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Help Please!

Okay. So I’m semi embarrassed but maybe someone can make me feel a little better. 1.51 D VS2. Only one tiny crystal on table. 56 t 61.3 d 35 c 41 pa. It looked beautiful compared to the other diamonds around. Price was 24,5 but told me 17 if purchased with deposit tonight. I thought I was getting an absolutely unbelievable deal. Well lastly I seen on gia cert med blue Flor. That really scared me away. He was promising me that I wouldnot tell a difference between this diamond and a diamond of the same specs with no flour. Here’s where the deal breaker took place. When we left a gentleman’s office he was whispering to another salesman and I heard deal/them smiling. Made me feel as if I was getting over on/taken advantage of. So I left without putting a deposit. Was that a saving grace for me getting cold feet or did I really pass up on a once in a lifetime deal on a beautiful stone?
 
Your instincts said "no, walk away." I say you have very good instincts. That was too much for that diamond. You could get a similar diamond with no issues for between $16,640 and $20k.

First rule of diamond buying...there are not "deals" when buying retail. Only more or less fair pricing.

Super ideal. Superb customer service and lovely bench for making the ring. Lifetime buyback and upgrade. All range from 22k-16k usd.
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10044
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10111
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10504
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10443
 
I posted some great super-ideals. If you want help looking at the broader market, just ask for help here. We like searching for people. :mrgreen2:
 
Glsd you walked away. No such thing as a once in a lifetime deal. They were trying to pull one over on you.
 
Thank you for the response. I was still kicking myself in the butt until someone responded. Yeah I’m thinking I need to plan a trip to hpd. I live in Indiana and have no problem spending the money. I’m stuck with that visual bug where I’d like to see it in person at least once. I’m guessing this is due to my lack of buying diamonds knowledge.
 
@rockysalamander I think my problem was being bit by the bug this site offers. Trying to venture out and find a “unicorn” which I probably don’t even have the knowledge to do! It’s hard when you can fabricate/build anything anyone dreamed of but can’t pick out the right “silly little stone”! I was thinking maybe I could find something in the HPD WF range of super ideal but falling just outside the cut off line. Where it would still be an absolutely stunning diamond compared to almost any of them yet have the value of not being a premium “branded” diamond. If I have no chance of doing that really I’d appreciate someone just telling me so and sticking to the branded companies would be the smartest choice.

My soon to be has already stressed me out plenty with wanting a certain size then going to a smaller size and vice versa. Now once again she’s left her previous 1.25 size max and back to wanting a stone bigger than 1.25. So for me I just think it’s time to surprise her completely wether it be a 1.25 or a 1.75. Either way this will be a first for both of us so I’m sure she will be estatic just as I will be!
 
Any of the top super-ideal vendors we recommend will be a "sure thing". They have excellent customer service, can fabricate lovely rings and have great return/upgrade policies. HighPerformance Diamonds and WF have the most generous upgrade, HPD has a lifetime buyback policy. Brian Gavin Designs requires a bit more to upgrade, but it a very well-known cutter and they are a great company.

If you want to find a unicorn, that will take time and patience and a lot emails and communication from you to the vendor and us to you. We are happy to help you find some and you can run them down. But, these vendors will all have less generous upgrade policies. Given your girl's waffling, I'd be inclined to tell you to stick with one of the three above to make upgrades an easy thing. If you don't need that trade-in guarantee, then several other vendors are available. So, just tell us what you want to do.

Stocks are a bit low right now at WF and BGD. I'm not sure when a to restock would happen, perhaps @Texas Leaguer can give a hint from WF. HPD had many options, I posted three nice ones for you to ponder.
 
@rockysalamander when you speak of restocks does that mean figuring out when it is and if it’s soon possibly holding my horses to have a better variety of options? Yes I’m sure now no matter what I get she’s going to have the “Shrinkage” issue. I had planned to pay cash and hide it as a surprise. I’m trying to decide on...
a stick to around my ballpark and go ahead and figure out what I can get in that range.
B financing a small portion of the ring I chose with no restrictions to cost in my general carat range and getting the best stone possible and just paying it off as soon as the proposal.
C going ahead with b but paying cash which I’ve got about a 90 percent chance of getting caught transferring those amounts of funds when she takes care of the finances. Even though I’ve managed to slowly sneak by her a pretty good chunk for a stone I don’t have the time left to slowly sneak by another 5-10k.

I give kudos to all men that are married! I don’t think I’ve ever dealt with this kind of stress on a silent level! I’m sure after it’s all said and done in 6 weeks I’ll be laughing at how easy it would’ve been if my brain wasn’t bouncing ideas back and forth non stop!
 
