Idealscope -

[sapphic]

Hi this is my first post...and have some questions regarding the process of diamond searching....

Background: New to PS, in search for a e-ring for my gf in the bay area. Almost made the mistake of just going into ShaneCo(yeah, Ive read the ShaneCo Bad threads) and buying any diamond that sparkles to my satisfaction...but then I found PS.

Looking for: 1.5-1.7 H/SI1 as good a cut as possible...maybe Idea / H&A. Like to stay under 10-14k for everything.

1st step - Get armed with an Idealscope:

Question: Should I get the $25 Beginner Scope or go with the $99 Expert Ideal-Scope & Ideal Light Combo? How much does that light help and do you use it in B&M stores?

2nd step - Take the IS to Joe Escobar / Derco (Bay area B&M stores) and look at some diamonds. Get the measurements and punch it in the HCA and also post them on PS for second opinions.

3rd step Try to bring down the price...if not competitive enough, then will buy from Internet(go back to step 2)

The next parts are a bit fuzzier to me.

4th step: Question: Get an independent appraisal as soon as I get the loose stone?

5th step- Find the setting.

6th step- Get the stone set.

7th step - Question: Since I don''t own a home(maybe that 10-14k should go towards a down payment...sigh), I need to get insurance for the rock, right? Where should I go for that?

8th step - get hitched.

I think PS is a great community and represents the best of what the Internet can do, which is education and market efficiency. Please let me know if I am missing any steps in my process. Thanks in advance for your responses!!!

 

[denverappraiser]

Sapphic,

Welcome to Pricescope.

That''s a pretty good list. My only serious revision would be to move step #5 forward considerably. The decision of what mounting you are going to end up with can often affect both your choice of diamond shape and the available budget. The primary diamond is likely to be the biggest portion of your expense but many people find that the mounting they really want is more expensive than they expected and they either need to alter their plans or their budgets. The best time to make this decision is prior to the committment to a particular diamond.

For most people, the beginner model IS works just fine. It''s very possible that the store you are discussing already has one and will let you use theirs. Most stores actually prefer you to use their equipment if possible. It''s a security thing.

I''ll let others discuss the important of independent appraisals. There are some thoughts on getting good value from your appraisal session in the FAQ.

There are several companies that compete for the type of insurance you describe. The most popular among PS regulars seem to be www.chubb.com and www.jewelersmutual.com. Both are excellent companies. If you use the search box at the top right corner of this page you can read many many comments on both.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Independent Appraisals in Denver

 

[Regular Guy]

Though it seems you're pretty clear headed about the order of things, you could check out the link below my signature to see some ways to finesse this a bit, but those strategies are mostly in line with what you're planning to do already. Based on your budget, you should have no problem getting exactly what you want...and based on the search by cut database here (your secure internet comparison...) you can move up either on color or clarity if you like (G or VS2)...and if you run across one that captures both (are you in a rush?) and is still well cut...that may be your man.

(edited to add): using Batna just confirms the strategy you have in place; you have good questions, too. I picked the beginner idealscope model & light, but only after my purchase, so you're ahead of the game, and others here (Perry?) will recommend the professional. Re the appraiser, I've said a lot on this board about that personally...basically, if you've got an AGS certed stone, it won't matter much what you do (who you go to), and if you don't, it just matters how much you're worried about it's pedigree(the diamond's credentials); at the top right, under resources, you'll see appraisers listed, the first group of which are at a distance to you, but have the equipment to certify in more substance how well cut your choice is. And re insurance...add State Farm to you list (that Neil, one of the recommended appraiser guys above, started for you -- providing stand alone insurance). Al and others have more to say here about options in this insurance industry, which can be frustrating.

Best,

 

[sapphic]

Thanks for the responses!

My timeline is over a month (not in a big rush)...more important to get it right.

I went to Joe Escobar''s and they actually had an H&A viewer(or something like it) that I was able to look at. It was pretty cool. I need to look at more diamonds to get a better feel of what Im looking at. I used it to look at hearts and arrows. I guess that''s different than an Idealscope.

They did not have a diamond in the exact proportions I wanted (1.5 SI1 H), but they did have a G. The main things I noted from my experience were:

1. The sales lady did not offer to show me the G, but rather to fill out a form to get one sent in of the exact specifications. I had to ask to see the G after learning that she had one in the back.
2. It seems that inventory is slim in the 1.5 carat range. ShaneCo had more but still only like 2 in stock.
3. She noted the diamond as an "ideal" diamond just based on the 55% table and 60% depth. I was a bit skeptical...it takes more than that to be an ideal cut diamond from my limited experience.
4. The diamond had a large feather that I could somewhat make out with my bare eyes. I should not be able to make anything out for an SI1, right?
5. JE''s prices seem on the high side ($12,XXX).

My next stop will be Derco to see what they have. The lady said they have a restocking fee for diamonds. Is that normal?

Thanks!

 

[denverappraiser]

Date: 6/14/2005 5:41:43 PM
Author: sapphic

The lady said they have a restocking fee for diamonds.

It''s common. They are welcome to include whatever fees they want. You are welcome to shop elsewhere. They have plenty of competitors who are more agreeable. For me this would be a complete deal killer although if you really like the store it might be worth checking to make sure that it''s really true and not just some saleslady blowing smoke. If it''s true, find another store.

The terms you want are 100% refund for any reason within some reasonable amount of time: 7-10 days is ok for most situations. If it''s an out-of-town vendor, try to get a little longer because of possible delays involved with the shipping processes.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Independent Appraisals in Denver

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

The $25 scope has exactly the same reflector - the only difference is the lens is not such a high quality.

 

[perry]

I purchased the expert model with the light table. I have found it invaluable. The light table makes things much easier - and the jewelry stores seem much more willing to drop diamonds onto the light table than just hold them up in a tweezer.

It also provides good backlight for looking at premounted settings.

My view is that considering the cost of what you are proposing... What is another $75 to have a really good tool to look at diamonds with?

Perry

 

[Maxine]

Where will we be able to see/touch/use the new ASET devices??????? Will they be more available than IS??

 

[sapphic]

Hmm, yeah ok I will just get the expert one...then I can show my lady how great her rock is Maybe also to look at other peoples'' diamonds (might not be kosher, but oh well)