Need Help!!! Buying an engagement ring...

[chambo]

Hi Everyone,

For those of you that take the time to help me out, it is much appreciated.

When I started looking at rings for my GF, I knew nothing about them until doing a lot of research of the 4 C's...now I feel reasonable confident in finding something she likes and within my budget.

To start my budget is around $2-2.5k CAD and I have found by going into mall jewelers that I cannot find anything that is in my range as far as quality goes. I took my search online and was surprised with the amount of places to choose from. My only issue with online is buying something that I cannot see and the hassle of sending things back etc puts me off a little bit but that is the compromise for the savings is price.

What I am after:

- 0.75-0.8 ct
- F to G color
- VS1 - VS2
- VG cut
- Round

I decided to get a smaller diamond in place for a better cut...the best I could find in store to this was $3999 + taxes

I came across primestyle amongst many others and there prices are tough to beat.

Being skeptical I researched the company and they have many positive reviews amongst some bad ones. I have spoken to the company which was setup in 1999 and they assured me that their quality matches the descriptions. They come with their own diamond certification but also told me to have it independently appraised and if I wasn't happy they would refund me 100% no questions asked.

I have found the following ring that I really like:

http://www.primestyle.com/080ct-round-diamonds-solitaire-ring-p-108474.html

Just want to get people opinion about my situation and if anyone has had any experience with primestyle.

Thanks again for taking the time to read my post and help me out where possible.

 

[AprilBaby]

Your link tells you nothing about your ring. Who graded it? What are the measurements? True clarity? Picture of the diamond? It looks too good to be true price wise. Cut is only very good. Give us your budget and let us help.
Stick to GIA or AGS graded diamonds.

 

[chambo]

Your link tells you nothing about your ring. Who graded it? What are the measurements? True clarity? Picture of the diamond? It looks too good to be true price wise. Cut is only very good. Give us your budget and let us help.
Stick to GIA or AGS graded diamonds.

Thank you for replying.

My budget is $2000 -2.500 CAD.

The link has the following characteristics;

.80 CT
18KT White Gold
G-H
VS1 - VS2
2.25MM Width
VG Cut.

Thanks.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Hate to tell you the bad news, but it is not possible to buy a nice G/H VS .80ct on your budget.

 

[AprilBaby]

Your link tells you nothing about your ring. Who graded it? What are the measurements? True clarity? Picture of the diamond? It looks too good to be true price wise. Cut is only very good. Give us your budget and let us help.
Stick to GIA or AGS graded diamonds.

Thank you for replying.

My budget is $2000 -2.500 CAD.

The link has the following characteristics;

.80 CT
18KT White Gold
G-H
VS1 - VS2
2.25MM Width
VG Cut.

Thanks.

Again, is it G or H ( or neither), is it Vs 1 or 2 ( or I1) , what are the angles, the table measurements? The reliable cert? No way the give you the ring at 75% off if that's the true value. Why is it discounted when they could sell it for the higher price. You come to a diamond forum of diamond lovers we will tell you the truth. Too good to be true. Walk away.

 

[AprilBaby]

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3259363.htm

Here is a nice diamond, H, Si1

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3253494.htm

h, Vs2

 

[chambo]

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3259363.htm

Here is a nice diamond, H, Si1

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3253494.htm

h, Vs2

Those are way above my price range.

Having spoke to Primestyle they cut out the middle man apparently and get made straight from the warehouse that is the reason for their discounted prices.

They have a lot of positive reviews and bad one's like every business.

Has anyone had any dealings previously or can enlighten me on primestyle.com

Thanks.

 

[RockyRacoon]

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3259363.htm

Here is a nice diamond, H, Si1

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3253494.htm

h, Vs2

Those are way above my price range.

Having spoke to Primestyle they cut out the middle man apparently and get made straight from the warehouse that is the reason for their discounted prices.

They have a lot of positive reviews and bad one's like every business.

Has anyone had any dealings previously or can enlighten me on primestyle.com

Thanks.

This is salesman BS.

They do not do any of those things. They are trying to hustle you.

RUN!!!

 

[chambo]

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3259363.htm

Here is a nice diamond, H, Si1

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3253494.htm

h, Vs2

Those are way above my price range.

Having spoke to Primestyle they cut out the middle man apparently and get made straight from the warehouse that is the reason for their discounted prices.

They have a lot of positive reviews and bad one's like every business.

Has anyone had any dealings previously or can enlighten me on primestyle.com

Thanks.

This is salesman BS.

They do not do any of those things. They are trying to hustle you.

RUN!!!

Hmm I guess when most things are too good to be true then they probably are...Has anyone at all had any dealings with them?

What are the best online retailers to have a look at?

Thanks.

 

[RockyRacoon]

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3259363.htm

Here is a nice diamond, H, Si1

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3253494.htm

h, Vs2

Those are way above my price range.

