Lucinda or AGS 000 princess

[annalyn]

This is my first post to this forum. I have been looking at princess cut diamonds for several months. My previous purchase several years ago was a mistake, I did not know what I was buying, was not at all knowledgeable, so I finally sold that ring. Now I am considering making another purchase and doing it right this time. I have given lots of thought to online vendors that have been mentioned here. I have concluded that I just don''t feel comfortable with that. First of all, although the price may be less, you do not have the advantage of a full service jewelry store where you can take the ring to be inspected, cleaned, or repaired if needed. There are some stores that will replace the diamond at no charge if you keep the inspections current (every six months). Secondly, I recently discovered that even though you do not pay taxes initially if the vendor is not in your state, that you do have to declare the jewelry purchase when you file your taxes, so that eliminates that savings. Therefore, for me, I feel more comfortable with a local person, where I can see the diamond in person. I know that I want a square diamond and am leaning towards an AGS 000 princess cut. I have found a local store that will be carrying those in June. I have also read the recent threads regarding Tiffany and Co. regarding the Lucinda (which I know is square with rounded corners). Even though it is a premium price, I have given thought to the heirloom aspect of it, passing it down to my daughter. I would like to hear thoughts regarding purchasing an AGS 000 princess or a Lucinda.
Also- for those of you who do purchase online, where do you take your rings to be inspected and cleaned or repaired? One vendor told me to find a good local jeweler who I could trust to do these things. However, some jewelers do not want to service the rings if you did not purchase from them, and those that might do it, I am not sure that I would trust.

 

[diagem]

Date: 4/23/2006 1:22:18 PM
Author:annalyn
This is my first post to this forum. I have been looking at princess cut diamonds for several months. My previous purchase several years ago was a mistake, I did not know what I was buying, was not at all knowledgeable, so I finally sold that ring. Now I am considering making another purchase and doing it right this time. I have given lots of thought to online vendors that have been mentioned here. I have concluded that I just don''t feel comfortable with that. First of all, although the price may be less, you do not have the advantage of a full service jewelry store where you can take the ring to be inspected, cleaned, or repaired if needed. There are some stores that will replace the diamond at no charge if you keep the inspections current (every six months). Secondly, I recently discovered that even though you do not pay taxes initially if the vendor is not in your state, that you do have to declare the jewelry purchase when you file your taxes, so that eliminates that savings. Therefore, for me, I feel more comfortable with a local person, where I can see the diamond in person. I know that I want a square diamond and am leaning towards an AGS 000 princess cut. I have found a local store that will be carrying those in June. I have also read the recent threads regarding Tiffany and Co. regarding the Lucinda (which I know is square with rounded corners). Even though it is a premium price, I have given thought to the heirloom aspect of it, passing it down to my daughter. I would like to hear thoughts regarding purchasing an AGS 000 princess or a Lucinda.
Also- for those of you who do purchase online, where do you take your rings to be inspected and cleaned or repaired? One vendor told me to find a good local jeweler who I could trust to do these things. However, some jewelers do not want to service the rings if you did not purchase from them, and those that might do it, I am not sure that I would trust.

Welcome,

For your information, its called "LUCIDA" and its a square mixed cut with cut corners, not rounded.


comparing the Princess vs. Lucida is a matter of taste, their like comparing apples and pears.

good luck

 

[Sundial]

Welcome to pricescope! I''ve done business with a local family owned jewelry store for years, but I am getting ready to make my first internet diamond jewelry purchase. My local jeweler provides excellent service and I''m sure I will continue to do business with him, but in this case I found better selection and better prices online. I can clean my jewelry myself. If I am in need of a repair that I don''t want to ship back to the internet vendor I''m sure my local jeweler would do it for me for a fee. As far as Tiffany''s goes if you are prepared to pay their premium there is a certain assurance that they will probably be around to provide whatever service you might need. It is all a trade off.

 

[pinkflamingo]

Date: 4/23/2006 1:22:18 PM
Author:annalyn
. First of all, although the price may be less, you do not have the advantage of a full service jewelry store where you can take the ring to be inspected, cleaned, or repaired if needed. There are some stores that will replace the diamond at no charge if you keep the inspections current (every six months).

Hi there and Welcome!

First of all, everytime I go into a reputable store other than Tiffany, they will inspect my ring for free and clean it. I am sure I could get it repaired there as well although I havent had a need for it. My husband had his ring resized last year from a highly recommended jeweler and it was a very small charge and they did great work.

Secondly, the stores that will replace the diamond at no charge- check the fine print... it does not cover lost or stolen jewelry. So, you are going to still need insurance. So, it is basically useless unless you don''t get insurance and you chip your stone.

My husband hesitated at buying online, but the place we bought the stone from shipped it to an independent appraiser of my choice and I was able to examine it before I bought it.

As for Tiffany being an heirloom- well, I think any beautiful stone in a beautiful setting is heirloom worthy. I personally would not want to pay 30-40% more for the Tiffany label on a diamond.

 

[JulieN]

perhaps a square H&A or a square radiant?