Help Me Choose and Buying from O/S (in Australia)

[schmick]

Hey Guys,

New member here seeking some advice!

I’m currently looking to purchase a round brilliant diamond in order to make an engagement ring for my girlfriend of 5 years.

In typical Virgo pedantic fashion, I’ve over researched to the point where I’m now procrastinating and non decisive! I’m hoping to propose on the 17th of December and haven’t even got the diamond yet! =(

In regards to the diamond itself, I’m after a round brilliant approx. 0.80 – 0.85ct (she only has small fingers ‘I - I ½)’. Because of this, I think my budget of up to AUD 8,000 will allow for a D-F Colour and reasonably High Clarity (IF – VS2). Hearts and Arrows would be ideal and HCA ‘Excellent’ also! I’m after quality not so much quantity.

The most important thing for me is the Cut. I want the ring to have plenty of fire, brilliance and scintillation. If it makes any difference, I will be setting the stone in a yellow gold ring.

In particular this diamond from GoodOldGold caught my eye:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7350/

Seems to meet all the criteria and I would assume would be eye clean?

Does anybody else have any other suggestions?

I’m wondering from any Australian Members if they have used any of the Pricescope Traders? It seems as though getting a ‘true’ hearts and arrows diamond per the above, is substantially cheaper and easier in the US than here in Australia. The strong aussie dollar also helps!

I’m worried about buying sight unseen and online though because I really do have limited Diamond knowledge. Additionally, I don’t understand what ‘additional’ costs I would incur if I were to import? Can anybody advise on these?

I’m in Australia and I’ve also checked out Jogia Diamonds whom seem to have a good range and do a lot of analysis of their diamonds, has anybody used them? Any other wholesalers worth checking out?

Looking forward to your replies…

Thanks guys…

 

[yssie]

That looks like a lovely stone - and you can definitely assume eyeclean from all top/crown viewing angles, and quite possibly from the pavilion too - but best check that with GOG if you care.

I don't know anything about shopping internationally so I leave that to our resident experts

 

[vanilla87]

Welcome! fellow Aussie here

You really dont have much time!! My understanding is you have to pay GST and also a 5% import tax, however good old gold will give you information about claiming a portion of the import tax back. Google AUSFTA (australia united states free trade agreement) that should give you plenty of information.

Im assuming you are getting the diamond setting in AUS? It might pay to check with your jeweller as to how long it takes to make the setting and set the diamond. Some places vary depending on the manufaturing process and it can be anywhere from 2-4 weeks, but keep in mind most manufacturers will be SUPER busy leading up to christmas.

I think the GOG diamond is beautiful, they have a great refund/upgrade policy and many members here speak very highly of them.

Good luck

 

[Cimbom]

I'm from Melbourne and we got my e-ring from Eternity Diamonds who are PS traders. I can highly recommend them. Their work is of great quality and they have very competitive prices too. Yoni is also a great help with customs stuff

 

[schmick]

Thanks guys... Yes, I need to get moving because time is running out unfortunately...

One other thing that worries me is that whilst all the stats stack up, etc. on paper, what if the diamond gets to me and it just doesn't sparkle like I thought it would? =(

 

[vanilla87]

Thanks guys... Yes, I need to get moving because time is running out unfortunately...

One other thing that worries me is that whilst all the stats stack up, etc. on paper, what if the diamond gets to me and it just doesn't sparkle like I thought it would? =(

Ask GOG to make a video of the diamond for you! I undertsand they do this for many people. They can also take photos and comparisons with other diamonds you may be interested in.

Honestly with those proportions, isee2 results and GOG lifetime trade up warranty.... you can pretty much guarantee a beautiful stone!

 

[schmick]

Any Australian's know roughly how long it would take for a diamond to clear customs etc?

 

[vanilla87]

FEDEX Freight normally takes between 5-7 days and customs can be anywhere from 2-5 days i believe. Again, GOG will be able to give you more information about this process.

Jogia Diamonds have a good reputation, they would be worth persuing if the prices are right.

 

[Cimbom]

Any Australian's know roughly how long it would take for a diamond to clear customs etc?

I received mine last week and I got it 3 days after it was sent

 

[vanilla87]

it might depend wher you are in Australia? Are you in a major city? i know most airfrieght comes into melbourne or syndey.

 

[schmick]

it might depend wher you are in Australia? Are you in a major city? i know most airfrieght comes into melbourne or syndey.

I'm located in Melbourne, so hopefully this won't cause too many delays...

In regards to transferring of funds can this be done via Netbank and the like?

I also saw a chart in another post which had a correlation between RBC Size on Finger vs. RBC Weight. Can somebody explain how this chart is interpreted? When my GF tried on a few diamonds when we were browsing, she said she didn't want it to look to big.

I understand that well cut diamonds typically 'appear' bigger so would a 0.85ct look big on her smallish Australian 'I' / US '4' size fingers?

