Hopefully my last post/question. Rate these diamonds?

[Christmas Eve Proposer]

You know what?

That's my ring! I'm "Calling it in" (As you all say) tomorrow!!

Let's see if the "Build your own ring" link works here...

Link



After I was let-down by my jeweler's rings this past Wenesday, I spent the entire Thanksgiving weekend moping around Susanne's house, and today, I've sit here and have tried to make my decision. I've done that (Plus, it's time for BED!!) To heck with my jeweler...I'll flip him a c-note and if he doesn't like it...Well...I won't be spending the rest of my life with HIM!!!

Now...As long as that stone turns-out to be OK (It's listed on PriceScope for 100 bucks less).

Anyone have a good contact name at Blue Nile? Any last minute tips on making this go well? Any chance I can just "Trust" someone there and not have to call it in? Just order it and take advantage of the 10 days?

 

[Christmas Eve Proposer]

And guess what ELSE they have...

75 bucks!! Link


But no matching bracelets!!

 

[Christmas Eve Proposer]

Well...Wait a minute...

Wonder if they can match the stones? (What do you think of this bracelet? Doesn''t really catch my eye like the earrings, but it DOES have a purple stone in it!!)

60 bucks.

Link

 

[solange]

Just call Blue Nile and ask them to match the lower price. Also most places give a Pricescope discount. It also seems to me that i recently saw a dsicount coupon from them from Coupon Mountain. I use them frequently and get good discounts through their site. You might want to try one of the other discount coupon places.

Just type in Blue Nile discount on a google search and you might find it. You can also ask them about a Pricescope discount or to match the lowest Pricescope price for the stone. And then ask about the discount coupon. There may be a little room here to negotiate.
They have a reputation on Pricescope for being higher so they may want to compete.
The ring is gorgeous and i am sue your fiance will be thrilled.

 

[orbaya]

CEP,
Go to naughtycodes.com and there are some coupons available for Blue Nile. Here is what they have:


BlueNile.com

TRUEBLUE44 $100 on any diamond purchase of $1,000 or more 11/30/04 Offer valid on any diamond purchase of $1,000 or more. Includes loose diamonds and diamonds used to Build Your Own Rings, Earrings and Pendants. Offer not valid on settings or pre-set jewelry. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, cannot be applied retroactively, and applies to U.S. customers only. Limit one coupon per customer. Offer expires 3 PM Eastern Time, November 30, 2004.

DIAA44 $100 off any diamond $1000 or more 12/01/04 Expiration Date: December 1, 2004 at 3pm Eastern Time

SPARKLE44 10% off fine jewelry Plus Free FedEx® shipping 12/06/04 Offer is not valid for any loose diamonds or pre-set engagement rings. Offer is not valid for any gift certificate or polishing cloth purchase. Offer may not be combined with any other offer, cannot be applied retroactively, and applies to US customers only. Void where prohibited. Expires 3PM EST Dec 6.


Other offers from this store that may or may not be combined with coupon codes

Free shipping and 30-day returns

 

[Christmas Eve Proposer]

Thanks for the info. I''ve got it printed!

Now...

Can anyone tell me...When I call this in, and ask for it to be sent to an appraiser, do I ***Need*** to go see it? Or, do I just have them send it to the appraiser to ensure it''s what they say it is?

I''m thinking that I can have them tell me about the inclusions, and if it looks OK visually to them, I then have it sent to an appraiser to have it checked, and if it checks-out, I have Blue Nile set it and then I purchase and have it sent to me. Then of course, if it doesn''t fit my needs, I take advantage of their return policy.

That''s what I''m thinking, anyway. I''ll be calling them soon!!!

And if I''m somewhat correct, does anyone want to suggest an appraiser?

 

[solange]

If there is an appraiser listed on Pricescope in your area, you might want to go to see it.
If not, there are several on this site who are highly reputable: Dave Atlas, Richard Sherwood, Martin Haske, among others. You can have Blue Nile send the stone to them, speak with them on the phone and then have Blue Nile arrange to send it back to them for setting.

