Need help for engagement ring search

[warriors40]

Hi, I've been reading this forum and learning about the 4 Cs and such for a few months now. But before I really search to buy I was wondering if people can provide some feedback on some questions. I'm looking to buy online to try to get the best price and avoid sales tax (CA).

Is it pretty safe to assume that the diamond I'm getting is the actual one on the certifications? I'm still paranoid that they will ship me something that is not what I paid for.

The search results on PS are all B2C or JamesAllen, are there other reliable sites that you guys recommend to score a good deal?

I'm looking for the best deal on a round, 1.5-1.75, Cut is the next priority followed by clarity, must be eye clean (preferably VS2 or better), color can be H or better. GIA or AGS

Does anyone have recommendations on B&M shops that will match or beat these online prices? It might not hurt to make a trip to NYC elsewhere for the investment I'll be making.

Thanks in advance!

 

[mcosme]

I don't think I've heard of anyone having the wrong diamond shipped, but you can always get the GIA/AGS inscription to verify

This looks like a good one
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.70-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-202873

 

[tweeter8177]

Hello,

I believe you are only seeing the 2 vendors in your search (JA B2C) because you need to turn off the HCA Cut Rank Filter in your search. Those are the only 2 vendors that provide that data. For the rest of vendors you need to calculate HCA yourself.

Otherwise, go to "resources" on the PS home page and select featured sponsors. I have seen reviews for pretty much all the vendors on this site, so you can do a search on the forum to see many reviews for yourself. I personally used Engagement Rings Direct (ERD) to purchase a 3 ct+ round recently and highly recommend them. I made the trip out to NY to see the diamonds in person but many are comfortable buying diamonds on-line without seeing them in person. Just be sure to understand return policies before doing so!

I understand being worried about purchasing on-line and getting the diamond you purchased, but these vendors wouldn't be in business if they were shipping the wrong diamond (bad reviews would put them out of business!) I would be surprised if you would be able to find a B&M store that could meet or beat on-line vendors prices. B&Ms have overhead to cover that on-line retailers don't have. But others may have recommendations for CA.

There are many on this site that will give you opinions on diamonds you find on-line or provide you recommendations! It is a great community!

 

[Christina...]

I believe that purchasing diamonds online is quickly becoming the norm. The internet has allowed people to educate themselves to the extent that their knowledge (especially regarding cut) exceeds the knowledge of many sales associates in BM stores. It also allows the consumer to be better able to compare prices and services from a variety of vendors and shop with the one that offers the most benefit to them. Because online vendors don't have the same overhead costs as BMs they are often able to offer a price advantage as well.

As to your concerns, We all know that it's possible to be the victim of unethical business practices, but that goes both for online shopping and local shopping. The most effective way you can protect yourself if by doing your homework and only shopping with reputable online vendors with lots of positive reviews. Of course we suggest PS vendors because they have shown time and time again to be both trustworthy and consumer friendly. Many also offer additional information that most BM stores can't regarding light performance and gemological evaluations. They also tend to offer the best return, upgrade, trade in, and buy back policies, as well has some of the best warranties. Depending on your needs, this can be a huge incentive to purchase from a particular vendor.

As far a verifying that the stone you purchased matches the report, (though I've never heard of this happening) we always advise an independent appraisal after you receive the stone. By independent, I mean an appraiser that neither sells jewelry and has no affiliation with a jeweler, so that they can offer you a truly unbiased opinion of your stone, without consideration of from whom or where it was purchased. Most insurers will require an appraisal in order to insure the stone anyway, so this is a logical step in the process anyway.

As for recommendations, as I mentioned, all of the PS approved vendors have proven track records. There is some benefit to shopping with a vendor that have stones in house, this can reduce time on your end since vendors such as JA, BN, B2C, don't have the majority of their stones on hand and must call in any of the stones that you are considering for analysis which can add days to the process. This isn't a problem so long as you have time to wait for images and assessments etc. Some people find it easier to view 'in house' stone because the work has already been done and you can find accompanying ideal scope, aset, HA, etc images attached to stone you are considering. Many of these vendors are also able to a side by side video comparisons by you which can very helpful if you are having a tough time deciding. Vendors such as Good Old Gold, White Flash, Brian Gavin all have in house stones, ERD have some as well I believe.