Help for a Newbie: 1.5ct round diamond

[kevtran]

Hello all! I am in the process of purchasing a diamond at a local Sterling-owned jeweler and after researching online, I feel that I should ask for the lube the next time I stop into the store. Here is what I am looking at. I of course would love to spend as little as possible, to get a decent diamond. Honestly, I really just need someone to sell me on the fact that I should be buying online. I am in sales, and I know that there is value with having a place I can walk into and talk to someone in person at retailers, but saving $4000 is worth it to me.

Price: $15,299
GIA certified
Measurements: 7.30 - 7.32 - 4.52
Carat: 1.50 Round
Color: D
Clarity: SI1
Cut: VG
Polish: Good
Symmetry: Very good
Fluorescence: Medium blue
Girdle: Medium – Slightly thick
HCA: 1.5
61.8% depth, 57% table, 37° crown angle, 40.2° pavilion angle



**Sorry for the ignorance, and I know I should probably use the "search" function, but my mind is fried trying to take in all the online info so far

**

Questions....if I want to buy online

1st, not looking at the price above, is this a nice diamond?
Am I missing anything besides "customer service" by buying online vs. retailers?
I heard that jewelers can shoot lasers to hide the imperfections and sell them as higher quality diamonds. Any truth to this, especially with online jewelers?
Will retailers set my diamond on a band and gaurantee it the same as if I bought it from them?
How much will it typically cost to insure? I have Allstate, what the usual deductable and what should I look for in the "small print"?

 

[Gypsy]

We bought our diamond in a BM, it was a while ago, and internet shopping wasn't at ALL what it is now.

I will tell you 100% that I would go with buying a diamond from a PS vendor and saving all that LOVELY money.

We bought our ring in DE, we now live in CA! Does me no good that I bought at a BM. People move, circumstances change,and you are looking at a round brilliant. Easy to shop for online, great GREAT vendors with TONS of selection and outstanding prices. I would put that 4K into a nicer setting, a lovely pendant to give her as a wedding gift, or a larger diamond. It's A LOT of money.

As for lasers, yes it is possible to clarity enhance. As far as jewelers doing this and NOT telling you. A) a certificate from AGS or GIA would tell you if it was clarity enhanced. B) just as example WF has sold jewelry to Jessica Simpson, do you think a couple thousand dollars is worth risking their reputations over and losing all the business? C) You shoudl get ANY diamond you buy independantly appraised and evaluated and then insured (rates depend on your area and your policy type and insurer, Mine is a cash out policy, in EXPENSIVE CAL. for a 15.5K appraised ring at 230 a year insurance). Ask Alstate for a jewelry rider qoute and for the types of policies they offer, and base it off a 20K qoute just to make the math easier.

Plus many of the PS vendors have a GREAT upgrade policy. Does your store have that?

Diamond look deep to me, I don't like the polish, (although the HCA keeps it from being a dog). It's okay but doesn't make my heart go pitter patter. Check the price on similarly stat-ed diamonds under the pricing tab above.

 

[monarch64]

price sounds accurate for the stats you''ve brought forth... have you seen the stone? Do YOU love it! That, besides the price, will be the determining factor. Best of luck to you!

 

[Lorelei]

Welcome!

This diamond falls in firey ideal cut range, which means it may lend itself to some extra fire in the right light conditions!! As Monnie says, as you have seen it, if you like it, then it could be a super choice! Check it out if you can in different light conditions away from the jewellery store lights, to make sure you like it's personality in normal light. Regarding price, you will pay a premium for a D colour regardless if you buy online, or in a store.

1st, not looking at the price above, is this a nice diamond? Yes, and firey ideal cuts are quite sought after. You could shoot for a lower colour if you wish and still have a very white diamond if the cut is good, did you want a D?

Am I missing anything besides "customer service" by buying online vs. retailers? One of the benefits to buying online is that some vendors have a great upgrade policy, also so many people have bought online and although the communication is normally done through email and phone, don't feel they are missing out on customer service, it depends on how you feel.

I heard that jewelers can shoot lasers to hide the imperfections and sell them as higher quality diamonds. Any truth to this, especially with online jewelers? It is illegal to sell clarity enhanced or treated diamonds without disclosing that fact, you won't find reputable vendors online or otherwise engaging in that practise.

