I FOUND MY DREAM ENGAGEMENT RING BUT HESITANT ON THE PRICE! IN NEED YOUR OPINIONS PLEASE!

[Asscher102]

Hi Everyone! I went to the Diamond District on 47th Street and 6th Avenue in Manhattan, NYC yesterday afternoon with my boyfriend. In one of the stores, I found such a beautiful ring that I instantaneously fell in love with it. It was so perfect that I just can't stop thinking about it! LoL
I don't know if this makes a difference or not, but it was Pre-Set. It looked extremely similar to the Ritani Endless Love setting with a round center diamond. She said that was a 1.10 carat center diamond in a pave diamond halo and a pave diamond band. I believe she said that the total carats on the halo and band together was .80 carats. It was set in 18k white gold.
I told her I would want it in Platinum and she tried to talk me out of platinum saying "You don't want platinum. It will lose it's shine much quicker, it's too heavy, it will scratch much easier, and will cost you $700 more anyway." Why did she try to talk me out of platinum so bad? Is all that true?
The diamond is NOT certified. From looking at it on my hand, it looked beautiful and flawless. Extremely sparkly and clear. But under the loop (I hope that's the correct name of the diamond magnifying glass), I was able to easily see 3 noticeable marks. Two looked like scratches and one looked like a very light brown swirly mark. She compared the center diamond by showing me a 5-stone diamond ring that was extremely cloudy and then compared my center diamond of the ring to 2 diamond stud earrings that were very dull and dark gray colored, almost yellowish too.
The ring was about a size 6 and I am a szie 3.75. She said she could size it down without a problem. But I think a good jeweler would know that it's not such a smart idea to go down about 3 sizes in a ring with diamonds in the band. I told her that I would want a brand new one ordered for me in my size for that reason and because I don't really want my engagement ring to have been a display ring and tried on by half the city. She said "No problem" but she wants a $250 down payment for the ring before ordering it. Does that make sense? Is it understandable? She also said that if I want that diamond from this pre-set ring, it will be no problem. That the jeweler will just have to take it out. I told her that I was nervous about taking the same diamond because it's bezel set and wondered how they would take it out without scratching the diamond etc. She said not to worry because the jeweler is a professional. What do you guys think of that?
I said to her "If we give you the $250 down payment to order this ring in MY size, you will then put THIS ring (the pre-set size 6 ring that I fell in love with) aside and no longer be on display because it holds the diamond in it that I will want for my ring, right?" She replied "I'm going to keep this ring on display but just keep a note about it that nobody can have the diamond in it." I just said ok to be agreeable but when I'm ready for MY ring, how will I ever know that I'm getting that diamond and that she just didn't switch it or something right? Am I right or just being neurotic?? LoL.
I've listed many issues above that I would love your opinion on please!
I want this ring so badly but I do not know if I should accept that price and/or if that price is even good for this ring, etc. (Especially since my boyfriend's budget is $4,000.) If I remember correctly, her first price was something around like $5,700. I asked if that was the best she could do and she spoke to her boss and then she said $4,500 was the absolute lowest she could go for it. Do you think that is good? Should I get it? Should I not? What do you think that ring is actually worth? Please give me details and advice on what I should do. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for taking the time to read all this and I thank you in advance for all of your responses! Thank you very much! TTYS

 

[sparxs111]

I would move on. To many unknowns and questions! YOu would be able to find EXACTLY what you want from any of the trustworthy vendors that PSers use. Give a list of what you are looking for and the people here will help you find it at a much better cost, and get you a certified beautiful diamond to boot!!!!! But thats just my advice!!

 

[Rhea]

It doesn''t matter where you get your ring. It does matter that you get what you want and have all your questions answered. That person has too many unknowns for me, I''d look elsewhere.

 

[decodelighted]

Hmmmm. This is an Asscher stone? Not having a cert makes me nervous -- because a cert (a good cert GIA/AGS) will tell you what the stone looks like in great enough detail that you can tell later that you have the "right" stone, yanno? But stones with certs about 1ct plus a platinum setting will probably be over your 4K budget (& over their $4500 price).

