Logistics of purchasing/setting/appraising?

[almost_perfectionist]

Hello all,

This is my first post here. Thanks to everyone for all of the great information I''ve found so far.

I''m planning to propose at Christmas, and I''m almost done saving up to buy the ring. I''ll be looking to buy around the start of November, but I have some questions about the logistics of this purchase. I live in Dallas, so I''m thinking to buy from Whiteflash so I could drive down and see the diamonds in person. While I know the experts are probably trustworthy, I would like the peace of mind of being able to see/compare stones I''m considering in person. Do you all think it is worth the drive?

Also, I haven''t found any settings from WF that I love, but my favorite now is one that I''ve seen in a couple of threads here from James Allen. If I were to buy from two different online vendors, how does that work with setting and appraisal? Do I have the stone shipped to a local appraiser, then back to WF for setting, ring from JA to WF for setting, then final product to me? It concerns me to have to rely on (and pay for?) so many shipments. What''s the best way to approach this?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/5/2009 1:20:02 PM
Author:almost_perfectionist
Hello all,

This is my first post here. Thanks to everyone for all of the great information I've found so far.

I'm planning to propose at Christmas, and I'm almost done saving up to buy the ring. I'll be looking to buy around the start of November, but I have some questions about the logistics of this purchase. I live in Dallas, so I'm thinking to buy from Whiteflash so I could drive down and see the diamonds in person. While I know the experts are probably trustworthy, I would like the peace of mind of being able to see/compare stones I'm considering in person. Do you all think it is worth the drive?

Also, I haven't found any settings from WF that I love, but my favorite now is one that I've seen in a couple of threads here from James Allen. If I were to buy from two different online vendors, how does that work with setting and appraisal? Do I have the stone shipped to a local appraiser, then back to WF for setting, ring from JA to WF for setting, then final product to me? It concerns me to have to rely on (and pay for?) so many shipments. What's the best way to approach this?

Any help would be appreciated.

Welcome!

You could absolutely drive to Whiteflash to view some diamonds in person, also closeby are www.briangavindiamonds.com and in DFW you will find John Pollard of www.craftedbyinfinity.com who could also help you.

You would need to discuss the logistics of setting with the vendors involved, however I do believe James Allen can set the stone for you if bought from another vendor, they do charge for this service. You could do it this way if you wished, have the diamond sent to an appraiser loose for the main appraisal, then have it sent to James Allen for setting, then back to the appraiser for a final inspection to make sure all is in order and to give you a suitable figure for insurance on the finished ring.

 

[almost_perfectionist]

Thanks for the suggestions, Lorelei. BGD''s website only appears to have round diamonds in their inventory, but my SO is set on a princess - do they do those as well?