Help me with my ring purchase (time sensitive)

[rabican]

Iv been looking for a 1ct platinum solitary engagement ring for my girlfriend for a month or so now (i need it by xmas), and a friend of mine referred me to Bloomingdales. She works their and can get me 60% off. The following ring will run me roughly $4,500. Does it seem like a good ring? good deal?

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=499753&trackingCat=20517&PseudoMasterProdID=507578&PseudoCat=Cat20517+Engagement+Rings+%26amp%3B+Solitaires&cm_sp=MasterPDP-_-moredetails-_-499753

...iv been to Mervis and Charleston Alexanders as well, a similar ring will cost about $7,500$. Do you think its worth 3k more for slightly higher quality (if it is?!?)...I went called Bloomingdales and they do not have it for display at any local stores, its only available in NY, and i live in DC. The sales lady said i could purchase it, then return it if i didn't like it...although i don't want to be a pain in the a$$...

Any advise is greatly appreciated.
P.S. I need to make up my mind by next week inorder to get the 60% off, and intime for Xmas. If i miss this sale ill have to wait till after xmas which defeats my plan of giving it to her on christmas.

Thanks!!

 

[IceExplorer]

This is from your link

Certified Diamond Solitaire Ring in Platinum, 1.0 ct. t.w.
REG $10,000.00
SALE $8,000.00
Easy elegance. A beautiful solitaire ring crafted from platinum and a single brilliant diamond.
Certified Round Brilliant Diamond=1.0 ct. t.w.
Platinum cathedral mounting, 4 prong setting with diamond bezel
Color/clarity: EF/SI
Platinum/diamond. Imported
All gemstone carat weights (ct. t.w.) are approximate; variance may be .05 carat

I caution you, you get what you pay for.

Look at the bold info:
Certified: By whom, what lab? This will make a difference (see below).
Color: E/F could be G/H if graded by a lab that uses loose grading specs that inflates the value of a stone
Clarity: SI could be: SI-1 (eye clean- can't see flaws with the naked eye), SI-2 (likely visible inclusions to the naked eye), SI-3 (easily visible inclusion to the naked eye)
Carat: Obviously, they aren't varying the size up to 1.05. You can almost guarantee that stone is 0.95 or smaller.

There isn't ANY information on cut, which is arguably the most important factor for performance.

Check this link out. When you get there, click on the word 'price' you'll see how much the stone you are looking at varies in price.
It's listing as anywhere from 1860.00 - 7,147.00

https://www.pricescope.com/diamond-...80&l_country=&l_region=&type_search=1&all=all

 

[Lula]

Without knowing what grading laboratory certified the diamond (GIA, EGL, etc.) and without knowing the exact specifications of the diamond (table and depth percentages, crown height, pavilion depth -- all of which you can read about in the knowledge section on the toolbar above), I can't say for certain whether this is a "good deal" or not.

I do know this, though:
1. Department stores like Macy's and Bloomingdale's are known for pricing their jewelry high and then having "50 percent off" sales, which means that their sales price is more in line with other stores' regular prices. So don't let the sales associates, even if you do know them, pressure you to buy because of a time-limited sale. There will be other sales, trust me.
2. Department store jewelry is not known for focusing on cut quality, and cut quality not only makes the diamond sparkle more, it also means that the diamond will face up larger in diameter than a poorly cut diamond that weighs one carat but is cut deep so that it is a smaller diameter.
3. Be careful also that when you pay for a 1 carat diamond, you get a 1 carat diamond. Did you notice that the Bloomingdale's advertisement for this ring says that "Carat sizes are approximate"? That means you are paying a one-carat price for a diamond that may weigh .95 carats (see the ad again where it says carat sizes are approximate). A .95 carat diamond costs less than a 1.0 or 1.05 carat diamond.

If you'd like the people on this forum help you find a good deal for your budget, just let us know. There are many options available to you, and you will get a much better quality stone for your budget. And you will be able to get a classic setting like that from many vendors -- and in time for Christmas. There are many people on this forum who know how to help you find a good quality stone at a local jeweler in your area or though an online vendor (if you're willing to buy online).

