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Help with just bought diamond

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newbie_2010

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 9, 2010
Messages
12
I just bought a diamond today. I was wondering if I paid right price for it.
Its GIA Certified
2.01 Carat
I Color
SI2 Clarity
Very Good Cut
Excellent Polish and Symmetry
Total Depth - 60.1%
Table Size - 63%
Crown Angle - 32%
Crwon Height - 11.5%
Pavilion Angle 41.6
Pavilion Depth 44%

We paid $13,838 for it. The price is only for diamond and not for setting.I did some research before going to them. I read postings on this forum but looked at the diamond today and bought it today itself. Not sure if I should have come back home and thought more about it. I have 7 day return policy.
Can any expert tell us if we paid right price for it.
Thanks in advance
 
I would return it. The table is far too big and the rest of the numbers aren't great. From the Holloway Cut Advisor (under TOOLS above):

Factor Grade
Light Return Good
Fire Fair
Scintillation Fair
Spread or diameter for weight Excellent
Total Visual Performance 5.2 - Good - Only if price is your main criterion
 
Not really that great a price, especially considering the probable light performance.

Similar specs, slightly better proportion stone online is priced around 11k. https://www.pricescope.com/panning.aspx
 
Wellll it is not very well cut, the table is huge!
 
Take advantage of the 7days to return, find something more balanced
 
Yes agree, best to return it. That table is too big, it's not cut well. You can't get a well cut stone for that price. So rethink about how you want to go... Giving her a huge stone that is a dud isn't probably the way you want to go right???

We can help you find a great stone within your budget if you give us some parameters...

The key to buying a beautiful diamond is in it's CUT. Without that, you have a dull piece of carbon.
 
return it now!!
14.gif
 
Thanks for everybody''s input. I was wondering what should be the price difference between brick and mortar and online store. I bought it from a brick and mortar store. I expect to give more than what online store would sell for but I am not sure how much diff should I expect ..percentage wise. Any guidance would be appreciated.
Thanks.
 
Date: 6/10/2010 1:33:09 PM
Author: newbie_2010
Thanks for everybody''s input. I was wondering what should be the price difference between brick and mortar and online store. I bought it from a brick and mortar store. I expect to give more than what online store would sell for but I am not sure how much diff should I expect ..percentage wise. Any guidance would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
There is a diamond search tool at the top of this page which will allow you to compare prices to diamonds at online stores.

Please return that diamond, and start again. Folks here will help you along.
 
Date: 6/10/2010 1:33:09 PM
Author: newbie_2010
Thanks for everybody''s input. I was wondering what should be the price difference between brick and mortar and online store. I bought it from a brick and mortar store. I expect to give more than what online store would sell for but I am not sure how much diff should I expect ..percentage wise. Any guidance would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
A stone with similar specs to the one you purchased would be approximately $10,900 online.
 
My opinion is the online store is the better way to go, after my first purchase with BGD, I vowed never to buy B&M again.

The only thing is it takes a couple of weeks to get the goods. So patients is the key my friend.
12.gif
 
I know online prices are definitely lower than brick and mortar prices. There is no doubt about it. I don’t feel comfortable buying online though.
So my next question is if I see price of diamond I like for 10k online, how much should I expect to pay to brick and mortar company for almost same specification? 10% higher or more?
I am definitely returning the diamond I bought. I want to go fully prepared this time. Want to be informed customer. I read about all C’s but did not go deep enough and had no knowledge about table, depth etc. This time hopefully I will make better decision.
Any advice on price difference would be appreciated.
 
Date: 6/11/2010 7:43:10 AM
Author: newbie_2010
I know online prices are definitely lower than brick and mortar prices. There is no doubt about it. I don’t feel comfortable buying online though.
So my next question is if I see price of diamond I like for 10k online, how much should I expect to pay to brick and mortar company for almost same specification? 10% higher or more?
I am definitely returning the diamond I bought. I want to go fully prepared this time. Want to be informed customer. I read about all C’s but did not go deep enough and had no knowledge about table, depth etc. This time hopefully I will make better decision.
Any advice on price difference would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
According to the specs of this stone you would spend 30% more if you buy from a B&M.
 
Date: 6/11/2010 7:43:10 AM
Author: newbie_2010
I know online prices are definitely lower than brick and mortar prices. There is no doubt about it. I don’t feel comfortable buying online though.

So my next question is if I see price of diamond I like for 10k online, how much should I expect to pay to brick and mortar company for almost same specification? 10% higher or more?

I am definitely returning the diamond I bought. I want to go fully prepared this time. Want to be informed customer. I read about all C’s but did not go deep enough and had no knowledge about table, depth etc. This time hopefully I will make better decision.

