how do i do this thing?

[pepperell]

OK, I now have a better idea what I''m looking for (a cushion cut, 1.5 - 2.0 ct), in a simple solitaire setting, with a budget of about $15k.

How would you recommend finding/buying the stone and having it mounted? Do I arrange for a few stones to be sent to an appraiser and examine them with him/her or can I just order from an online shop (WF, GOG, DCD...) and trust them to choose a good stone for me?


Should I have it mounted locally so I can go back to the B&M place in case I have problems with the setting?

Here is exactly what I''m looking for:

http://www.icestore.com/gallery/diamond_ring_gallery_detail.asp?ID=132

 

[bluedawg]

That's the question that many of us need to answer for ourselves: B&M store or online vendor?

Have you started to look for a diamond in any B&M stores? I would suggest that you do that, so you know what you really want in terms of color, clarity, cut specs, etc. Once you see some stones up close and know what specs you require, you could buy a stone (online or at your local store).

Many online vendors have simple solitaire settings available. Or you could always buy the stone loose and find a setting you like at a local B&M, then you'd have an "in" for cleanings and maintenance.

For a further discussion of "online versus local B&M" do a SEARCH for "B&M vs etailer".
HTH

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Hi,

There can be issues with trying to get a local seller to set a diamond you''ve purchased from another company. . .Your best bet is to call some of the vendors here like Whiteflash and Good Old Gold and talk to them about what you''re looking for and work together with them in finding you a fabulous stone. Once you''ve found one, have it sent to an independant appraiser for analysis and then, if it''s a great stone and all is good, send the stone back to the vendor and have them set the stone for you. . .this sounds, by far, like the LEAST stressful way of doing things.

If you''d like the service of a local jeweler, call around to be sure you can find a person willing to set a $15K stone that you bought from someone else. They will charge you around $100. (and keep in mind if you do have problems with the setting, vendors here DO resolve issues just as any local B&M would). . .

Good luck!

 

[bluedawg]

oops, sorry to give you crummy advice. We spoke to our local jeweler who said he''d happily mount our stone (if we purchased online). Didn''t realize this wasn''t necessarily true of most jewelers.

Anyway, I''m still learning so maybe I should just read and not post LOL

 

[pepperell]

So I''ve email whiteflash but got a reply that gave me little more information than I would have gotten had I done a search for diamonds on their site.

How do I get in depth information about what the stone actually looks like. Can I rely on the judgement of someone trying to sell me the stone?

For the people who have had stones sent to an appraiser, how did you arrange this logistically? How do you negotiate an period to appraise the stones for free? Seems like most sites have a return policy but that seems like you have to pay for the stone before they''ll send it.

 

[SquareCut]

I believe they will send you a photo if you are interested in a specific stone.  I think the best strategy is to work with  a pricescope vendor located in your area so you can see stones in person and easily go back if you need help with the setting, sizing etc..  Where do you live?

 

[pepperell]

i live in san francisco. will check for vendors around here. it''d be nice to do this online so as to avoid the 8.5% sales tax.

 

[SquareCut]

Well if you buy online from a Vendor with a location in your area, they will have to charge you sales tax.

 

[Regular Guy]

Pepperell,

For a local appraiser, I understand this one, listed here, is fairly close.

Otherwise, I have some other thoughts I''ve shared here.

Best,