Follow-up and Advice needed on 2ct round

[about2begin]

Hello again. A friend and I went to look at the 2 ct I posted about a few days ago. The stone looked great in person (under many different light environments) and the vendor spent about 30-40 minutes with us going through some information about how he makes settings, how he'll work with me to create mine, demo'd the CAD program he has, and he showed us some past work.

All told, I had a great experience and we left feeling like the guy was honest and very legit. He had come recommended by several people but I just needed to see for myself.

The details:

Price: $19,035 (edit)
Stone: 2.05ct, H, SI1 (100% eye clean from any distance), HCA 1.0 (edit), GIA ex cut

Setting: Said he would do a Novo replica for roughly $550 -- he said the mellee (spelling?) that does into the setting costs around $16 a stone so that's all he would charge. He basically suggested that the $2500 price tag on settings is a real rip


In a nutshell, this guy makes jewelery for several high end (and very well known) B&M stores but he sells stones at Rapp (edit) which nets him an 8% profit based on his aquisition cost (I assume he buys below Rapp...duh)and charges around 10-15% over his cost for the setting. I'll likely be getting something close to a Novo (i'll work with him to alter a few things I don't like) with a 2ct center stone for $19,600 (shipped out-of-state so no tax). Also, he has a lifetime buy-back for 100% of what I paid. Not trade-up; buy back.


How does all that sound? Fair? Is there something I'm missing or is this deal better than what you can find at online dealers?


Thanks again to everyone!

 

[about2begin]

anyone?

I posted b/c I haven't paid for the stone yet and want to make sure that I'm good-to-go b/f I drop $19k.

 

[Allison D.]

A2B, I don't think it's that people don't have interest in helping you.

I think it's more that you've been pretty set on your course of action since you first posted, and as long as you yourself are comfortable with the information you've been provided and you feel confident in your choice, that's really all that matters.

I think you're more qualified at this point to determine if you're good to go than we could; you've done the homework and the diligence, and you're comfortable with what you've learned. There's probably not a lot more we could add.

Good luck in your purchase.

Hope she enjoys the ring.

 

[about2begin]

OK - thanks again!

I''m just hoping that there isn''t something that I may be missing. I thought online vendors offered the lowest prices but this seems to top those. Any reason for concern?

 

[Allison D.]

A2B, I think several posters have already identified possible reasons for concern in your other threads.

If you''ve considered those concerns and have determined you still feel comfortable, then I don''t know what else we can offer except our good wishes.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 10/24/2008 4:26:22 PM
Author: Allison D.
A2B, I think several posters have already identified possible reasons for concern in your other threads.


If you''ve considered those concerns and have determined you still feel comfortable, then I don''t know what else we can offer except our good wishes.

Agreed...I would go back and read your past threads. I think all the concerns are listed out there quite well.

 

[about2begin]

I guess the "risk" of buying a GIA ex with an HCA score of 1 doesn''t bother me so much. I''ve seen the stone in several settings and it looked great in each. I know GIA stones vary widely within the ex range (thanks to people on here, of course) but this one seems to be on the non-steep/deep side.

I guess people on here rave about their positive experiences with online vendors so I''m trying to figure out if people would pay $2-3k more to use a vendor as opposed to shopping in a local store. For me, the web would have the advantage of cost savings with the obvious pitfall of not being able to actually see what you''re about to purchase and the increased difficulty in getting service/cleanings/fittings after the sale.

Just trying to cover all of my bases before I drop a decent (cough...large) amount of money.

PS - this isn''t a "family friend" type situation. It''s just someone several of my coworkers have gone to for larger purchases than mine. Basically, it''s a referral much like you see on this forum.