 

[schmick]

Any Australian's know roughly how long it would take for a diamond to clear customs etc?

I received mine last week and I got it 3 days after it was sent

Cimbom, did you have any problems with Customs and did you have to pay substantial extra costs when it arrived?

 

[Cimbom]

No problems with customs, just needed to pay GST on the total

 

[schmick]

No problems with customs, just needed to pay GST on the total

Was that for just the unset stone or did you have it set O/S also?

Thought that Import Tax was also payable in addition to the GST...

You are also in Australia yeah?

 

[schmick]

Hmm, well I think I am leaning towards the 0.85 F VS1 H&A from GoodOldGold above...

Does anybody else have any feedback on this particular stone?

Additionally, are all Gems always Laser Inscribed?

 

[vanilla87]

I think the stone is gorgeous! FWIW it scores a lovely 1.1 on the Holloway Cut Advisor. I think everyone here is going to agree, its fantastic and it will be beautiful! im sure you wont be dispointed.

I dont believe all diamonds are laser inscribed but i think you can reuqest the diamond be laser inscribed by GOG if you would like. Just ask GOG.

good luck and let us know how you go

 

[Rae~]

Another vote for http://www.ozforex.com.au/ - I used it when we bought our centre stone from Good Old Gold. Here is a good thread about it: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/aussies-international-money-wire-transfer-help-please.149483/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/aussies-international-money-wire-transfer-help-please.149483/[/URL]

For unset stones, IIRC, you pay just the 10% GST, not the 5% import duty - that only applies to set stones/jewellery, and is claimable anyway under the USAFTA. There is a great thread here on the topic: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/custom-ring-ausfta.130164/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/custom-ring-ausfta.130164/[/URL]

 

[schmick]

Another vote for http://www.ozforex.com.au/ - I used it when we bought our centre stone from Good Old Gold. Here is a good thread about it: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/aussies-international-money-wire-transfer-help-please.149483/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/aussies-international-money-wire-transfer-help-please.149483/[/URL]

For unset stones, IIRC, you pay just the 10% GST, not the 5% import duty - that only applies to set stones/jewellery, and is claimable anyway under the USAFTA. There is a great thread here on the topic: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/custom-ring-ausfta.130164/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/custom-ring-ausfta.130164/[/URL]

Hi Rae,

Thanks for the feedback, I'll take a look into Ozforex.

How was your experience with GOG? Were you happy? Did the item arrive quickly and without hassel?

Hmm, I'm actually travelling to Japan at the end of January also if that helps with claiming back the GST?


Thanks for the comments also Vanilla.

What do you guys think about the price? H&A Diamonds, from what I've researched, command quite the premium in Australia.

 

[vanilla87]

You cant claim back the GST. You have to pay GST on all items over a certain $$ amount. Its highly illegal to try avoid paying it.

 

[Rae~]

GOG has a great reputation here on PS and there are many ecstatic customers. Their stock looks great and for "chunky" cushion cut lovers, they offer the wonderful AVC stone (one of which we bought). My experience was.... fine.

The item was well-packaged, delivery was prompt, the certificates etc were all included. I certainly didn't get the "exceptional customer service" vibe from them, but aside from a few niggles, I really have no actual complaints - I just didn't get a warm-and-fuzzy experience, which so many others seem to have had.

I would certainly do business with them again, if that's any indication, anyway. I'd just have different expectations next time, I suppose.

Cheers!

 

[akevo]

Hello fellow Aussie,
You might want to check out Diamond Specialist, they also have a store in Melbourne. I found them to be pretty competitive since our Aussie dollar is strong.

 

[stone-cold11]

I also saw a chart in another post which had a correlation between RBC Size on Finger vs. RBC Weight. Can somebody explain how this chart is interpreted? When my GF tried on a few diamonds when we were browsing, she said she didn't want it to look to big.

I understand that well cut diamonds typically 'appear' bigger so would a 0.85ct look big on her smallish Australian 'I' / US '4' size fingers?

Basically the chart is comparing the inner diameter of the ring, which is the finger width, with the approximate diameter of the stone.

For example, a size 4 ring implies a finger width of 15mm and a 0.8carat stone, well cut, is around 6.1mm. 6.1mm/15mm *100 gives 41%., or the stone's diameter is 41% of the finger width.

 

[Maggie May]

Im in Perth, down the road from Jogia diamonds. I have spoken to them on the phone but never gone down there. I didn't like their settings which is why I didn't go with them.

I used Brian Gavin and found them really good to deal with. They were awesome to deal with and I got around the sales tax exemption with ease.

I have a size 5 finger and went with a 1.4ct and am really happy with that size - $8K was my budget which included my setting.

I would have no hesitation using a PS vendor. As it turns out my stone was listed with Jogia diamonds but was more expensive to purchase from them than Brian Gavin ..

Just wanted to add my sister also used Brian Gavin and we both got our rings within 10 days, from the inital email/money wire.

