Need help with buying a diamond

[robertboiwling]

First off let me say thanks to everyone who contributes to this amazing site. PS (and a ton of other websites) has truly deepened my understanding of diamonds. I’ve really come to appreciate and respect diamonds in a whole new way.

I’m going to go ahead and apologize for the long post. It’s my first one and I’d like some help from all the knowledgeable people on this site.

My journey began when I decided that I want to propose my current gf of 3 ½ years. For those curious I currently don’t have any set dates on when I’d like to propose because that’s a whole other thing that’s going to rack my brain too. I’ll post about that when the time comes (because I liked reading other peoples story’s and I really think it’s adds to the unique atmosphere and feel I get from this site).

I’ve probably put 75 hours into the whole process so far so I think I have a pretty good understanding of what I want. I’ve been to the mall stores, independent stores, and finally ended up looking at the (reputable) internet stores. Some of the B&M stores had nice diamonds some did not but a common theme I didn’t like was there sales tactics and how most came off as just sleazy, almost used car salesmen like (no offense if you’re a car sales man reading this). Not to mention prices were less then great. So I’ve decide that I’m going to buy from a reputable internet store.

I spoke to her sister in secret and she helped me out big time. I found out she likes a princess cut diamond in a platinum settings. I haven’t narrowed down the exact setting yet but I know I want something simple like a solitaire that’s elegant and eye catching.

With all of my new found knowledge I now feel some what comfortable with buying a diamond now.

So, I’ve come up with some parameters that I’d like to stay within when selecting my diamond. I’d like to know what everyone thinks and if there are things I could change. My main concern is quality over quantity.

Basically I want a diamond that shows no color and is guaranteed to be eye clean that has a lot of performance. Size isn’t my biggest concern. Most important is Cut, then color, then clarity.

So the stats are.
Budget: 3k to 4k(ish) diamond & setting
Shape: Princess
Cut: Ideal/Excellent/ACA
Clarity: VS1-VS2
Color: F or above
Carat: .70 - .80
Certification: AGS or GIA
Crown Height: 10% -15%
Table: 62% - 68%
Depth: 64% - 75%
Girdle: Thin – Slight Thick
Ratio: 1.0 – 1.03
Polish: VG – Ideal
Symmetry: VG – Ideal
Florescence: None
Crown Height: 10% -15%
Ideal Scope: Like to be able to see a picture.
Aset: Like to be able to see a picture.
Sarin: Not sure what this is used for. (Someone want to explain it importants?)

So my questions are:

Am I going to find a great diamond and setting for the price I want?

How important is it to see the ideal scope or the aset image before buying if you know all the other stats?

What are the most important factors to know before buying a diamond if I can’t look at it first?

What sacrifices could I or should I make and still get what I want?

I have a ton more questions but we’ll see were the discussion leads.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and answering any questions you may be able to.

 

[EstateJeweler]

Hi Robert.

Am I going to find a great diamond and setting for the price I want?

The list price on the diamond you want is:

Princess 0.70 F VS1 $3,290.00
Princess 0.80 F VS1 $3,760.00



How important is it to see the ideal scope or the aset image before buying if you know all the other stats?

I''m a jeweler and I always tell my clients not to put too much emphasis on a Cert. The Cert. is necessary but the most important factor is how the diamond looks to your eye. Look at the diamond and judge it''s beauty for yourself. An ugly diamond is still ugly even if the cert says otherwise.


What are the most important factors to know before buying a diamond if I can’t look at it first?

Don''t ever buy a diamond without looking at it first!!!

What sacrifices could I or should I make and still get what I want?

I''m not sure I understand the question.


Best of Luck!

 

[Regular Guy]

Welcome Robert & Estate guy...

Date: 12/24/2007 12:21:58 PM
Author: EstateJeweler

How important is it to see the ideal scope or the aset image before buying if you know all the other stats?

I''m a jeweler and I always tell my clients not to put too much emphasis on a Cert. The Cert. is necessary but the most important factor is how the diamond looks to your eye. Look at the diamond and judge it''s beauty for yourself. An ugly diamond is still ugly even if the cert says otherwise.

Estate guy...probably read the tutorial, and at least indicate you have reference to the "tools of the trade" referenced here before answering...just some free advice (an aset is not a cert).

Robert...here''s one to consider...and it of course can be returned, after it''s seen by you.

 

[robertboiwling]

style="WIDTH: 46.64%; HEIGHT: 145px">Date: 12/24/2007 12:21:58 PM
Author: EstateJeweler
Hi Robert.

Am I going to find a great diamond and setting for the price I want?

The list price on the diamond you want is:

Princess 0.70 F VS1 $3,290.00
Princess 0.80 F VS1 $3,760.00

Thank you for the response!

I''ve found diamonds that meet my criteria for less then the price you listed. I guessing because the "list" price is something like MSRP?

I found this from a website with good reputation on this forum.

Price: $2340
Shape: Princess
Carat weight: 0.73
Cut: Ideal
Color: F
Clarity: VS1
Certificate: GIA
Depth: 70.8%
Table: 65.0%
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Very Good
Girdle: Slightly thick
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 5.04*4.93*3.49
Ratio: 1.02

style="WIDTH: 99%; HEIGHT: 49px">What are the most important factors to know before buying a diamond if I can’t look at it first?

Don''t ever buy a diamond without looking at it first!!!

I''ve seen a picture of the actual diamond (on the website) and under 20x virtual loupe.

Are their things i should be concerned about or things to look out for? Is there something i could be missing?

All the stats seem great and I don''t I would be disappointed but I''m just so new to this that I''m not sure what to look out for.

I agree that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

How do i go about getting an online jewler to let me see the diamond before buying it?

Do I ask to have it sent to an indepedent appraiser? I have one 7 miles from my house.

What sacrifices could I or should I make and still get what I want?

I''m not sure I understand the question.

Are their stats i could change in hunting for a diamond? Am I being to picky in regards to what i want?

Basically I want a diamond that shows no color and is guaranteed to be eye clean that has a lot of performance(Brilliance/Fire/Sparkle). Size isn’t my biggest concern. Most important is Cut, then color, then clarity.

 

[robertboiwling]

Thanks Regular Guy,

I've looked at all of WF diamonds (around my price range) and I really like their site and they definitely are one of the sites I’m considering buying from. I like seeing the ideal scope and aset image. I feel more confident of its ability to perform.

I've been looking pretty hard at some of the diamonds from James Allen too. His prices seem significantly cheaper for a diamond with very similar stats. James Allen really impressed me with how he dealt with a recent criticism (12/22/07) on this forum about a CS rep in his company. He showed great customer service and went above and beyond to make sure the customer was happy.

 

[Regular Guy]

Date: 12/24/2007 2:33:28 PM
Author: robertboiwling

I''ve been looking pretty hard at some of the diamonds from James Allen too. His prices seem significantly cheaper for a diamond with very similar stats. James Allen really impressed me with how he dealt with a recent criticism (12/22/07) on this forum about a CS rep in his company. He showed great customer service and went above and beyond to make sure the customer was happy.

I think I know that thread.

I do frequently recommend JA...and I am a past customer (but I don''t do hair transplants).

Items:

1) I don''t know diamonds very well...but like you, have been reading a lot.
2) I read it''s not that helpful to specify, as you have lots of proportion pieces...though that does work for rounds.
3) In contrast, AGS has a methodology that''s worked out pretty good.
4) I see about 104 options meeting your criteria on JAs site. None are from AGS.
5) I used the "search by cut" db to find the one I recommended. See above under Prices.