 

[mrssalvo]

I'm wondering how your vendor is making any money or where he's making his money. last I checked vendors were all in business to make a profit. Somethings gotta give somewhere. The stone price seems low enough maybe a good deal and he's not taking a profit in the setting offering it to you at the cost of the stones and taking a hit on the labor? things just don't add up to me which I guess would make me a little leary. But, you've met the guy and if you feel like all is on the up and up then that's what you have to go with I guess. I don't think there is anything wrong with shopping at a local store at all. Just make sure you are comparing apples to apples

 

[about2begin]

Date: 10/24/2008 5:08:26 PM
Author: mrssalvo
I''m wondering how your vendor is making any money or where he''s making his money. last I checked vendors were all in business to make a profit. Somethings gotta give somewhere. The stone price seems low enough maybe a good deal and he''s not taking a profit in the setting offering it to you at the cost of the stones and taking a hit on the labor? things just don''t add up to me which I guess would make me a little leary. But, you''ve met the guy and if you feel like all is on the up and up then that''s what you have to go with I guess. I don''t think there is anything wrong with shopping at a local store at all. Just make sure you are comparing apples to apples

Yeah I thought about that but at $550 or so he still makes something on the setting and additionally don''t machines do most of the labor outside of setting the actual stone? If he can buy below RAP (which I assume most vendors can) and sell at RAP he can still make a decent amount off this. His main business comes from his settings design/supply for higher end places (at least that''s what he mentioned).

The way I see it, I can just return it if the appraisal is off. Thanks for the thoughts!

 

[mrssalvo]

re: the setting...even if a machine makes it and it''s cast someone has to hand set all the tiny stones if you are talking about novo replica/pave ring. that''s where the labor cost would come it.

If the guys main business comes from work he does for big retailers I just don''t get why he bothers with the behind the scene traffic if he''s not really making his big money from them

 

[Allison D.]

Date: 10/24/2008 5:01:49 PM
Author: about2begin

PS - this isn't a 'family friend' type situation. It's just someone several of my coworkers have gone to for larger purchases than mine. Basically, it's a referral much like you see on this forum.

A2B, you've brought this up several times, so I feel compelled to ask: How much do you know about what your coworkers' criteria was in buying their stones?

If all they cared about was getting a 2 ct. rock and didn't care about the quality of the make, do you think their buying criteria were the same as yours? Did you ask these folks what their buying criteria were, or only how much they spent?

If 6 of my coworkers bought a car from a given dealer and they were all happy, does that mean I'll be happy? Not if what they wanted in a car was different than what I wanted. If I cared about reliability and service after the sale and THEY cared about 'best price for a Hyundai", then what's best for them might not be what's best for me.

Several people have asked you to consider WHY someone would be selling so cheaply if he could get the market rate or slightly below. Several people have told you that this scenario sounds a bit leery to them. We're all trying to tell you "something doesn't sound right". We've already told you that something is off because 'wholesalers' don't sell to the public at all.

Candidly, people have already told you they have concerns and that something sounds amiss. They've done their part. It's up to you to determine if that alarm has merit to you and your individual circumstances. If you are comfortable with your choice, then go forward with it.

It just seems like you are looking for affirmation from the forum that this is a smart purchase plan, and I don't think you'll get that here. That's not to say things won't work out splendidly for you, but I think most Pricescopers have been here long enough to hear of too many instances where the 'warning signs' were warranted (and ignored).

I really hope that your purchase is all you hope for it to be, and I hope you come back as a satisfied buyer.

 

[about2begin]

Thanks - they were pretty well educated as well (in terms of cut/labs/PS info generally). I''ll follow-up later but if this works out a lot of people could benefit from this (I say a lot b/c I''m in a large metro area)

I appreciate everyone''s help.

 

[ringhunter]

Date: 10/24/2008 5:29:49 PM
Author: Allison D.

Date: 10/24/2008 5:01:49 PM

Author: about2begin


PS - this isn''t a ''family friend'' type situation. It''s just someone several of my coworkers have gone to for larger purchases than mine. Basically, it''s a referral much like you see on this forum.

A2B, you''ve brought this up several times, so I feel compelled to ask: How much do you know about what your coworkers'' criteria was in buying their stones?


If all they cared about was getting a 2 ct. rock and didn''t care about the quality of the make, do you think their buying criteria were the same as yours? Did you ask these folks what their buying criteria were, or only how much they spent?


If 6 of my coworkers bought a car from a given dealer and they were all happy, does that mean I''ll be happy? Not if what they wanted in a car was different than what I wanted. If I cared about reliability and service after the sale and THEY cared about ''best price for a Hyundai'', then what''s best for them might not be what''s best for me.


