i need help! (diamond earrings)

[colleenharkin]

I am getting very varied information about what I can expect to pay for some great diamond earrings.

I have been told, that in diamond studs and value for money etc it would be best to get white in color - so not less than an H (preferably a G).... and S1-2 or even P1 would apparently be fine.

Question one - is that correct ?

I want to get as BIG as I can studs as I can - and am happy to spend a reasonable amount - but i am getting wildy different costs on what i should expect to spend.

I see curently listed on ebay 4 ct (2 x 2ct) studs can be bought for approx US $20k (with appraisal from National Gem Lab - cited in forums here regarding legitimacy?)

But I also saw in a shop, 2.6 studs here in Australia (2 x 1.3ct ) G S2-3 (which I naively understand is the same as S2 P1??) but they cost AUST$27k

So a BIG relative difference in cost.

Question Two
how come such a diffenerence ?
If the 4ct ones are legitimatley what they say they are i''d very happily pay US20k for 4ct, because how can earrings almost half the size and apparently same rating be much more expensive ?

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT I AM BUYING AND WHAT IT''S WORTH ?

How do I know, where can i buy ??

Many thanks

 

[belle]

you mentiond both wanting 'great diamond earrings' and getting as big as you can. does getting the biggest equate to the best for you? i ask because for most people here, getting the best cut (sparkly) diamonds would be top priority even if it means going down a little in size. whatever your priorities are, it would help if you outlined what is most important (size, sparkle, price...) and we can go from there.
don't even look at ebay. it is notorious for having bad (fraudulent?) diamond listings. there is no way i would risk sending $20k to someone on ebay. as you found out, the prices differe greatly from legitimate stores.

as the wise saying goes.....
if it sounds too good to be true, it is.

if you want to know what you are buying, buy from a legitimate vendor that sells diamonds with legitimate grading reports (gia, ags, etc..)
you can get an idea of pricing by using the 'pricescope your diamond' search tool above.
there is also a great tutorial about diamonds in the knowledge section if you are interested.
best of luck!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I would agree on the G-H issue, but many people seem to like the value of I color diamonds IF they are ideal cut. The I color would help you get the size you want. However, I would only consider diamonds graded by GIA or AGS to be reliable. I wouldn''t want diamonds graded below SI2 under any circumstances. And even then, you''d want well cut stones that are eye clean, which means buying from someone trustworthy. Decent stones at 4 cts. total will not cost $20,000. It will be a lot more than that. And I agree with everything Belle said as well.

 

[mrssalvo]

Hi Colleen and welcome

I''m going to join the other ladies and say to please stay away from Ebay. You can do a search here and read some consumer stories. Ebay can be fine for smaller hard to find items but there would be no way I''d spend 20K on ebay. Way to risky in my opinion.

Definitely consider some of the wonderful vendors we have here. All will provide you with everything you''d want to know about the stones and more. If your size, keep in mind that a well cut stone could actually look and face up bigger than a poorly cut one.

I''d suggest
Good old Gold\
James allen
Winfields
Whiteflash

 

[colleenharkin]

well - i''d like as big as i can afford ... but i still want them to look good / have LIFE

I (OBVIOUSLY) havent got a clue - which is why i am here asking questions

is there much differnce between s2 and s3 ? if i di a search on this website on the price comparisons... i coudl apparenty get a 2 ct s3 stone for approx 8k .... so if i got 2 it would be say 16-17k......whic is back to wher ei started from ... saying that i could supposedly get 2x2ct on ebay for 20k .... but stones of same grading but half the size were more expensive here in australia.

are the sellers here on price comparison ''authorised'' or certified in anyway ? or are they paying advertisers on this site and so all care but no responsibility taken ?

thks so much for your advise - this is a great resource.

 

[JulieN]

Yes, there's a big difference between SI2 and SI3, because SI3 is not recognized by GIA and AGS.

You could definitely drop your color requirements to I/J.

The vendors under price comparison are paying advertisers, but they are held to some integrity requirements, such as no misrepresentation. There are also some vendors who participate on the forum and are well regarded, but do not pay advertising and are not listed in PS searches.

If you're anywhere near Garry's store, you might want to get in touch with him, as he is a big champion of shallow stones for earrings, which will face up larger than their weight compared to Tolkowsky. http://www.preciousmetals.com.au/precious_metals_contact.asp

 

[Kaleigh]

As others have said cut is key. Also I wouldn''t buy from ebay. We have heard way too many horror stories about purchases made on there. SI 1 - SI2 are great for earrings, and if need be drop the color a little to get the size you want. I''d take Julie''s advice and contact Garry, not sure if he''s near you but worth a call. Good luck!!!

 

[colleenharkin]

thks so much for your relply.
if i am buying remotely .... as i am in australia ......is it safe to just say i want for example : color I ideal cut 2 x 2 ct s2 ... how much will it cost ? If i email any of the sellers listed on this site will it be safe / reputable / relaible ?
rgds

 

[JulieN]

I think you could do 4 cts for 25K, if 20K, I think it''d be better to stick to around 3.5 cts.