Your other questions:

* She tried to talk you out of platinum because she wanted to sell you the display ring ... making a ring is more time consuming and perhaps the profit margin is less because the metals have gone up in price since the display one was purchased. The facts she stated are sort of true: it does scuff up easier, it is heavier etc -- but telling you what YOU want is weird.

* I wouldn''t want a resized ring unless it was a true bargain that helped me afford something I wouldn''t be able to. Three sizes is a bit much though -- seems risky, unless they''re offering a lifetime warranty on the setting''s stability - which I''m sure they aren''t.

My own e-ring came from the Diamond District so I''m not totally against buying there. We chose a loose stone and a stock setting that was remade in platinum. But it was a certed stone of unique dimensions -- so it was obvious it was the "right" stone later. I don''t know how trusting I would have been with your set of circumstances. It isn''t Golda''s is it??

 

[purrfectpear]

Date: 6/5/2008 6:04:39 PM
Author:Asscher102

Hi Everyone! I went to the Diamond District on 47th Street and 6th Avenue in Manhattan, NYC yesterday afternoon with my boyfriend. In one of the stores, I found such a beautiful ring that I instantaneously fell in love with it. It was so perfect that I just can''t stop thinking about it! LoL
I don''t know if this makes a difference or not, but it was Pre-Set. It looked extremely similar to the Ritani Endless Love setting with a round center diamond. She said that was a 1.10 carat center diamond in a pave diamond halo and a pave diamond band. I believe she said that the total carats on the halo and band together was .80 carats. It was set in 18k white gold.
I told her I would want it in Platinum and she tried to talk me out of platinum saying ''You don''t want platinum. It will lose it''s shine much quicker, it''s too heavy, it will scratch much easier, and will cost you $700 more anyway.'' Why did she try to talk me out of platinum so bad? Is all that true?
The diamond is NOT certified. From looking at it on my hand, it looked beautiful and flawless. Extremely sparkly and clear. But under the loop (I hope that''s the correct name of the diamond magnifying glass), I was able to easily see 3 noticeable marks. Two looked like scratches and one looked like a very light brown swirly mark. She compared the center diamond by showing me a 5-stone diamond ring that was extremely cloudy and then compared my center diamond of the ring to 2 diamond stud earrings that were very dull and dark gray colored, almost yellowish too.
The ring was about a size 6 and I am a szie 3.75. She said she could size it down without a problem. But I think a good jeweler would know that it''s not such a smart idea to go down about 3 sizes in a ring with diamonds in the band. I told her that I would want a brand new one ordered for me in my size for that reason and because I don''t really want my engagement ring to have been a display ring and tried on by half the city. She said ''No problem'' but she wants a $250 down payment for the ring before ordering it. Does that make sense? Is it understandable? She also said that if I want that diamond from this pre-set ring, it will be no problem. That the jeweler will just have to take it out. I told her that I was nervous about taking the same diamond because it''s bezel set and wondered how they would take it out without scratching the diamond etc. She said not to worry because the jeweler is a professional. What do you guys think of that?
I said to her ''If we give you the $250 down payment to order this ring in MY size, you will then put THIS ring (the pre-set size 6 ring that I fell in love with) aside and no longer be on display because it holds the diamond in it that I will want for my ring, right?'' She replied ''I''m going to keep this ring on display but just keep a note about it that nobody can have the diamond in it.'' I just said ok to be agreeable but when I''m ready for MY ring, how will I ever know that I''m getting that diamond and that she just didn''t switch it or something right? Am I right or just being neurotic?? LoL.
I''ve listed many issues above that I would love your opinion on please!
I want this ring so badly but I do not know if I should accept that price and/or if that price is even good for this ring, etc. (Especially since my boyfriend''s budget is $4,000.) If I remember correctly, her first price was something around like $5,700. I asked if that was the best she could do and she spoke to her boss and then she said $4,500 was the absolute lowest she could go for it. Do you think that is good? Should I get it? Should I not? What do you think that ring is actually worth? Please give me details and advice on what I should do. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for taking the time to read all this and I thank you in advance for all of your responses! Thank you very much! TTYS

I''m not sure what everyone thinks is unknown? The saleslady would have liked to sell her sample ring, but she did not mislead you about platinum. Everything she said was true. You just have to decide if you prefer platinum anyway and are willing to pay the premium (it''s gone up 100% since January).

