In a pickle (with diamond)

[marriedwithdiamonds]

i have an ugly diamond on my hands, or hand i should say.


my husband bought me a 1.33 carat RB from (i shudder to say it) Zales.


it came with a GS Laboratories grading.


Color: F
Clarity: I-1
Pol/Sym: Good/Good
Meas: 6.83 x 6.79 x 4.48mm.


i have had it since april of this year. at first i was ok with the diamond but the longer i had it the more i realized the inclusions. the diamond has a ton of black inclusions. some thread like and others just tiny spots.

i didn''t notice the bad cut straight away either (we didn''t do any homework, unfortunately.) over time of course the dark spots, due to cut, are also giving me daily headaches. the cut makes the stone looked chipped in some angles and in pictures.


here is the kicker. we spent over 6 grand on it. it''s almost amusing.


would it even be worth trying to sell? where would i even sell this kind of stone?

i don''t want to upgrade the stone because i obviously don''t trust the store.


i would love to be able to get even half the money out of it but is that reasonable?

i could keep it but i have already scrutinized the stone to death. i don''t think it holds much appeal.


just welcoming comments here


thank you for listening. i will be needing real guidance in future diamond purchases and i hope to use this wonderful forum

i am planning to buy 2 sets of 1CTW solitaire earrings and also (obviously) a 1.5 RB solitare for the wedding stone

also i will post pictures soon of the above mentioned stone, i would love to share the grit

 

[Lorelei]

I am sorry to hear that you don't love your diamond....Can you post the proportions please such as depth table etc?

One thing I was thinking you could consider, is perhaps a recut....This procedure isn't without risk as you may know, and the diamond will lose some weight depending on whether a tweak may be enough to bring out the beauty, or a full recut. Also depending on the inclusions, an I1 clarity grade would need an expert evaluation to see if it is even a suitable candidate for recutting - but it may be worth investigating further, also as it may be difficult to sell it and even to get much back for it even if you could sell it. Also the thing is, whether the diamond is still eyeclean enough for you, or would be even after recutting...But I just thought I would throw that idea out there.

Failing that, if you could upgrade with the same store, maybe we could help you find a better cut stone if you find some contenders and post the proportions.

 

[purrfectpear]

I''m afraid a stone with visible inclusions would be difficult to sell at any cost. You could try craigslist or ebay, but you won''t come close to $3K. Probably a third of that...maybe.

You could always reset it in a pendant where you wouldn''t see it every day and the carbon would be far less noticeable to others too.

 

[Rhea]

A pendant is a good idea. It''ll still be sparkly and that''s all others, and yourself, will be able to see.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/3/2008 8:38:38 AM
Author: Addy
A pendant is a good idea. It'll still be sparkly and that's all others, and yourself, will be able to see.

I agree a pendant might be a good idea, but MWD says that for her the stone doesn't hold much appeal, so she may not want to wear it in anyway.

 

[Rhea]

Date: 8/3/2008 8:40:35 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 8/3/2008 8:38:38 AM

Author: Addy

A pendant is a good idea. It''ll still be sparkly and that''s all others, and yourself, will be able to see.

I agree a pendant might be a good idea, but MWD says that for her the stone doesn''t hold much appeal, so she may not want to wear it in anyway.

Point taken. Not sure how much she could expect to get out of a non-eye clean stone though, which I think was the orginial question. At a guess, on ebay or craigslist, maybe $1-$2K if someone wants a large stone and doesn''t have much knowledge of diamonds...just a guess though.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/3/2008 8:46:25 AM
Author: Addy

Date: 8/3/2008 8:40:35 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 8/3/2008 8:38:38 AM

Author: Addy

A pendant is a good idea. It''ll still be sparkly and that''s all others, and yourself, will be able to see.

I agree a pendant might be a good idea, but MWD says that for her the stone doesn''t hold much appeal, so she may not want to wear it in anyway.