Good luck to you!

 

[tyty333]

I've got to second IceExplorer and Portree...you really dont know what you are getting when you buy those stones. Its best to
stick with GIA/AGS graded stones so we know we are working with good standards.

You should at least consider shopping online before you buy anything. It doesnt hurt to see whats out there. You seem to
have a decent budget so make sure you get a quality stone. When you find a stone you can run it through the HCA
tool to see how it does. If it scores under 2 then it is worth further consideration.

www.pricescope.com/tools/hca the input to this tool can be found on the GIA/AGS report

You can also post the numbers from the GIA/AGS report and we can let you know if it is a decent stone or not, or you
can post the GIA or AGS number and we can look it up.

For example this stone would be worth further review. Its about $5k plus another $1k for plat setting. There are other options
depending on your specs...just wanted to show you one.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds-search/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1334559.asp

 

[yssie]

Sara said it perfectly.

It is always better to know exactly what you are purchasing when the tools to do so exist and are easily available.

 

[rabican]

Thanks guys, after hearing your responses I'm def not going to buy this ring. I'm skeptical of buying online...I'm considering Charleston Alexander, they have good prices and nice settings/diamonds. I did a search comparison using price-scopes diamond search and the prices are not to far off...

What do you guys think of these choices?:

Round Diamonds:
SKU Ct. Cut Color Clarity Price
146498 1.01 Very Good J SI1 $4,088.00
Holloway cut adviser: 5.8 - Good - Only if price is your main criterion
http://www.wherethediamondsare.com/details/diamond/146498?mode=cyo-ring

147232 1.2 Very Good I SI1 $5,148.00
http://www.wherethediamondsare.com/details/diamond/147232?mode=cyo-ring

146496 1.06 Very Good I SI1 $4,850.00
Holloway cut adviser: 3.6 - Very Good - Worth buying if the price is right
http://www.wherethediamondsare.com/details/diamond/146496?mode=cyo-ring

Solitaire Settings:
SKU Name Style Metal Width Prongs Price
JBL-10947 Platinum Solitaire Traditional BL2985JSN11/4PT Platinum 2.5 4 $729.00
http://www.wherethediamondsare.com/details/solitaire-settings/JBL-10947?mode=cyo-ring

JBL-10959 Platinum Pinched Solitaire BL3161JSN Platinum 2.5 4 $990.00
http://www.wherethediamondsare.com/details/solitaire-settings/JBL-10959?mode=cyo-ring

Any thoughts?!?

 

[tyty333]

Thanks guys, after hearing your responses I'm def not going to buy this ring. I'm skeptical of buying online...I'm considering Charleston Alexander, they have good prices and nice settings/diamonds. I did a search comparison using price-scopes diamond search and the prices are not to far off...

What do you guys think of these choices?:

Round Diamonds:
SKU Ct. Cut Color Clarity Price
146498 1.01 Very Good J SI1 $4,088.00
http://www.wherethediamondsare.com/details/diamond/146498?mode=cyo-ring

147232 1.2 Very Good I SI1 $5,148.00
http://www.wherethediamondsare.com/details/diamond/147232?mode=cyo-ring

146496 1.06 Very Good I SI1 $4,850.00
http://www.wherethediamondsare.com/details/diamond/146496?mode=cyo-ring

Solitaire Settings:
SKU Name Style Metal Width Prongs Price
JBL-10947 Platinum Solitaire Traditional BL2985JSN11/4PT Platinum 2.5 4 $729.00
http://www.wherethediamondsare.com/details/solitaire-settings/JBL-10947?mode=cyo-ring

JBL-10959 Platinum Pinched Solitaire BL3161JSN Platinum 2.5 4 $990.00
http://www.wherethediamondsare.com/details/solitaire-settings/JBL-10959?mode=cyo-ring

Any thoughts?!?

The first diamond is too deep...we usually look for 60-62%. A well cut
1 carat should face up close to 6.5mm.

The last one is all off with the table being a lot larger than the depth.