Blue Nile will probably make all these arrangements for you. If you want the stone checked after it is set, it is relatively inexpensive to send it back to the appraiser by registered mail or by having the appraiser use his insurance.
I hope it all works out and that the stone is what you want. I think the setting is gorgeous

 

[Christmas Eve Proposer]

I''ve got a call into them now...The diamond is on hold...And it says unavailable on my Wish List...I just hope that''s the hold I put on it! They said if someone else has it on their wish list, they could still get it...

Anyway...

I''m going to call in a minute and have Emerald (Can you believe that''s her name??) describe the inslusions to me. Hopefully it will look good. We talked about sending it to an appraiser and I''m probably confused, but it sounded like I can only send it AFTER I buy it? (But really, it doesn''t matter because they have extended returns until Jan 15th). Then I can go see it there if I like. The closest for me is Chicago, about 3 hours away. I''ll take a vacation day to go see it if I need too. One good thing is that I''ll be in Chicago, traveling for business, next Thursday, the 9th. But, I''m a bit worried that might be cutting it too close...But, it''s an option.

I suppose I could go by the word of the appraiser, if need be?

Oh...And I''ve got a serin reort coming too.

I''ll keep updates coming when I get them...

 

[goldengirl]

CEP, I *LOVE* the setting you chose! I think the trillions are both simple and a pleasant addition to the pear, but give it that little extra oomph you were looking for.

PS, I'm glad you decided to go with those earrings, too.

(But I'm not a fan of the bracelet. It doesn't look of comparable quality.)

 

[solange]

Whiteflash did not make me pay for the ring until after it was sent to the appraiser, sent back to them for setting, sending me a final photo for approval and then sent it to their appraiser for confimation that it was the same stone. I was sent a written appraisal with the ring.
I did not pay for the ring until the day before I received it.
If Blue Nile does not do business this way maybe you should contact one of the other vendors who also have access to that stone and work with them. I would not want to pay for a stone until it was appraised.
If it does not appraise well, you are stuck for the appraisal fee and shipping it back and forth to the appraiser.
Make certain that the information that Blue Nile has given you is correct because if it is, it is not the way some of the other vendors do business.

It is also possible that one of the other vendors has it on hold and the sale may not go through.

 

[Christmas Eve Proposer]

Date: 11/29/2004 1:39

2 PM
Author: goldengirl
CEP, I *LOVE* the setting you chose! I think the trillions are both simple and a pleasant addition to the pear, but give it that little extra oomph you were looking for.

PS, I'm glad you decided to go with those earrings, too.

(But I'm not a fan of the bracelet. It doesn't look of comparable quality.)

Nahhh...The bracelet sucks. Even a Claude like me could see that!!

They've got a basic sterling silver hoop bracelet things that looks to be relatively safe. I'll probably go with that and the earrings and just DEAL with the fact that they don't match!!

Here's something funny...

She was out this weekend and called from Pier One...She said "Thanks". And I asked why...

She had just put some new kitchen table chair seat covers on my credit card (Some foo-foo crap you chicks like when you've got company coming over)...And wanted to "Thank me" for her early birthday or Christmas gift. Of course I just said "Fine, whatever you want honey".

I can't wait to explain to her that ONE DAY I might buy her something like that for her birthday or Christmas but NOT this year!! LOL!!


And thanks for the comments. I couldn't be happier!! Check below for an update...

 

[Christmas Eve Proposer]

Date: 11/29/2004 2:14:55 PM
Author: solange
Whiteflash did not make me pay for the ring until after it was sent to the appraiser, sent back to them for setting, sending me a final photo for approval and then sent it to their appraiser for confimation that it was the same stone. I was sent a written appraisal with the ring.
I did not pay for the ring until the day before I received it.
If Blue Nile does not do business this way maybe you should contact one of the other vendors who also have access to that stone and work with them. I would not want to pay for a stone until it was appraised.
If it does not appraise well, you are stuck for the appraisal fee and shipping it back and forth to the appraiser.
Make certain that the information that Blue Nile has given you is correct because if it is, it is not the way some of the other vendors do business.

