Nervous about Online Purchase...

[skidude]

I'm looking at some diamonds on Whiteflash and I'm a little nervous about making a purchase...

In your opinion, how do these two compare?

1.060/H/VS2/6.63-6.65x4.03
1.225/I/VS2/6.95-6.98x4.21

1. How long after I pick a diamond + setting will I have it in my hands?
2. Is the 0.30 difference in size more visible than the H-I difference?
3. If I do purchase, what are my next steps in terms of appraisal/insurance?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide...

 

[appletini]

Those are both stunning diamonds, and I think either one will be a great pick. If you aren''t sure you can have Brian Gavin at Whiteflash look at both of the stones for you, and he can talk to you about them over the phone or email. In terms of size, the I will appear a little larger, but remember 1/2 a milimeter is very tiny. WF also has great turnaround time, on average about 10 days or less if needed.

I live in Houston, so I''ve been very lucky to view diamonds there in person, but if I wasn''t local, I would not hesitate to purchase from them online...they provide ample information up front, have excellent quality and customer service.

 

[ame]

Date: 10/5/2005 11:24:45 AM
Author:skidude
I''m looking at some diamonds on Whiteflash and I''m a little nervous about making a purchase...


In your opinion, how do these two compare?


1.060/H/VS2/6.63-6.65x4.03

1.225/I/VS2/6.95-6.98x4.21


1. How long after I pick a diamond + setting will I have it in my hands?

2. Is the 0.30 difference in size more visible than the H-I difference?

3. If I do purchase, what are my next steps in terms of appraisal/insurance?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide...

Both stones look great. But if the size means more to you than the color, go with the bigger one as it will have more visual impact.

1. If it''s a stock setting I can''t imagine more than a week wait?
2. YES the size is going to be more visible than the color. You probably won''t even notice the color difference side by side.
3. They will send a verification through the appraiser they use. For your own peace of mind, I would recommend seeking out another appraisal from an independent appraiser near you or through a PS vendor. Dave Atlas, Neil or Richard Sherwood are three that regularly post. Depending where you are one might be more convenient than another.

After you get the appraisal I would contact who you want to do the insurance through. I used CHUBB after my mom and dad having far too many troubles with JM. There are people who like both companies and some who vehemently dislike the other . The benefits of the two you will have to figure out. Another positive for why I chose Chubb was the cash out. With JM you don''t get money when you claim, you get something of "equal" kind. Which might not be equal at all.

Welcome to PS and I hope you find what you are looking for!

 

[JohnQuixote]

Date: 10/5/2005 11:24:45 AM
Author:skidude
I''m looking at some diamonds on Whiteflash and I''m a little nervous about making a purchase...

In your opinion, how do these two compare?

1.060/H/VS2/6.63-6.65x4.03
1.225/I/VS2/6.95-6.98x4.21

1. How long after I pick a diamond + setting will I have it in my hands?
2. Is the 0.30 difference in size more visible than the H-I difference?
3. If I do purchase, what are my next steps in terms of appraisal/insurance?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide...

Hi Skidude.

If we have the diamond and setting in stock it will take 1-2 business days.
Custom setting jobs usually take 10-12 days from the order date.

The size difference is more noticable than the color difference.

We include a letter of verification from a local independent appraiser. It includes weight, color, clarity & laser inscriptions as well as setting details and an approximate retail value. It is not intended as a substitute for a ''full blown detailed appraisal,'' but is suitable for insurance purposes in many places.

Thanks for asking (and thanks to those who already helped).

 

[MissAva]

1-2 days! Wow...that is really fast. Amazon does not get my books out that quickly...

 

[EdSkinner]

The I VS2 is a better value. You will be hard pressed to see the difference in size and in color.
1. Ask Whiteflash how long. Best bet is to buy the mounting from them. Moves things along faster and they sell a quality product.
2. Don''t worry about the difference in size, just remember this is three tenths of a millimeter, not three tenths of an inch.
3. At the top of the page there is a section called Resources. Go to that and see if there is a appraiser in your area or take ame''s suggestion.

