My e-ring shopping exp.

[shane.reid]

So I''ve been shopping for several weeks and within the past 3 days came upon this site. It has been very helpful and I have finally settled down to nearly exactly which I am getting.

After visiting all local jewelers (Tidewater area VA) and a couple in the area where I grew up until I was 23 (Philly) I settled on the one where I felt they deserved my business based on how I was treated as a 24 yr old with decent diamond knowledge (with respect to my age and experience): Christian Bernard

They have been incredibly pleasant and will be calling me today with 2 or 3 stones final prices/grades. I am having them bring in asscher and oval shapes between .95 and 1.05 cts. Minimum of SI2 (SI1 for the asscher) and H. I have seen plenty of their diamonds and have been impressed so far (in the back of my mind I may at the last minute buy a polar ice 72 point diamond... but likely not)

I chose a beautiful cathedral setting they have and once I choose the diamond this afternoon they will have it set and sized for my by Friday at 2pm. Which is good, cause it goes down on Friday night!

I''ve been having a lot of trouble with this process because I have been concerned the diamonds im looking at "are not big enough" "do not seem expensive enough" All things that I do not personally care about, but I don''t want her to be embarrased at all when she shows her friends, even though I am sure she will like it.

I appreciate this forum and enjoy reading the posts - they lead me towards the asscher cut which I am now in love with. I am considering oval also because it is my 2nd favorite and seems to be cheaper than the asscher, so I want to have that option today when I make my choice with the rocks they bring in.

 

[pyramid]

Welcome Shane.Reid. I am a consumer too but I am in the UK.

The site for Christian Bernard shows that they specialise in well cut diamonds.

How does their prices compare to the prices shown on this site, see the box at the top titled Pricescope your diamond.

I noticed they have HOF diamonds on that site and I know that the Hearts & Arrows vendors which post on this site sell equally beautiful stones which are a lot less money than HOF.

The sites I like are www.goodoldgold.com which has a great tutorial showing magnified real pictures of the diamonds, www.whiteflash.com and www.niceice.com.



Infact I intend to buy my diamond from one of these sites and I am in the UK and even with customs charges, and VAT it is a lot cheaper than buying over here. You should stick around Pricescope as there is a lot to learn about crown and pavillion angles and what makes a beautiful diamond. There are also independent appraisers which post here and give lots of expert advice.

The AGA cut chart at www.gemappraisers.com gives information for grading the fancies such as asscher and oval cut diamonds. See the menu item of the left of the page at that site named Fancy Shape Selector.

Look out also for appraisers Rockdoc, Richard Sherwood, Oldminer who have posted on Pricescope for years and whom you can have a diamond sent to before you make the decision to purchase in many cases. It is always advised if making a big purchase to make it dependant upon an independent appraisal thus guaranteeing that you are buying what you think. Always check too that you are getting a GIA or AGS report with your purchase.

 

[pyramid]

Just noticed you said Philly, Oldminer who has the www.gemappraisers.com site and is an independent appraiser here also works from Philadelphia.

 

[shane.reid]

Thanks Pyramid, I am familiar with the success and expertise of him - I have heard about him from friends in the Philly area who have gone through the same process.

Small world.

I''ll be sure to take a few shots of the thing once I narrow it down to the exact one - all of them are GIA, also.

Anything else you can thnk of (or anyone else) that I might want to take note prior to doing it.

I know it is more expensive to purchase via CB than once of these e-tailors, but, for better or for worse, I''m an "in-store" kind of guy and prefer that sort of result, experience.

 

[pyramid]

There is nothing wrong with buying in-store, everyone has to go with what they want and are comfortable with.

Please post pictures, we all love seeing diamonds no matter where they are from.

Have you looked at all the engagement rings in the thread under Show Me the Ring.

 

[dazedland]

I am getting an asscher, but I love ovals right now, I think they will be equally beautiful in a cathedral setting. I don''t know how many would agree with me, but if the stones are of equal #''s I would go with whichever one looks bigger.