I’m bursting out of the closet…

[pocahontas]

…the lurker closet that is. Like so many before me I’ve been shamelessly and secretly addicted to PS for a number of years. My love affair with this forum began over five years ago when I accidentally came across it while doing some research for one of my best friends. Needless to say I became hooked and have been soaking up your knowledge and admiring your beautiful rings since. Naturally, I’m sure you’re all wondering why I’ve now decided to come out of the closet. Well, my BF of 8+ years and I have FINALLY joined the ring-buying group and after at least 4 years of being a LIW you can imagine my excitement – YIPEE!

So, here’s where we’re at…after two months of looking, thinking and looking some more we sent several emails to GOG, Excel Diamonds and USA Certed Diamonds requesting help in locating a diamond with our preferred specs. as well as requesting additional information on several diamonds we “saw” online over the weekend. My BF’s budget is $7000 - $7200 for the diamond (before taxes). I already know that I want the Superbcert Tiffany setting (with a comfort fit band instead of the knife edge) from Excel Diamonds. I also know after reading many posts that it’s ideal to purchase both the diamond and the setting from the same vendor. However, we’ll go where we can get the best deal (quality + price). I should also note that we’re from Toronto and like the idea of working with Martin from USA Certed Diamonds because of the face to face contact. But, we’re willing to drive to New York/New Jersey for the right diamond.

The thing is we’re both really eager to get this moving along as quickly as possible. If we end up going with Martin that’s not a problem because he’s so close to us and we could easily schedule an appointment with him. However, if we need to drive to New York/New Jersey we’d like to do it this weekend, otherwise it means waiting until mid April because of the Easter weekend and school commitments (I’m in grad school). And that means I wouldn’t get the ring until May, which doesn’t seem that far away, but we want to get married in August because I’m not in school during that month and would have the time to enjoy our wedding and honeymoon, and he won’t propose without a ring.

Sorry for the written diarrhea, but my hands can’t seem to stop. I’m just soooo excited and I haven’t been allowed to share this information with anyone – the BF wants the ring to be a surprise to our family and friends since it won’t be a surprise to me – LOL. Anyways after thinking for the longest time that I would never go lower than VS2 clarity I came across this diamond today http://www.exceldiamonds.com/diamond/160945.html It seems perfect except for the SI1 clarity, which I’m now starting to really consider as a viable option. So, what do you think? What are your thoughts on the specific inclusions? Is this diamond worth scoping up? Should we keep looking? Should we pay the extra money for VS clarity? The BF is ready to ask Barry/Judah to put it on hold so we can look at it this weekend if I want to. Please give me your advice. Does anyone know whether Barry or Judah would be willing to meet with us on a Saturday?
Thanks in advance for all your help and expertise

And again, sorry for the very long post!

 

[mrssalvo]

just wanted to say welcome to PS

best way to find out about Barry or Judah''s availablity is to call or email them

 

[kcoursolle]

The stone you linked is gorgeous and I definitely wouldn''t worry about the SI1 clarity, it looks like a very clean stone. Why pay for a difference you can''t see?

I should also add that D color isn''t really necessary to get the icey whiteness. You can easily drop down to the F/G range go bigger or save money and still achieve the icey white look.

 

[coatimundi_org]

Hi!

That diamond looks like a beauty! I'd call and ask if it's eye clean. It scores a 1.6 on the HCA-which is great! I'm no expert, so maybe others can chime in on the numbers for ya.

Here's a GOG stone that's close to your budget and looks gorgeous!
http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/3495/

I see that you're willing to drive to New York--are you planning on visiting GOG?

Good Luck with your search!

eta: and ditto Kcoursolle on dropping a little in color.

 

[jackk]

I looked it up on the HCA and it has a pretty much perfect score.

Factor Grade
Light Return Excellent
Fire Excellent
Scintillation Excellent
Spread
or diameter for weight Very Good
Total Visual Performance 1.6 - Excellent
within TIC range


Personally I would take a look at AGS 0 H and A diamonds but some people do prefer GIA.


I just bought an SI1 ring and I can''t see a single imperfection but yours is bigger and the bigger you go the more you see them (I think). I''m pretty sure you would be fine but get an opinion from someone who has a diamond in that size. Also just ask if it is eyeclean.