Based on your description of the setting, you''d be hard pressed to find a gold pave for less than $1200-$1500+. She says the ring would be $4500 in gold right? So then you are basically paying around $3000 for a round 1.10 ct. that to you looked eyeclean.

I''d say if you liked it, then that''s a pretty good price.

Undoubtedly you could probably find a better stone from a PS vendor, but not at that price. If you found an 18kt setting and ring you loved for $4500 it sounds reasonable.

To get an ideal cut certed stone + 18kt pave halo setting will be more than $4500 IMO.

You were able to describe the internal inclusions, so I think you will know with a loupe whether the reset stone is the same. If it''s not, then you don''t take the ring.

The only thing that I think was shady is a fairly common sales tactic. Comparing your (I''m guessing SI1 or SI2) stone to some real dogs (cloudy, dull grey, yellowish, etc.). Pretty much any decent stone with clarity will look fantastic in comparison.

I would suggest you ask her if you can take the ring outside of the store to see it in natural light. Some jewelry stores use lights that make ALL diamonds sparkle

Let us know what you decide. If you want to find a stone from a PS vendor, we can help.

 

[decodelighted]

Oh, I forgot to say that YES it is customary to leave a deposit when you order a ring. Think about it ... what if you just walk away & pick another ring. They''d be commissioning an artisan to buy the materials & spend a lot of time working on your unusually small size 3 1/2 ring that won''t be as easy to find another buyer as more stock sizes are. It takes 6-8 weeks usually. The $250 is just insurance that you don''t ditch the project mid-stream.

 

[NeverEndingUpgrade]

Date: 6/5/2008 6:04:39 PM
Author:Asscher102

Hi Everyone! I went to the Diamond District on 47th Street and 6th Avenue in Manhattan, NYC yesterday afternoon with my boyfriend. In one of the stores, I found such a beautiful ring that I instantaneously fell in love with it. It was so perfect that I just can''t stop thinking about it! LoL
I don''t know if this makes a difference or not, but it was Pre-Set. It looked extremely similar to the Ritani Endless Love setting with a round center diamond. She said that was a 1.10 carat center diamond in a pave diamond halo and a pave diamond band. I believe she said that the total carats on the halo and band together was .80 carats. It was set in 18k white gold.
I told her I would want it in Platinum and she tried to talk me out of platinum saying ''You don''t want platinum. It will lose it''s shine much quicker, it''s too heavy, it will scratch much easier, and will cost you $700 more anyway.'' Why did she try to talk me out of platinum so bad? Is all that true?
The diamond is NOT certified. From looking at it on my hand, it looked beautiful and flawless. Extremely sparkly and clear. But under the loop (I hope that''s the correct name of the diamond magnifying glass), I was able to easily see 3 noticeable marks. Two looked like scratches and one looked like a very light brown swirly mark. She compared the center diamond by showing me a 5-stone diamond ring that was extremely cloudy and then compared my center diamond of the ring to 2 diamond stud earrings that were very dull and dark gray colored, almost yellowish too.
The ring was about a size 6 and I am a szie 3.75. She said she could size it down without a problem. But I think a good jeweler would know that it''s not such a smart idea to go down about 3 sizes in a ring with diamonds in the band. I told her that I would want a brand new one ordered for me in my size for that reason and because I don''t really want my engagement ring to have been a display ring and tried on by half the city. She said ''No problem'' but she wants a $250 down payment for the ring before ordering it. Does that make sense? Is it understandable? She also said that if I want that diamond from this pre-set ring, it will be no problem. That the jeweler will just have to take it out. I told her that I was nervous about taking the same diamond because it''s bezel set and wondered how they would take it out without scratching the diamond etc. She said not to worry because the jeweler is a professional. What do you guys think of that?
I said to her ''If we give you the $250 down payment to order this ring in MY size, you will then put THIS ring (the pre-set size 6 ring that I fell in love with) aside and no longer be on display because it holds the diamond in it that I will want for my ring, right?'' She replied ''I''m going to keep this ring on display but just keep a note about it that nobody can have the diamond in it.'' I just said ok to be agreeable but when I''m ready for MY ring, how will I ever know that I''m getting that diamond and that she just didn''t switch it or something right? Am I right or just being neurotic?? LoL.
I''ve listed many issues above that I would love your opinion on please!
I want this ring so badly but I do not know if I should accept that price and/or if that price is even good for this ring, etc. (Especially since my boyfriend''s budget is $4,000.) If I remember correctly, her first price was something around like $5,700. I asked if that was the best she could do and she spoke to her boss and then she said $4,500 was the absolute lowest she could go for it. Do you think that is good? Should I get it? Should I not? What do you think that ring is actually worth? Please give me details and advice on what I should do. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for taking the time to read all this and I thank you in advance for all of your responses! Thank you very much! TTYS

