Need help shopping for a round brilliant diamond!

[HighNoon]

Hi all,

After reading tons of information on this site, I'm feeling very overwhelmed and I need help! So far, my diamond shopping consists of going to Robbins Brothers and lots of online research (Pricescope, Blue Nile, James Allen, Diamond Helpers, Union Diamonds, Eternity Diamonds, etc.).

My gf wants a Tacori setting and it seems to me that Robbins is as good as any as far as buying the setting. Plus, it seems like a good idea to buy the setting at a B&M store so I can take it to get cleaned instead of having to ship it somewhere. Thoughts on this?

My main problem is that I do not know whether it's a better idea to buy the diamond at a chain (Robbins), at a local jeweler, or online.

Here is what I'm looking for:
- Round brilliant shape
- Excellent/Ideal cut
- 1.5 carat
- SI/VS clarity (main concern is no table-defects and eye clarity)
- G-H color (I may be acceptable)

The color is tricky because I was told Tacori typically uses F-G color diamonds for the side stones, so I don't want the main stone to look yellowish compared to the side stones.

Budget - ~$10k

Thanks in advance for all help and advice! Please excuse any noob mistakes I may have made

 

[HighNoon]

Hi Julie N,

Thanks for the reply. When I asked Robbins about their high prices compared to online shops, they said it was because all of their diamonds come with a lifetime warranty that protects against chips, cracks, scratches, loss, etc. Also, they claimed they have all their diamonds certified twice, so even an IGI is as good as a GIA (I'm skeptical about this).

As far as H 1.5 CT, what about this one for example? http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/diamond_detail.php?id=643055&ref=pricescope

Also, what do you suggest for a warranty if I purchase the entire ring online??

Thanks!

EDIT: wording

 

[farmer gal]

You could call JA and have them look at this stone, ask if it is eyeclean, and request idealscope images.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1457903.asp

 

[akaneo]

HighNoon,

I'm in the same situation as you're in. Not trying to highjack your thread, but did you find the price for the Tacori setting close to what online sites were selling them for? I'm thinking of buying a Tacori online but the convenience of service if it were needed is holding me back. Good luck on your search!

PS- I was online chatting with a JamesAllen rep last night...super helpful!! Give it a try if you can't find what you're looking for.

Bests,

 

[tyty333]

Hi Julie N,

Thanks for the reply. When I asked Robbins about their high prices compared to online shops, they said it was because all of their diamonds come with a lifetime warranty that protects against chips, cracks, scratches, loss, etc. Also, they claimed they have all their diamonds certified twice, so even an IGI is as good as a GIA (I'm skeptical about this).

As far as H 1.5 CT, what about this one for example? http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/diamond_detail.php?id=643055&ref=pricescope

Also, what do you suggest for a warranty if I purchase the entire ring online??

Thanks!

EDIT: wording

The cut on this stone looks good but you need to be concerned about the SI2. Call them and ask them if it is eye-clean to your
standards (3, 6, 9 inches away from all angles or however you want to define it).

You need to make sure you have a good return policy in case the stone isnt what you want.

 

[HighNoon]

akaneo,

The price for the Tacori setting is almost the exact same everywhere I've looked, whether that is online, at Robbins Brothers, or at other retail stores around the country. Currently, I'm leaning towards buying it either online or at an out-of-state retail store so that I don't have to pay tax. However, I'm not sure how you would go about getting service in this situation.

I am planning on buying the diamond first (most likely online) but then I'm not sure how to go about getting the diamond set in the ring. Would it be best to have this done locally once I have both diamond and setting in hand? Or is it safe to ship my diamond somewhere and have it done? From everything I've read, Tacori settings are adjusted to fit each individual diamond and do not have standard dimensions.

Advice, please!

 

[tyty333]

If I'm not mistaken you send your stone to tacori and they set it for you. I belive this is setup through the vendor you buy from.
Hopefully someone with a tacori will comment.

 

[akaneo]

Highnoon,

By any chance are you in the Philadelphia area? I just went to a B&M shop in the city and got a fantastic deal (in my opinion). I like the idea of being able to drive 20 minutes if there is anything I need in the future. The place I dealt with works with their own diamonds so it got me a better price. Also, I had it overnighted to NJ (for free) and paid no taxes! If you go to a B&M, see if you can do something similar to save a few bucks. Let me know if you have any questions about my purchase. I plan on posting details later.

P.S.
I got the Tacori 2620 setting with a .95ct center stone and it looks huge. The surrounding pave diamonds really give it some extra oomph,

 

[HighNoon]

Akaneo,

No, I am nowhere near Philly. I'm in TX. I did buy a diamond today though! Got one from Solomon Brothers in Atlanta, GA. No tax for me either!

They are sending me the diamond so that I can evaluate it and then I will send it back if I'm happy and THEN they will ship both the setting and the diamond off to Tacori so Tacori can mount it.