Point taken. Not sure how much she could expect to get out of a non-eye clean stone though, which I think was the orginial question. At a guess, on ebay or craigslist, maybe $1-$2K if someone wants a large stone and doesn''t have much knowledge of diamonds...just a guess though.

I know it is a tricky one...Maybe upgrading it if Zales have that policy and we could help her find an eyeclean well cut stone that way might be the best bet....I would think your price estimate if she could sell it even would be about right too.

 

[Ellen]

I am sorry to hear about your stone.

I know you said you didn''t want to use Zales again, but here''s a thought. They now carry AGS0 stones, which are top graded diamonds. If you know what to look for, you can end up with a nice stone. You might check into what it would actually cost you to upgrade to an AGS stone vs. starting all over. (let''s assume you can''t sell the current stone) If you can find a stone you like, that may be more cost friendly. Just a thought! And then we''ll help you find some loverly studs.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/3/2008 9:51:23 AM
Author: Ellen
I am sorry to hear about your stone.

I know you said you didn''t want to use Zales again, but here''s a thought. They now carry AGS0 stones, which are top graded diamonds. If you know what to look for, you can end up with a nice stone. You might check into what it would actually cost you to upgrade to an AGS stone vs. starting all over. (let''s assume you can''t sell the current stone) If you can find a stone you like, that may be more cost friendly. Just a thought! And then we''ll help you find some loverly studs.

That is good news and might be the best solution!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/3/2008 9:51:23 AM
Author: Ellen
I am sorry to hear about your stone.

I know you said you didn''t want to use Zales again, but here''s a thought. They now carry AGS0 stones, which are top graded diamonds. If you know what to look for, you can end up with a nice stone. You might check into what it would actually cost you to upgrade to an AGS stone vs. starting all over. (let''s assume you can''t sell the current stone) If you can find a stone you like, that may be more cost friendly. Just a thought! And then we''ll help you find some loverly studs.

I just went to double check lumpkin''s post, which is where I thought I''d heard this. Please forgive the misinformation, it was JAREDS, not Zales.

Sorry.

However, I''m going to go browse their site, to see what they do carry.

 

[Ellen]

Well, I didn''t get as far as actual diamonds, as I read this first. I don''t see an upgrade policy mentioned, and it seems we are past an exchange policy....


Zales.com is dedicated to delighting you with your jewelry purchase and our services. If for any reason you are dissatisfied with your purchase, you may return it within 30 days (of the date your order was shipped from our distribution center) for a full refund of the purchase price, minus the shipping & handling, unless you have received a damaged or incorrect item. Exchanges must be made within 90 days.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/3/2008 10:08:53 AM
Author: Ellen
Well, I didn''t get as far as actual diamonds, as I read this first. I don''t see an upgrade policy mentioned, and it seems we are past an exchange policy....



Zales.com is dedicated to delighting you with your jewelry purchase and our services. If for any reason you are dissatisfied with your purchase, you may return it within 30 days (of the date your order was shipped from our distribution center) for a full refund of the purchase price, minus the shipping & handling, unless you have received a damaged or incorrect item. Exchanges must be made within 90 days.

Blast...

 

[iheartscience]

Date: 8/3/2008 10:08:53 AM
Author: Ellen
Well, I didn''t get as far as actual diamonds, as I read this first. I don''t see an upgrade policy mentioned, and it seems we are past an exchange policy....

Zales.com is dedicated to delighting you with your jewelry purchase and our services. If for any reason you are dissatisfied with your purchase, you may return it within 30 days (of the date your order was shipped from our distribution center) for a full refund of the purchase price, minus the shipping & handling, unless you have received a damaged or incorrect item. Exchanges must be made within 90 days.

What a bummer...here''s what I would do: I would still go to Zale''s with your receipts and try to exchange it. Go in person and don''t call first-it''s very easy to say no on the phone! It''s not that far over 90 days and many retail places will make exceptions to their policies. I''m sure you won''t be able to return it, but you may be able to at least exchange it for a diamond you would want to wear as a pendant.