It amazes me how many salespeople try to talk people out of platinum. I don''t know how many I encountered. People that say, "You don''t want platinum" usually say that because they have only white gold in their cases. The bottom of my platinum Tacori band is polished platinum and is just as shiny as my white gold rings. If you want platinum, you will have to pay more, though. It does have a different look too. I just really wanted platinum, and that''s what I bought.

I don''t think it is a good idea to size a 6 down to a 3.75. Another red flag for me is the price drop. A $1200 price drop? I can''t imagine any PS vendors quoting a price, then saying, "Oh, but you can have it for $1200 less."

The overall price of the ring sounds good for what it is. BUT, it sounds like to me you have a lot of doubt in your mind about it. If you buy it, you might always be sorry you did not put the $4500 toward a great diamond, set it into a simple solitaire, then reset it into your dream setting later. But then, you might be totally enthralled with it. Go back a couple of times if you can. You might not feel the same way another day.

Have you priced ideal cut diamonds on GoodOldGold or Whiteflash just to compare?

 

[meffaman]

Date: 6/5/2008 6:04:39 PM
Author:Asscher102

Hi Everyone! I went to the Diamond District on 47th Street and 6th Avenue in Manhattan, NYC yesterday afternoon with my boyfriend. In one of the stores, I found such a beautiful ring that I instantaneously fell in love with it. It was so perfect that I just can't stop thinking about it! LoL
I don't know if this makes a difference or not, but it was Pre-Set. It looked extremely similar to the Ritani Endless Love setting with a round center diamond. She said that was a 1.10 carat center diamond in a pave diamond halo and a pave diamond band. I believe she said that the total carats on the halo and band together was .80 carats. It was set in 18k white gold.
I told her I would want it in Platinum and she tried to talk me out of platinum saying 'You don't want platinum. It will lose it's shine much quicker, it's too heavy, it will scratch much easier, and will cost you $700 more anyway.' Why did she try to talk me out of platinum so bad? Is all that true?
The diamond is NOT certified. From looking at it on my hand, it looked beautiful and flawless. Extremely sparkly and clear. But under the loop (I hope that's the correct name of the diamond magnifying glass), I was able to easily see 3 noticeable marks. Two looked like scratches and one looked like a very light brown swirly mark. She compared the center diamond by showing me a 5-stone diamond ring that was extremely cloudy and then compared my center diamond of the ring to 2 diamond stud earrings that were very dull and dark gray colored, almost yellowish too.
The ring was about a size 6 and I am a szie 3.75. She said she could size it down without a problem. But I think a good jeweler would know that it's not such a smart idea to go down about 3 sizes in a ring with diamonds in the band. I told her that I would want a brand new one ordered for me in my size for that reason and because I don't really want my engagement ring to have been a display ring and tried on by half the city. She said 'No problem' but she wants a $250 down payment for the ring before ordering it. Does that make sense? Is it understandable? She also said that if I want that diamond from this pre-set ring, it will be no problem. That the jeweler will just have to take it out. I told her that I was nervous about taking the same diamond because it's bezel set and wondered how they would take it out without scratching the diamond etc. She said not to worry because the jeweler is a professional. What do you guys think of that?
I said to her 'If we give you the $250 down payment to order this ring in MY size, you will then put THIS ring (the pre-set size 6 ring that I fell in love with) aside and no longer be on display because it holds the diamond in it that I will want for my ring, right?' She replied 'I'm going to keep this ring on display but just keep a note about it that nobody can have the diamond in it.' I just said ok to be agreeable but when I'm ready for MY ring, how will I ever know that I'm getting that diamond and that she just didn't switch it or something right? Am I right or just being neurotic?? LoL.
I've listed many issues above that I would love your opinion on please!
I want this ring so badly but I do not know if I should accept that price and/or if that price is even good for this ring, etc. (Especially since my boyfriend's budget is $4,000.) If I remember correctly, her first price was something around like $5,700. I asked if that was the best she could do and she spoke to her boss and then she said $4,500 was the absolute lowest she could go for it. Do you think that is good? Should I get it? Should I not? What do you think that ring is actually worth? Please give me details and advice on what I should do. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for taking the time to read all this and I thank you in advance for all of your responses! Thank you very much! TTYS

