good deal ?

[houstonred]

Hi Forum,

Yesterday I impulse bought an engagement ring from Helzberg. These are the details:

3 stones on 18 carat gold ring.
Helzberg Masterpiece.
SKU 1870352
total 1 ct.

central diamond details: AGS certified

0.594 cts
Shape and style : Round Brilliant
Measurements : 5.35 - 5.37 x 3.34 mm
Cut Grade: AGS Ideal 0
Light performance AGS Ideal 0
Polish AGS Ideal 0
Symmetry AGS Ideal 0

Color Grade: E ( AGS 0.5)

Clarity Grade SI2 (AGS 6)

Carat weight : 0.594 cts

Fluorescence : Negligible


----

I paid 6500 for the ring.

I come back home and do a lot of research and found quite a lot of diamonds of similar technicalities for a lot less.

However this diamond had an amazing shine of all those we saw yesterday. (kays, jareds, zales...)

Now is that a good deal ?

I could always go and return it if I can get it cheaper elsewhere... please help

 

[Gypsy]

Heck no. You got taken for a RIDE, son.

A) you don't need an E. You will not be able to tell the difference between an E and a G when set in that size.

B) It's the AGS 0 that makes it shine like no other and we can match that for less. DO NOT COMPROMISE ON THIS.

C) Clarity, as long as it is eyeclean and safe you are okay.


What can we get you like that and for how much?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2794526.htm LARGER E SI1 2,174 for the stone (so higher clarity, larger AGS0, for cheaper)

And this setting:
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/3-stone-trois-brillant-diamond-engagement-ring-846.htm comes with the sidestones. 2,000 for that.

So your grand total (and you should NOT pay more than this ) should be: $4,174.00. So you over paid by over 2k. That money toward a lovely LARGER center stone. And that price is for 1.13 total carat weight, while your is only 1.00 ctw.


The reason this diamond stood out is because it is an AGS 0. That's like a Prime Rib. And the other places you were at (kays, jared, etc.) mostly stock well... hamburger. So off course this one stood out. But we can get you the SAME quality for a lot less. OR get you a LOT more for your same budget.

 

[Gypsy]

Here's what we can get you for that same price:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/3-stone-trois-brillant-diamond-engagement-ring-846.htm Setting 2,000k, includes two F/G sidestones (also AGS0) for .5 ctw.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2803946.htm .83 carat center stone. G color and SI1 clarity. AGS0. For $4,184

Grand total of $6,184. For a LOT more ring. No compromise on quality. And STILL cheaper than what you paid.


INCIDENTALLY: WHITEFLASH IS IN HOUSTON. SO... that's LOCAL to you prices. And you can make an appointment and go and take your Helzberg ring in and see how the Whiteflash diamonds compare. I think you'll be happy with the prices, and the quality.

 

[houstonred]

Wow. I don't know what to say.

Thanks for those links, coincidentally I have been looking into whiteflash site and browsing for similar settings and diamonds while live-chatting with Katherine.

Crazy I never knew whiteflash was in Houston. I will definitely check that out.

So, will I be getting the online prices in the store as well ?

Thank you again for helping make my mind (to return).

While we are at it, can you suggest if the three stone setting is preferred to solitaire ? Don't want to ask her!

 

[bunnycat]

Wow. I don't know what to say.

Thanks for those links, coincidentally I have been looking into whiteflash site and browsing for similar settings and diamonds while live-chatting with Katherine.

Crazy I never knew whiteflash was in Houston. I will definitely check that out.

So, will I be getting the online prices in the store as well ?

Thank you again for helping make my mind (to return).

While we are at it, can you suggest if the three stone setting is preferred to solitaire ? Don't want to ask her!

What is preferred is pretty much a personal taste. Does your girlfriend like 3 stone rings? Have you poked around in the jewelry box to see what types of rings she wears like antique style or modern? Does she have any pictures saved on her computer? If your relationship has progressed to this stage, chances are she's thought of it too. Can you ask any of her friends or family? She'll be wearing what you get her for a long time, so it might be good to get an idea of what styles she likes.

Good luck! You can't go wrong with Whiteflash!

 

[Gypsy]

Wow. I don't know what to say.

Thanks for those links, coincidentally I have been looking into whiteflash site and browsing for similar settings and diamonds while live-chatting with Katherine.

Crazy I never knew whiteflash was in Houston. I will definitely check that out.

So, will I be getting the online prices in the store as well ?

Thank you again for helping make my mind (to return).

While we are at it, can you suggest if the three stone setting is preferred to solitaire ? Don't want to ask her!

Whiteflash doesn't have a store. They have a by appointment only showroom. And yes, the prices are the same.

Now, as to a three stone or a solitaire. It is such a personal choice. Here are some advantages to a solitaire: one larger stone, since the setting is less expensive, and many solitaire settings are easily paired with a band, and many of them accommodate a flush fit band. Here's my favorite Whiteflash solitaire: www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/legato-sleek-line-solitaire-engagement-ring-728.htm Pluses of a three stone, a lot more coverage usually and since you can already afford a 6mm stone for the center (80 points), having the three sidestones really has a nice blingy impact that a solitaire can't match. Many three stone settings don't allow for a flush fit wedding bands though, so you have to be a person that doesn't mind a gap between your two rings, which many women are fine with. Like I said, personal preference.

Does she have a mother, sister, best friend, cousin, that you can ask? I personally have always loved three stones, and they are my first preference. My ring is not a three stone (long story) but if there was one thing I could change about it, that would be it.

Also, you could just get her the nicest stone you could afford for 4,500. In a very inexpensive temp setting. Then you could go and shop for settings together, which would be fun for both of you and quality time. That way you get the best of both worlds. Surprise her AND also get her input.

 

[distracts]

While we are at it, can you suggest if the three stone setting is preferred to solitaire ? Don't want to ask her!

It really depends on her personal preferences, but I don't know that I know anyone who is against three-stones. They're my personal favorite. They're so much more blingy than solitaires, but still classic.