Help! This jeweler doesn't seem to get it...

[Rockpharmer]

Ok, so I am having my jeweler locate me just the right diamond for an engagement ring. I gave him my specifications which were stated as follows:

After much research and consideration I think I'd like to see if we could come up with some other diamonds to possibly choose from. I am still thinking we could stay in the 1.5 ct or larger category, but I am thinking just a round brilliant (wouldn't necessarily have to be H&As) might be the route I want to go. Here are the stats that I am thinking:

1.35 to 1.5 ct.
D-H color
Eye clean Si1 or better
Excellent cut, polish and symmetry
Table of 54-58
Crown angle of 34-35
Pavilion angle of 40.6-41
I would also like it to be graded by either GIA or AGS

After looking around, I think we should be able to stay around my price range (13-14k) on the stone.

This was my exact email to him so I show up today and he presents 2 diamonds to me. The first stone is a 1.51 ct. EGL certified G, Si2 and I immediately stated I was not interested in an EGL diamond...He insisted this was a great diamond and a great price...11.5k! Still not interested. The second is a 1.3 ct GIA certified diamond shown below:

http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pag...&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=2166015887

This stone looked just ok in person. It only scores a 5.0 on HCA so that immediately turns me off. He quoted me a price of 13.5k for this diamond which I felt is really high. What do you think?

After looking at these I mentioned to him that I wanted to see an AGS ideal diamond, so he called his gemologist up and they conversed about how an AGS graded stone was of lesser quality and they could probably find me something in my price range. I kinda looked at them dumbfounded because from everything I've seen on here and elsewhere it seems as though AGS ideal is top of the line performance.

So, I guess I'm just kinda wondering about their ability to find me a quality stone in my price range and if not I'm wondering about buying the diamond I found on GOG and having it set in ring they are making custom. Here is the diamond from GOG, I just don't know how the pricing can be that much different through GOG and a local jeweler.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11615/

Anybody have any opinions of this situation?

Thanks a million!

 

[babs23r]

Why are you even considering your jeweler? GOG is a very reputable place, and they have a stone that fits your criteria. Isn't this a no brainer?

 

[heididdl]

It is so frustrating. I bought studs last year and they were EGL international and when I told him that I was willing to buy them but they were priced as AGS or GIA and I would pay what EGL prices were which is much lower they looked at me like I had two heads.

They make you feel like your stupid and they are really trying to help. I am sure he thinks he is. But that is not what you asked for. I would say that after being on this sight for a couple of years now I would rather pay the extra $200 over budget and go with GOG. These local jewelers bring in 1 or 2 stones at a time and pressure you (they think they aren't) to settle for what they believe is a great stone.

Stick to your guns you have the knowledge from what you've learned here. I am sure others will kick in with stone suggestions. I will take a look now also.

 

[Rockpharmer]

I guess I am just worried about the process of getting the diamond purchased from GOG set locally. Do you see why there would be any issues with that?

 

[ihy138]

I guess I am just worried about the process of getting the diamond purchased from GOG set locally. Do you see why there would be any issues with that?

I've purchased many stones from online vendors and had them set by my local jeweler into pendants, rings, you name it!

 

[heididdl]

There shouldn't be but would you consider talking to GOG about doing the entire ring.

 

[Gypsy]

I guess I am just worried about the process of getting the diamond purchased from GOG set locally. Do you see why there would be any issues with that?

Yes, there is an issue. Insurance while setting.

It's better to get the setting sent to GOG. Why? You local jeweler is unlikely to want to insure a stone (worth much more than the setting) while it is being set. And stones can chip while setting. GOG would insure the stone, even with an outside setting. Probably with nothing more than a 100 fee for the setting work.

The stone only vendor will insure and the setting only vendor normally will not. And you need the insurance. The other option is to get the private insurance you will have to get ANYWAY after the stone is set early through jewelers mutual early that way you can have the stone set anywhere.

But otherwise, there is no problem with that and it happens quite often.

 

[Rockpharmer]

There shouldn't be but would you consider talking to GOG about doing the entire ring.

Yea...I would if only the setting weren't already halfway completed.

 

[Rockpharmer]

I guess I am just worried about the process of getting the diamond purchased from GOG set locally. Do you see why there would be any issues with that?

Yes, there is an issue. Insurance while setting.

It's better to get the setting sent to GOG. Why? You local jeweler is unlikely to want to insure a stone (worth much more than the setting) while it is being set. And stones can chip while setting. GOG would insure the stone, even with an outside setting. Probably with nothing more than a 100 fee for the setting work.

The stone only vendor will insure and the setting only vendor normally will not. And you need the insurance. The other option is to get the private insurance you will have to get ANYWAY after the stone is set early through jewelers mutual early that way you can have the stone set anywhere.

But otherwise, there is no problem with that and it happens quite often.

Thank you so much for the info @Gypsy!

This may be my best option even though it may push back the engagement a little bit. I'd rather get the ring right and not regret the diamond I purchase. What's your opinion of the GOG stone?

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11615/

 

[Gypsy]

If it is eyeclean, it's a gorgeous stone.