Several people have asked you to consider WHY someone would be selling so cheaply if he could get the market rate or slightly below. Several people have told you that this scenario sounds a bit leery to them. We''re all trying to tell you ''something doesn''t sound right''. We''ve already told you that something is off because ''wholesalers'' don''t sell to the public at all.


Candidly, people have already told you they have concerns and that something sounds amiss. They''ve done their part. It''s up to you to determine if that alarm has merit to you and your individual circumstances. If you are comfortable with your choice, then go forward with it.


It just seems like you are looking for affirmation from the forum that this is a smart purchase plan, and I don''t think you''ll get that here. That''s not to say things won''t work out splendidly for you, but I think most Pricescopers have been here long enough to hear of too many instances where the ''warning signs'' were warranted (and ignored).


I really hope that your purchase is all you hope for it to be, and I hope you come back as a satisfied buyer.

I have a question on the part I underlined:

I''m working with an individual in Charlotte that owns a diamond wholesale business and also is a private jeweler. Is what you stated a universal rule, or are there exceptions? I don''t know a ton about the diamond business, but nothing seems fishy about his situation at all.

Thanks in advance.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 10/24/2008 8:26:45 PM
Author: ringhunter

Date: 10/24/2008 5:29:49 PM

Author: Allison D.

Date: 10/24/2008 5:01:49 PM


Author: about2begin



PS - this isn''t a ''family friend'' type situation. It''s just someone several of my coworkers have gone to for larger purchases than mine. Basically, it''s a referral much like you see on this forum.

A2B, you''ve brought this up several times, so I feel compelled to ask: How much do you know about what your coworkers'' criteria was in buying their stones?



If all they cared about was getting a 2 ct. rock and didn''t care about the quality of the make, do you think their buying criteria were the same as yours? Did you ask these folks what their buying criteria were, or only how much they spent?



If 6 of my coworkers bought a car from a given dealer and they were all happy, does that mean I''ll be happy? Not if what they wanted in a car was different than what I wanted. If I cared about reliability and service after the sale and THEY cared about ''best price for a Hyundai'', then what''s best for them might not be what''s best for me.



Several people have asked you to consider WHY someone would be selling so cheaply if he could get the market rate or slightly below. Several people have told you that this scenario sounds a bit leery to them. We''re all trying to tell you ''something doesn''t sound right''. We''ve already told you that something is off because ''wholesalers'' don''t sell to the public at all.



Candidly, people have already told you they have concerns and that something sounds amiss. They''ve done their part. It''s up to you to determine if that alarm has merit to you and your individual circumstances. If you are comfortable with your choice, then go forward with it.



It just seems like you are looking for affirmation from the forum that this is a smart purchase plan, and I don''t think you''ll get that here. That''s not to say things won''t work out splendidly for you, but I think most Pricescopers have been here long enough to hear of too many instances where the ''warning signs'' were warranted (and ignored).



I really hope that your purchase is all you hope for it to be, and I hope you come back as a satisfied buyer.

I have a question on the part I underlined:


I''m working with an individual in Charlotte that owns a diamond wholesale business and also is a private jeweler. Is what you stated a universal rule, or are there exceptions? I don''t know a ton about the diamond business, but nothing seems fishy about his situation at all.


Thanks in advance.

A wholesaler by definition doesn''t sell retail. It''s a tax thing. We have heard of MANY MANY situations where people have gotten screwed by "friends of friends", "private jewelers", etc. Now does that mean that all of them are going to screw you? No. But it DOES mean that you need to take a few more precautions if you want to make sure you aren''t getting ripped off.

What raises major red flags with this one is that he is selling things considerably lower than their lowest retail value. Diamonds already have relatively low markup when sold at internet prices, so it makes you wonder how he can beat even those prices considerably and still make $. Answer is that he can''t (based on wholesale diamond prices), so something is going on. Could be just that he needs to make rent and thus is selling at a loss to bring any kind of cash in. But could also be shady.

The answer is that you need to protect yourself by making these sales contingent on an INDEPENDENT appraisal by an appraiser of your choosing.

