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New guy needs expert advise

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KamBam

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 11, 2013
Messages
13
Hey everyone, first off love this site. Some great info and many happy satisfied customers. I'm a 33 yr old firefighter from Toronto Canada in need of help with diamond searching. My background is Polish and I have a ton of relatives back home that may possibly be able to purchase a diamond for me in Europe. But I'm not too knowledgable about the European market/vendors. Overall I've seen and heard good things about JamesAllen, B2cjewel, BN. But there is so much out there to know that it's overwhelming. From cut, to color, to clarity and carat. I've read a bunch about less of a color and focus more on the cut as that's what has the shine and sparkle.
Most of all I think its a personal preference. But there needs to be a general idea for a general person to consider when it comes to a great diamond to the naked eye. Which is kinda what I'm looking for.
I prefer a bigger diamond with small imperfections then a small one that perfect on paper.
I think of it like tattoos. Unless you are a professional tattoo artist you can't tell a difference in small errors or wrong shading.
But I do believe that a ring is something that is a one time deal like a tattoo and either you like it or don't.
I do want my fiancé and future wife to be totally happy. Which will make me happy aside from the financial sacrifice. Lol.
Ok well let me get to the fun stuff.
My current budget is $15,000. As I stated before I'd prefer a bigger diamond and not have that perfect color. Although I want it to be beautiful to the naked eye. Am I blowing this out of proportion to think I can find a gorgeous 2ct diamond within my budget???
How important is the EGL appraisal compared to GIA? My other dilemma is the style. I know that my significant other loves the round cut. I really like the princess cut. Overall i want her to be happy which I believe a princess cut would be loved as well. I just think I can get something bigger for a lower price just because of a princess cut.

Do any of you have suggestions, help or any info that would help me out here. How important is the HCL info?
Also what about the setting? I know she wants a plain ring. No diamonds on the side just a plain band with one nice high diamond.

Any help and even current diamond finds are much appreciated. Thank you all.
 
I think of it like tattoos. Unless you are a professional tattoo artist you can't tell a difference in small errors or wrong shading.
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ive never thought of it that way.... though i think a diamond lets you get away with MORE than tattoos. I can spot a poorly done tattoo a mile away, but i cant tell the difference between an SI1 and VVS1 without a loupe :lickout:


but when searching, stick with GIA or AGS stones unless you are buying a antique cut.

Clarity, if you dont care whats on paper, is nice because its doesnt really matter as long as you cant see the inclusions and theres no structural issues. A SI1 would be perfect fine and save some money. With that said, not all SI1s are the same. So dont settle for a an SI1 that isnt eye clean

Color I think you could safely go down to an I without a problem. I recently did a poll on here and over 80% found I stones attractive. And thats people that are very picky about their diamonds (being on a diamond forum and all :lol: )

and if course, try to get the best cut you can. You can google "pricescope cheat sheet" to see what angles to look for.


this stone is beautiful, would be a bit over budget as you would have to pay for taxes to import, BUT might be something to consider

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/1716-Round-Brilliant-Diamond/28367276_C5WxCR#!i=2401762423&k=HFQbNNK
http://jewelsbyericagrace.com/modern_and_estate_rings_page_2 (half way down the page )
 
If your SO wants a MRB then I would go with a MRB and not princess cut at all. I view the princess cut like I would a marquis. They were in style but now they are sort of dated. Where as a MRB it is always classic. Stick with classic- that is a better value.

Yes you can do a 2ct MRB for under 15k but you will need to search for one. I have a 2.04ct F I1 due to twinning whisps that is completely eyclean. According to EGL it was D, SI2, but then I had it graded GIA which gave it F I1. If you are looking at diamonds I would stick with GIA otherwise you are overpaying for soft grading (trust me I paid for a D SI2 diamond). Regardless my 2.04ct IS completely eyeclean and is stunning- so you can do it. I know another PSer was looking for a 2ct on a budget, off the boards, and had great success with finding an I1 that was also eye clean for a great price through ID Jeweler out of New York. They are a trusted PS vender.

I would not look for diamonds in Europe as you will pay a much higher price there.

Goodluck!
 
SB621|1376315472|3501334 said:
If your SO wants a MRB then I would go with a MRB and not princess cut at all. I view the princess cut like I would a marquis. They were in style but now they are sort of dated. Where as a MRB it is always classic. Stick with classic- that is a better value.

