New here...and a diamond question, of course!

[taylor6400]

Hi all. I just found this site and i have been doing research like crazy. Background is i dont have a big budget for an engagement ring, went into 2 different Kays and didnt feel comfortable at either. Couple local jewelers were ok. then i find one where the owner just seems like an all around nice guy. He sits down with me and we actually talk about what i want, what i can afford, and the we start looking at settings. I find a setting i like, and its in white gold, and i want yellow. We settle on a price of the setting, and then he brings out the diamonds.

I have done my research, and especially the great site GOG so i at least knew what was going on. Here is the only thing im not comfortable with...none of his diamonds are certified. He says him and his wife travel to Belgium and buy from a diamond broker and hand pick their own diamonds. He says he WILL send in any diamond i am interested in to be certified for a fee. And, if it does not grade at or above where he has them graded he will lower the price of the diamond to where it should be and i am not committed to that diamond anymore. Him and his wife have both been through GIA. He has showed me a bunch of diamonds under a scope and leting me use his loupe. I feel he is honest in his grading (the only thing i dont know looking at it is cut). He does have "Forever 10" diamonds there that are 10 hearts and 10 arrows cuts and are beautiful. But the specific diamond i am looking at is not one of those.

I am looking at a .6ct G color and SI1-SI2 clarity. There is one inclusion, its a fairly long feather. Is it really wrong to buy a non-certified diamond? Any other tips? He also says that he guarantees that the diamond will appraise at or above what i am paying.

 

[farmer gal]

Could you post your total budget, for setting and diamond. And if you can post a similar setting that you are interested. We might be able to find you something better

 

[taylor6400]

http://www.forever10.com/Rings/bfy010w-8ws.jpg

That is the exact setting i am looking at, but having it done in yellow gold.

Total budget for setting, stone, and band i would like to keep to between $4200-4500.

My last quote when i was in there last time for that setting with band and the stone i mentioned was $4000. I dont feel like that is unfair from what i have looked at so far. $2000 for the diamond, $1500 for the setting (setting is 1/3ct), and $500 for matching band. I really feel like its a fair deal, and the diamond LOOKS good, but like i said...i dont know about what im looking for in the cut.

 

[farmer gal]

I don't think it is a fair deal. You are paying too much for an uncerted stone, if it were me I would do something like this.

Diamond:
http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/diamond_detail.php?id=625087

Setting, you can order it in yellow gold:
http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/engagement-rings/diamond-engagement-ring/Gwen-Diamond-Ring-with-Split-Shank-(.32-ctw..)-122.htm

If you were interested in something like this I would call to get the pricescope discount off the diamond, and ask about the matching wedding band.

 

[taylor6400]

So, what do you do when you buy online as far as cleaning and inspecting. Or warranty work? DO you just send it in?

 

[farmer gal]

You could use a local jeweler for cleaning, inspections, etc. If you have issues you can send it in to the retailer. You could also buy the diamond on line and buy the setting local. What are you open to? I just personally would not buy a un certed stone. Cut is key with diamonds, and for an engagement ring I would not even consider it.