I would just be extremely pleasant but firm, and say that you are not happy with all the inclusions and would like to exchange it for a more clean looking diamond. You can always ask for the manager or district manager, and if worse comes to worse, call their corporate office and ask if you can exchange it. All they can do is say no, and as it stands, you''re already stuck with a diamond you don''t like, so I think it''s worth a try.

If you don''t want to try to exchange it or they won''t let you, I would try to sell it on Craig''s List and see what you can get for it. It is a good size, and sometimes that''s all people care about. As long as you''re honest about the diamond''s inclusions I think you could totally play up the size when you sell it. You may be able to get a few thousand for it. Then you can use that money to start over and get a brand new, extremely well cut diamond.

Best of luck and keep us posted!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/3/2008 10:17:48 AM
Author: thing2of2


What a bummer...here''s what I would do: I would still go to Zale''s with your receipts and try to exchange it. Go in person and don''t call first-it''s very easy to say no on the phone! It''s not that far over 90 days and many retail places will make exceptions to their policies. I''m sure you won''t be able to return it, but you may be able to at least exchange it for a diamond you would want to wear as a pendant.

I would just be extremely pleasant but firm, and say that you are not happy with all the inclusions and would like to exchange it for a more clean looking diamond. You can always ask for the manager or district manager, and if worse comes to worse, call their corporate office and ask if you can exchange it. All they can do is say no, and as it stands, you''re already stuck with a diamond you don''t like, so I think it''s worth a try.

If you don''t want to try to exchange it or they won''t let you, I would try to sell it on Craig''s List and see what you can get for it. It is a good size, and sometimes that''s all people care about. As long as you''re honest about the diamond''s inclusions I think you could totally play up the size when you sell it. You may be able to get a few thousand for it. Then you can use that money to start over and get a brand new, extremely well cut diamond.

Best of luck and keep us posted!

And the color as well.

 

[spike13]

Date: 8/3/2008 10:17:48 AM
Author: thing2of2

Date: 8/3/2008 10:08:53 AM

Author: Ellen

Well, I didn''t get as far as actual diamonds, as I read this first. I don''t see an upgrade policy mentioned, and it seems we are past an exchange policy....


Zales.com is dedicated to delighting you with your jewelry purchase and our services. If for any reason you are dissatisfied with your purchase, you may return it within 30 days (of the date your order was shipped from our distribution center) for a full refund of the purchase price, minus the shipping & handling, unless you have received a damaged or incorrect item. Exchanges must be made within 90 days.

What a bummer...here''s what I would do: I would still go to Zale''s with your receipts and try to exchange it. Go in person and don''t call first-it''s very easy to say no on the phone! It''s not that far over 90 days and many retail places will make exceptions to their policies. I''m sure you won''t be able to return it, but you may be able to at least exchange it for a diamond you would want to wear as a pendant.


I would just be extremely pleasant but firm, and say that you are not happy with all the inclusions and would like to exchange it for a more clean looking diamond. You can always ask for the manager or district manager, and if worse comes to worse, call their corporate office and ask if you can exchange it. All they can do is say no, and as it stands, you''re already stuck with a diamond you don''t like, so I think it''s worth a try.


If you don''t want to try to exchange it or they won''t let you, I would try to sell it on Craig''s List and see what you can get for it. It is a good size, and sometimes that''s all people care about. As long as you''re honest about the diamond''s inclusions I think you could totally play up the size when you sell it. You may be able to get a few thousand for it. Then you can use that money to start over and get a brand new, extremely well cut diamond.


Best of luck and keep us posted!

I would definitely try this. You''d be surprised at the results. I''ve had good luck with getting places to bend their return policies. The trick I''ve found is to be super super nice to whoever is helping you. If you can''t find a replacement that you''d like for a ring, maybe you can find a better one and make it into a pendant or sell easier. You mentioned you wanted studs, so perhaps you could exchange it for studs then buy you ering diamond somewhere else (?).

I once was able to return a mattress to Macy''s months after the return period. So there is definitely hope!

 

[cara]

Second the attempt at an exchange. Even though it is Zales, part of what you are unhappy with is the clarity, which for all we know was accurately described on the report and was not misrepresented.