Cant say much about the middle stone. It is graded by EGL which can be slack. (A J color could be a k/L or a SI1 can be an
SI2 or I1). Really best to stick with GIA/AGS. You need to search for stones with better than "Very Good" cut if you want
a nice stone.

Here are some cheat numbers to aim for...
depth 60-62%
table 54-57%
crown angle 34-35 degrees
pavilion angle 40.6 - 41 degrees

Hope this helps. I'll see what I can find out there.

 

[rabican]

Here are some cheat numbers to aim for...
depth 60-62%
table 54-57%
crown angle 34-35 degrees
pavilion angle 40.6 - 41 degrees

Hope this helps. I'll see what I can find out there.

THANKS! Good info...The holloway cut adviser says the 3rd stone is very good (i updated my post to reflect this. "3.6 - Very Good - Worth buying if the price is right"

 

[AnneinGA]

Rabican,
I am not sure where you actually want to buy your stone and setting, but try an online PS vendor.
For example, this Brian Gavin AGS stone: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-104045953023 in this four-prong setting: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5342 would cost you a total of $6112 and would be stunning, with absolutley no comparison to what you've already posted.

Most people on PS would point you to a PS vendor, and someone they've trusted and worked with before, not bloomingdale's or a diamond broker website.

What's your budget? What's your cut/clarity/carat/color requirements?

 

[tyty333]

Here are some that may be worth further investigation...need to ask the vendor if they are eye-clean or if the inclusion
can be hidden under a prong if thats ok with you.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds-search/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1306372.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1304084.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1255559.asp

Not really sure what your budget is.

 

[tyty333]

This would be an excellent stone with trade-up possibilities in the future.
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2531882.htm

 

[makhro82]

My boyfriend was very skeptical about purchasing online, but when my ring came he was blown away and he definitely enjoyed all the compliments get got for doing such a good job!

To be truthful your budget will go a lot further if you consider online shopping. Also you can tailor it around what your girlfriend wants, is she a quality or quantity girl? What kinds of settings does she like? Does she want a diamond or an alternative stone?

 

[slg47]

if you are wary of buying online perhaps order a stone loose and take it to an appraiser? then you can send it back to get it set if you like it

 

[Amys Bling]

some online options

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7642/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7482/

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2506731.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2503799.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2484363.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2506731.htm

 

[yssie]

Here are some cheat numbers to aim for...
depth 60-62%
table 54-57%
crown angle 34-35 degrees
pavilion angle 40.6 - 41 degrees

Hope this helps. I'll see what I can find out there.

THANKS! Good info...The holloway cut adviser says the 3rd stone is very good (i updated my post to reflect this. "3.6 - Very Good - Worth buying if the price is right"

How are you getting this?

I don't see crown and pavilion listed or a link to the cert for #3 above from Charlestone Alexander Ds..?

 

[kelpie]

The purpose of the HCA calculator is to eliminate poor performers, so you can take any diamond than scores OVER 2 out of the running. In DC I really like Tiny Jewel Box in Dupont and Hunt Country in Loudon County. I HATE Quest in Fairfax which may people of PS use with satisfaction. James*Allen is actually local to DC which many people don't realize because they're an online vendor, but they are in Frederick, MD. I think picking a spectacular GIA EX/EX/EX or and AGS000 stone from an online vendor is far less of a risk than any of the stones you've posted from Bloomie's or Charleston Alexander. Think about James*Allen if you like the assurance of a local vendor (they don't actually have a brick and mortar store though).

 

[kelpie]

Here's some suggestions in the 4k range (be sure you ask for PS discount if you buy online).
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1331608.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1309983.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1334564.asp

And their site says order by 4pm monday and you and have it tuesday.

 

[blueiris]

In case you do want to consider buying online ... I know it's a little scary to buy such a big, important item online but I have been amazed at how easy it was, and how much less stressful it was than my previous in-store buying experiences. I know for a fact that I got a gorgeous diamond and didn't pay too much for it. I could compare all its specs with others, see all the images taken of the stone, and evaluate it completely. That has never happened in-store for me because most stores don't have the ability to do that.

If you're open to buying online I think you'll be very happy in the end, and there are many people here who can help you find just the right stone for your budget.