It is also possible that one of the other vendors has it on hold and the sale may not go through.

Oh man...Now you got me freaking out again...

Here''s the update I was going to give before reading this post.....


Just got off the phone with Emerald from Blue Nile...

She confirmed that if I want to get it appraised, I pay for it, they pay to ship it there, and then it''s my responsibility. (Basically said I Need to send it to an appraiser that I trust). She said this was because they are "Independent Appraisers", and Blue Nile is not associated with them.

Then, if I like it, I pay to send it back to them, they set it, and send it back to me...Finalized.


Now I see your post and don''t feel so good about all that.

Anyway...Here''s the update...

The stone is mine for the next 48 hours. I''ve got it on hold.

No other vendors have access to it...It''s listed under Blue Nile only on the search engine here.


And now for the best part!!!

It''s "Eye Clean"!!!!! There are no visible inclusions on the face of the stone. I''ve seen the cert and there was on inclusion listed on the face, and asked about it...She said you can''t see it with your eyes. The rest were all around the edges.

Sounds like a WINNER!!!

She''s working on the serin report and will be emailing it to me.

 

[solange]

I m sorry if I upset you. Whiteflash made all the arrangements with the appraiser to have it sent back and forth. It was still under their insurance until the day it was delivered to me.

If you do pay in advance, you are responsible for the stone and I guess you should have insurance. Is this stone in their private stock or have other vendors had it listed? If it is in their private inventory you may have to go along with their requirements. If it is on other listings then you can work with someone else.
Blue Nile has a direct connection with Chubb Insurance which is a good policy. If you decide to pay for it before you send it to an appraiser, ask about where their insurance ends and yours must begin.

If you are responsible for the stone once it leaves Bue Nile, I would make certain to send it to one of the very reliable appraisers mentioned frequently on Pricescope.

I hope I have not caused you further confusion but I just feel it is best to make an informed decision considering all the time. love and effort you put in.

 

[Christmas Eve Proposer]

Don''t be sorry...Good info!!

Let me run it down again...Looks like we''re a bit confused...


I pay for it...

They ship to to the appraiser and they''re responsible for it...

It gets to the appraiser and since he''s "Independent", they can''t be responsible for it anymore. She said "Make it someone I trust"...

It gets appraised, and if I like it (Assumming I go to look at it), I ship it back to them...At my cost and I need to insure it...

They set it (And this is where it gets a little fuzzy on who''s responsible...It seems they should still be if THEY''RE setting it?????) and send it back to me and it''s mine...

I have until January 15th to return it for full price.

 

[Christmas Eve Proposer]

Date: 11/29/2004 1:39

2 PM
Author: goldengirl
CEP, I *LOVE* the setting you chose! I think the trillions are both simple and a pleasant addition to the pear, but give it that little extra oomph you were looking for.

PS, I'm glad you decided to go with those earrings, too.

(But I'm not a fan of the bracelet. It doesn't look of comparable quality.)

Here's the bracet I assume I'll be going with (95 bucks...We promised each other to only spend 100 bucks so we can spend the rest on the kids...I suppose I should stick to that promise)...

What do you think? Looks pretty Idiot Proof to me!!

Also...

What is a "Trillion" stone? Looks like a triangle?? (Doesn't really matter, because I like it, and so do you guys!!)

 

[solange]

Why don''t you just ask Emerald at Blue Nile when their responsiblility ends and you need to insure the ring? Insuring it for shipping has nothing to do with actual insurance on the ring.
The one big advantage of buying from Blue Nile is that you will have no trouble getting a policy on the ring through Chubb. From what I understand, number of people wo bought elsewhere had trouble gettting Chubb to insure their ring. Chubb has a good policy becausein case of loss, they do not try to replace the ring--they simply give you a check for the insured value.
Good luck with the ring.

