Need advice on buying a ring online

[Randy Top]

When I first started looking for an engagement ring I had completely ruled out buying online because you don''t really get to see what you get. But after visiting store after store, I realized they all pretty much carry the same stuff. The mall store offered poor cut diamonds and the local store with "the best cut diamonds" seems way overpriced. After reading a lot of posts on here, it seems buying online isn''t that bad so I did some searching.
I found something I really like.

Oval Diamond

Band

It''s what I want, it''s in my price range and the specs on the stone look good from what is listed.

My concern is that I still can''t really see it. Can I request a picture and see what happens? I know oval diamonds can have the bow tie going on and I definitely don''t want that. They have a 15 day money back guarantee but with a custom ring it''s only 70% money back. I don''t want to loose $700 because I don''t like it when it''s delivered.

Does anyone know the reputation for this company?
What is the best way to approach this?

Also, white gold has to get re-plated every however often, that''s one reason I think it would be better to buy from a local shop.

I know with a pave setting that some of the little diamonds will fall out. Will my own insurance cover replacement?

Thanks for any help anyone can offer.

 

[yssie]

Date: 3/23/2010 11:24:55 PM
Author:qkid13
When I first started looking for an engagement ring I had completely ruled out buying online because you don''t really get to see what you get. But after visiting store after store, I realized they all pretty much carry the same stuff. The mall store offered poor cut diamonds and the local store with ''the best cut diamonds'' seems way overpriced. After reading a lot of posts on here, it seems buying online isn''t that bad so I did some searching.
I found something I really like.

Oval Diamond

Band

It''s what I want, it''s in my price range and the specs on the stone look good from what is listed.

My concern is that I still can''t really see it. Can I request a picture and see what happens? I haven''t personally purchased from excel but others on this board have been pleased. Best bet is to call and ask them what their process is. I know oval diamonds can have the bow tie going on and I definitely don''t want that Part of having an oval... don''t think they exist without. You can minimize it -don''t know much about ovals but hopefully someone who does will chime in. They have a 15 day money back guarantee but with a custom ring it''s only 70% money back. I don''t want to loose $700 because I don''t like it when it''s delivered Custom is always a gamble. Be very specific with what you want, draw pictures, examine the cads, and you''ll most likely be happy with the results, but that''s just one of the risks. .

Does anyone know the reputation for this company?just do a PS search
What is the best way to approach this? call them

Also, white gold has to get re-plated every however often, that''s one reason I think it would be better to buy from a local shop.

I know with a pave setting that some of the little diamonds will fall out. Will my own insurance cover replacement? Depends onthe specifics of your policy, most external (not a rider on your home insurance) will

Thanks for any help anyone can offer.

 

[Gypsy]

Hiya... just chiming it to say it is possible to get an oval with a minimal bowtie and the numbers aren't gonna help you much with that. Excel should have IS ability at the least and hopefully the ability to give you pics of the actual stone. What I would do is call them, give them your budget and specs (color, clarity and ratio) and tell them you want ABSOLUTELY MINIMAL bowtie ... and ask THEM to look through their stock and find a stone that meets your needs, and then scan and photograph it for you. Post for us, and we'll tell you what we think.

You HAVE to buy an oval by your eyes. So you need to get pics. Otherwise... it's just the luck of the draw... you could be thrilled... you could be dissapointed. Best way to make sure you are on the thrilled end of the spectrum is to spend a little time talking to a vendor and utilizing their tools (photos and IS), their knowledge (they have experience with diamonds), their access (they have their stock right there) to your advantage before you purchase. 15 days is okay, but shipping is not cheap, why not make sure your diamond is the best possible you can get from the start?

Replating is going to cost the same whether you buy from a shop or not. Just about any jeweler can replate for you for about 40 bucks or so, and building a relationship with a jeweler locally is a good idea... but you don't have to buy a stone or a setting from them to do this... just research them and make sure they are reputable and have a good bench... make sure you document with the jeweler all the important information about the piece before you give it to be repaired and make sure you inspect it with the same person when you pick it up. You'll be fine and so will your piece.

 

[Lorelei]

Hi qkid

Just to add to the ladies above and their great advice, ask Excel for an ASET image. That will tell us more about the light return of the diamond. Excel are a great company and Barry or Judah will work closely with you.