I would walk away. I say this mainly because you have doubts and seem to know in the back of your head that you should. Your judgement may be clouded by the idea of just doing something. It's usually best at these times to simply "do nothing", cool off a bit and regroup. You should be 100% sure of what you're buying and truly excited about the purchase, and this doesn't sound like one of those times.

Just my 2 cents...........

Edit: This is EXACTLY why I chose to purchase over the internet. I'd rather be able to take the time in the comfort of my home to look at things and not feel pressured by a sales person and wind up getting confused. Your best move with this was to come to PS and ask everyone's advice.

 

[mrssalvo]

I recently purchased a ring from pearlmans closeout that was a size 6. I wear a 3.75 and they designer would not resize the setting. I ended up having to have it remade in my size. so, i''d be careful with the sizing thing when there are diamonds in the band.

 

[lesco]

Honestly, I would pass on this deal. Buying an uncerted stone is a bad proposition 99.9% of the times, IMHO. An over a carat good quality diamond and a halo setting is a tall order for $4,500. I suspect the quality might be subpar.

There are some reputable vendors whom are located in the NYC diamond district.


1- Mark Turnowski ( EDR) Mark is a very honest guy maybe he can give you a few options.
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/

2- Excel Diamonds http://www.exceldiamonds.com/

 

[Deelight]

Date: 6/5/2008 6:54:52 PM
Author: purrfectpear

Date: 6/5/2008 6:04:39 PM

Author:Asscher102


Hi Everyone! I went to the Diamond District on 47th Street and 6th Avenue in Manhattan, NYC yesterday afternoon with my boyfriend. In one of the stores, I found such a beautiful ring that I instantaneously fell in love with it. It was so perfect that I just can''t stop thinking about it! LoL

I don''t know if this makes a difference or not, but it was Pre-Set. It looked extremely similar to the Ritani Endless Love setting with a round center diamond. She said that was a 1.10 carat center diamond in a pave diamond halo and a pave diamond band. I believe she said that the total carats on the halo and band together was .80 carats. It was set in 18k white gold.

I told her I would want it in Platinum and she tried to talk me out of platinum saying ''You don''t want platinum. It will lose it''s shine much quicker, it''s too heavy, it will scratch much easier, and will cost you $700 more anyway.'' Why did she try to talk me out of platinum so bad? Is all that true?

The diamond is NOT certified. From looking at it on my hand, it looked beautiful and flawless. Extremely sparkly and clear. But under the loop (I hope that''s the correct name of the diamond magnifying glass), I was able to easily see 3 noticeable marks. Two looked like scratches and one looked like a very light brown swirly mark. She compared the center diamond by showing me a 5-stone diamond ring that was extremely cloudy and then compared my center diamond of the ring to 2 diamond stud earrings that were very dull and dark gray colored, almost yellowish too.

The ring was about a size 6 and I am a szie 3.75. She said she could size it down without a problem. But I think a good jeweler would know that it''s not such a smart idea to go down about 3 sizes in a ring with diamonds in the band. I told her that I would want a brand new one ordered for me in my size for that reason and because I don''t really want my engagement ring to have been a display ring and tried on by half the city. She said ''No problem'' but she wants a $250 down payment for the ring before ordering it. Does that make sense? Is it understandable? She also said that if I want that diamond from this pre-set ring, it will be no problem. That the jeweler will just have to take it out. I told her that I was nervous about taking the same diamond because it''s bezel set and wondered how they would take it out without scratching the diamond etc. She said not to worry because the jeweler is a professional. What do you guys think of that?