IF they will agree to an exchange on the stone, then you can hunt hunt hunt for something eyeclean and decently cut. That will take the edge off this pickle, and you might end up with a stone you like well enough for a pendent or even the original ring.

 

[marcy]

Some of the diamonds they call the "Zales Diamond" has extra facets but they aren''t ideal cut and are pricey. They are somewhat nicer than their regular diamonds though. Their upgrade policy is you have to spend double your original purchase price. I hate to hear you don''t love your diamond. I like the idea of getting it recut to get more sparkle and have it made in to a pendant.

 

[marriedwithdiamonds]

these responses are wonderful! much more than i expected! thank you



the upgrade policy is exactly that, you have to spend what would be double the original purchase. i don''t feel that i want to invest anything else in zales. their lab gradings are questionable (you guys could have told me that had i been here prior to the purchase!)

if i am going to spend an additional 6 grand there, i would be happier to spend 10 elsewhere and get something that satisfies me long term.

as far as a recut, i love the idea. a pendant will probably be the way to go. it doesn''t make sense for me to give the stone away for a thousand dollars.

when the stone is clean i have a harder time seeing the inclusions. so wearing it on a necklace might be nice. i work in water with my hands all the time. the ring is always getting dirty from products etc. as soon as it loses it''s just washed sparkle the inclusions start to make themselves known to me!


friends have tried on the ring many time and no one has pointed out the inclusions, either they don''t notice, or they don''t care, or they are being nice.


i wish that i had the stats on how the stone is cut but the info that i posted originally is all that i have. i wouldn''t mind buying an appraisal before the recut but for now i don''t want to invest another dollar in this stone.

what i was hoping for was a plan of action, which through the help of everyone''s advice and observations, i have found.

i will hold off on this stone until i get my new ring. after that i will look into the appraisal, recut, pendant idea.

i won''t be making the purchases of the ring and earring sets until next year. for now i will just be collecting info and beefing up on as much knowledge as i can.


thanks again, i will post a picture of the stone we have all been talking so much about soon!

 

[marriedwithdiamonds]

oh and i want to comment on the zales diamond. i had one! my husband bought me a .48 SI2 that we eventually returned. the ring did have extra facets but it didn't have much more sparkle. there was an inclusion of a cloud in the center of the stone that drove me nuts.


it like this diamond seemed to worm it's way into my sights in time and eventually it was all i could see.

you think i would have learned the first time but no.


the store has inflated prices (considering the quality) and every time we have bought there we lose.


the problem is we made four purchases in a short span of time (several different items- don't think i am crazy!) and it took wearing the pieces of jewelry to notice the abundant flaws.

it wouldn't even bother me at all if we had paid fair prices.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 8/4/2008 9:12:21 AM
Author: marriedwithdiamonds
these responses are wonderful! much more than i expected! thank you



the upgrade policy is exactly that, you have to spend what would be double the original purchase. i don''t feel that i want to invest anything else in zales. their lab gradings are questionable (you guys could have told me that had i been here prior to the purchase!)

if i am going to spend an additional 6 grand there, i would be happier to spend 10 elsewhere and get something that satisfies me long term.

as far as a recut, i love the idea. a pendant will probably be the way to go. it doesn''t make sense for me to give the stone away for a thousand dollars.

when the stone is clean i have a harder time seeing the inclusions. so wearing it on a necklace might be nice. i work in water with my hands all the time. the ring is always getting dirty from products etc. as soon as it loses it''s just washed sparkle the inclusions start to make themselves known to me!


friends have tried on the ring many time and no one has pointed out the inclusions, either they don''t notice, or they don''t care, or they are being nice.


i wish that i had the stats on how the stone is cut but the info that i posted originally is all that i have. i wouldn''t mind buying an appraisal before the recut but for now i don''t want to invest another dollar in this stone.

what i was hoping for was a plan of action, which through the help of everyone''s advice and observations, i have found.

i will hold off on this stone until i get my new ring. after that i will look into the appraisal, recut, pendant idea.

i won''t be making the purchases of the ring and earring sets until next year. for now i will just be collecting info and beefing up on as much knowledge as i can.


thanks again, i will post a picture of the stone we have all been talking so much about soon!

