Is this the right way to buy a diamond online?

[cheradrian]

Hi everyone!

I have been lurking the forums for a couple days now trying to absorb as much information as I can. After reading through a bunch of threads and doing my own due diligence (questioning) with my girlfriend, I have a better idea of what I am looking for in the 4C''s, see below:

Cut:
Round Brilliant, AGS Ideal 000 H&A

Color:
AGS 1.0 - 2.0 (F-H)

Clarity:
AGS 4 - 5 (VS2-SI1) but must be eye-clean

Carat:
0.90 - 1.10 ctw


Now, this is my first time buying a diamond online and this is how I envision it should happen.

01 - Define personnal 4C''s requirements
02 - Contact vendor(s) for a list of diamonds that meet requirements
03 - Request additional info for Top 5 diamonds (AGS/GIS, Idealscope, ASET, SARIN, pictures, etc)
04 - Perform HCA assessments on the Top 5
05 - Narrow list down to 1 or 2 diamonds
06 - Have diamond(s) sent to independent appraiser for verification
07 - If declined, have appraiser return diamond to vendor, start over
08 - If accepted, purchase diamond from vendor and pickup from appraiser

Does this sound right? If not, please add/remove/suggest other steps that I might have missed.

And which vendors do business this way (especially with independent appraisers)?

Thanks.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 5/6/2009 7:15:01 AM
Author:cheradrian
Hi everyone!

I have been lurking the forums for a couple days now trying to absorb as much information as I can. After reading through a bunch of threads and doing my own due diligence (questioning) with my girlfriend, I have a better idea of what I am looking for in the 4C's, see below:

Cut:
Round Brilliant, AGS Ideal 000 H&A

Color:
AGS 1.0 - 2.0 (F-H)

Clarity:
AGS 4 - 5 (VS2-SI1) but must be eye-clean

Carat:
0.90 - 1.10 ctw


Now, this is my first time buying a diamond online and this is how I envision it should happen.

01 - Define personnal 4C's requirements Yes.
02 - Contact vendor(s) for a list of diamonds that meet requirements Alternatively see what is available that meets your criteria using the search by cut tool above. This will bring up in house diamonds which has the info provided from all the vendors. This search will also bring up hand selected GIA graded diamonds which might be suitable unless you prefer AGS0 cut grade.
03 - Request additional info for Top 5 diamonds (AGS/GIS, Idealscope, ASET, SARIN, pictures, etc) If not already provided yes.
04 - Perform HCA assessments on the Top 5 *
05 - Narrow list down to 1 or 2 diamonds Yes.
06 - Have diamond(s) sent to independent appraiser for verification If desired.
07 - If declined, have appraiser return diamond to vendor, start over As above
08 - If accepted, purchase diamond from vendor and pickup from appraiser As above

Does this sound right? If not, please add/remove/suggest other steps that I might have missed.

And which vendors do business this way (especially with independent appraisers)? I believe most of the PS vendors would be amenable to this but it would be best to ask once you have chosen your diamonds to work out the logistics.

Thanks.

I just wanted to add quickly that * images trump the HCA and if you are selecting mainly AGS0 cut grade diamonds with images such as ASET or IS then you might not need the HCA anyway.

 

[stone-cold11]

Budget and 4C
Search for your stone using Pricescope your diamond link on top.
https://www.pricescope.com/sift.aspx or
https://www.pricescope.com/panning.aspx depending on what you want.
If IS/ASET is present, no need to perform HCA, judge accordingly.
Purchase from vendor your choice.
Send to appraiser if desired loose or in setting.
If verified, picked from appraiser or mailed from appraiser. If not, return to vendor.