I said to her ''If we give you the $250 down payment to order this ring in MY size, you will then put THIS ring (the pre-set size 6 ring that I fell in love with) aside and no longer be on display because it holds the diamond in it that I will want for my ring, right?'' She replied ''I''m going to keep this ring on display but just keep a note about it that nobody can have the diamond in it.'' I just said ok to be agreeable but when I''m ready for MY ring, how will I ever know that I''m getting that diamond and that she just didn''t switch it or something right? Am I right or just being neurotic?? LoL.

I''ve listed many issues above that I would love your opinion on please!

I want this ring so badly but I do not know if I should accept that price and/or if that price is even good for this ring, etc. (Especially since my boyfriend''s budget is $4,000.) If I remember correctly, her first price was something around like $5,700. I asked if that was the best she could do and she spoke to her boss and then she said $4,500 was the absolute lowest she could go for it. Do you think that is good? Should I get it? Should I not? What do you think that ring is actually worth? Please give me details and advice on what I should do. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for taking the time to read all this and I thank you in advance for all of your responses! Thank you very much! TTYS

I''m not sure what everyone thinks is unknown? The saleslady would have liked to sell her sample ring, but she did not mislead you about platinum. Everything she said was true. You just have to decide if you prefer platinum anyway and are willing to pay the premium (it''s gone up 100% since January).


Based on your description of the setting, you''d be hard pressed to find a gold pave for less than $1200-$1500+. She says the ring would be $4500 in gold right? So then you are basically paying around $3000 for a round 1.10 ct. that to you looked eyeclean.


I''d say if you liked it, then that''s a pretty good price.


Undoubtedly you could probably find a better stone from a PS vendor, but not at that price. If you found an 18kt setting and ring you loved for $4500 it sounds reasonable.


To get an ideal cut certed stone + 18kt pave halo setting will be more than $4500 IMO.


You were able to describe the internal inclusions, so I think you will know with a loupe whether the reset stone is the same. If it''s not, then you don''t take the ring.


The only thing that I think was shady is a fairly common sales tactic. Comparing your (I''m guessing SI1 or SI2) stone to some real dogs (cloudy, dull grey, yellowish, etc.). Pretty much any decent stone with clarity will look fantastic in comparison.


I would suggest you ask her if you can take the ring outside of the store to see it in natural light. Some jewelry stores use lights that make ALL diamonds sparkle

Let us know what you decide. If you want to find a stone from a PS vendor, we can help.

It may look eyeclean and sparkle like mad under jewelery store lights but how does it look in natural lighting, office lighting etc the lighting that you would spend most of your time looking at the diamond in.

Personally for me this is a no-goer.

 

[LitigatorChick]

Call me cynical, but if it sounds too good (or too cheap) to be true, it probably is. Move on.

 

[dockman3]

I would have to say walk away also. I just bought my gf an ERing at a reputable local jeweler and then only after I got it home did I find this place. Since then I''ve had all kinds of doubts about the diamond and now I''m taking it back to try to get another diamond put it, which is a huge pain. Had I just done my research the first time and waited, I could have avoided these problems and gotten the diamond I wanted in the first place. Good luck to you on your search and remember, its worth waiting to find the exact piece you want.

 

[anemone]

I wouldn''t buy a diamond over 1ct that didn''t have a cert either. Engagement rings direct can get plenty of GIA certed H SI1 diamonds over 1 ct that are 3400-4K.

I also saw stacks of settings with pave'' at Ianelli Diamonds around 1K.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I agree, and uncertified diamond is a BIG unknown. The idea that they''d tell you they could resize that ring is a BIG red flag.

I''d suggest Good Old Gold on Long Island. They are pricescope vendors (which gives you some protection because they want to keep their good reputation here) and they carry top quality stones. Any vendor can get you a halo setting. You do need to consider that a nice quality platinum halo setting will take up a lot of your budget, though. But I''d rather have a fine quality .70 ct. diamond that a poor quality 1 carat stone any day.