HELP.. need advice on Amorique at BIRKS.

[lecomte]

Hey everyone...
So i''ve been going back and forth with a sales rep at BIRKS about the AMORIQUE... I really love the setting of the trilogy ring ... and I know I am paying a premium for the name...
My question is this... i went around to a few BIRKS.. and they all quote prices for the amorique at a minimum of 11K + taxes... however.. I went to a Birks and they found one for me at a much lower price... about 9K. The quality of the diamonds is what i''m a bit concerned about.
Center stone is 0.54 carats, VS2, but I colour.
One Side stone is 0.23 carats, VS1, H colour.
One Side stone is 0.24 carats, VS2, I colour.

Are these colours bad?? Are the side stones a bit small (i figure trilogy is supposed to have a 2:1 ratio for Center to Side stone)?
Am i getting TOTALLY ripped off (even if we account for the BIRKS name)?
AND FINALLY...... Will this ring look nice?

I guess i''m panicky now because i''m proposing real soon.. and still don''t ahve a RING!! and I know my GF will LOVEEEEE the setting... and I want to REALLY SURPRISE her with a BIRKS ring b/c she will totally not be expecting it. ANY ADVICE will be soooooo appreciated.

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 4/24/2009 4:29:28 PM
Author:lecomte
Hey everyone...
So i've been going back and forth with a sales rep at BIRKS about the AMORIQUE... I really love the setting of the trilogy ring ... and I know I am paying a premium for the name...
My question is this... i went around to a few BIRKS.. and they all quote prices for the amorique at a minimum of 11K + taxes... however.. I went to a Birks and they found one for me at a much lower price... about 9K. The quality of the diamonds is what i'm a bit concerned about.
Center stone is 0.54 carats, VS2, but I colour.
One Side stone is 0.23 carats, VS1, H colour.
One Side stone is 0.24 carats, VS2, I colour.

Are these colours bad?? Are the side stones a bit small (i figure trilogy is supposed to have a 2:1 ratio for Center to Side stone)?
Am i getting TOTALLY ripped off (even if we account for the BIRKS name)?
AND FINALLY...... Will this ring look nice?

I guess i'm panicky now because i'm proposing real soon.. and still don't ahve a RING!! and I know my GF will LOVEEEEE the setting... and I want to REALLY SURPRISE her with a BIRKS ring b/c she will totally not be expecting it. ANY ADVICE will be soooooo appreciated.

The colors. No they aren't bad. No diamond color is "bad." Bad is a subjective assessment. Is the shade of blue in the sky today bad? No. And it's not good either. What matters is whether or not I find it pleasing. And I do. "I" color is usually quite lovely to most people in ideal rounds, particularly in the size you are looking at. the amorique is a cushion type, and quite pretty. If you liked it, that's what matters. Plus I believe Birks has a decent return policy? So just make sure she gets it in the time alloted for return if you think there may be an issue.

The ring looking nice, is again a subjective thing. I don't kno her personal taste or yours. But you said you know she will love it. So that's all that matters related to that question now isn't it.

As for Birks or any other higher end store... the consumer is what determines whether or not it is a value to pay the mark up.