If you're in Melbourne, why not go and speak to Holloways ? are they in Melb ?

 

[schmick]

If you're in Melbourne, why not go and speak to Holloways ? are they in Melb ?

Yes, I am in Melbourne. Has anybody purchased from Holloways here? I understand Gary is a Pricescope active member.

Would you say Holloways are more Diamond Retailers than Wholesalers though?

I don't think I could afford a Holloway diamond but I'll give em a call also!

 

[stone-cold11]

Would you say Holloways are more Diamond Retailers than Wholesalers though?

Retailer, anyone who sells directly to the consumer is by definition a retailer. So that is basically anyone you can buy a diamond from.

 

[Supers]

Definitely visit Holloway's - there's a store in Canterbury and Brighton.
I went there earlier in the year and the staff are lovely and knowledgeable. You may just find something in your budget, especially as your girlfriend has modest wants.

I ended up buying my stone (an AVC) from GOG and a setting from BGD though. At the end of the day, the prices in the US are hard to beat, and also, I wanted a cushion. If you do decide to buy from the US, it is a relatively straightforward process. The PS recommended vendors are used to working with Aussies.

 

[schmick]

Hmm, I'll give Holloway a call today at lunch and see what they have that might fit my criteria.

Also, would my GF notice much size difference between say 0.85ct and 0.90ct?

 

[schmick]

Ok guys...

I called Holloways, they had a few stones which are of interest to me, however, the pricing is considerably more than other similar stones I can ascertain online from PS Vendors. Regardless, I'm going to visit Holloway tomorrow to take a look as the stones I've been able to view to-date in person, haven't rated highly on cut.

I'm going to throw a couple of other diamonds into my mix. I'm kind of worried now that the size of the diamond isn't going to suffice. Is this normal that you just want to go bigger and bigger once you start really researching? LOL...

Now I know I'm not entirely comparing apples for applies, however, as mentioned above, will my GF really notice that much difference between say a 0.85ct and a 0.90ct or will this entirely just be a 'mind' factor? I can't quite get to 1ct without blowing out my original budget but would it be more noticeable going from 0.85 to 1ct than the former?

The diamonds I'm considering are as follows. If you were me, which would you choose and why?

1. 0.85ct F VS1 H&A - http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7350/

2. 0.904ct E VS1 H&A - http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2428282.htm

3. 0.918ct D VS1 H&A - http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2428283.htm

On the 3rd stone, the AGS certificate notes that 'Surface Grain Lines Are Not Shown'. What exactly does that mean and is it important? I'd be pretty safe with VS1 being eye clean wouldn't I?

So, I'd be paying more for a higher colour and a little bigger in size. I'm questioning whether it's really worth it though as all are 'colourless' and the size jump isn't really huge on paper.

Am I safe in assuming that all diamonds above would have excellent fire, brilliance and scintillation? Additionally, what are peoples opinions in paying the premium for 'H&A'? Would there be considerable difference between GOG H&A Standards and that of Whiteflash?

Hmm, getting pretty excited, I just want it to give to her now! Haha...

Thanks for all your help!

 

[Cimbom]

Why don't you go down to a G or H colour? It'd still be pretty white and you'll save on the "colourless" premium, allowing you to get closer to the 1ct goal. Some I found on a quick search:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2228569.htm
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1317135.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5491/
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2135185.htm

 

[schmick]

Hi Guys,

An update on proceedings.

My girlfriend and I went to a local jeweller today (unfortunately, wasn't able to make it out to Holloways) and we tried on a number of rings in different sizes. The highest grade diamond we saw was an 0.72ct E/SI2 which was set in a traditional 'Tiffany' 6-Prong style setting. Other diamonds were 'G' in colour but up a little in clarity (VS2?). My GF really noticed the colour difference between the 'E' and the 'G'. In regards to cut, none really stood out to me again but I suspect the cuts were not H&A or 'Ideal', etc., so maybe explains why they looked 'dull' and 'lifeless'.

Anyways, my girlfriend tried various sizes the first being the 0.72ct and the others being ~0.80ct up to 1ct. She did not like the 1ct at all and after trying on an admiring a few different rings, really liked the 0.72ct. Mainly because it really complimented her smallish fingers!

So, I'm back on the hunt for the perfect diamond to set into a 'Tiffany' style setting. I'm thinking a better quality 0.72ct will look bigger than what we saw today anyway.

I'm actually thing about using Brian Gavin to purchase a diamond and also make the ring. The work seems fabolous! Has anybody had any experience with them?

This is the diamond which I've requested Idealscope, ASET and Hearts images.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-104047811053

What do you guys think and how would this diamond perform against say something from GOG or Whiteflash? HCA has this at 1.4 'Excellent'.

Thoughts/feedback on the diamond and BGD in general would be most appreciated!

Getting very excited now and so is my girlfriend I think!