On restocking...after the holiday, the super-ideal vendors have lower stocks (available stones) then normally available. So, your options at BGD and WF are more limited right now. I so no lack of options at HPD. So, if you have time, you can wait a bit and see if more options open up in your budget. If you want to get this done, then I'd stick with HPD.

I like A and B. You want a surprise, so C seems to be out.

A -- If you pay in cash, you will need to covert that to a check (banker's is fine) to buy from an online vendor. So, that adds time and you have to mail the check and you don't get the bank wire discount. Using a wire service from a corner market will kill you in fees, so that's out to me. Do you have a really really good and trusting relationship with a relative that you could give the cash to and they can wire the money to the vendor? Just be sure to clear that with the vendor, as you want it to be clear that you are the "buyer" and "owner" and the other person is only involved for sneaking purposes.

B -- Normally I would say NEVER finance a diamond. But, given the shared accounts issue and as long as you only finance what you will pay off immediately after the proposal, that is not a bad idea. It will mean you don't get the "wire" discount posted on most sites and will be limited to sites that offer to finance (WF-yes; HPD-I don't think so; BGD-yes).

What kind of setting are you looking at? If you are pretty sure she's likely to change the diamond, just get an inexpensive "presentation" solitaire. Changing the stone will also likely need a change to the setting.

CASH -- Are you anywhere within travel distance to Texas or Idaho? WF and BGD are in Texas. HPD is in Idaho. You could buy cash directly with them if you don't mind the travel. But...HPD has a "try it before you buy it" option. I wonder if you contacted them and they sent a stone to a local jeweler for examination if they'd let you pay cash to that vendor and then they get a check from the vendor.

@Wink or @LaylaR may be able to chime in on the paying options through HPD that might work with cash.

So, once you decide on the path and thus budget, let us know and we will help find a stone.
 
mikehadley4 said:
Thank you for the response. I was still kicking myself in the butt until someone responded. Yeah I’m thinking I need to plan a trip to hpd. I live in Indiana and have no problem spending the money. I’m stuck with that visual bug where I’d like to see it in person at least once. I’m guessing this is due to my lack of buying diamonds knowledge.
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Visiting HPD would be super-fun and you get to meet Wink in person! That would cinch it for me. Just make sure you set up an appointment, so they can have options in your budget range.
 
Yes @rockysalamander I definitely wouldn’t keep it financed! It would only be until the proposal so I can then use the funds after the surprise, and only if the stone is over what I have hidden towards it already.

Just searched on maps. 1 day from HPD and 15 hours from WF. Which we do a lot of traveling with racing so I don’t mind flying anywhere either. I would be curious as to how soon WF restocked just for the abundance of choices. If you say HPD has pretty much all options then pretty sure those two companies are competitively priced between one another and both would be exceptional quality with the “super ideals”. I just wish I could see one in person just because of all the B&M stores that claim it’s just a phrase thrown around and that you will not get a better looking stone then a triple x yada yada. I’m just thinking well there’s a whole freaking community I’ve stumbled upon that for some reason love them. I’m sure if xxx was just the best everyone would just go buy a certed xxx no matter what it all says beyond that!

I guess the only thing I’d be curious on with a restock would be if there was some kind of s1 eye clean gem. Outside of that I know I want to stay near colorless if not colorless. I feel like that means I have to be a g or above. We already know the super ideal side of it. I plan on just a solitare band. At first she was wanting a pave style but to be safe I just want to get a white gold or platinum temp/plain band with I believe a classic 4 prong. That way she can at least have the input on final band choice since it will be on her hand!

In the “supers” I’m assuming this but carats are priced a little differently. There is no break under a 1.5 if you’ve got a 1.46 etc I’m guessing?
 
rockysalamander said:
Racing??? Does this racing involve 4 wheels and driving fast? If so, I think @sledge and I would be very curious. 2 wheels is still cool...=)2
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Actually yes sir it is. 4 wheels and a small block Chevy. Along with a 9:1 358 that will turn 9 grand all day. Some large slicks. And 4 double adjustable jri coil overs all the way around! I wish there was an inbox on here. I’d send you a message!
 
Thank you for asking me to comment here, Rockysalamander.