 

[Brando]

If you haven''t called and spoken to someone at Whiteflash already, do that. I was nervous about purchasing online too, until I spoke to Jamie over there. After that I was no longer nervous about it at all, they''re grrrreat!

 

[Shay37]

I like stone number 2. They both look like winners, but it''s bigger!

Whiteflash is a wonderful company to work with, and I cannot say enough about their customer service. It''s just top notch. Don''t be nervous. I just got my ring from them, and I am thrilled with everything about it. Great quality, and a really reasonable price. They are also really sweet. Everyone there is knowledgable as well as helpful. They are the best.

Shay

 

[skidude]

Thanks for the encouragement!

Another question... What should I keep in mind when sizing the ring? Can I just get another ring of hers and have it sized somewhere? Should I get a slightly bigger size to be sure and have it adjusted after she has tried it on?

Thanks again...

 

[EZ]

I purchased from Whiteflash without any problem. (guess I still owe pictures of the completed ring). Their "verification letter" was within 3-4% of what an independent appraiser valued the diamond at. I would recommend them without reservation, they treated me fairly and with respect and professionalism.

 

[cutes814]

Skidude,

I see many people have already answered your questions, so I''m just going to give you my experiences with WF.

4 months ago I made my first call to them and was very nervous about buying online as well. But after many long talks and emails, I felt very comfortable and made my first purchase, a pair of earrings for my mom and loved the product and service! Since then I''ve made many more purchases from them. I would recommend them highly.

They offer great prices, service and you gotta love the lifetime upgrade policy!!!

Now for the two choices you posted, I like the second choice better. The size is going to be very noticable, but the color, not at all. And I also like the fact that the second one is the new line ACA. I tend to sway towards those more....heehee.

 

[phoenixgirl]

Figuring out her ring size without asking will take a bit of sleuthing on your part. Does she have a ring she wears on her left ring finger? My left ring finger is 1/4 to 1/2 size smaller than my right, so if we had based it on that it would have been too big. Rings can be sized up or down easily (within reason), so the trick is to make sure it will slip on her finger and not get stuck on the knuckle at the critical moment.

You can do what my husband did and ask, "So, what''s your hat size? Uh huh, ok, dress size? Hmm, ok, ahem, ring size?"

Good luck!

 

[JohnQuixote]

Here is a list of ideas that has surfaced in various threads:

- - - - -

Make an Impression
If she’s in the habit of leaving any of her rings lying about, make an impression of one. A bar of soap, a piece of clay or even a piece of bread can be used to take a reliable measurement.

Put it in Writing
You could even trace the inside of the ring on a piece of paper which the jeweler can then use to determine an accurate measurement.

Try it on for Size
Simpler still, just put one of her rings on your own fingers. Push it down as far as it will go and then mark the spot with a pen. Then just show the marking to your jeweler who can measure it for you.

What are Friends For
A friend of the soon-to-be bride’s can be of great assistance in this particular endeavor. It’s not uncommon for one friend to ask another for their ring size as a matter of curiosity. Just be sure you choose a friend who can keep a secret.

The Real Thing
If you can bring one of her rings to the jeweler without arousing any suspicion, this will probably be the safest course of action. Offer to take her jewelry to be cleaned and have the jeweler measure her ring at the same time."

- - - - -

 

[Jelly]

Skidude,

I was also nervous about getting something so expensive from somewhere so far away. A friend of mine said to me, "what if it ends up being a cubic zirconia?!" She will be shocked when she sees my diamond from Whiteflash!

I think Whiteflash has an excellent warranty and 10 day money back guarantee. The stones also come with an American Gemological Society certificate and appraisal which is much more impressive than what many local and chain store jewelers offer. Their prices and quality are too good to pass up!

Don''t forget to post pictures once you receive your diamond!

Stephanie

 

[Jelly]

OH! I forgot to mention...I vote for diamond #2! My diamond is A Cut Above I/VS2 and it's VERY white!