 

[Christmas Eve Proposer]

Date: 11/29/2004 2:59:42 PM
Author: solange
Why don't you just ask Emerald at Blue Nile when their responsiblility ends and you need to insure the ring? Insuring it for shipping has nothing to do with actual insurance on the ring.
The one big advantage of buying from Blue Nile is that you will have no trouble getting a policy on the ring through Chubb. From what I understand, number of people wo bought elsewhere had trouble gettting Chubb to insure their ring. Chubb has a good policy becausein case of loss, they do not try to replace the ring--they simply give you a check for the insured value.
Good luck with the ring.

I'll be doing that. I've just got to decide whether I want to see it or not. If I can get someone to hold it for me until next Thursday, I'm in great shape since I'll be in Chicago for business anyway...I'm shooting for that.

I'm just happy it's almost over, and as a bonus, I'm REALLY liking what I have!! Her telling me it's "Eye Clean" was exactly what Iwanted to hear. I'm guessing you guys are happy too!!

 

[Christmas Eve Proposer]

Well...Here is the Sarin Report (Not that I know what it is)...

 

[Christmas Eve Proposer]

Well...It looks like I''m buying this thing tomorrow...

I confirmed that I''ll buy it, they ship it to an appraiser (Or to me) and then it''s mine (I can return it until Janurary 15th). Now, I''m trying to find-out if I can take it to an appraiser in its setting to have it appraised (They supply an appraisers report too). That way I don''t need to ship it back and forth...I can just have it shipped to me, check it out, and if I like it, take it to an appraiser, then if he OKs it, it''s mine permantly (Assuming Susanne doesn''t want to send it back).

So...Anybody know? Will an appraiser be able to do his thing while it''s in its setting?

 

[orbaya]

How exciting!!! Good luck...and post pictures!!

 

[Christmas Eve Proposer]

Thanks! Will do!

I''ve got one last question...If it''s even answerable (Is that a word?)

Susanne wears a ring on her left middle finger. I''ve taken it off her hand and put it on mine and it fits my pinkie. My pinkie is a 6.5. The best I''ve been able to figure, is that if her left middle finger is a 6.5, her ring finger should be a 6 or smaller. So, I''m going to order a 6 and then have it re-sized (Down) if need be.

Does that sound about right? As far as a guess goes??

 

[Hest88]

I can''t wait to see the final product!!! She''s one lucky gal!

My pinkie is a 6.5. The best I''ve been able to figure, is that if her left middle finger is a 6.5, her ring finger should be a 6 or smaller. So, I''m going to order a 6 and then have it re-sized (Down) if need be.

I think 6 is safe. I suspect she''s probably closer to a 5.5 or even less, since my middle finger seems to be quite a bit wider than my ring finger, but if you go with 6 you''ll definitely be able to slip it on her finger even if it''s a bit loose. You don''t want to guess wrong and get it too small or she won''t be able to try it on!

 

[reena]

i second what hest said! i bet she''s smaller than a 6 but better safe than sorry!

i also agree about the lucky girl part--im so excited for you CEP.

 

[valeria101]

Date: 11/30/2004 5:467 PM
Author: Christmas Eve Proposer

So...Anybody know? Will an appraiser be able to do his thing while it''s in its setting?

It is "answerable"

Labs issue split color and clarity grades for mounted diamonds (those will read "color grade E-F, clarity grade VS2-SI1" - for ex). If labs can do it and stand by their word... why not. Of all tests of optics the Ideal Scope works on set diamonds as well.

For what this matters, I really have nothing againt an appraisal in setting, especially since the diamond is already certified. It is the ring, not the loose stone that will be worn after all.

Second your guess of ring sizes too. You bet I''ll be waiting to see the results

 

[Christmas Eve Proposer]

Thanks for the info and nice comments everyone!!

