lovely size btw.
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http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/3962/

And honestly, if you really want it appraised (I personally wouldn't, and didn't need it) from either of these vendors, I'd have it sent off, then returned to the same vendor and have them put it in a simple setting. They will take responsiblity for the stone while setting it (which other jewelers may not), and you won't be charged a setting fee, which other jewlers would.

Just a thought!


ETA Where to find appraisers.
 
You''ve a;ready had three fabulous stones posted, so I won''t add anymore. Having bought from GOG and WF, I think you''d be extremely pleased with any of these choices. I will say that if you want to stay under $12,000, the one at GOG is a terrific size just under 1.5 carats!

I totally agree that you should have the diamond vendor set the stone in an inexpensive wg setting, and I very much agree with Ellen that AGS and GIA certified stones have already been evaluated by a neutral party, so there is no reason, IMO,
to get another appraisal. I have full confidence in those lab reports and the vendors reputations. I''d recommend getting insurance based on the purchase price. Then, once you reset the ring, the jeweler who sets it can give you an updated insurance valuation.
 
Date: 1/13/2008 10:37:52 PM
Author: Ellen
spark found you some nice ones. I''ll throw one more in, lovely size btw.
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http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/3962/

And honestly, if you really want it appraised (I personally wouldn''t, and didn''t need it) from either of these vendors, I''d have it sent off, then returned to the same vendor and have them put it in a simple setting. They will take responsiblity for the stone while setting it (which other jewelers may not), and you won''t be charged a setting fee, which other jewlers would.

Just a thought!


ETA Where to find appraisers.
Click to expand...
Thritto that.
 
You''ve received great advice already! To stay within your guidelines, the 3 stones already mentioned in this thread are great choices. As pointed out the WF stones are slightly over your budget but if you decide not to get an appraisal, then you could increase your budget and purchase one of the larger stones at WF. I''m not sure what the cost is for an appraisal since I have never felt the need to obtain one. Maybe someone else could provide that information.
You will receive a letter of verfication with your diamond that can be used for insurance purposes. I think the savings of an appraisal would come close to covering the amount that the WF stones go over your budget - once you take the PS discount into consideration. It just depends on how committed you are to staying within your budget and how strongly you feel about an appraisal. If you really want to stay within the budget and get an appraisal, the 1.42 at GOG is an excellent choice. If you decide to forego the appraisal and up your budget, then you could get one of the larger stones from WF. Either way, I''m sure your GF will be thrilled with your decision.
 
I haven''t yet pulled the trigger on anything but I''m getting close. In the mean time, what do we think about this one...

James Allen

It has a fantastic cut and good all-around stats. If it had an ASET image I might jump right now.
 
Date: 1/21/2008 10:14:57 AM
Author: dafrey23
I haven''t yet pulled the trigger on anything but I''m getting close. In the mean time, what do we think about this one...

James Allen

It has a fantastic cut and good all-around stats. If it had an ASET image I might jump right now.
Click to expand...
Not really. That CA/PA is not the most desirable. I wouldn''t go for it personally. It''s also facing up a bit smaller than it could, likely to depth. Not horrible though.

Too bad you didn''t jump on that GOG stone I posted, it was cut way better. But, it''s gone now.
 
I think that you should heed Ellen''s advice - I believe that you could do much better than that stone.
 
Date: 1/21/2008 11:20:12 AM
Author: Lorelei

Nice pick
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Click to expand...
Why thank you.
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And dafrey, if you''re interested in that stone, PLEASE reserve it while you think on it!
 
yeah, I know I messed up with that GOG stone. It was perfect. I was making sure I had the cash on hand to buy it and the day I went to reserve it someone had got to it before me.

I''m going to think about this stone, but I''m still holding out hope of finding something closer to 1.5 carats. Should''ve jumped on that GOG stone. damn.
 
dafrey -- you didn''t like the Whiteflash one''s I posted for you?
Are they not what you are looking for ... if so, I can try to find something else?
 
Spark-

Wow, I''m a little out of sorts I guess. Forgot about those. To be honest, my original budget really wouldn''t have allowed me to get up to $13k, but I''ve since revised that budget and one of those should work. I''ll have to get ahold of whiteflash and start the process. Thanks.
 
Keep in mind that you may be eligible for a PS discount or some other form of negotiation, thus the price provided may not be the price that you actually have to pay.
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Good luck! I hope you find something you love.
 
Yes, I was trying to keep cost down. If you're willing to go up, sparks picked a couple great ones.


And again, reserve the diamond(s) in question until you truly decide.
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After some deliberation, I''ve chosen to get the stone that Ellen recommended.

James Allen 1.32 F VS2

It just seemed like a great combination of all factors. And, when I really thought about it I realized going bigger than that wouldn''t be something my GF would want. She''s a very active girl and doesn''t wear much jewelry so I don''t want to go too big (I know for some that''s not possible). This is a great stone and will hopefully work out well.

Thank you all for all the time you''ve spent to help me find a great stone. I couldn''t have made such an educated purchase without your help.
 
dafrey, that''s a really nice size stone, I think it will be perfect.
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I''m glad we could be of help, and we''d love to see the fiished product if you get the chance!
 
Fantastic Dafrey! That stone looks terrific!!
Great job! I hope we get to see it when the ring is finished!
 
I''ll make sure to post some pics. Probably some of the temporary ring and then the final when we get it made. I''m going to push her towards a Mark Morrell cause I love his style. Of course in the end its her choice, but knowing her she''ll love his work as well.

Thanks again for all your help.
 
Oh my gosh, this stone, in a MM?! Stunning. I can't wait to see what she picks!

And you're very welcome dafrey.
 
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