Hunting for a Canadian diamond; Blue Nile the only option?

[DiamondCanuck]

Hi everyone, I've been reading through the threads here on PriceScope and the information provided has been invaluable, so many thanks!

I'm close to proposing to my girlfriend of 7.5 years, and we've recently gone ring shopping to get sizing (both ring size and carat size) organized, and it appears the future wife has an interest in getting a Canadian diamond. We feel that an engagement ring should representative of the couple, and nothing would represent us more than a Canadian diamond as we are very proud Canadians!

I've been searching online, but it seems the usual suspects such as Whiteflash, Brian Gavin and James Allen do not offer Canadian diamonds. The only e-retailer that I'm familiar with that does offer the Canadian diamonds is Blue Nile, which does not seem to be the retailer of choice for most PS members.

So, if anyone is able to help with my questions, I would appreciate it greatly!

1) If I concentrated on a round brilliant 'Ideal' cut, VS1-VS2 clarity, H-G colour diamond, ~0.4-0.6ct, is Blue Nile still a safe bet, even though pictures of the diamond themselves aren't available?

2) Are there any other reputable e-tailers out there that offer the Canadian diamonds? I went to a local shop today and was shown a RB 'Excellent' cut, VS2, F, 0.33ct for ~$2400 with an 18K solitaire setting, which seems quite expensive compared to the offerings from BN ($1101 with identical specifications).

Any guidance would be great, thanks in advance!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Hunting for a Canadian diamond; Blue Nile the only optio

I know that Good Old Gold does have diamonds sometimes that are Canadian, but I think you'd probably have to call and ask if they have any with your preferred specs.

 

[chrys31]

Re: Hunting for a Canadian diamond; Blue Nile the only optio

I know Brilliant Earth lists diamonds by country of origin, and they have tons of Canadian stuff:

http://www.brilliantearth.com/loose-diamonds/search/

I've never dealt with them, but maybe someone else around here has. You have to request the certificates, though; they're not online, and neither are pictures of the actual stone (though I think you can request those, too!) Good luck

 

[Ravinmad]

Re: Hunting for a Canadian diamond; Blue Nile the only optio

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1445233.asp


The GIA cert has the maple leaf, and I'm 99% sure that its a Canadian diamond. Call and they might be able to tell you

Anyone can pay to put anything on a cert and diamond, but it would seem odd for some other country to put the maple leaf of Canada on their stones.

 

[Ravinmad]

Re: Hunting for a Canadian diamond; Blue Nile the only optio

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1445242.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1381041.asp

 

[marygrace]

Re: Hunting for a Canadian diamond; Blue Nile the only optio

BN has a superior return policy (free overnight shipping both ways). You could buy a diamond that looks promising, examine it under an Idealscope, loupe, and ASET, and keep it or send it back. If you send it back, just get another diamond and do the same thing.

It seems like a hassle but at least you can see them in person.

 

[Ravinmad]

Re: Hunting for a Canadian diamond; Blue Nile the only optio

James Allen offers a one time, up to 3 stone Idealscope image, and gem check by one of their people to tell you about the stones and such. Find 3 stones that you really like and submit them for review. Once you get the Ideal Scope images you can post them here and folks can offer their input on them. Also if you have a total budget for stone and ring it would help alot with folks trying to pair suggestions up for you.

Good luck!

 

[winternight]

Re: Hunting for a Canadian diamond; Blue Nile the only optio

I think Tiffany uses Canadian diamonds, but I'm not sure about that. You could look into it if you were interested.

 

[autumngems]

Re: Hunting for a Canadian diamond; Blue Nile the only optio

Diamond Wholesale Corporation, ask for Yael

 

[Imdanny]

Re: Hunting for a Canadian diamond; Blue Nile the only optio

Good Old Gold

 

[ariel144]

Re: Hunting for a Canadian diamond; Blue Nile the only optio

http://www.canadadiamonds.com/

 

[AllieLuv83]

Re: Hunting for a Canadian diamond; Blue Nile the only optio

Can someone explain to me what are Canadian diamonds?

 

[shimmer]

Re: Hunting for a Canadian diamond; Blue Nile the only optio

Can someone explain to me what are Canadian diamonds?

They are just diamonds mined (and sometimes cut and polished) in Canada. It is a marketing tool used here in Canada and they carry somewhat of a premium at most retailers.

 

[Amys Bling]

Can someone explain to me what are Canadian diamonds?

I don't know myself...

 

[AllieLuv83]

Re: Hunting for a Canadian diamond; Blue Nile the only optio

I read something saying that they are conflict free because the Canadian Mine follows the diamond through the manufacturing process.

 

[Amys Bling]

I read something saying that they are conflict free because the Canadian Mine follows the diamond through the manufacturing process.

makes sense

 

[kindred]

Re: Hunting for a Canadian diamond; Blue Nile the only optio

I know that Good Old Gold does have diamonds sometimes that are Canadian, but I think you'd probably have to call and ask if they have any with your preferred specs.

I second the suggestion to call Good Old Gold. Ask for Jon.

 

[vintagelover229]

Re: Hunting for a Canadian diamond; Blue Nile the only optio

GOG is a great vendor to work with

If you are in the GTA there is a jeweler in Barrie that does carry Canadian diamonds here is his site

http://www.billleboeufjewellers.com/

Just tell him a pricescoper set you (he'll know it's me lol) and that you're looking for a Canadian diamond. His name is Adam and his dad is Bill-who has sense retired. Great store and great service If you tell him that you want an ideal cut Canadian diamond he should be able to find what your looking for.

GOG is also great but you'll have to deal with shipping and importing the ring. Not a huge deal but if your close to Barrie it doesn't hurt to give Adam a call or an email and see what he can do for you as well.