Yes you can do a 2ct MRB for under 15k but you will need to search for one. I have a 2.04ct F I1 due to twinning whisps that is completely eyclean. According to EGL it was D, SI2, but then I had it graded GIA which gave it F I1. If you are looking at diamonds I would stick with GIA otherwise you are overpaying for soft grading (trust me I paid for a D SI2 diamond). Regardless my 2.04ct IS completely eyeclean and is stunning- so you can do it. I know another PSer was looking for a 2ct on a budget, off the boards, and had great success with finding an I1 that was also eye clean for a great price through ID Jeweler out of New York. They are a trusted PS vender.

I would not look for diamonds in Europe as you will pay a much higher price there.

Goodluck!
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I'd go so far as to say at this point a marquise is less dated than a princess.
 
SB621|1376315472|3501334 said:
If your SO wants a MRB then I would go with a MRB and not princess cut at all. I view the princess cut like I would a marquis. They were in style but now they are sort of dated. Where as a MRB it is always classic. Stick with classic- that is a better value.
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Yes, please please PLEASE don't get her a princess cut if she prefers a round. Princess cuts can be very polarizing. Ya either dig 'em or you don't... at all. Besides, like SB said, the round is a better value. Also, rounds face up larger than princess cuts. ;))
 
SB621|1376315472|3501334 said:
If your SO wants a MRB then I would go with a MRB and not princess cut at all. I view the princess cut like I would a marquis. They were in style but now they are sort of dated. Where as a MRB it is always classic. Stick with classic- that is a better value.

Yes you can do a 2ct MRB for under 15k but you will need to search for one. I have a 2.04ct F I1 due to twinning whisps that is completely eyclean. According to EGL it was D, SI2, but then I had it graded GIA which gave it F I1. If you are looking at diamonds I would stick with GIA otherwise you are overpaying for soft grading (trust me I paid for a D SI2 diamond). Regardless my 2.04ct IS completely eyeclean and is stunning- so you can do it. I know another PSer was looking for a 2ct on a budget, off the boards, and had great success with finding an I1 that was also eye clean for a great price through ID Jeweler out of New York. They are a trusted PS vender.

I would not look for diamonds in Europe as you will pay a much higher price there.

Goodluck!
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+1 I totally agree with SB. Stick to the traditional round!!!!
 
+2 ^^^

Maybe go fancy cut as a milestone event or celebration down the road, but if she's clearly expressed a desire for MRB, and that's what you'd like to give her, don't be swayed by outside influences. Classics never go out of style!

You have a pretty good budget for a lovely diamond, especially if you go with a solitaire in a simple setting (and you can always up grade the setting later in your relationship OR go for a super blingy wedding band to amp up the sparkle factor!)

Have you played around with search engines on some of the PS vendor sites?
www.briangavindiamonds.com
www.whiteflash.com
www.goodoldgold.com
www.jamesallen.com

put in your parameters and see what appeals to you. Cool thing about JA site, is you can actually see the diamond...

Happy hunting and feel free to post stones you like and we can help you screen them. :))
 
Thank you all for the info. I hope I didn't come out too strong stating she's o ly interested in a round cut. As that's not the case. She loves the princess cut as well but I guess her preference is round. With that being said I assume going with round would make her happier. Plus the round gives off a better sparkle doesn't it? It's just a huge price difference.

My concern with lower grade color and celerity as some of you stated is how the actual diamond will look especially when buying online.

Also do you guys think buying setting and the diamond from the same vendor is a good way to save a few extra dollars?

Again in sorry for these stupid questions but as a newbie I don't want to get ripped off or make the wrong purchase.

I'll look around on my own and post a few on here for some of you to critique.

Thank you everyone
 
KamBam|1376325914|3501438 said:
Thank you all for the info. I hope I didn't come out too strong stating she's o ly interested in a round cut. As that's not the case. She loves the princess cut as well but I guess her preference is round. With that being said I assume going with round would make her happier. Plus the round gives off a better sparkle doesn't it? It's just a huge price difference.

My concern with lower grade color and celerity as some of you stated is how the actual diamond will look especially when buying online. This is why almost all PS members will stress the importance of buying from an online vendor that will show actual photos/videos/ASET of diamonds and/or has a track record for giving honest advice if you have questions or concerns. This takes a lot of the stress out of the purchase -- plus you have PS to help make sure you get the absolute best for your money!!

