First time buyer question

[rossmort]

Hi, I am going to be purchasing an engagment ring soon and have a few questions. I origionally planned on buying through Blue Nile, but found a setting that I unfortunately ($$$) like better. The problem is, I don''t know if I will be able to get the jewelry store down to a reasonable price for the diamond. They say they can''t move on the setting (Hearts on fire "Jubilation" Picture here ). They are also asking quite a premium on the diamonds (Not a suprise). The last I was looking at was a .70 Princess cut, VS1, F and they are asking $4400 in addition to $1300 for the band (Platinum). I have a list of 98 D, E, and F color diamonds (all VS1 and above with very good cuts) from Blue Nile and everyone is cheaper at an average of $2723(And they are GIA certs vs. EGL on the one I was looking at).

Is there any possibility they will be able to come down that much on their price? I am in a semi-time crunch and don''t want to waste my time.

I know I will have to ask and whatnot, but I am just looking for opinions on what my expectations will be.

-Thanks

 

[codex57]

Like better, or must have at all costs? That store doesn''t sound like a place I''d like to buy, unless they know they''ve got you cuz you must have that band.

Looking at it, it''s not that unique. There are similar ones out there, possibly even identical. Maybe someone can show you some alternatives.

 

[JulieN]

They won''t be able to move on the setting.

I did not know you could get a HoF setting and not put a HoF stone in it.

The price for the diamond is...ridiculous.

 

[rossmort]

I agree on the diamond and I dropped a couple hints about that. It's hard to know how far people are willing to move They are bringing in a couple more stones to look at tomorrow and I will have to start talking price reduction at that time to see if I stay and buy from this place.

About the setting: They would have to do some custom work to change the setting.

Another question: Are feathers common on a VS1? The 2 stones that I scoped there (both VS1) had semi-visible feathers on the face at 10x and very prominent at 30x. The feather wasn't visible to the naked eye.

 

[rossmort]

Well, they wouldn''t move much on price:

.70 VS1, F, EGL w/o laser inscription (Not sure how much value that adds, but giving you everything I''ve got) the lowest they would go was ~$3900.

Am I crazy to think that I can find a 3/4 Princess cut, E/F color, VS1 or better for under $3,000?

 

[JulieN]

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD00900855&filter_id=0 Seems to have a large table

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD00400195&filter_id=0 This is probably the best choice. And EX symm is fine.

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD00488736&filter_id=0 Don't worry about the AGS1 light performance. This grading report is from last year. It seems to me that AGS has loosened up their "Ideal" light performance for princesses. An AGS1 from Oct 2005 should still be a stunner!

You're not crazy. Any of those would be great choices...(don't pay attention to the BN grading.)

 

[JulieN]

Date: 5/10/2006 8:04:43 PM
Author: JulieN
http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD00400195&filter_id=0 This is probably the best choice. And EX symm is fine.

Princess setting?

 

[rossmort]

Thanks so much for those suggestions! I knew I wasn''t crazy on the price I''m not sure if I like all parts of that setting, especially because I don''t know the price, but any ideas for a similar setting would be GREATLY appreciated!

 

[JulieN]

1935 in 18K, 2400 in Plat.

 

[JulieN]

900 in Plat