Large stone purchase recommendations..

[sparkler-crazed]

Can anyone give me some personal experience/feedback with purchasing a medium/large diamond from an online store (best policy/service/prices)? Where and who I should contact?
Thanks!!

 

[kenny]

It depends.

Which shape are you looking for (round, emerald cut, cushion, asscher, princess, etc.) and how many carats do you consider to be medium/large?

 

[sparkler-crazed]

Probably princess or round - I did talk to your people at Gold Old Gold (since I LOVE your asscher), but it sounds like they're too hard to find in a larger size without spending as much as some people pay for a house (4ct w/decent color/clarity)!
3.7+ - round can be smaller, prefer princess larger.

 

[sparkler-crazed]

...and store rec. for a ~1.5ct round, too : )

 

[kenny]

Thanks for the compliment.

Have you seen this round ?

Sorry, I don't know what this means: ...and store rec. for a ~1.5ct round, too : )

 

[swingirl]

How many stones are you looking for?

What sizes at what prices?

 

[sparkler-crazed]

~ 4ct (as close as I can) for under $40k - obviously as white/clear/ideal cut as I can possibly get. Cut is most important to me, than clarity, than color...

 

[swingirl]

Round or princess?

 

[sparkler-crazed]

Date: 11/25/2009 1:40:03 AM
Author: kenny
Thanks for the compliment.

Have you seen this round ?


Sorry, I don''t know what this means: ...and store rec. for a ~1.5ct round, too : )

That one is 222 much for me!!
Your stone is lovely! And I really like all of the different pictures they had of it BEFORE you purchased (my mistake). They gave me a few ideas around 3 cts, but I have a 3 princess and want something a little bigger. They know of one 4 ct but it''s an SI1, J and I''m worried getting THAT low color/clarity with an asscher cut - BUT I am willing to look at it...who knows...
Purchased a 4.01 round, but wasn''t 100% happy with it, so sending it back.
-Also a store recommendation for a diamond in the 1.3-2 ct range (doesn''t have to be perfect, it''s for a pendant)

BTW, everyone here is so awesome! I appreciate all of the help!

 

[sparkler-crazed]

Date: 11/25/2009 2:00:22 AM
Author: swingirl
Round or princess?

Either or. Probably 51% princess/49% round - but which ever was the best cut/decent color/best clarity/largest stone (yes I know princess look smaller for same ct round)

 

[sparkler-crazed]

actual stores are good, too. in Southern California.

 

[kenny]

Keep in mind that since asschers are so deep and bulky they look small for their weight compared to a round .
With their large facets they also show body color and inclusions more than a princess or a round.

The response to this is to go up in size, clarity and color.
Unfortunately the price goes through the roof or you go down in weight, or both.

But I will say this, if you do find a nice asscher it is sooooo worth the trouble and expense.

 

[sparkler-crazed]

Date: 11/25/2009 2:10:20 AM
Author: kenny
Keep in mind that asschers look small for their weight compared to a round since asschers are so deep and bulky.

With their large facets they also show body color and inclusions more than a princess or a round.


The response to this is to go up in size, clarity and color.

Unfortunately the price goes through the roof.


But I will say this, if you do find a nice asscher it is sooooo worth the trouble and expense.

Yeah, that''s what I thought. My princess shows more color than rounds of the same and looks noticeably smaller at the same ct, too. I definitely like GOG and if I do decide on an asscher will talk with them (seem to be a lead seller for them-?), but I think realistically the other stones are better choice for my budget.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/25/2009 1:35:13 AM
Author: sparkler-crazed
Probably princess or round - I did talk to your people at Gold Old Gold (since I LOVE your asscher), but it sounds like they''re too hard to find in a larger size without spending as much as some people pay for a house (4ct w/decent color/clarity)!
3.7+ - round can be smaller, prefer princess larger.

You could try www.craftedbyinfinity.com to see what they have in large round and Princess, they might have something in the pipeline that could suit you.

I would select a vendor if you aren''t having any joy looking yourself and see what they can come up with for you.

 

[sparkler-crazed]

Date: 11/25/2009 4:52:23 AM
Author: Lorelei

You could try www.craftedbyinfinity.com to see what they have in large round and Princess, they might have something in the pipeline that could suit you.


I would select a vendor if you aren''t having any joy looking yourself and see what they can come up with for you.

AWESOME site!! THANK YOU! Looks like they are limited on the ct size, but still...wow!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/25/2009 2:35:29 PM
Author: sparkler-crazed

Date: 11/25/2009 4:52:23 AM
Author: Lorelei

You could try www.craftedbyinfinity.com to see what they have in large round and Princess, they might have something in the pipeline that could suit you.


