Los Angeles Jewelry District Question

[joeybrazinski]

So here goes I am a newbie to diamonds and the jewelry district.

So here is my story, I've done my research and have looked at the internet and decided to go to the jewelry district in LA.......

objective: Princess cut diamond
1.60-1.80 carat size
H color
VS2 clarity
under 72% Table percentage ( yes I know under 70% would be the best)
under 75% depth percentage
within .1mm of a square
GIA certified only
option to laser inscribe or already laser inscribed
I am specifically looking for this diamond because after research and looking at diamonds I feel this is the best bang for the buck in value and niceness in my opinion.

So my initial goal was to walk from store to store asking for this specific diamond. I went through probably 20 venders on Hill st. and each vendor would look at their personal diamond collection then give someone a call...... all of them did that. so after going from store to store one guy finally took me to a whole saler....... The whole saler knew who I was as soon as I walked in. He said so your the guy that has been looking for the diamond I outlined at the top. He told me about 60% to 70% of the stores I went to and had diamonds close to what I was looking forand was very knowledgable. His prices were also the best so far. he had a 1.62 that matched my needs but it was VVS2 and he told me it was $5800 per carat, with free GIA laser inscription and tax ( comes out to $9450). I felt this was a good deal, but was a little out of my price range and that is why I am looking for my specific parameters. He also let me know depending on the diamond when he gets one in that meets those parameters it would be around $5100 + or - 150 a carat with laser inscription tax included. I felt this is a great deal and blows all internet retailers and LAJD vendors I'v seen yet. Also this is under the assumption that I was paying all cash.

My questions I have is if someone could help me is....
1.is this normal, do most of the vendors there call only a handful of diamond whole salers?
2.Does this mean I should go to the wholesaler from the start?
3. if so does anyone have a list of them?
4. from my research so far I feel what he is giving me price wise is amazing. is there any comments?
5. Is there anyone who could beat this or any recommendations to see in th LAJD that may be able to beat this?

technical questions (sorry I'm an engineer)
6. when I do find the exact diamond I am looking for, how do I match the diamond to the cetificate and the quality? I ask because I really doubt anybodys return policy.
7. Do LAJD vendors or whole salers let you independently appraise a diamond before the transaction?

What I was thinking since I'm not a geomologist.....
a) Bring calipers and so I can verify the dimensions match
b) use the 10x magnifying glass to match the inclusions ( this might be difficult since I'm a newb)
c) buy the kit with all the different stone colors to compare and match the color to the certificate.
d) use an idealscope to verify the cut and lighting properties

Any help would be greatly appreciated especially on the matching the diamond to the certificate. THANKS in advanced

 

[joeybrazinski]

8. Also do LAJD vendors ussually have a scale to weigh the diamond? micro balance scale?( a very fine scale since One carat is equal to 0.2 grams, or 0.007 ounces)

 

[arjunajane]

Are the diamonds certified? If so by what lab?

Also, diamond wholesalers by definition do not sell to the public - so it's a misnomer (some would argue a misleading name).

Sorry, I can't answer your other questions about the D.D as I don't know anything about it - except its a pretty good place to get taken if you don't know exactly what you're looking at

IMO, if you doubt their return policy, this means you don't really trust them - I can't understand why you would risk such a large purchase with a vendor you don't trust

Is there a reason you have decided to focus on the D.D ? have you read some of the threads about reccomended, trusted vendors?

 

[joeybrazinski]

I was only looking at GIA certified diamonds, but most diamonds that I have seen in the D.D. were not laser inscribed. As an added security for my self I am requiring it be done and the new certificate number and new date that comes with an already certified diamond. I''m not saying I don''t trust the guy, its just my nature to completely and 100% make sure I am happy and I get the stone I wanted and am paying for. I''m pretty sure he would let me return it, but nothing is ever for sure, so I would rather not have a possibility in having to return it. So I decided to educate myself and know how to match the paper work. The more stones I look at, a little easier it gets to match some of the inclusions.

Also I said he is a wholesaler because the card he physically gave me said wholesaler, so I have no idea if he is or not or the legality of it.

I also called the suggested vendors form this site to look for my exact diamond and price ballpark if they didn''t have it or could find and get it because I want to plan my trip for next time and stated I was going to buy the diamond from that wholesaler and each one doesn''t like him for some reason or another and gave high and some gave either the same or better prices for the diamond I wanted if they were to find it.

Thanks again for the response and thanks to anyone else who helps me out.