I think you could drop lower than a D to save money or go bigger if you wanted to. IMO F-Hish would probably look great. the one I bought is an I (.60 carat)and it looks perfectly white. However again the bigger you go the more it shows up but I would personaly drop down to at least F if there is a significant price difference.


I personally would try to buy from James Allen or Whiteflash and have superbcert add the setting (superbcert doesn''t have a great selection of AGS 0 H and A from what I have seen).
Here is an F SI1 AGS0 H and A from james allen for $5020 after the pricescope discount (1.7 ex-ex-ex-vg on the HCA). I normally find JA to be cheaper than whiteflash and whitflash to be cheaper than GOG.

Heres a whiteflash for $5944 after pricescope discount
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-584876.htm


Those are just my opinions though, good luck!

 

[Ellen]

I would call and ask if it''s eyeclean. If it is, and this is the one you want, I''d say you found your diamond!

 

[pocahontas]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for your quick responses and warm welcome! PSers rock! I promise not to have written diarrhea in this post. Here’s the latest update. I spoke to Barry this evening just before closing and requested he put the original diamond and this one http://www.exceldiamonds.com/diamond/160943.html on hold until Sunday when he’s agreed to meet with me and my BF

Barry’s assured me both diamonds are eye-clean so I'm super excited to see them in person.

Kcoursolle, Coatimundi and Jackk, you’ll notice the second diamond is F colour, which is still within the range I’m comfortable with. I’m really not willing to go lower than an F.

Coatimundi and Jackk, thanks for the tips on the other vendors. I did send Sarah from GOG an email yesterday, but I know they were closed yesterday and today. I’m hoping to hear from her within the week and have some diamonds reserved to look at on Saturday. Regarding the other vendors, my BF is really only interested in working with a vendor with whom he can have face to face contact so unfortunately that means both Whiteflash and JA are out.

Okay, one last question for everyone, what are your thoughts on a non-Subercert diamonds from Excel Diamonds (i.e. their loose diamonds)? Because, I can go bigger and either maintain SI1 clarity or increase to VS2 clarity and still remain within budget.

Thanks again!

 

[dmus]

You''ve got some great advice hear. Get more diamond going F-G with an eyeclean SI1. It appears that you can save a bit on the diamond by buying from one of the other vendors referenced here but I think there is something to be said for getting the diamond and ring from the same vendor doing the setting even if you paid a few hundred dollars more. I''d go with Excel if you are having them do the setting since you already have some great diamond options from them. Best of luck and congratulations.

 

[Dreamer_D]

You sound like you are on the right track! Before making a final decision on color, mayve ask to see some different color stones next to each other when you visit Barry/Judah... you may be surprised that you like a G... but if you''ve already don that or prefer the "mind clean" feeling of the higher colors, then get what you want!

Can''t wait to see your choice!

DD

 

[Deelight]

pocahontas I personally also prefer diamonds for myself in the colourless range , apart for me being mindclean I also perceive colour easily

I just wanted to add that I have been talking to Sarah from GOG over email and she has been an absolute pleasure to work with and has consistently listened to what we are after and really quick in answering . I would love to go visit lucky you

In terms of clarity I would sacrifice that if I or he could not see the inclusions to get a best cut or larger stone that you can afford . Why pay for something you can''t see as long as it is eyeclean it is all good .

GL with your search this weekend

 

[pocahontas]

DD and Deelight,

I’d really like to stay within the D-F range since I already feel like I’m sacrificing a little with the SI1 clarity. This said, I have to admit that the greed monster is starting to creep up…a 1.22 carat, G/SI1 diamond ($7126) is now up for consideration depending on the remaining specs (I’m awaiting more information)

 

[pocahontas]

Again, I just wanted to thank everyone for your support and words of wisdom. I have a few more questions I’d love to get your feedback on. What are your thoughts on Superbcert diamonds versus non-branded diamonds from Excel Diamonds? Providing both of the following diamonds are eye-clean, what are your thoughts on the specific kinds of inclusions listed?

http://www.exceldiamonds.com/diamond/160945.html

http://www.exceldiamonds.com/diamond/160943.html

Finally, what are your thoughts on getting a diamond from Excel Diamonds or GOG independently appraised prior to purchase? Can I trust what I buy is what I get? Obviously, I’ll have the final product appraised for insurance purposes, but I’d like your thoughts on the necessity of having the diamond appraised pre-purchase.

Thank you!