Having spoke to Primestyle they cut out the middle man apparently and get made straight from the warehouse that is the reason for their discounted prices.

They have a lot of positive reviews and bad one's like every business.

Has anyone had any dealings previously or can enlighten me on primestyle.com

Thanks.

This is salesman BS.

They do not do any of those things. They are trying to hustle you.

RUN!!!

Hmm I guess when most things are too good to be true then they probably are...Has anyone at all had any dealings with them?

What are the best online retailers to have a look at?

Thanks.

Here are solid vendors that all have an established reputation -

Vendors that provide all details you need to make an informed purchase:
High Performance Diamonds, Whiteflash, Good Old Gold, Brian Gavin Diamonds

Vendors that will provide additional details, upon request:
James Allen, b2cjewels, Brilliantly Engaged

 

[chambo]

What are your thoughts on the following?

Comes with a certificate and all measurements etc...

http://www.primestyle.com/080ct-round-gsi2-loose-diamond-p-96194.html

http://www.primestyle.com/086ct-round-gvs1-loose-diamond-p-96664.html

http://www.primestyle.com/080ct-round-gvs2-loose-diamond-p-96224.html

 

[telephone89]

Uhh considering the certificate they provide is from their own company, I'd be wary.

"PSTY CERTIFIED"

EDIT: Also, reading some reviews, they are 5* reviews, but horrible. http://primestyle.pissedconsumer.com/review-about-diamond-ring-from-brockton-massachusetts-20140821524514.html Very weird. They also have alot of sponsored posts about how great they are, but they paid the person to write em. So, yeah. Looks like you can get an R coloured diamond for the price you're paying.

 

[chambo]

Uhh considering the certificate they provide is from their own company, I'd be wary.

"PSTY CERTIFIED"

They provide a no questions asked full refund guarantee so shouldn't they be able to stand by their quality? Otherwise everyone would send their diamonds back?

I am just trying to get the best possible deal for my budget and hopefully we can upgrade later when our financial situation suits.

Thanks again.

 

[telephone89]

Jeeze... I would not buy from them. At all.

http://primestyle.pissedconsumer.com/liars-and-cheats-20140112470486.html
http://primestyle.pissedconsumer.com/their-diamonds-are-not-certified-i-received-a-half-carat-hunk-of-junk-20130508406763.html
http://primestyle.pissedconsumer.com/avoid-if-you-value-quality-and-honesty-20130430404693.html
http://primestyle.pissedconsumer.com/m-harwood-20130427403903.html (4 months later I still have not received my money back or a replacement product of the correct quality and I will probably have to take legal action.Please be careful in dealing with this company)


Why would you want to take the risk of all this hassle?

 

[chambo]

Jeeze... I would not buy from them. At all.

http://primestyle.pissedconsumer.com/liars-and-cheats-20140112470486.html
http://primestyle.pissedconsumer.com/their-diamonds-are-not-certified-i-received-a-half-carat-hunk-of-junk-20130508406763.html
http://primestyle.pissedconsumer.com/avoid-if-you-value-quality-and-honesty-20130430404693.html
http://primestyle.pissedconsumer.com/m-harwood-20130427403903.html (4 months later I still have not received my money back or a replacement product of the correct quality and I will probably have to take legal action.Please be careful in dealing with this company)


Why would you want to take the risk of all this hassle?

Yeah the negative reviews are very telling. I was just hoping they would be who they say they were.

Might just do it the old way and go into stores so I can see them.

Ritani seem to be good, you can make a ring up online and they send it to a local jeweler for you to see, if you don't like then no obligation to buy.

 

[VirginiaZee]

Which of the 4 C's are you willing to compromise on? Would you be willing to look for a slightly warmer stone (H-I), lower clarity (as long as it's eye clean), etc.? Once you know that, you could reach out to some of the vendors that were recommended...

Here are solid vendors that all have an established reputation -

Vendors that provide all details you need to make an informed purchase:
High Performance Diamonds, Whiteflash, Good Old Gold, Brian Gavin Diamonds

Vendors that will provide additional details, upon request:
James Allen, b2cjewels, Brilliantly Engaged

 

[AprilBaby]

What are your thoughts on the following?

Comes with a certificate and all measurements etc...

http://www.primestyle.com/080ct-round-gsi2-loose-diamond-p-96194.html

http://www.primestyle.com/086ct-round-gvs1-loose-diamond-p-96664.html

http://www.primestyle.com/080ct-round-gvs2-loose-diamond-p-96224.html

Those are all horrible cut. You really believe they give diamonds away out of the kindness of their heart?

 

[chambo]

Which of the 4 C's are you willing to compromise on? Would you be willing to look for a slightly warmer stone (H-I), lower clarity (as long as it's eye clean), etc.? Once you know that, you could reach out to some of the vendors that were recommended...