Now I'm going to order this thing, and see if I can get it appraised in its setting. Unfortunately, my "Availability" to get it appraised in Chicago is only on next Thursday. Maybe I can have it sent directly to the appraiser and they'll hold it until I get there? (I'm leaving on Tuesday, flying to Florida, in and out of Chicago).

We'll see how it goes.

Here's something you guys might think is cool (I think it's fun)...

I'm messing with Susanne a bit...

Like when she calls, and I'm on here, or doing diamond stuff elsewhere, and she asks (As she always does, and as she did just moments ago): "What are you doing?" I answer: "Sooooooomething". (And have been for a few weeks now). Then when she asked "What is sooooooooomething", I just tell her I'm playing around...Not really doing anything specific.

And after I give her the ring, I fill her in on the truth about "Sooooooooomething" and she'll remember some of the times, and be able to share in all this a bit...Albeit in retrospect. She'll like that!

Also...

When in person, I'm dropping a "You don't know how much I love you" here and there. Of course she just says: "Yes I do", and doesn't really think much of it. She just thinks it's a twist on the standard "I love you".

When I propose, I'm going to tell her..."I've been telling you, you don't know how much I love you...Well...Now you do!"

This mushy stuff is pretty cool!!

 

[reena]

awwww CEP, you''re too cute.

so she has no idea at all it''s coming? how long have you all been together? have you talked at all about marriage before?

sorry to be nosy, just curious. it''s such a sweet story. she is going to be so surprised/thrilled!

 

[goldengirl]

Beautiful!

And yes, trillions are the triangle-shaped sidestones.

 

[Christmas Eve Proposer]

Date: 11/30/2004 7:59

9 PM
Author: reena
awwww CEP, you''re too cute.


so she has no idea at all it''s coming? how long have you all been together? have you talked at all about marriage before?


sorry to be nosy, just curious. it''s such a sweet story. she is going to be so surprised/thrilled!

No idea...Clueless!! And it''s NOT been easy!!

She''s mentioned marriage quite a bit...Like: "When we''re married, we''ll do so-and-so this or that way, and it will make things easier". Then she follows that up with "I''ve got to stop saying THAT" (The "M-Word" as she puts it). She doesn''t want to "Push me into anything". LOL!

She''s also commented: "You have to ask me" (Meaning marriage), a few times. Meaning...She won''t be the one to force the discussion.

It''s been SOOOOOOOOOO hard just remaining silent when all that happens. I''ve had to ***Kind of*** make her think I''m not the "Committing kind" and whatnot. It hurts my heart to do so, but I don''t think I''ve ***Really*** hurt her by doing so...Yet. But...It''s getting close. Thank God we''re only 24 days away!!

We''ve been together for almost a year now. But I knew I loved her at first site and knew I was going to ask her to marry me shortly thereafter. Like I kind of told you guys before...I''m a "Laker". I live on a lake, and absolutely LOVE IT! It''s impossible to explain. And, she''s a "Laker" too...BIG TIME! She used to do competition water skiing. She''s WAAAAY better than me. Never in my dream did I imagine that I would find a girl that loved the lake like I do.

One of the cool things is, she was the first one to mention the "L Word"...And now, I''ll be the one to complete it!!

 

[reena]

OMG that is so adorable. i can''t wait for xmas!!!

 

[Christmas Eve Proposer]

Date: 11/30/2004 7:59:35 PM
Author: goldengirl
Beautiful!

And yes, trillions are the triangle-shaped sidestones.

I just did a search on Google for: "Diamond, Pear, 1.7, F, SI2" just for fun (Yes, I'm getitng a great deal!!) and found a site with a similar setting. They were spelled "Trilliants" there???

Also...Is this kind of setting also called a "Penelope"??


And I'm wondering...How could I find similar settings (Just for fun)? I've looked through all the vendors here, and no one has one. Blue Nile is it.