Need some serious help with diamond pricing!

[pmpkn42]

Hi everybody! I''m quite a novice when it comes to diamonds. My boyfriend and I are currently "looking" and pricing diamonds. We went to the jewelry district (downtown Los Angeles) and looked at a few loose stones and settings. I thought the prices were OK, but that we could find a better deal. Then we went and looked in the mall at the high end stores where they sold Kwiat diamonds, hearts on fire diamonds, ect. The man was quite rude and stated that the diamonds we saw even though GIA certified were not really want the jewelers were claiming and that "the house of Kwiat has been cutting there diamonds for over 200 years and only 400 cutters are allowed to cut there diamonds, blah, blah, blah". Basically he said we were getting "ripped off".

Basically I am looking for a 2.0 and above cushion cut diamond, d-h, vs2-si2, with a gia certification. We looked at some ranging from $11,800-$13,000. The man at the mall told us that according to the rappaport report (or whatever the hell it''s called), you can''t even get those diamonds at wholesale cost, they cost more around $20,000 and up.

I''m thoroughly confused. Our budget it not $20,000, it''s closer to half of that. Is he right, or is he just biased? Any thoughts/help would be appreciated. I know I have TONS of research to do!

 

[neatfreak]

He''s partially right and partially biased. For an extremely well cut cushion, it will be harder to find in your price range. But it can be done if you are willing to bend a bit on the other C''s. Cut is really the most important for sparkle.

What *I* would do (and did do!) is call Mark at Engagement Rings Direct. He''s fondly known as the "cushion king" around here and has both excellent prices AND an excellent eye for cushions. He''s a wonderful guy too.

 

[pmpkn42]

Does he have a website? The diamonds we looked at were very nice I thought, and I KNOW we can''t afford the $20,000+ cushion, so I would be willing to bend a bit as long as the diamond was still good quality.
I thought $11,000 for a 2.02 G, SI1 was an OK price, but I was informed that that price wasn''t possible! LOL.

 

[Mrs.Hall(almost)]

Definitely try looking online, I can only suggest goodoldgold.com because it was love at first sight and they are very popular and known for great customer satisfaction on this board. I am no expert by anymeans but if carats are important to you than you can often sacrifice color or clarity but a 2.0 will definitely cost you. Good luck on your search!

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 6/8/2008 10:39:53 PM
Author: pmpkn42
Does he have a website? The diamonds we looked at were very nice I thought, and I KNOW we can't afford the $20,000+ cushion, so I would be willing to bend a bit as long as the diamond was still good quality.

I thought $11,000 for a 2.02 G, SI1 was an OK price, but I was informed that that price wasn't possible! LOL.

His website is: http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/

But really it is best to call because he has access to much more than what appears in the virtual database on his website.

And if you are sure that the stone was G Si1 AND GIA certified with a great cut, AND someone offered you it for $11,000 go for it because that certainly is a great price. Too good really, so I would get it appraised first before purchase if you go that route.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 6/8/2008 10:39:53 PM
Author: pmpkn42
Does he have a website? The diamonds we looked at were very nice I thought, and I KNOW we can''t afford the $20,000+ cushion, so I would be willing to bend a bit as long as the diamond was still good quality.
I thought $11,000 for a 2.02 G, SI1 was an OK price, but I was informed that that price wasn''t possible! LOL.

Hi pmpkn - unfortunately he was right about the price - you won''t find a 2ct in those specs for that price.
But you will have alot more luck working in a tight budget if you''re open to shopping with a vendor online. Mark at ERD or Jon at GOG are great for cushions just click on the resources tab at the top of this page and you can see the links to their websites. Just call or email and ask for them direct.

You may have to compromise a bit on your specs or size, but these guys are great in that they will work with you in your budget to find the best stone possible.

 

[honey22]

Date: 6/8/2008 10:59:51 PM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 6/8/2008 10:39:53 PM
Author: pmpkn42
Does he have a website? The diamonds we looked at were very nice I thought, and I KNOW we can''t afford the $20,000+ cushion, so I would be willing to bend a bit as long as the diamond was still good quality.
I thought $11,000 for a 2.02 G, SI1 was an OK price, but I was informed that that price wasn''t possible! LOL.

Hi pmpkn - unfortunately he was right about the price - you won''t find a 2ct in those specs for that price.
But you will have alot more luck working in a tight budget if you''re open to shopping with a vendor online. Mark at ERD or Jon at GOG are great for cushions just click on the resources tab at the top of this page and you can see the links to their websites. Just call or email and ask for them direct.

You may have to compromise a bit on your specs or size, but these guys are great in that they will work with you in your budget to find the best stone possible.

Sadly, if you do find a cushion of that size for that price, it would most likely be (how do I say this nicely) a dog

Sorry! A well cut stone of that size will be lots higher in price. I crappy cut stone will always be cheaper than a well cut stone as it just won''t sparkle as well.

Ditto getting in contact with Mark the Cushion Guy - he will source you a fantastic stone that will fit you budget. Good luck!!

 

[pmpkn42]

I found on Mark''s website some 2+ carats that are "very good" cuts, d-g si 1-2 for about $11,000, so I''m hopeful! Thanks guys, you have been great!

 

[Lynnchee]

Good Luck pmpkn! Let us know what you find and show pictures!!