Also do you guys think buying setting and the diamond from the same vendor is a good way to save a few extra dollars? Yes, this will usually save money AND it will keep you from having to ship the stone so much. Also, the vendor will be responsible if anything happens during setting.

Again in sorry for these stupid questions but as a newbie I don't want to get ripped off or make the wrong purchase. Not stupid questions AT ALL!! You are right for wanting to educate yourself -- and your GF will thank you! ;))
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Hey KamBam :wavey:

See bolded above... :))
 
If you are trying to go down in clarity and/ or color to hit the 8mm marker (typical for a 2ct), then I would personally want to see the diamond before it is set. Which means shipping will be involved. This to me, is not a big deal at all. Vendors will put a hold on your credit card and next day you the diamond. You have 2 or 3 days to check it out and then you can either keep it or send it back. For that reason it may or may not be worth your time to have it set in the same place as buying it. Just make sure the vendor has a good return policey.

Also many PS vendors will give a pricewire discount or a PS discount if you ask. It is not much but every dollar counts to me.
 
Also, the color grade of J is probably more like K/L... VS2 may be more like SI2. Also, the stone is already set, so inclusions can be hidden fairly well that way. I would not want to pay for a J/VS2 if the stone was of lower color and/or clarity. I would be very hesitant to buy a stone graded independently, because those are usually very soft. Besides, the appraiser may work for the vendor and can make the cert say whatever will fetch more money -- fudging a bit (or most likely... A LOT.)
 
Yes that's what I was thinking as well. Thank you.
 
You could ask them to make the sale contingent on a lab report. In other words tell them you will pay for the GIA/ AGL grading report. If the diamond comes back as what they stated great- it is a win win. If not then they pay you for the report and you don't have to buy the ring.
 
Ok I got a report emailed to me. Done by AGL but apparently they use the GIA grading system.
Anyways I'm unsure how to post the pictures. Can anyone help me with that if I email it out to one of you.
Would like to get your opinion on this ring.
 
KamBam|1376359102|3501808 said:
Ok I got a report emailed to me. Done by AGL but apparently they use the GIA grading system.
Anyways I'm unsure how to post the pictures. Can anyone help me with that if I email it out to one of you.
Would like to get your opinion on this ring.
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how to post pics:

start a new post.
underneath the text box where you type your post you'll see a big blue rectangle. Has a lot of radio buttons that say "disable BBCode, Disable smilies, etc......
On that rectangle youll se 2 tabs.
Click on the one that says "upload attachment"
youll see an oval thats says "choose file"
click on that to navigate though your computer to select the images you want to add.
once youve selected hit the "add the file" button

you can then add another one.
 
Its EGL certified, so your G may be the equivalent of an I/J... ??K?? if it were to be GIA certified. If your GF good w that colour? have you been to a mall store to see colours IRL?
 
AGL is quite commonly used for colored stones, I don't know their rep for diamond grading.

I strongly suggest that you stay away from EGL International. There's no way you can get a 1.8 G VS1 for that price.
 
Ok thank you. That's what I was thinking. Guess sticking with AGL or GIA is the way to go. I am searching all over. If any of you have suggestions and come across a great diamond within my budget pls post it for me.
 
Is the 2 ct I SI2 for 15000 too expensive after import taxes? Do you need to be around $11500 for the diamond like the EGL G VS1?
 
No the JA for $15000 is within the budget. I know there are taxes, duty, shipping.
I'm still debating on that particular diamond. Don't want to rush but I don't want to miss out on something good.

Now speaking about the extra fees. Any idea how much extra everything will cost shipped to Toronto?
 
JA will review 3 stones of your choice for you. Here are some other options:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.01-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-216962
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.03-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-212534

There is a PS discount/bank wire discount. A customer service representative will be able to tell you how much the discount is (the amount varies by stone.)

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/shipping-from-us-to-canada-tax-question.176942/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/shipping-from-us-to-canada-tax-question.176942/[/URL]

Another option is to shop locally. USACerted is in Toronto, ignore the super cheesiness of the website: http://www.usacerteddiamonds.com/
 
I'm in Ontario as well - you'll pay 13% HST and perhaps a Fedex customs handling fee of about $10 - $20 (I've payed a variety of different fees, hence the range)

Vendor covers the shipping cost.
 
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