Help with purchasing ring online or at retailer?

[Rivers]

Hello,

I am in the market to purchase a 1-ct Asscher cut diamond ring, and since I am planning to be in San Fran, Vegas and LA sometime in March, was wondering if anyone could give me some recommendations as to reputable vendors with a good price (online & retail) that I could probably purchase from?

Having said that and having never done this before, I do have some questions:

1. I guess since the online shops don't have an actual operating retail shop, I do not get to go in to take a look at the diamonds I have shortlisted before purchasing them. Is this true? Reason being my girlfriend would probably want to choose the diamond ring herself, so it might not be the best idea to have it pre-ordered?

2. What kind of price difference are we talking about % wise between an online shop and an actual retail shop?

3. Having never purchased before? How do I know I am getting the real deal? Should I be asking for certifications etc?

4. Reputable shop recommendations with good prices either online, SF, Vegas or LA would be much appreciated. Or should I be looking somewhere else?

Thanks!

 

[elliemay]

Welcome!

I would suggest checking out Good Old Gold and James Allen (both online retailers with a good PS reputation). You'll be able to see the actual diamonds in their inventory and they'll be able to tell you whether they're eye-clean, etc., as they have the stones in-house.

You could also post your budget (and some ideas for a setting, if you're looking for suggestions on that, too) and PSers will go to work to find you a good deal. Everyone is really helpful here!

It sounds like you're a newbie to the diamond world, so I really suggest you poke around PS for as long as you can before you make a purchase because you will learn SO MUCH. Buying a diamond is a really emotional experience and it's very easy to end up paying far more than you should have because you got blinded by the sparkle.