 

[ringhunter]

Thanks for the response. Would these prices be considered red flags?

2C RB I SI1 GIA - 14,500
2C RB H SI1 GIA - 18,000

Those were the figures he gave me when discussing my latest switch from Radiants to RB''s (all my research on radiants out the window and now I have to learn about RBs

. He said they would be very well cut as well.

Also, a friend (red flag haha) recommended him and I know their ring appraised for much more than they paid.

As for the tax thing, he has two businesses. I imagine that''s why he can do both. He owns AA Diamonds (I think that''s right) as his wholesale company and then he has "Benjamin Private Jeweler" as his private jeweler side.

Does this sound on the up and up, or fishy to you?

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 10/24/2008 9:52:40 PM
Author: ringhunter
Thanks for the response. Would these prices be considered red flags?


2C RB I SI1 GIA - 14,500

2C RB H SI1 GIA - 18,000


Those were the figures he gave me when discussing my latest switch from Radiants to RB''s (all my research on radiants out the window and now I have to learn about RBs

. He said they would be very well cut as well.


Also, a friend (red flag haha) recommended him and I know their ring appraised for much more than they paid.


As for the tax thing, he has two businesses. I imagine that''s why he can do both. He owns AA Diamonds (I think that''s right) as his wholesale company and then he has ''Benjamin Private Jeweler'' as his private jeweler side.


Does this sound on the up and up, or fishy to you?

We need much more information about those stones to know if they are well cut. And FYI, appraisals are almost always very inflated...doesn''t mean the stone is actually WORTH a lot more than your friend paid...

 

[ringhunter]

Date: 10/24/2008 10:03:06 PM
Author: neatfreak

Date: 10/24/2008 9:52:40 PM

Author: ringhunter

Thanks for the response. Would these prices be considered red flags?



2C RB I SI1 GIA - 14,500


2C RB H SI1 GIA - 18,000



Those were the figures he gave me when discussing my latest switch from Radiants to RB''s (all my research on radiants out the window and now I have to learn about RBs

. He said they would be very well cut as well.



Also, a friend (red flag haha) recommended him and I know their ring appraised for much more than they paid.



As for the tax thing, he has two businesses. I imagine that''s why he can do both. He owns AA Diamonds (I think that''s right) as his wholesale company and then he has ''Benjamin Private Jeweler'' as his private jeweler side.



Does this sound on the up and up, or fishy to you?

We need much more information about those stones to know if they are well cut. And FYI, appraisals are almost always very inflated...doesn''t mean the stone is actually WORTH a lot more than your friend paid...

Gotcha. I kinda figured that about appraisals, but I''m glad to hear it from someone. I had a buddy that bought a ring that was appraised for 2X what he paid (12+ to 24+). That seemed pretty ridiculous.

We haven''t delved into the details of the stone b/c I''m not buying until Dec/Jan, but he "assured" me they would be well cut. I will of course do my due diligence before hand and most likely run it through the pricescope forum test . He''s a high end jeweler and I imagine he only works with pretty good stones.

Since appraisals are mostly inflated, how will I know if I''m getting a good value if I follow your advice above and get an independent appraisal before purchase? What''s a good margin of inflation? As in, how much more "should" the diamond appraise for than what I pay for it.

Finally, do those prices I mentioned seem to be in the right ball park?

Thanks for your help!

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 10/24/2008 10:14:20 PM
Author: ringhunter

Date: 10/24/2008 10:03:06 PM

Author: neatfreak

Date: 10/24/2008 9:52:40 PM


Author: ringhunter


Thanks for the response. Would these prices be considered red flags?




2C RB I SI1 GIA - 14,500



2C RB H SI1 GIA - 18,000




Those were the figures he gave me when discussing my latest switch from Radiants to RB''s (all my research on radiants out the window and now I have to learn about RBs

. He said they would be very well cut as well.




Also, a friend (red flag haha) recommended him and I know their ring appraised for much more than they paid.




As for the tax thing, he has two businesses. I imagine that''s why he can do both. He owns AA Diamonds (I think that''s right) as his wholesale company and then he has ''Benjamin Private Jeweler'' as his private jeweler side.




