How to not get screwed/ where to buy?

[hopelesslylost]

I usually like to know *everything* about something I am going to buy. Because this will obviously not happen with diamonds, I feel panic stricken when shopping. I''m looking for a round diamond (probably anything into the H range, but possibly through J depending and also through SI1) and eventually a ring. Why does everybody here prefer WF and JA? I found a local jeweler I really like, but his prices seem about 25% higher (for loose diamonds at least) than online prices. So any hints on how a total newbie pulls a first diamond purchase off?

I''ve already read about 5 books cover-to-cover pertaining to diamonds complete with the 4 or 5 C''s depending on whose version it is, and of course different percentages for angles, depth and table. Also have been through online info and the jeweler I went to spent about 5 hours explaining different things to me. Despite all this, I just feel more nervous and confused

 

[D&T]

buy from a reputable pricescope vendor. you get more bang for your buck so to speak and not get stuck with the B&M operating retail cost which is what your referring to the 25% higher ticket. Ask the experts here, they''ll point you in the right direction. so whats'' your budget, stone shape ?

 

[stone-cold11]

JA, WF, GOG and HPD are those stores we usually recommends because they have images of the stones, and are able to get at least an Idealscope image, which gives an idea of how the stone will perform optically. BlueNile and other drop-shippers are not able to provide these images.

Find a stone that you like the numbers, specs and in budget, enter the numbers into the cut adviser, https://www.pricescope.com/cutadviser.asp, if it scores below 2, you have a likely good performing candidate.

Request a hold on the stones.

Post the numbers here, and IS/ASET image if available, request from vendor if not available, and we can comment on them.

Buy and get it independently appraised.

Or simpler way is what is your budget for the stone and the specs you want to get and we can see if there are any suitable out there.

 

[gottabekin]

Where are you local to? The local jeweler I used beat the pricescope vendor''s prices for me.

 

[hopelesslylost]

Thanks for the help! I am in central Ohio, USA.

Will try to dig up some diamonds and post photos.

Also, one jeweler I went to said Platinum had become less expensive since they are using it less in industrial applications. Yet this doesn't appear to be true?

 

[stone-cold11]

less expensive compared to when and what?
It will never be less expensive compared to WG or gold simply because it has a much higher density and almost twice as much weight in Pt is needed for the creation of a same ring than with gold.

Compare Pt price ring to just before the economy went south, ya, cheaper in some cases if the stocks are new.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 5/19/2009 6:31:27 PM
Author:hopelesslylost
I usually like to know *everything* about something I am going to buy. Because this will obviously not happen with diamonds, I feel panic stricken when shopping. I''m looking for a round diamond (probably anything into the H range, but possibly through J depending and also through SI1) and eventually a ring. Why does everybody here prefer WF and JA? I found a local jeweler I really like, but his prices seem about 25% higher (for loose diamonds at least) than online prices. So any hints on how a total newbie pulls a first diamond purchase off?

I''ve already read about 5 books cover-to-cover pertaining to diamonds complete with the 4 or 5 C''s depending on whose version it is, and of course different percentages for angles, depth and table. Also have been through online info and the jeweler I went to spent about 5 hours explaining different things to me. Despite all this, I just feel more nervous and confused

You can use these numbers as a guide, they have been of help to many in order to find a well cut round diamond.


depth - 60 - 62% - although my personal preference is to allow up to 62.4%
table - 54- 57%
crown angle - 34- 35 degrees
pavilion angle - 40.6- 41 degrees
girdle - avoid extremes, look for thin to slightly thick, thin to medium etc
polish and symmetry - very good and above

note - with crown and pavilion angles at the shallower ends ( CA 34- PA 40.6) and steeper ( CA 35- PA 41) check to make sure these angles complement in that particular diamond - eyeballs, Idealscope, trusted vendor input - check as appropriate!

From expert John Pollard.
As the above implies, configurations depend on each other. A little give here can still work with a little take there.

With that said, here''s a "Cliff''s Notes" for staying near Tolkowsky/ideal angles with GIA reports (their numbers are rounded): A crown angle of 34.0, 34.5 or 35.0 is usually safe with a 40.8 pavilion angle. If pavilion angle = 40.6 lean toward a 34.5-35.0 crown. If pavilion angle = 41 lean toward a 34.0-34.5 crown.

GIA "EX" in cut is great at its heart, but it ranges a bit wider than some people prefer, particularly in deep combinations (pavilion > 41 with crown > 35).

 

[Lorelei]

Also here are the links for some of the other vendors who are popular here.

www.goodoldgold.com

www.highperformancediamonds.com

www.briangavindiamonds.com

www.exceldiamonds.com

 

[hopelesslylost]

Also, can anyone tell me about the differences in the round stones? I was just going to go for the typical round brilliant, but now there are hearts and arrows and a whole assortment of other rounds. Is any one better than the others?

BTW my budget for the whole ring is $2500. I was hoping for a 0.5 carat stone, but I don''t want to have size without quality.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 5/21/2009 5:10:55 PM
Author: hopelesslylost
Also, can anyone tell me about the differences in the round stones? I was just going to go for the typical round brilliant, but now there are hearts and arrows and a whole assortment of other rounds. Is any one better than the others?

BTW my budget for the whole ring is $2500. I was hoping for a 0.5 carat stone, but I don't want to have size without quality.

That is debatable, what is ' better' depends on the buyer. To me no, h&a isn't better as I have other priorities but I do always want a diamond with good proportions to give it life and beauty. Some diamonds will show a strong arrow pattern yet not be up to the strict standards as laid down by conoisseurs of this cutting style, other branded h&a will be cut to the highest standards in every way with perfect patterning. The important thing to remember is that the proportions and especially the crown and pavilion angles are the bricks and mortar of the cut diamond as these drive the light return, hearts and arrows is patterning due to excellent optical symmetry ( different to lab graded physical symmetry).

I would suggest looking at AGS0 cut grade and GIA Excellents and choose from there ( carefully with the latter as this cut grade can allow for some less desirable angle combos). You can also post the details of each one here and we can take a look for you, also you can use the Holloway cut Advisor to check your selections below.

https://www.pricescope.com/cutadviser.asp


Aim to score below 2 then evaluate from there with Idealscope and or ASET images if available. This page explains below.


http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=education-performance