Help! I am starting to feel overwhelmed!

[ouflyboy]

I am new here and new to this arena.... I figured asking her father would be the hardest part....

I have been looking at getting a engagement ring. (Budget $2000-$2500) I have chosen a diamond halo setting and I am set on that part. It is the big stone that goes in the middle that I am having issues with deciding.

I have been dealing with the chain dealer Jareds so far. I have bought several smaller items from them before and am comfortable with the company as a whole. I have visited a local known dealer named Leo Alfreds (Which my fiance-to-be father bought his engagement ring from 25yrs ago.) That brings me to the first question regarding price, will I be better off to go with a chain or small family owned for a better price? We have also talked that later in life we are going to more than likely upgrade to a bigger diamond when we are both set in our careers and established. I understand that internet will always be cheaper but, I just can't see myself doing it that route, so it is out of the question.


Now onto the stone. I have bought a ring yesterday with a diamond. I understand the next two diamonds are apples and oranges against each other. The biggest question I have with both of them am I getting a decent deal or just being taken for a beating. With the thought in mind of later upgrading the diamond is it worth it for the Leo quality diamond? They both to my eyes sparkle about the same, but the Leo does sparkle much more frequently vs. diamond 2.

Diamond 1:
It is a Leo Round Diamond, I understand it is a brand name and has more facets to make it sparkle, and it does. It is GSI certified and I have the report in front of me for the following descriptions. Also has a Gemex and rated Very High for all three dimensions.

It is a .50CT 5.16-5.12 x 3.15MM; Depth: 61.3% Table 56% Girdle: Thin to Slightly Thick, Faceted and no Culet

Polish: Very Good Symmetry: Good Clarity: SI2 Color: H Flourescence: None

Price: $1,700

I went back today and took a look at another diamond because I was feeling overwhelmed with a total price tag of $2,700


Diamond 2:
Is a certified diamond from IGI and is a slightly bigger diamond. It is NOT a Leo Diamond or any other brand name. It is a round diamond still though. I don't have the certificate in front of me so I don't know all the nitty gritty, I understand this may be difficult.

It is a .60CT;

Polish: Good Symmetry: Good Clarity: I1 Color: G Flourescence: None

Price: $1,500


Sorry to have written a novel, but I am just completely lost and would like at least a little bit of a guidance or information. I appreciate all of the concerns, questions, and advice that I will get. Thank you all in advance!

 

[slg47]

I am not sure if the chain store or the family store has a better price, you would want to compare. Online will definitely have better prices though, but there is nothing wrong with buying local, as that also has advantages. Keep in mind that if you think you would like to upgrade in the future then you would want to pick a place with a good upgrade policy (again lots of online vendors are good for this).

One thing to do would be to check out the diamonds in different lighting because with SI2 and I1 you may be able to see visible inclusions. The jewelry store lighting makes everything look great but make sure it looks good outside of the jewelry store lighting.

Alternatively you could buy the diamond online and have it set locally. Here is an example of what you could get online

0.595 H SI1 ideal cut, $1271
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-104046146004

 

[ouflyboy]

Another question would also be is it unreasonable to negotiate as you would buying a car? I have been looking at bluenile.com to get an idea of what else is out there for the budget that I have set, and I am starting to think maybe online isn't a half bad route.

To answer the trade up question. Jared's has a policy in place that you can trade up to a diamond at a minimum of double what you paid.

i.e. you paid $2000 you would need to get one at least $4000. You get 100% back of the one that you had previously purchased, therefore you are realistically paying $2000 more.

 

[tyty333]

That brian Gavin diamond would be beautiful. The tradeup policy is you get 100% of what you spent and you just have to spend
more (not double). Brian Gavin also has all the pictures/images that tell us its a well cut stone.

Unfortunatly you havent given us enough info on those 2 stones. I would rather work with a trusted family owned business
than a big business but I'm not sure which would have better value. Stick with stones that are graded by GIA/AGS.