Does this sound on the up and up, or fishy to you?

We need much more information about those stones to know if they are well cut. And FYI, appraisals are almost always very inflated...doesn''t mean the stone is actually WORTH a lot more than your friend paid...

Gotcha. I kinda figured that about appraisals, but I''m glad to hear it from someone. I had a buddy that bought a ring that was appraised for 2X what he paid (12+ to 24+). That seemed pretty ridiculous.


We haven''t delved into the details of the stone b/c I''m not buying until Dec/Jan, but he ''assured'' me they would be well cut. I will of course do my due diligence before hand and most likely run it through the pricescope forum test . He''s a high end jeweler and I imagine he only works with pretty good stones.


Since appraisals are mostly inflated, how will I know if I''m getting a good value if I follow your advice above and get an independent appraisal before purchase? What''s a good margin of inflation? As in, how much more ''should'' the diamond appraise for than what I pay for it.


Finally, do those prices I mentioned seem to be in the right ball park?


Thanks for your help!

There''s a difference between "getting an appraisal" (which often comes with the ring for free!) and getting it appraised by an independent appraiser. If you go to a good appraiser and tell them your purchase is contingent upon it, they will use a different pricing structure than if you want an inflated insurance/feel good appraisal.

And don''t assume high end jewelers only work with nice stones...please do make sure to come back with the specs and we would be happy to check them out for you!

Honestly, those prices sound like they may not be true ideal cut stones (for comparison see this which is the best cut you can get and whiteflash has very competitive pricing usually: http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-1466927.htm). But you never know.

 

[ringhunter]

Good stuff neatfreak! Very helpful. There''s a lot about diamond buying I clearly do not know and why this forum is so great.

I''m not necessarily looking for the super ideal cut. I do recognize the importance of the cut though and want the best I can afford. To me, I think the best value may be closer to this expert selection RB from whiteflash, I hadn''t compared their price yet, but it''s about $1600 higher than what my guy told me. Though, he may have said 18,500, so it could be closer to 1000 off. Is that difference significant enough to raise a red flag?

http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-1231768.htm

 

[Kaleigh]

I'd rather you deal with WF than "your Guy" You'll be better off in the long run.

I have to add, those instances where my buddy bought from so and so, well his stone was appraised at 3X's the price. Ya know what that is?? Bull crap. You want your stone appraised by an independent appraiser, one that is not affiliated with said daimond dealer. You want to insure it for the cost of replacement. Otherwise you are paying too much.

Over inflated appraisals seem like an ego booster for the guys buying diamonds... Not smart....

Try selling the diamond, it's like a car, once off the lot, it loses it's value. So thinking that it's appraised at a higher value, is very misleading. It's worth what someone is willing to pay.. And diamonds are not a good investment.

Now that I have been a Debbie Downer, I wish you best of luck. Just wanted you to be fully informed.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 10/24/2008 5:29:49 PM
Author: Allison D.

Date: 10/24/2008 5:01:49 PM
Author: about2begin

PS - this isn''t a ''family friend'' type situation. It''s just someone several of my coworkers have gone to for larger purchases than mine. Basically, it''s a referral much like you see on this forum.

A2B, you''ve brought this up several times, so I feel compelled to ask: How much do you know about what your coworkers'' criteria was in buying their stones?


Candidly, people have already told you they have concerns and that something sounds amiss. They''ve done their part. It''s up to you to determine if that alarm has merit to you and your individual circumstances. If you are comfortable with your choice, then go forward with it.

It just seems like you are looking for affirmation from the forum that this is a smart purchase plan, and I don''t think you''ll get that here. That''s not to say things won''t work out splendidly for you, but I think most Pricescopers have been here long enough to hear of too many instances where the ''warning signs'' were warranted (and ignored).

I really hope that your purchase is all you hope for it to be, and I hope you come back as a satisfied buyer.

agreed 100%, I really don''t know why you keep asking for advice you are not willing to listen to?
It seems like from the start you thought this was a great deal, and you''ve spent the rest of the threads defending your vendor..

Good luck, please do come back and let us know how it all goes!

