Hearts on Fire

[RbtCrumb]

My question is this...are HoF worth the premium?

I am looking at round cut diamonds in the 1.25 to 1.5 carat range, G or better color, and at least VS2 in clarity.

I''ve been looking at diamonds for several weeks and have browsed several books and websites with info such as GOG.

I don''t mind paying a bit of a premium (~10%) over other "premium" cut stones (ACA. HaA etc.) available on line in order to see the stone in a B&M store. I also like the idea that the diamond is laser enscribed and matches the AGS cert.

Feedback is welcomed.

 

[Hest88]

HOF are about 30-40% over similar stones.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Hi,

It perplexes me why someone would pay such a hefty premium for a HOF diamond when you've got a vast selection of amazing stones at GOG, Whiteflash, Superbcert, etc., that are all H&A, gorgeous and much more reasonably priced. I'd rather have a bigger, better color, clarity stone for my dollar.

FWIW, I went and looked at HOF today for the first time, dragging along my husband (hehehe

) and the largest stone they had in was a .44 G VS2 for $2800 plus tax! Online, for this amount plus the tax, I could get *two stones* and have a blinding pair of earrings. Easy choice, IMO!

Michelle

 

[RbtCrumb]

I'm not finding the premium to be 30 to 40%.

I'm waiting for the store to get in a 1.36 carat, G, VS2 HoF stone for $13,500.

On the internet I saw a very reputable HaA stone 1.44, G, VS2 for about the same price.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Sounds like you know where to shop

Good luck finding the right stone.

Michelle

 

[Gearhead]

HoF = WoF

 

[valeria101]

GOG is a B&M too... Other sellers around here have stores. Are they all out of reach? Besides, would the return policy of any of these sellers help?

 

[RbtCrumb]

I wasn't implying that HoF are better than other ideal cut diamonds.

Unless I am mistaken, I can find a HoF diamond in a B&M that is not much more (5-10%) than an online purchase of a similar non-HoF diamond. If indeed this is the case, then I can justify the premium because I prefer to see and touch the diamond before purchasing.

Again, here are the specs. Alternative suggestions are welcomed.

1.36 carats
G
VS2
$13,500

I do not know the angles, %'s, etc. as the store is waiting for the stone to be sent from HoF. I think its safe to assume that it will be typical HoF.

 

[fire&ice]

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On 2/4/2004 7:54:45 PM RbtCrumb wrote:

I'm not finding the premium to be 30 to 40%.

I'm waiting for the store to get in a 1.36 carat, G, VS2 HoF stone for $13,500.

On the internet I saw a very reputable HaA stone 1.44, G, VS2 for about the same price.----------------

I don't know where you are shopping but similar 1.36 are running significantly less (in the 9k range - I saw on almost the exact size in an F/VS1 for less than 13K). Also, you simply can not equate a 1.44 stone w/ a 1.36 stone. The 1.36 stone is off mark. The 1.44 stone is close to 1 1/2 carats. Big difference.

If you want to spend the extra money for a HOF stone then fine. But, you can not state that the price is in line w/ other non branded excellent cut stones.

 

[hoorray]

It's easy to get hooked by HoF stones. They are beautiful. When you compare them to the standard stock of these jewelers, there is no comparison, and the store lights make them look even better.

But, if you had one side by side with a super ideal from an online vendor, I bet they would probably look pretty comparable.

If you have decide the premium of an HoF is worth it to you -- go for it. Just don't let the environment fool you into thinking they are unique in their beauty.

 

[bling]

I understand too, the desire to buy a stone that you can see and feel is understandable. I am having the same issue with my wedding band. I really want a diamond wedding band, but am having a hard time finding one that fits well with my ering. I have thought about having one made with ideal stones from a jeweler far away, but not being able to see it and fit it with my ering before its finished is difficult. i found a band from the HOF line that fits perfectly..but, like the others have said..its expensice and the markup significant. So, im stuck and still havent made up my mind on whether its worth it or not.. good luck!

 

[Gearhead]

HoF = WoF = Wallet on Fire

Actually, I like the look of 8 solid arrows when viewed with the naked eye. Just my $0.02.

 

[mike04456]

Hearts on Fire are very well cut stones comparable to other super-ideals. But you need to understand that much of the retail price is going to pay for a marketing campaign that is all but unprecedented in the diamond business. HoF has set the standard for diamond branding--they are often held up as an example of how to do it in the trade magazines. They have been more successful at it than just about any other diamond manufacturer--but that's because they have a very talented marketing department. It's not because their diamonds are better than everyone else's.

 

[aljdewey]

----------------
On 2/5/2004 8:44:54 AM RbtCrumb wrote:





Unless I am mistaken, I can find a HoF diamond in a B&M that is not much more (5-10%) than an online purchase of a similar non-HoF diamond. If indeed this is the case, then I can justify the premium because I prefer to see and touch the diamond before purchasing.----------------

Are you aware that nearly every reputable vendor here will allow you to "see and touch" before purchasing also? They ship to an appraiser that is local to you so that you can go see it BEFORE putting out the cash. If you like the diamond after you've seen it, THEN you pay the vendor and the vendor tells the appraiser to release the stone to you. Because most of the vendors cover the first shipping charge of a diamond purchase, you don't pay any shipping at all.

If you don't like the diamond, all you pay is roundtrip shipping (about $70) if the diamond doesn't speak to you. You'd have to reject 7-8 diamonds before you'd realize the 5-10% markup!

Again, I'm not trying to beat the drum in favor of online vendors. I'm all about knowing what your smart shopping options are. If you're set on an HOF, and that's what you want, wonderful. You should get one. But if your issue is touching/seeing a diamond beforehand, you can do that with any online stone for a LOT less money then HOF premium.

 

[Hest88]

I have no problem with HoF if you can afford it as long as you know you're overpaying. They're gorgeous stones, definitely. I'm too lazy to clip them right now, but I did a quick PS search and a similar stone can be bought for somewhat over $9000, and below $10k. If the extra $3k is worth your piece of mind, and you can afford it, go for it. In the end you have to be satisfied with your purchase, and either way your gal will probably love it.

 

[RbtCrumb]

Several people have mentioned that I can find an equivalent stone (HoF, 1.36, G, VS2, $13,500) for about $10,000. However, when I try to find them (with AGS certification so I can get the depths and angles, etc. to run the HCA) I find stones with prices closer to $12,000.

 

[bling]

Can anyone tell me if there is a huge difference between ideal melees and very good cut melees. I have heard in stones that small..and im talking maybe around .10 pt stones, that its hard to tell the difference. Again, my issue is the diamond wedding band. Most stores i have been to have very nice wedding bands but with only "well cut" stones, or very good cut stones. Can i get away with bands that do not have ideal cut stones even though my ering is? I would really appreciate advice in this area..
its just that i want the wedding band to fit nicely next to the ering (but have the diamonds sparkle nicely) so my first choice would be to buy from a local store. any thoughts? thanks mucho!

 

[Rand_alThor]

Sometimes premium cuts are worth the premium. The stated conclusion is based on my experience in searching for radiants or fancy squares. I've looked at a lot of radiant cuts, some had huge bowties, some had angles that weren't great, some had fisheyes, some were cut really well (based on the AGS chart) but were not brilliant. Others were just average or slightly above average and illicted no emotion.




I finally looked at a premium cut, saw the brilliance, saw the fire, saw the well cut proportions and I absolutely fell in love with it. In the end, you may have to make a choice between quality and size. You have to factor in whats important to both you and your fiancee to be.