Will retailers set my diamond on a band and gaurantee it the same as if I bought it from them? You should have no problem with getting the same diamond back, get to know your own diamond, as it is an SI1 you may be able to see an inclusion with a loupe so you know the diamond is yours. Also some stores will go map out the inclusions of your diamond so you know it is the same one. If you choose a store to set the diamond and you haven't bought it from them, check they will take responsibility if anything happens during setting such as chipping or breaking. Some stores won't take the risk.

How much will it typically cost to insure? I have Allstate, what the usual deductable and what should I look for in the "small print"? I don't know, you might have to ask them for a quote.

 

[kevtran]

Thank you all for your advice. I just live by the saying "If it''s too good to be true, it probably is". My main concern is the diamond that I am looking to purchase at the retailer is $15,299 and the comparable diamond which I found on Bluenile or James Allen are around $12,000-$13,000. In addition, I will be saving on tax, so that equals to over a $4000. I have seen the stone at the local retailer and love it, but with comparing those stats with the stats on the diamonds that are online, I really feel I would also love those diamonds equally.

One more newbie question:


I have spoke with another local retailer and they gave me the pros/cons about buying online. I have concluded that the only difference is that if I have a problem, at least I have somewhere to go to try to get resolution. What are these "problems" that typically arise? Also, what if Bluenile or James Allen go out of business? I am assuming that it is the same as if the local retailer goes out of business, I am screwed. But thinking deeper, what am I really screwed about? Sorry if I am overthinking this situation.

Here is what I am looking at
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-SI1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1092568.asp
http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?filter_id=1&pid1=LD01207553&track=tab_view_link

 

[door knob solitaire]

Wow...I have learned a lot by reading this thread and the responses you have received. You psers are really great!

I would like to add the great trade up policy offered by some of the PS vendors. I can''t tell you how great this is. If you are heading towards the purchase of an online vendor, please research all your options from those who do offer it.

You see as a female...we are constantly in need of satisfaction. This may come as a shock to you. But it is true. A trade up policy is priceless and a built in happy meter tool for your future. Less headaches and smooth sailing in the satisfaction department. After 3 kiddos you may want to reward her with another carat...just call your jeweler and make it so!

I hope someday all PS vendors will offer that...if they learn the sale was passed for one that does, maybe they will.

Also I noticed you were looking at a color D. Have you decided that that is the only color for you? Or do you like the romance of the D? You might do some reading here on the board, you would be pleased to read that many a stone connoisseur have chosen a lower color with much satisfaction. And of course the price savings is quite noticeable. Something to consider as you ponder your next Jiffy LUBE service. Happy stone hunting! Your finance is going to be thrilled! §

 

[quigley1]

Kevtran, like you, I was reluctant to part with that kind of money for something I could NOT hold in my hand. After much research on Price Scope and lurking in the background on a number of these posts, I moved forward with an on-line retailer....but only after speaking directly to a rep from that company. After several conversations about what I was looking for and several exchanges on-line of actual pictures of stones and settings....I wired $$.

It was the right decision in my case. I got a excellent stone at a far more reasonable price than BM. I want to emphasize the quality of the stone...when I took it to an independant appraiser, it turned out to be exactly as advertized by WhiteFlash. While the appraised value was in the range of what the BM was asking, WF''s pricing was approx 70%. My sense is that I received fair value in my stone without the BM markup.

As an aside, I also ordered studs to go with this larger stone (pendant). However, I was dissappointed with the size (70ct). There was absolutely "no hassle" when I sent them back for larger stones (100ct) and a slightly better cut which would allow for future upgrade, if desired.

Anyway, that was my experience with WF. And, while I will most likely do business again with WF ...my sense is that several other retailers on PriceScope here are equally reliable. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Lorelei]

I would ask the good folks at JA about the diamond you posted, as to how it looks. It scored poorly on the cut advisor, but this may be because it has a steep pavillion angle. The BN diamond looks good, the table is a little smaller than we normally see, but it is a very finely cut stone.

Also with buying online, these vendors often have lower overheads than B&M, so can operate on slimmer profit margins. Also I have been here nearly 3 years, it has been rare that I have seen upset customers, but on the occasion where I have, the vendors have done their utmost to resolve the situation in the most professional manner. You can do a search for customer experiences to read some stories to get more of a feel for the process. These guys have an excellent reputation which is everything in this business, and work very hard to keep it. Buying online can need a leap of faith, but many have been delighted with their decision to take the plunge and buy a diamond this way.