Good Value for Two-Carat Necklace?

[JanesJewels]

I've been wanting a diamond circle necklace but have been struggling with a decision. I like the circle to be smaller with fatter diamonds, as opposed to a larger thinner circle.

I got one from Blue Nile, excellent value at 1 carat for $1260 in a 20% off sale. Diamonds are H si2. It's sparkly. I'm still within the return period.

But today, I saw one in my local jeweler. It's 2.04 carats, about 11 diamonds, with a scalloped look. Diamonds are H/I Si2 and also sparkly. Price is $3130 including sales tax.

I've looked online at IDJ, BGD, WF, and others. Both of these prices above are really good in comparison. The 2-carat necklace is definitely nicer and blingier than the 1 carat. But it's more money.

How do you decide whether to spend more money and go for a lifetime piece, or save and go for something smaller but which is still nice?

Do these prices sound good to you?

 

[Gypsy]

Can you link us to some examples? I don't know what a circle necklace is.

 

[JanesJewels]

Hi Gypsy, thanks for your reply.

The 2.04-carat necklace looks just like this:

http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?products_id=10393&cType=

And here is the BN one:

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-garland-circle-pendant-18k-white-gold_45010

Both are about the size of a quarter.

 

[Gypsy]

I don't know what a good price is for that. Wish I could help. Do they have a good return policy?


You got quotes from IDJ? And you called GOG to see if they had any?

 

[misskittycat]

I can't really comment on the blue nile necklace but I have seen the IDJ one in real life and it's just STUNNING. You basically cannot see the setting. It is so fine and well made. I really really wanted it but I just don't wear necklaces enough to justify it. The IDJ one would have F-G colour diamonds in it (that's what they told me at the time) and they are definitely eye clean. Perhaps get in contact with them and see if they can price match your local jeweller?

 

[JanesJewels]

Thanks, both of you.

IDJ is more expensive, looking at the carat weights on their website. The local jeweler price for the two carat is really my limit. I just looked at GOG and they don't appear to have pendants. I could have one custom made but with that kind of money, I'm always worried in case I don't like it. The local pendant has the advantage that I can see it before buying. 3k is a lot for me!

 

[Gypsy]

Sorry, I should have specified. GOG doesn't have their full stock on their website. They have a full service store. If you call them they can tell you if they have that style and what the cost would be. That's what I meant.

Also you wouldn't have to go full Custom. You could call Wink and ask him to find something at Stuller or Adwar and he could order the casting and then set it with stones. I'm sure there are a ton of castings in that style.


That's what I meant.

I think it's worth it to do a little research. Either way, it doesn't sound like the BN piece is doing it for you, so I'd return it.

 

[JanesJewels]

Thanks so much for your help!

I'm visiting my dad at the moment on the other coast but my husband texted to say he has bought the local necklace for me! They lowered the price by another $150, so it's $2800. IDJ's is over $2300 for 1.50 carats, so I think the local necklace must be a fair price. It's approx $15 per diamond point, and I've paid more than that in the past, I think. Anyways, I'm not very comfortable with custom, and I think this necklace is stunning, so it's all good. I feel good about giving a local business custom, too.

Only thing is, it's being put away till my fortieth birthday in the fall! Darn!

Thanks for all your helpful suggestions, Gypsy! (And everyone else.)

On another note, it's a tax-free weekend where my dad lives, so I bought a silver necklace and a gold-plate necklace, and a silver cuff from Tiffany, and a pair of gold earrings at Tiffany.

Edit: I also bought a beautiful silver locket in which to put pictures of my parents.

That is my jewelry buying done for a looooong time.

 

[canuk-gal]

Thanks so much for your help!

I'm visiting my dad at the moment on the other coast but my husband texted to say he has bought the local necklace for me! They lowered the price by another $150, so it's $2800. IDJ's is over $2300 for 1.50 carats, so I think the local necklace must be a fair price. It's approx $15 per diamond point, and I've paid more than that in the past, I think. Anyways, I'm not very comfortable with custom, and I think this necklace is stunning, so it's all good. I feel good about giving a local business custom, too.

Only thing is, it's being put away till my fortieth birthday in the fall! Darn!

Thanks for all your helpful suggestions, Gypsy! (And everyone else.)

On another note, it's a tax-free weekend where my dad lives, so I bought a silver necklace and a gold-plate necklace, and a silver cuff from Tiffany, and a pair of gold earrings at Tiffany.

Edit: I also bought a beautiful silver locket in which to put pictures of my parents.

That is my jewelry buying done for a looooong time.

Everyone says that!

Wear your jewels in health!

Keep well--Sharon