Hi married,
if its reading up on diamonds you''re keen on then you''ve come to the right place!

I think your plan sounds like a good idea - in the meantime, pls post all the question you have. Learning properly how to purchase a diamond (and not be disappointed) is a very satisfying experience.
As well as the PS tutorials and threads, you may find the education on the 4 c''s at GOG interesting.. http://www.goodoldgold.com/Home/
If you are unsure of what cut you really love, or if you are sensitive to colour/clarity - there are many educational videos on GOG that showcase top stones and point out their differences.
hth

 

[Lorelei]

You are most welcome MWD, when you are ready, if you need the details of anyone who might be able to help you with the recut proposition, let us know!

 

[marriedwithdiamonds]

i will check out the info and videos!


trust me i will not be making my next big purchase without the many opinions of all the educated members here!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/4/2008 9:55:16 AM
Author: marriedwithdiamonds
i will check out the info and videos!


trust me i will not be making my next big purchase without the many opinions of all the educated members here!

We will be pleased to help you!

 

[MMT]

I just wanted to say I wish you good luck. I had a similar situation but I wore my ring for years. My eyes were constantly drawn to the inclusion but no one else seemed to notice. I had alot of bling around it to distract your eyes. I finally decided to sell it on craigs list and I''m in the process of buying a new one. There was no upgrade policy since the store had gone out of business. I probably should have kept it and made it into a pendant. At the time I just wanted some money for it so I wouldnt feel so bad about the purchase. Good luck!!

 

[marriedwithdiamonds]

MMT thank you for your post! it feels good to know that someone else experienced something similar!!


i know that i am crazy but since i was very young i always looked forward to my future wedding jewelry. i constantly thought about being engaged and really inflated the image of the diamond in my mind.

i don''t feel the need for extravagance in anything else. this is just my downfall, diamonds! i am glad there are others like me

 

[marriedwithdiamonds]

MMT


where was the inclusion in your diamond? what kind was it? did you get a good price at least on the resell compared to what you bought your stone for?



i checked craig''s list for my area and there was nothing there to indicate that my ring would get much money.


after i get my new diamond i will get this one recut and go from there. it might have potential yet -who knows! i just feel that even if i get it recut right now it the flaws will still bother me and i would rather focus on replacing and then revamp later.


how long did you have your first ring? and did you get your new one for an occasion.

my husband knows i am obsessed but we all have vices right?

 

[Kelli]

Yes we all do! Don''t worry about being obsessed. Bridal jewelry is something we all look forward to for many years (a lot of us anyway). And for most of us it''s the most expensive, important thing we''ll ever wear. You have to live with it forever, so it might as well be right. Good luck with your situation!

 

[MMT]

My inclusion was in the center, it was a white spot. I actually wore the ring for 13 years. I loved my setting and I had a diamond aniversary band. I''m upgrading for my 40th birthday. I was okay with it for several years. Maybe I was just in a fog from being pregnant and having kids. My ring was yellow gold and the last several years I had become very attached to white gold. That really made me want a new ring. My husband and I picked out my first ring together, we were both clueless. I didn''t want to hurt his feelings but he was fine with me getting a new ring. I didn''t get much for my whole set but the lady who bought it was wonderful. She had been married for 12 years and never had a diamond. My rings were more than she had ever dreamed of owning and that made it so much easier to sell. If you decide to do it you just need to cut your losses and never look back. I''m just so excited about getting a new ring. I think if I were you I would at least explore the option of using their upgrade policy. I hope it all works out for you, you deserve the ring of your dreams.

 

[marriedwithdiamonds]

thank you for sharing this. a truly beautiful story


everything you said made me smile

 

[MMT]

Your welcome. Please post and let us know what you decide. Good luck!!