Hi, New Here! Could Use Your Opinion....

[Sean11]

Hi, I''m Sean. I''ve been doing some independent research on this site for some time and have found it to be an invaluable resource. Thank you! Anyway, I am getting engaged some time this year. That, of course, being contingent upon me finding a quality diamond (with your help, of course).

I am already working with Mark from Engagement Rings Direct. He is steering me towards GIA stones, as expected. I noticed lots of stones that would fit my criteria of a 3 carat round, SI1/2 (eye clean, of course), H/I color and Excellent/Ideal cut. Mark is quoting me roughly $30k according to his site. I know this would be a safe purchase in that I am getting what I pay for - a trusted vendor with a trusted certification.

I have also spoken to vendors recommended to me by peers at work. One is in the diamond district and carries EGL stones. A similar diamond costs $20k. I realize that if I go this route, I am probably ending up with a lesser quality gem, and probably need to upgrade to something costing $25k to get a similar product. Even then, I could save $5k. Am I completely off base?

My last choice is a vendor I know in Thailand. They are a family friend of my fiancee. Most of their stones are IGI certified, which I suspect is because they are, well...International. An example of what I could get is a 3.05 carat, H color, VVS2, 62.9 depth, 57.5 table, polish/cut - VG and symmetry - G for $19,800 USD.

Alright, let me take a breath after all that. So what do you guys think? Obviously seeing the stones, would be a great help, but without that benefit, which route seems most reasonable?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 5/15/2008 9:42:33 AM
Author:Sean11
Hi, I'm Sean. I've been doing some independent research on this site for some time and have found it to be an invaluable resource. Thank you! Anyway, I am getting engaged some time this year. That, of course, being contingent upon me finding a quality diamond (with your help, of course).

I am already working with Mark from Engagement Rings Direct. He is steering me towards GIA stones, as expected. I noticed lots of stones that would fit my criteria of a 3 carat round, SI1/2 (eye clean, of course), H/I color and Excellent/Ideal cut. Mark is quoting me roughly $30k according to his site. I know this would be a safe purchase in that I am getting what I pay for - a trusted vendor with a trusted certification.

I have also spoken to vendors recommended to me by peers at work. One is in the diamond district and carries EGL stones. A similar diamond costs $20k. I realize that if I go this route, I am probably ending up with a lesser quality gem, and probably need to upgrade to something costing $25k to get a similar product. Even then, I could save $5k. Am I completely off base?

My last choice is a vendor I know in Thailand. They are a family friend of my fiancee. Most of their stones are IGI certified, which I suspect is because they are, well...International. An example of what I could get is a 3.05 carat, H color, VVS2, 62.9 depth, 57.5 table, polish/cut - VG and symmetry - G for $19,800 USD.

Alright, let me take a breath after all that. So what do you guys think? Obviously seeing the stones, would be a great help, but without that benefit, which route seems most reasonable?

Thanks for your help!

Welcome Sean!

Easy choice for me, I would work with Mark at ERD hands down! He has an excellent and well deserved rep here, so I think you can work with him in confidence. I would consider GIA and AGS graded diamonds, according to Mark's recommendations.

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 5/15/2008 9:55:41 AM
Author: Lorelei

Welcome Sean!

Easy choice for me, I would work with Mark at ERD hands down! He has an excellent and well deserved rep here, so I think you can work with him in confidence. I would consider GIA and AGS graded diamonds, according to Mark's recommendations.

Ditto what she says, Mark has a great reputation. This maybe a helpful link https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/review-of-online-diamond-buying-experience-%E2%80%93-winfield%E2%80%99s-gog-wf-erd.43308/

 

[Allison D.]

Welcome to PS, Sean!

I''d dismiss the Thailand vendor option straight away; the stone quality example you listed from him isn''t comparable with what you''re looking at with ERD. If you''re going to spend tens of thousands on a piece of jewelry, it doesn''t make sense to settle for a lesser cut.

The diamond district option could be workable, but it would likely require a lot more work/effort on your part. EGL''s reputation is somewhat softer than the stringent standard of AGS/GIA, so it''s harder to compare apples to apples because their "H" grade might not be an H grade with AGS/GIA. If you were to go the EGL route, you should plan to work with an independent appraiser who will evaluate your stone according to AGS/GIA-level standards.

The safest bet would be to work with a vendor who carries AGS/GIA stones and focuses on top-make stones. You already seem to know the value of working with a trusted vendor and a reputable lab, so I think that''s the best path.

Good luck in your search; sounds like you''re planning for a stunning ring!