Here are solid vendors that all have an established reputation -

Vendors that provide all details you need to make an informed purchase:
High Performance Diamonds, Whiteflash, Good Old Gold, Brian Gavin Diamonds

Vendors that will provide additional details, upon request:
James Allen, b2cjewels, Brilliantly Engaged

If I had to compromise then maybe carat and I would like to have a higher clarity colorless diamond. With my very limited experience, I have read that if you compromise on carat then you can get a better cut as this is more important to the "sparkle"?

 

[chambo]

Which of the 4 C's are you willing to compromise on? Would you be willing to look for a slightly warmer stone (H-I), lower clarity (as long as it's eye clean), etc.? Once you know that, you could reach out to some of the vendors that were recommended...

Here are solid vendors that all have an established reputation -

Vendors that provide all details you need to make an informed purchase:
High Performance Diamonds, Whiteflash, Good Old Gold, Brian Gavin Diamonds

Vendors that will provide additional details, upon request:
James Allen, b2cjewels, Brilliantly Engaged

My budget is $2000-2500

What are peoples thoughts on this?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3171936.htm

 

[chambo]

What are your thoughts on this ring?

https://www.ritani.com/rings/1385974

Thank you again in advance.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Which of the 4 C's are you willing to compromise on? Would you be willing to look for a slightly warmer stone (H-I), lower clarity (as long as it's eye clean), etc.? Once you know that, you could reach out to some of the vendors that were recommended...

Here are solid vendors that all have an established reputation -

Vendors that provide all details you need to make an informed purchase:
High Performance Diamonds, Whiteflash, Good Old Gold, Brian Gavin Diamonds

Vendors that will provide additional details, upon request:
James Allen, b2cjewels, Brilliantly Engaged

My budget is $2000-2500

What are peoples thoughts on this?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3171936.htm

Nice pick.

If you want to go to the top of your budget, this one is a winner:

.641ct, H, VS2
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3059455.htm

 

[telephone89]

If that is the style you are looking for, you could probably go a little larger for the diamond, and get a nice simple setting.

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-jewelry/compare.aspx?idnos=587,582,8
All of these are 350, so you could go up to 2150 for the diamond to still hit 2500.

 

[chambo]

Which of the 4 C's are you willing to compromise on? Would you be willing to look for a slightly warmer stone (H-I), lower clarity (as long as it's eye clean), etc.? Once you know that, you could reach out to some of the vendors that were recommended...

Here are solid vendors that all have an established reputation -

Vendors that provide all details you need to make an informed purchase:
High Performance Diamonds, Whiteflash, Good Old Gold, Brian Gavin Diamonds

Vendors that will provide additional details, upon request:
James Allen, b2cjewels, Brilliantly Engaged

My budget is $2000-2500

What are peoples thoughts on this?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3171936.htm

Nice pick.

If you want to go to the top of your budget, this one is a winner:

.641ct, H, VS2
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3059455.htm

Thank you for taking the time to have a look for me.

I should have been more specific with my budget...it is $2500 including setting and in CAD...so around $2250 USD.

I am so lost, I never thought it would be this hard?!

 

[RockyRacoon]

Which of the 4 C's are you willing to compromise on? Would you be willing to look for a slightly warmer stone (H-I), lower clarity (as long as it's eye clean), etc.? Once you know that, you could reach out to some of the vendors that were recommended...

Here are solid vendors that all have an established reputation -

Vendors that provide all details you need to make an informed purchase:
High Performance Diamonds, Whiteflash, Good Old Gold, Brian Gavin Diamonds

Vendors that will provide additional details, upon request:
James Allen, b2cjewels, Brilliantly Engaged

My budget is $2000-2500

What are peoples thoughts on this?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3171936.htm

Nice pick.

If you want to go to the top of your budget, this one is a winner:

.641ct, H, VS2
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3059455.htm

Thank you for taking the time to have a look for me.

I should have been more specific with my budget...it is $2500 including setting and in CAD...so around $2250 USD.

I am so lost, I never thought it would be this hard?!

In that case, stick with the original one you had found (3171936).

That will be under budget, even with a setting.

Let them know you're from Pricescope and a first time buyer, and you may be able to get some additional value out of it.

You will end up with a top-notch cut stone from a vendor that allows upgrades in the future, so if you decide you want to go bigger down the line, you are in a good spot. Definitely can feel proud/confident in your choice.

Best of luck!

 

[AprilBaby]

The .572 is a winner!

 

[chambo]

The .572 is a winner!

Thank you so much for your opinion.

Looks like that will be my first choice at this stage.

Thanks again!

 

[chambo]

What are people's thoughts on these three?

https://www.ritani.com/diamond_consultations/3375-1415378419

I really like the help Ritani have given me and what they offer as far as in store looks and no obligation to buy with great warranties and lifetime service and sizing.

Thanks again!

 

[telephone89]

I like the first one best.

Do note that the 3rd is listed on the website as an H, but the GIA shows an I.