 

[about2begin]

Well thanks again to everyone. Just to address a few comments made thus far:

1- it is not like this ring is coming at a massively cut rate. Its 20k for something that sells online for around 22ish. Also this isn''t this guys main source of income but he mentioned that he pulls 8 percent on these transactions. He typically only deals with large stone (he showed us a 4ct ags-0 when we were there) so 8 percent of a large number is still a nice pull for a side job (so to speak)

2- other than the price being "too good" I haven''t really heard anything bad about the stone itself. Did all that sound ok? Let''s put it this way, if whiteflash listed this in their expert selection would this sound good? To me, I trust this more than ab internet vendor who I haven''t (and wouldn''t meet) and who only comes recommended by anonymous avitars and screennames. No offense but I''m a bit sceptical of a forum that is sponsored by everyone''s favorite vendors.


I want to thank everyone a lot for all the nuts and bolts info that goes into this site. Also thanks for your time here. I will post after the appraisal (I plan on hitting dave atlas who is pretty close to me and seems to be highly regarded on here). Also, if I snap some pics I will post those as well.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 10/25/2008 12:06:58 AM
Author: about2begin
Well thanks again to everyone. Just to address a few comments made thus far:


1- it is not like this ring is coming at a massively cut rate. Its 20k for something that sells online for around 22ish. Also this isn't this guys main source of income but he mentioned that he pulls 8 percent on these transactions. He typically only deals with large stone (he showed us a 4ct ags-0 when we were there) so 8 percent of a large number is still a nice pull for a side job (so to speak)


2- other than the price being 'too good' I haven't really heard anything bad about the stone itself. Did all that sound ok? Let's put it this way, if whiteflash listed this in their expert selection would this sound good? To me, I trust this more than ab internet vendor who I haven't (and wouldn't meet) and who only comes recommended by anonymous avitars and screennames. No offense but I'm a bit sceptical of a forum that is sponsored by everyone's favorite vendors.



I want to thank everyone a lot for all the nuts and bolts info that goes into this site. Also thanks for your time here. I will post after the appraisal (I plan on hitting dave atlas who is pretty close to me and seems to be highly regarded on here). Also, if I snap some pics I will post those as well.

If you don't trust us then why are you on here asking us questions? There is a reason these vendors have become favorites over the years. Because thousands of people have purchased from them and not gotten screwed, not because they are advertisers. There are numerous advertisers here which we aren't recommending...

All we are saying is be careful because we see some red flags. I hope that we are wrong, but they are there, and that's why we keep mentioning them.

Please make sure that you can get it appraised by Dave and RETURN IT if it isn't what it is represented to be. That will protect you.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 10/25/2008 12:06:58 AM
Author: about2begin
Well thanks again to everyone. Just to address a few comments made thus far:

1- it is not like this ring is coming at a massively cut rate. Its 20k for something that sells online for around 22ish. Also this isn't this guys main source of income but he mentioned that he pulls 8 percent on these transactions. He typically only deals with large stone (he showed us a 4ct ags-0 when we were there) so 8 percent of a large number is still a nice pull for a side job (so to speak)

2- other than the price being 'too good' I haven't really heard anything bad about the stone itself. Did all that sound ok? Let's put it this way, if whiteflash listed this in their expert selection would this sound good? To me, I trust this more than ab internet vendor who I haven't (and wouldn't meet) and who only comes recommended by anonymous avitars and screennames. No offense but I'm a bit sceptical of a forum that is sponsored by everyone's favorite vendors.


I want to thank everyone a lot for all the nuts and bolts info that goes into this site. Also thanks for your time here. I will post after the appraisal (I plan on hitting dave atlas who is pretty close to me and seems to be highly regarded on here). Also, if I snap some pics I will post those as well.