Any advice on price difference would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

Hello, newbie_2010,
I think it''s great that you are returning the diamond and that you''ve educated yourself on diamond cut. If you are uncomfortable buying online, that is your preference, and we can work with you on that. Here are my suggestions:
1. Use your knowledge about cut to look through the online listings for stones that are not "in-house" stones that are cut well. Most brick and motar stores can get the same diamonds you see online. Whiteflash, Brian Gavin Diamonds, James Allen, Blue Nile, Solomon Brothers, Union Diamond -- all of these vendors have listings of stones that they do not carry, but are available to them from suppliers. On Pricescope, this is often called the "virtual" inventory.
2. Post the links to any stones you find on the virtual inventory for feedback here.
3. You can use the GIA or AGS numbers from the virtual list and ask the bricks and mortar store to call in any of these stones that look promising -- warning!!!! -- the store may charge you a fee for bringing in the stone(s) because it is not a free service for them to acquire the stones. That''s why you want to make sure that any stones you are considering from the virtual list are good contenders, and we can help you with that.
4. The prices on the virtual list will vary a bit from online vendor to online vendor. This will establish the "lower" end of the price for the diamond. As you mention, a bricks and mortar store will charge more. How much more? Well, that depends. Some bricks and mortar stores will "match" prices that you find online - always worth asking. Some stores have very high overhead and would go broke charging what online vendors charge. I would expect to pay anywhere from 10% to 50% more for the stone, depending on the type of store you are dealing with (a national chain in a mall vs. a high-end store in a big city vs. a small mom-and-pop store in a smaller community) and -- this is important -- and the color and clarity and size of the stone. Some diamonds command a bigger premium because of high color (D-F) and high clarity (VVS) and size (stones that cross a key carat mark, e.g., .50, .75, 1.0, 1.5, 1.75, 2.0).
5. You can save some money overall by using some "tricks" So if you can find a 1.87 carat diamond, for example, in a G color in SI 1 clarity, you can save a considerable amount of money by staying under the 2.0 carat mark, and going a bit lower in color and clarity than the "price premium" grades.

If you decide not to ask the store to bring in stone from the virtual list, and instead decide to rely on choosing from what the store has in their own inventory:

6. Resist efforts on the part of the store along these lines "color and clarity are what make the diamond sparkle; don''t compromise on color and clarity; we don''t carry J color stones," etc. It is cut that makes the diamond sparkle. High color and clarity make the jeweler more money; so, from the jewelers'' point of view, high color and high clarity are very good indeed, but for you, not necessary unless it''s your personal preference.
7. Resist efforts on the part of the store to get you to buy a stone without a certification. In fact, stick to stones with GIA or AGS certificates, if possible.
8. Compare inventory across several stores. If you live in an area where there are several stores carrying branded diamonds, e.g., Hearts on Fire, Jared''s Peerless cut, Tolkowsky brand diamonds -- start there and look at as many diamonds as you can and compare prices; look at a variety of color and clarity grades.
9. A few weeks ago, I saw some Tolkowsky brand diamonds in a local jewelry and thought they were priced well, compared to Hearts on Fire. The diamonds were gorgeous -- very well cut.
 
Yesss take these girls and guys advice.Send it back.I''m so glad I found PS.Out in town here diamonds are wayyyy overpriced and not worth the time and effort.I''m so glad I''ve made large purchases from well known vendors before buying a diamond because it made me feel a lil more comfy KWIM?Goodluck on with your search!
 

Hi All,


After putting lot of thought, I decided that I should go for diamond within this range Color - G-I color, Clarity -SI1-SI2, Ideal (AGS)/Excellent (GIA) Cut only. If I look for 2.0+ carat, I get this in my range. What do you think about below diamond?


I am not going for Peerless because they are charging for brand. I compared Peerless with Ideal with almost same characteristics on their webiste and they charge about 3k extra for Peerless.


Thanks.


http://design.jared-diamonds.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1035049.asp
 
Date: 6/11/2010 11:02:51 AM
Author: newbie_2010

Hi All,



After putting lot of thought, I decided that I should go for diamond within this range Color - G-I color, Clarity -SI1-SI2, Ideal (AGS)/Excellent (GIA) Cut only. If I look for 2.0+ carat, I get this in my range. What do you think about below diamond?



I am not going for Peerless because they are charging for brand. I compared Peerless with Ideal with almost same characteristics on their webiste and they charge about 3k extra for Peerless.



Thanks.



http://design.jared-diamonds.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1035049.asp

Click to expand...

No, you don''t have to buy from Jared''s to find a good cut. I was suggesting you visit Jared''s and other stores to get your eye acquainted with good cut and to compare stones of different color and clarity grades to determine your preferences. You''ve read about cut education here to educate your brain; my suggestion is you go out and view some well-cut diamonds in person to educate your eyes before you make your final selection.
 