If the question is about paying for diamonds in “green cash” (meaning literally a handing of cash across the counter) we have other options which can serve that purpose, but we don’t actually accept a wad of hundreds :) Here is why: Our diamonds are supplied directly by Crafted by Infinity in Antwerp so we follow very strict anti-money laundering regulations at their example, even in our domestic transactions. In essence, we maintain a transparent and demonstrable paper-trail and follow a reasonable level of KYC (Know Your Client) procedures that serve to protect everyone involved in the process, from buying the diamond rough all the way to delivery.

With that said, payment options which may be as functional as paying in cash/check or a normal bank-wire could be a cashier’s check or possibly a Western Union wire.

Additionally, I would mention (to all) that CBI has a network of showrooms around the country which may be closer to you, and every CBI showroom has access to the same stock. Including HPD. And we can work with any of them to facilitate your viewing of CBI.
 
LaylaR said:
Thank you for asking me to comment here, Rockysalamander.

If the question is about paying for diamonds in “green cash” (meaning literally a handing of cash across the counter) we have other options which can serve that purpose, but we don’t actually accept a wad of hundreds :) Here is why: Our diamonds are supplied directly by Crafted by Infinity in Antwerp so we follow very strict anti-money laundering regulations at their example, even in our domestic transactions. In essence, we maintain a transparent and demonstrable paper-trail and follow a reasonable level of KYC (Know Your Client) procedures that serve to protect everyone involved in the process, from buying the diamond rough all the way to delivery.

With that said, payment options which may be as functional as paying in cash/check or a normal bank-wire could be a cashier’s check or possibly a Western Union wire.

Additionally, I would mention (to all) that CBI has a network of showrooms around the country which may be closer to you, and every CBI showroom has access to the same stock. Including HPD. And we can work with any of them to facilitate your viewing of CBI.
Click to expand...



Thank you for chiming in @LaylaR! Yes I have E.R. fund in cash but I can absolutely put it into an account separate from what she is linked to for purchasing. There was a good mention of wiring under a relatives name which I can easily do with my immediate family. If you was to know the circumstances I would still be considered “buyer” for future upgrade purposes correct? I’m well aware that cash is about obsolete everywhere. It’s all went to plastic! We are still a little “old school” here in this particular part of the Midwest, but do have to have cards for traveling purposes. It’s crazy the places that won’t take cash anymore but I’m sure it’s due to the much larger picture.... laundering etc that we never think of.

Do you assist the consumers that normally inquire directly with HPD on diamonds? If so can I have an email or give a point of contact to deal with you off of this site? I have been intrigued to your brand for the simple “stupid probably to some” but high performance name. Just because our lives are so involved around a “ high performance”Motorsport!

Do you have any trusted networks in the Midwest area or am I better off catching a plane to Id?
 
Hello Mike,

You can use any contact method on the HPD site and mention you would like to work with me. Pricescope also allows vendors to include contact information in our signature lines below our posts. I will make a note to my team to expect such contact and refer you to me. As for Midwest CBI showroom options, you can select the “See In Your City” option at the top of any page on the HPD site to check out the network of jewelers available to you.
 
Mike
The team from HPD will take good care of you. I have seen 3 CBI IRL and all 3 are dynamite! :love:
 
I have watched inventories go down over the last three months. I’m sure they’ll restock soon ... Valentine’s Day is coming!!!!
You can also contact the vendor and asks to be notified if a particular diamond comes in. Just please be sure to ask for different spec’s than I did ... haha joking.
These vendors really are top notch!

Almost forgot about one of your questions ... I’m pretty sure there is an increase in price per carat at the big milestones (i’m so funny haha), like 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, whether super ideal or not ... probably at certain measurement points as well, like 7 mm, 8 mm. etc (however I’m not trade and didn’t check this statement - just putting it out there to give you an idea). The laws of supply (whether faked by DeBeers or not) and demand (we certainly seem willing to pay).
 
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Buy smart and buy below the magic weights. As mentioned, every quarter/half/full carat. I have also noticed that there are also some price differences near the end and beginning of every tenth of a carat too, though it’s not quite as noticeable as those standard magic weights
 
I think a trip to hp diamonds would be awesome! Any of their diamonds is truly special and a work of art.
 
@mikehadley4 I'm so glad you connected with @LaylaR and HPD. I'm going to be traveling for the next week, so I'll leave you in PS members and HPD's capable hands. I personally adore HPDs stones and the company's ethos. The brand really does match your life!

Chat with HPD, but a setting like below would be lovely. Just ask how much increase in the diamond size before you need a remake. Stick with 6 prongs given your lifestyle. These prongs provide more side protection that single prongs and look very pretty. I'd also ask them to set the diamond as low as possible. You could have a chevy symbol engraved on the inside (top of the shank is better than bottom for such personal marks or they get lost in re-sizing).

