NEED HELP!!!!

[hondasportnh]

Ok I have been researching diamonds for a couple of months ago and I have found this site to be the most helpful with pertinent info that I should know and I want to thank all for that. I have a budget so price is important but I want something that has some nice quality to it. I have been looking for weeks now at BLUENILE and have seen a couple that I really like. As a matter of fact, they just put 3 on hold for me for the weekend so i can think about it. I have also gone to local jewelery stores and today I found some interesting ones at Hannoush Jewelers. I would like to tell a little about these that I am looking at for some possible input. Thanks.

Ok, this one is tempting because of its size, although I am not too excited about its ratings. And it has been yet to be certified which I told them I wanted done before I bought it. This is the one at hannoush in NH. They are all round cut.

.80 center diamonds with 2 .40, one on each side
SI2
j/k color
ok cut
only $2800 (too cheap I think that means low quality probably.

Blue nile:

Carat..Color..Clarity..Cut..Depth/Table..FLourescence..Polish/symm...price

Round 0.71 H SI1 Ideal 60.2% /
57% None Ex / VG GIA $2,248


Round 0.73 H SI1 Ideal 60.5% /
56% None VG / Ex GIA $2,311

Round 0.72 G SI1 Ideal 61.8% /
56% None VG / VG GIA $2,345


I am also looking at the 18k yellow gold setting with either 1/4 or 1/2 ctw. channel set diamonds. With these size diamonds, would either side stones look too small or too over bearing. Her size is only a 5 1/2. Any help would be greatly appreciated...one confused shopper

 

[DancinGirl]

Those prices are a little high for those diamonds, but it is a mall jeweler after all.

Before I comment anymore, which Hannoush did you go to? Reason I am asking is because I am very familar with one of them, and the people who work there. I am just a consumer, but I have my opinions. Just post it here or you can PM me.

 

[hondasportnh]

I went to the one in Portsmouth NH. Only the 1st diamond was at Hannoush. The group of 3 are from Bluenile.com. I also saw some pretty good deals at dirtcheapdiamonds.com but am unsure how to go about buying just the diamond there and getting a setting and having it set at a local store. When buying online, what sort of diamond warranties or protection do you have from the diamond fallng out? Thnaks for the help.

 

[aljdewey]

I have just had a positively horrendous experience with the Hannoush in Salem, NH.




I brought in jewelry to have 2 stones replaced. I was told it could be done within two weeks.


Slsman was supposed to call me with estimate.....didn't phone when promised, claimed it was because he didn't have any info yet.




3 weeks later.....still waiting for them to get stones in so I could approve them prior to setting. NO communication during this time, and slsman told me that he's "too busy" to call his customers. Translate: too busy for my business.




Next week....calls to say stones are in, he'll have them back along with my pieces so I can see them. Then I find out they SET THEM without my approval, and they he tried to charge me DOUBLE the quoted price. Needless to say, he's unsetting them, and I will NEVER do business there again.

 

[DancinGirl]

Okay, yes that is the one I know people from. There are some very nice people who work there. Christie (long blonde hair) is very patient and friendly -but she is a salesperson, but a jeweler. Bennie is one of the GIA Jewelers - who is really only interested in people who are going to buy something right then and there. That was something I didn't like about him. Sometimes he can be very friendly, but he is also a salesperson and makes it seem like he is giving you the very lowest price he can - but that's all crap.

My opinion: Hannoush is overpriced. (as all mall jewelers are) BUT ~ if you purchase your diamond online, and if you see a setting you really like from there - then you can get it there and have them set your diamond for you. I understand the feeling of wanting to see things in person.

For loose diamond purchases online - there are MANY very reputable dealers who I recommend. Good Old Gold, Superbcert, and Whiteflash. BlueNile is okay, but I would recommend these three way before BlueNile. You should be able to view the diamond by them shipping it to you or to you via an appriaser usually. The appraiser will tell you all the stats on the diamond and make sure it matches the GIA or AGS Cert, etc. If you have any questions about any of this, you should contact one of them for their particulars.
www.goodoldgold.com
www.superbcert.com
www.whiteflash.com

My sugguestion - DO NOT purchase a diamond from a mall jeweler like Hannoush if you care about quality cut. They really only deal with Color/Clarity - as do many other mall jewelers. Some jewelers care about cut when buying an overpriced name brand dimaond like "Hearts on Fire" or similar. But again - NOT the route to go necessarily. You'll get more BANG for your buck for a diamond online. They all have warranties and guarantees. Just go check them all out.

GOOD LUCK on your hunt!