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new to all this, need nutshell advice

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Stonetramp

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 5, 2006
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Hi Everyone,
Have perused the site and checked the FAQs, but unfortunately have very limited time on the internet, and limited time in general.

In short, I''m shopping for an engagememt ring and know nothing. Was referred to a private, owner-operated store in Capitola, PH Diamonds. I found a ring I liked, but wanted to possibly change the shape of the center stone, and to replace four sm round diamonds with same size emeralds. I have a very low budget, around $1,300. This ring had a 1/3 carat round center stone, 2 sm. round diamonds on each side, then tapered baguettes down the band. The center diamond looked really clear and sparkly, but I didn''t ask the grade cause I don''t know what the letters and numbers mean. This ring, with the sm diamonds replaced with middle grade emeralds, as around $1350. They said the diamond alone was worth $1,000, but I was getting a deal because it was a discontinued style. How do I know if that''s true or not?

I haven''t been happy with their sales techniques. I can''t say what kind of quality they''re trying to sell me, but they are a little high pressure, especially as I start to resist the climbing price for what I want as we price options. Also a little shady, two sales people including the owner failed to give me credit for the four sm diamonds being replaced by emeralds in their quote. When I asked them to, they said okay, but never appologized or acknowledged the oversight.

Clearly, I don''t want to go to the big chain stores, I got that from your site.

I really don''t have time to study diamonds. If someone could give me, or direct me to, a really nutshell list of grades and what they mean, what basic questions to ask, and what I should require of the seller, I would really appreciate it. No matter what they are telling you, how can I verify the truth of it?

Lastly, I badly need a recommendation for a reputable dealer in the south SF bay area. I am in Santa Cruz.
Thank you so much.
 
Yes, what Julie said. We would be happy to find you what you''re looking for.
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HI Stonetramp.

I''m in San JOse. In a nutshell this is what I would do (pretty much what JulieN said):

Decide on if you want to go the online route: -- if so -- use the cut search tool here on PS to find a stone. If you find a stone you like, check out that vendors settings. Hopefully you will like something they have and, voila!, you''re all done.

If you want to go B&M (brick and mortar i.e. physical shop) then I have had dealings with Willow Glen Diamonds in Willow Glen and I found them to be not pushy and honest and accommodating. website wgdiamond or wgdiamonds.com I looked there a lot and never bought because the online prices were just too good, but they were very helpful and friendly even when I told them I wasn''t going to buy from them.

Also Joe Escobar has a really good name in Campbell. I looked at some stones there and I thought their prices were pretty good. I personally haven''t bought anything there.

I think you will get the best bang for your buck going online with one of the great vendors here like WF, James Allen, Good Old Gold. Just depends what you''re comfortable with.

Good luck!

a
 
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