i'm searching for an engagement ring. the timeline is tight, as the wedding will be in 3 months! very roughly, i'm looking for a round diamond in the range of 1-1.5 carat, eye-clean, and at least a G colour.
i have done a lot of research online so far (pricescope and other quality sites) and have been to some ring stores and one wholesale dealer in toronto (private referral). i also have a couple more appointments by private referral, as well as hope to connect with thediamondshopper (Aaron Kelman) who i saw recommended here.
that one dealer took a lot of time with me, about 2 hours, and he let me see several GIA diamonds under the loupe. he doesn't have too many GIA certified ones though, and unfortunately i later found out that the HCA scores of the nicest stones i looked at are 4+... (he had H&A but no idealscope.)
i have also researched online shopping. i especially have a good impression of jamesallen because of the magnified 3d images you get. however, i'm concerned that you cannot put diamonds on hold. so how does it help requesting idealscope or other images, or asking for input in this forum, if i cannot be sure to get the stone a few days later?
do you have any advice on what is a good strategy for me, given that i want to have a ring in the next few weeks?
what later steps do i have to start planning now or soon? for example, i haven't really looked into appraisal/insurance yet.
thanks a lot in advance!
i have done a lot of research online so far (pricescope and other quality sites) and have been to some ring stores and one wholesale dealer in toronto (private referral). i also have a couple more appointments by private referral, as well as hope to connect with thediamondshopper (Aaron Kelman) who i saw recommended here.
that one dealer took a lot of time with me, about 2 hours, and he let me see several GIA diamonds under the loupe. he doesn't have too many GIA certified ones though, and unfortunately i later found out that the HCA scores of the nicest stones i looked at are 4+... (he had H&A but no idealscope.)
i have also researched online shopping. i especially have a good impression of jamesallen because of the magnified 3d images you get. however, i'm concerned that you cannot put diamonds on hold. so how does it help requesting idealscope or other images, or asking for input in this forum, if i cannot be sure to get the stone a few days later?
do you have any advice on what is a good strategy for me, given that i want to have a ring in the next few weeks?
what later steps do i have to start planning now or soon? for example, i haven't really looked into appraisal/insurance yet.
thanks a lot in advance!