So you're skeptical of our motivations, but here you are still asking for our seal of approval??

watevs, mate..

personally, you didn't post enough on the stone for me to be able to comment specifically.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/25/2008 12:19:30 AM
Author: neatfreak

Date: 10/25/2008 12:06:58 AM
Author: about2begin
Well thanks again to everyone. Just to address a few comments made thus far:


1- it is not like this ring is coming at a massively cut rate. Its 20k for something that sells online for around 22ish. Also this isn't this guys main source of income but he mentioned that he pulls 8 percent on these transactions. He typically only deals with large stone (he showed us a 4ct ags-0 when we were there) so 8 percent of a large number is still a nice pull for a side job (so to speak)


2- other than the price being 'too good' I haven't really heard anything bad about the stone itself. Did all that sound ok? Let's put it this way, if whiteflash listed this in their expert selection would this sound good? To me, I trust this more than ab internet vendor who I haven't (and wouldn't meet) and who only comes recommended by anonymous avitars and screennames. No offense but I'm a bit sceptical of a forum that is sponsored by everyone's favorite vendors.



I want to thank everyone a lot for all the nuts and bolts info that goes into this site. Also thanks for your time here. I will post after the appraisal (I plan on hitting dave atlas who is pretty close to me and seems to be highly regarded on here). Also, if I snap some pics I will post those as well.

If you don't trust us then why are you on here asking us questions? There is a reason these vendors have become favorites over the years. Because thousands of people have purchased from them and not gotten screwed, not because they are advertisers. There are numerous advertisers here which we aren't recommending...

All we are saying is be careful because we see some red flags. I hope that we are wrong, but they are there, and that's why we keep mentioning them.

Please make sure that you can get it appraised by Dave and RETURN IT if it isn't what it is represented to be. That will protect you.

Ditto. You are of course entitled to your own opinion but I can assure you, that many of us have been here a long long time and are purely consumers with a passion for diamonds - who happen to enjoy helping others buy a beautiful rock. We are not affiliated with any of the vendors, posters who are state that very clearly at the bottom of their posts as Allison has done.

Scepticism can be healthy, but consider the advice given to you here, and verify it for yourself. If it doesn't make sense to you or you don't trust that advice then you are of course quite free to disregard it.

Good luck with your purchase.

 

[Steel]

Date: 10/24/2008 5:29:49 PM
Author: Allison D.

Allison D. , I think your posts have been informative, even and considered; a pleasure to read and very sound advice. I wish we all had, had such words of wisdom when we went to buy our first diamonds, I for one would have run in the opposite direction.

 

[denverappraiser]

Date: 10/25/2008 12:06:58 AM
Author: about2begin

2- other than the price being 'too good' I haven't really heard anything bad about the stone itself. Did all that sound ok? Let's put it this way, if whiteflash listed this in their expert selection would this sound good? To me, I trust this more than ab internet vendor who I haven't (and wouldn't meet) and who only comes recommended by anonymous avitars and screennames. No offense but I'm a bit sceptical of a forum that is sponsored by everyone's favorite vendors.

Other than the seller and you, no one has seen the stone itself. As you point out, free advice from anonymous people who have never even seen the merchandise should be taken with a grain of salt. Dave's a good choice for a pro. Let us know how it goes.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[canuk-gal]

Date: 10/25/2008 9:56:54 AM
Author: denverappraiser

Date: 10/25/2008 12:06:58 AM
Author: about2begin

2- other than the price being ''too good'' I haven''t really heard anything bad about the stone itself. Did all that sound ok? Let''s put it this way, if whiteflash listed this in their expert selection would this sound good? To me, I trust this more than ab internet vendor who I haven''t (and wouldn''t meet) and who only comes recommended by anonymous avitars and screennames. No offense but I''m a bit sceptical of a forum that is sponsored by everyone''s favorite vendors.

Other than the seller and you, no one has seen the stone itself. As you point out, free advice from anonymous people who have never even seen the merchandise should be taken with a grain of salt. Dave''s a good choice for a pro. Let us know how it goes.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

HI:

Well said.

cheers--Sharon

 

[Dancing Fire]

my FREE advise for newbies...

rule #1....never buy from a friend of a friend who is in the wholesale diamond business.
rule #2....never buy from a friend of an uncle.
rule #3....NEVER break rule #1 and 2

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 10/24/2008 9:52:40 PM
Author: ringhunter
Thanks for the response. Would these prices be considered red flags?

2C RB I SI1 GIA - 14,500
2C RB H SI1 GIA - 18,000

can you post the GIA reports ?