(HPD's ring, not my photo or lovely hands)
upload_2018-12-28_8-21-40.png

Feel free to post a pic of your car. Drool. I did autocross for years with my Porsche. My Porsche would not hit your top speeds by a mile, I topped out at 130 mph after modifications on my 914, but could corner like it was on rails. Our 911 was way faster, but the 914 was more nimble and was easier to fit a roll cage to. I was the only girl on the circuit back in those days and it really bothered some of the men to be beat by a "girl", but I'd been driving on private tracks since I was tall enough to see over the steering wheel.
 
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I have contacted HPD so now it begins. I’m going to hopefully figure out if they will have a restock soon so I can possibly fall right below the .5s in weight if it saves me some for now. Especially with the upgrade policy it wouldn’t matter if she wanted to go bigger down the road!

@rockysalamander I do know of autocross! Actually I think my favorite racing these days are actually our outlaw figure 8 races. “Quite insane” actually posted couple random pictures. The top is a race we was fortunate to win last year called the 3 hour endurance race. The bottom pic is a car we just took to California last month. Other is just a random show here in the Midwest. We’ve got 7 race cars so it’s quite the full time job. 4 late models and 3 toys called legend cars!
 
Glad to hear of your progress, OP! I’m in Illinois, and a new owner of a gorgeous CBI from HPD. We’ve made the road trip out to Idaho twice as a family, but the next time it will be straight to HPD. :lol-2:

Once you can get through IL, IA, and MN, it’s just gorgeous. Take I-90, not I-80. May be a bit longer, depending on where you’re located in IN, but the views are worth it! :)) Keep us updated!

@LaylaR — are customers able to mail a cashier’s check to HPD and still get the “wire” discount? Just curious. :wavey:
 
mikehadley4 said:
DA87B0C0-FE2E-4995-A742-02FEC3828E1C.jpeg 5504B63C-7B1B-428A-851F-764E2F0A2CDB.jpeg 5907811A-1376-46EF-9EB0-2E150CE06F8A.jpeg E89B98A9-E507-40F9-A46B-1B81A862E6C2.jpeg

I have contacted HPD so now it begins. I’m going to hopefully figure out if they will have a restock soon so I can possibly fall right below the .5s in weight if it saves me some for now. Especially with the upgrade policy it wouldn’t matter if she wanted to go bigger down the road!

@rockysalamander I do know of autocross! Actually I think my favorite racing these days are actually our outlaw figure 8 races. “Quite insane” actually posted couple random pictures. The top is a race we was fortunate to win last year called the 3 hour endurance race. The bottom pic is a car we just took to California last month. Other is just a random show here in the Midwest. We’ve got 7 race cars so it’s quite the full time job. 4 late models and 3 toys called legend cars!
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My brother used to scratch build cars like this from sheet metal and pipe. His cars won a lot of races. Brings back memories...
As far as diamonds go, I own a CBI and I couldn't be happier. CBI owns the process from sourcing rough to final polish. Like my crazy brother, CBI carries out each step of the process with OCD levels of perfection. When you have an excellent process that you control from the first step to the final step, and when you execute each step with precision and accuracy, you end up with a sight to behold. You are in excellent hands.
 
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Just wanting to post an update. I’ve got a few options/ideas working with Layla. I’m sure I’ve asked her enough questions by now! Also I can’t say enough about her working around the clock. It may be 2-4 am yet I’ll still receive an email which is awesome! I told her I’d probably post a few options just to get some additional opinions on them! So here we go. Actually most of these fall in the 1.25-1.4 range

10509 F si1 1.3
10668 g si1 1.33 future d
10680 g vs2 1.41 future d
10672 h si1
9895 f vs2 1.25

Also talking some about crafting a diamond. Around an 8 week period. But could specify 1.5 or 1.25 and color/clearity options. I’m thinking if crafting one I would need to be at a vs2 atleast for the safety of not knowing upfront. Layla thought that si1 would be a gamble in ordering a custom stone. Just with not knowing where inclusions are etc

The top runners have been the 680 and 668. But I’m also just curious about going to a mindclean f. Even though this may not matter to us since we don’t really have a lot of diamonds sitting around/that she wears. Looking forward to your guys input. As I’ve only got a couple days to make a solid decision if it falls down to a couple of these.

Also if you think there’s a stone that falls within this range at HPD not posted could you please tell me why you’d choose a particular one Over these. Of course staying within pricing reasoning of these.
 
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