help with 10 carat ring- where to buy!

[mandarinmom9]

Hi! I am a newbie so i am so sorry if this has been brought up before... I have a 5.5 carat, round, G, I1, (Shane co) diamond ring that I have upgraded with them twice- before I knew enough to realize, that I am not getting a 'deal' by trading up with them... I now realize an I1 is not a good piece and I feel they are overpriced... I am looking to get into either an 8-10 carat cushion, or pear diamond or round. My question is, should I go to a different jewelry store? I've already called one here who has a bigger selection of nice diamonds. Or is it a better deal to trade in- again with Shane? My budget is $150k-$200k. Online, it looks like there are some stones out there that fit my budget without being yellow or imperfect... In my area it seems like the nicer stores have rings starting at $272k (out of my budget) or at Shane they have an I3, K color, round diamond for $200!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! they can get from their 'buyer'. Please, it won't hurt my feelings if you think I'm unrealistic about my expectations with what I can afford. I really just would love some insight! Thanks!

 

[oldminer]

I have been working with a client seeking to find an Asscher style emerald cut of 10ct plus and they had located a 10+ct I-VS2 last week for just under $450K. They also had found an 8+ct stone G-VS1 for about $330K. It is always difficult to judge what would make you happy or what you can afford, but the numbers on these big rocks are rather heavy duty regardless of how good the deal might end up.

Few stores own such diamonds. Nearly all are in the hands of well financed diamond dealers. Almost any seller will give you a reasonable mark-up above cost on such a costly item, but shopping is part of the process.

Good luck!!!

 

[kenny]

Bluenile has 3 rounds in your size and price range, well just under 8 ct, which tells me your price/size expectation is not realistic especially if you want GIA/AGS level color and clarity grades, good cut, which contributes to a diamonds beauty more than color or clarity, within reasonable limits.
Other labs, like EGL, have looser grading standards so diamond graded by them will SEEM to be cheaper.
They are not.
They are just incorrectly graded and are often MORE expensive when the true grades are determined.

The last one is the only one with a chance for good light performance since its HCA score is under 2.0.
HCA is step one for picking a well cut round.
https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca
Step 2 is getting Idealscope pics and Bluenile won't provide that so I'd buy my own idealscope, buy diamond #3 and inspect it at home and return it if it looks wonky.

https://www.pricescope.com/tools/ideal-scope

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=head#diamonds_pid=LD02335917



http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=head#diamonds_pid=LD02152321



http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=head#diamonds_pid=LD02152321

 

[purplesilk]

Take a look at these:

Lang Antiques - 323 Sutter Street - San Francisco, CA 94108 - (415) 982-2213
http://www.langantiques.com/products/item/10-91-168
http://www.langantiques.com/products/item/10-1-2428

GOG - 5278 Sunrise Highway - Massapequa Park, NY 11762 - (516) 798-5151
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond.php?d=9253&shape=262161&ctMin=8&ctMax=10&resultsColumns=268435471&singleResult=1

http://www.jewelsbyericagrace.com/home
Los Angeles & Seattle
ph: 888-285-5423
fax: 360-780-3082
[email protected]

http://rockdiamond.com/index.php/categories/white-diamonds

James Allen - 605 North Bentz Street #203 Frederick - MD 21701, USA - (877) 826-9866
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds-search/

 

[Sparkly_Girl]

Hi There,

I tried on "The One" (setting name) with an 8 ct cushion cut center stone at Harry Winston in Chicago a few weeks ago. I didn't ask what the price was... (if you have to ask, you can't afford it....) What I can tell you is that the 4 ct center stone + 1.5 cts in the halo and shank ring was $371,000. Of course, the diamonds were all absolutely the best of the best, as that is all HW sells... Anyway, just some information for comparisons sake...

 

[kenny]

This is a correction to my post above which I can no longer edit.

The link for the third diamond above is the same as the link for the second.
Sorry, my mistake.

Here is the link for the third round, 7.65 ct J SI1, which is the only one of the three I'd even consider:

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=head#diamonds_pid=LD01501386

 

[yennyfire]

I love the second Lang's ring...it has been part of my dreams many times (which is where it will stay, since it's WAY out of my reach!).

I'd also check out www.rauantiques.com and 1stdibs.com

Here's a 8.63 tcw 3 stone that's gorgeous!
http://jewelry.1stdibs.com/jewelry_item_detail.php?id=34735

Please come back and share photos of whatever you choose!

 

[mandarinmom9]

Thank you all so much. In one post, you guys have been more informative than the last 5 years of diamond shopping/dreaming. I really appreciate the tips and the websites. A lot to think about... I definitely need to re-adjust my wants with what I can afford... Regardless, there are options!

 

[Christina...]

Have you considered a three stone or a halo? If your heart isn't set on a solitaire, upgrading the specs of your 5.5 and changing the setting may give you the finger coverage your looking for and keep you within budget.

 

[Sparkly_Girl]

Have you considered a three stone or a halo? If your heart isn't set on a solitaire, upgrading the specs of your 5.5 and changing the setting may give you the finger coverage your looking for and keep you within budget.

Yes! Yes! YES!!!! I agree, Christina! That is one reason why we are going with a 4 ct center with halo for my e/wring... the finger coverage will be that (if not more than!) an 8 ct solitaire!