I would select a vendor if you aren't having any joy looking yourself and see what they can come up with for you.

AWESOME site!! THANK YOU! Looks like they are limited on the ct size, but still...wow!

You are most welcome! They are a terrific company and super to deal with so you could drop them a line and ask what they might be able to do for you.

If you don't get any joy, try these vendors -

www.briangavindiamonds.com

www.whiteflash.com

www.jamesallen.com

 

[Mrs W]

Would this be one your intestested in? http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1266216.asp

 

[ponder]

When shopping for a larger stone its best to call the vendor. Not everything is always on the website or they may be able to source one for you.

And I know what you mean about spending as much as a house....I looked at a 4.5 and a 5ct EC last week. Either would have paid off my mortgage.

 

[kenny]

Date: 11/25/2009 7:54:37 PM
Author: ponder
When shopping for a larger stone its best to call the vendor.
Not everything is always on the website or they may be able to source one for you.

I realize we are looking for a rare size but I really prefer to buy diamonds with prices that are already published on the Internet.
They decide on that price based on competition and know full well if they price it too high it won't sell.
That makes me feel comfortable that the published price is likely to be a fair price.

I'm not a very trusting soul.
I think a smart seller of large ticket items like houses, cars, pianos, persian rugs, and diamonds will sell their goods for the highest price they can.
Nothing wrong with that; it's just business.

But if I call a vendor and give them specs to find a diamond for me I'm just going to be nervous that because the price is conveyed to me privately not publicly they may put a higher price on it.
I just prefer transparency.

I know, I know.
Shame on me for not trusting.

 

[bgray]

i bought a very large stone from Whiteflash online.................seamless purchase and custom mounting

 

[ponder]

I completely agree Kenny. I love the no nonsense pricing of online vendors inventory, but this is does fall into a slightly hard to find category.

You can still price shop among the vendors, it may just take a little more effort than a couple of mouse clicks to find exactly what the OP is looking for.

 

[sparkler-crazed]

Date: 11/25/2009 7:54:37 PM
Author: ponder
When shopping for a larger stone its best to call the vendor. Not everything is always on the website or they may be able to source one for you.


And I know what you mean about spending as much as a house....I looked at a 4.5 and a 5ct EC last week. Either would have paid off my mortgage.

haha! It''s amazing how much you can spend on one single commodity that you most likely will not get any equity out of! I live in So Cal, so I guess I should have said a down payment for a one bedroom condo

 

[sparkler-crazed]

Date: 11/25/2009 9:33:09 PM
Author: bgray
i bought a very large stone from Whiteflash online.................seamless purchase and custom mounting

Did you see the stone unmounted beforehand? I found GREAT prices from WF - do they/can they send pics of the diamond before shipping (if you know)?

 

[bgray]

Date: 11/25/2009 10:40:54 PM
Author: sparkler-crazed

Date: 11/25/2009 9:33:09 PM

Author: bgray

i bought a very large stone from Whiteflash online.................seamless purchase and custom mounting

Did you see the stone unmounted beforehand? I found GREAT prices from WF - do they/can they send pics of the diamond before shipping (if you know)?

yes i did see it first and they can send detailed photos

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/25/2009 10:40:54 PM
Author: sparkler-crazed

Date: 11/25/2009 9:33:09 PM
Author: bgray
i bought a very large stone from Whiteflash online.................seamless purchase and custom mounting

Did you see the stone unmounted beforehand? I found GREAT prices from WF - do they/can they send pics of the diamond before shipping (if you know)?

WF will do the analysis on a diamond called in for a client from the virtual listing, they will ensure it meets their standards by performing the usual tests and taking images such as Idealscope, ASET, photographs and a Sarin scan.

 

[sparkler-crazed]

REALLY??!!! Man, I wish I had gone to them first...not only do they do that, but their prices are even lower than the place I bought the last stone

Atleast I know now...

 

[sparkler-crazed]

Does anyone have a rep/email contact for WhiteFlash - their site isn''t working for sending emails and it''s hard for me to call...thanks!

 

[elle_chris]

Juliana is great to work with. [email protected]

She really listens to what you want, and doesn''t try to push what you don''t.

 

[sparkler-crazed]

Date: 11/27/2009 10:00:03 PM
Author: elle_chris
Juliana is great to work with. [email protected]


She really listens to what you want, and doesn''t try to push what you don''t.

I appreciate the help!

 

[sparkler-crazed]

Date: 11/27/2009 10:00:03 PM
Author: elle_chris
Juliana is great to work with. [email protected]


She really listens to what you want, and doesn''t try to push what you don''t.

Just another quick thanks - Juliana responded to my email request within a couple of hours