They are nice too but don''t want to buy online. Plus there is no major price difference, Thanks for your help though.
 
I am not planning to go to Jared but I was thinking what was your opinion about this diamond. Is my thought process correct based on the range I decided to stay in? I am thinking table and depth would be good if I go for AGS ideal or GIA Excellent.




After putting lot of thought, I decided that I should go for diamond within this range Color - G-I color, Clarity -SI1-SI2, Ideal (AGS)/Excellent (GIA) Cut only. If I look for 2.0+ carat, I get this in my range. What do you think about below diamond?
 
The numbers look okay to me. Scores a sub 2 on the HCA. Is it eye clean?
 
I have not checked it yet. Just saw online. Since its SI2, I am assuming it will be eye clean. Not sure though. Thanks.
 
Date: 6/11/2010 11:33:02 AM
Author: newbie_2010
I am not planning to go to Jared but I was thinking what was your opinion about this diamond. Is my thought process correct based on the range I decided to stay in? I am thinking table and depth would be good if I go for AGS ideal or GIA Excellent.





After putting lot of thought, I decided that I should go for diamond within this range Color - G-I color, Clarity -SI1-SI2, Ideal (AGS)/Excellent (GIA) Cut only. If I look for 2.0+ carat, I get this in my range. What do you think about below diamond?
Click to expand...


Okay, I see what you''re asking. Yes, based on the GIA report for this stone, your thinking is sound. And, yes, asking your jeweler to stick with GIA EX and AGS Ideal stones will help you narrow the field to stones that have the greatest likelihood of being well-cut diamonds. However, even then you will want to run each stone through the Holloway Cut Advisor to check the numbers, and you might want to order an Idealscope ($25) to take with you to the store. And for SI clarity and below, don''t assume the stone is eye clean -- there''s a lot of variability in that range.
 
Date: 6/11/2010 1:11:43 PM
Author: newbie_2010
I have not checked it yet. Just saw online. Since its SI2, I am assuming it will be eye clean. Not sure though. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Nope, NOT a safe assumption at all. Far and away most SI2s are not eye clean.
 
Yup - in this size range finding a totally eyeclean SI2 from 8" will not be an easy or quick search.
 
Just wanted to ask everybody''s opinion on this diamond. I returned the one I bought earlier. Since I didn''t want to spend more they gave me an alternative. What do you think about this one? They are selling me this diamond for $12,403. Please give me an opinion about quality and price of this diamond.

Round Brilliant 1.70 Carat SI1, H GIA excellent Cut

Proportions:
Depth: 59.4%
Table: 59%
Crown Angle: 32.0°
Crown Height: 13.0%
Pavilion Angle: 41.0°
Pavilion Depth: 43.5%
Star length: 50%
Lower Half: 75%
Girdle: Thin to Medium, Faceted
Culet: None
Finish:
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None
 
promising from the numbers, but might sacrifice some fire performance due to the low crown.
 
But according to HCA numbers (if it''s accurate calculator), it has excellent rating. Do you still think it will loose fire?

Factor Grade
Light Return Excellent
Fire Excellent
Scintillation Very Good
Spread
or diameter for weight Excellent
Total Visual Performance 1.1 - Excellent
within BIC range
 
Date: 6/15/2010 6:03:20 AM
Author: newbie_2010
But according to HCA numbers (if it's accurate calculator), it has excellent rating. Do you still think it will loose fire?


Factor Grade

Light Return Excellent

Fire Excellent

Scintillation Very Good

Spread

or diameter for weight Excellent

Total Visual Performance 1.1 - Excellent

within BIC range
Click to expand...

Yes, this notation I've bolded denotes that the stone favors brilliance over fire. That does not mean the stone will lack all fire; it does mean that the stone will tend to be very bright with lots of white sparkle. It does not mean that it will be an unattractive stone -- just one with a slightly different appearance.

Diamonds are loosely divided into three catagories:
FIC -- firey ideal cut ( favors colored fire over white sparkle)
BIC -- brilliant ideal cut (favors brightness and white sparkle over colored fire)
TIC -- Tolkowsky ideal cut (balance of fire and white sparkle and brilliance)

None of the three is "better" than the other. But all three have a different look and some people purposely look for a FIC or BIC in a diamond because they love the look of those stones.
 
Thanks so much for the detailed explanation...I have learned so much in past few days. This forum is really helpul for people like us who do not have enough knowledge and can''t just rely on what sales person tells us.

I think I will go with this one for right now given the choices I have and my budget. I think price is very reasonable. It is better than anyother store''s. Plus better than online prices. Just because they have sale going on.

Please let me know if you think price is not good.

Thanks again.
 
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