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Goldenrain

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 20, 2006
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33
Hi all,

I''ve viewed/trolled this forum for a tiny while and it indeed has been a great source of information for me. I think I''ve joined the minority (most likely, just a guess) since I''m a guy. Thus, I''m sure while I know a bit, there''s much more I can learn! Thanks to the countless that has helped educate me!

Oh, one more thing: There''s actually another member in this forum that knows me, CoutureFemme. So.. Hi! :)

Now down to the serious stuff:

1. I''m in the market for an ering RBCD, 1.51-1.99 (yes deliberately selected in this ct range), F, VS1. I know all about Rap prices, and dealer prices, but I want to hear from YOU gals/guys what you think an ideal cut [with EX (GIA) polish/symmetry] diamond with these specs should cost in SF.

I guess more specifically, I''ve tried a jeweler in the GiftCenter (MCM Supply) in San Francisco (I''m also in touch with Davtian in the same location), but for some odd reason they (MCM) are having a difficult time locating a diamond with the specs I want (which isn''t even THAT high). Supposedly they are a wholesaler too.

Is is really that hard to find something in that range (I prefer something around 1.75ct)? I know its popular, but still.

2. I''m not necessarily looking for the BEST price, but rather a great price from someone who''s reputable in San Francisco. Any suggestions?

I guess even MORE important is the following: In terms of user experiences, can anyone who has bought an ering in SF tell me of who they would recommend?

I plan to propose to my gf as soon as I get the ring... I guess what I find funny is that I''ve been searching for a while now with no results. Maybe I''m going about it all wrong...
 
Welcome to PS
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Sorry I can't help with a jeweller in SF, but have you considered an online purchase? Many of us have and are delighted with the results. That is a popular size you want and it may take a little time to find the right diamond. Also have you considered broadening your colour and clarity specs? Many SI1 and even SI2 diamonds can be eyeclean and a G or H can face up very white, this could enlarge your options....
 
I''m starting to consider it now. I guess I have the mentality of wanting to see the item up front before I buy. I guess also I feel the negotiations might turn out to be better in person.

In terms of pricing, this is what I''ve found:

The dealer price is $14,700+ for a RBCD 1.72ct, F, VS1, ideal cut. Of course EX/EX polish/symmetry is going to bump that up a bit, but given this knowledge, I know that the starting point for negotiations is 10-15% above that, and if I make away with 30% above that, then I would do quite well.

The Rap sheet price for this is $19,264 ($11,200/ct) but that''s high retail. I might considering paying this price for EX/EX polish/symmetry, but still, that''s a stretch.
 
Check the search engine for pricing:

https://www.pricescope.com/sift.aspx

I did a quick search and it looks like ~$15-$17k for a 1.5-ct and over $20k for a 1.7-ct (all other things being pretty much equal)
 
I''ve emailed Niceice to see what they can find! *fingers crossed*
 
Date: 4/20/2006 3:46:06 PM
Author: Goldenrain
I''ve emailed Niceice to see what they can find! *fingers crossed*
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Good luck and welcome to PS
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Date: 4/20/2006 3:48:27 PM
Author: kaleigh
Date: 4/20/2006 3:46:06 PM

Author: Goldenrain

I''ve emailed Niceice to see what they can find! *fingers crossed*
Click to expand...
Good luck and welcome to PS
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Click to expand...

ditto
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Hi Goldenrain ~ Welcome to PS!
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Have you tried SuperbCert? They have a few of their branded SuperbCert ideal rounds in the 1.5 to 2.0 range right now - at least on their website (don't know exactly how current they keep it).

1.72 G VS2 $17,950 http://www.exceldiamonds.com/diamond/1775.html
1.79 H VS1 $16,700 http://www.exceldiamonds.com/diamond/2215.html
1.69 G SI1 $14,575 http://www.exceldiamonds.com/diamond/1885.html

I know these aren't the exact specs you're looking for, but just thought I'd let you know that they're there in case you hadn't seen them yet! I've heard the SC diamonds are beautiful.

Good luck in your search! Keep us updated on what you find!

ETA: there's also a 1.81 I VS2, but I didn't link it 'cuz the others I linked were already lower in color and/or clarity than what you wanted. But the 1.81 is $14,450. Just an FYI
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Thanks everyone for the kind words of welcome! :)

This process is quite exciting but so nervewracking because it seems tough to find a diamond with the specs I want! Of course, I know it shouldn''t just be about specs, but rather how it actually looks! :)
 
Oops Julie - didn''t even think of that. If that''s the case Goldenrain, please disregard my previous links!
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Goldenrain. I live in SF, and I trolled around local B&Ms looking for my upgrade stone and found that the best prices, by far, can be found with online dealers such as those often recommended here on PS (Whiteflash, GOG, James Allen, etc.). I spent a lot of time at the JewelryMart and GiftCenter and although you can find finely cut stones there, you won''t get the competitive pricing that you''ll find with PS vendors. If you''re considering going with an online dealer, I would recommend that you start a dialogue with 2-3 vendors and let them know of your needs and budget. Allow them to search their inventories (and communicate with their wholesalers) and then present you with some options and pricing. Then, select one vendor that you like the most, and then talk further about your stone options. When you feel ready to buy, select two final stones and then have the vendor ship them to an independent appraiser in the Bay Area. (I''d recommend Nancy Stacy in Walnut Creek, she is the best and a true veteran of the field) You will need to pay the shipping cost for those stones. (couple hundred dollars, I think) Then, meet with your appraiser and look at the stones, decide which one speaks to you and then let your vendor know your final choice. You can have that vendor set your stone (if they carry a ring that you like), or you can have the vendor ship the stone to whichever vendor carries the mounting you like.

This is just one way of going about it. Many people on PS "go by the numbers" and buy stones from online vendors sight unseen, but I personally wanted to look at the stone in person before making the commitment. The above process worked great for me and I am VERY happy with my stone (and what I paid for it!). Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!
 
Did you try Derco in the SF giftcenter? They''re really great. I haven''t bought a stone from them though I have friends who did. I got my husband''s ring there.
 
Welcome Goldenrain
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Keep in mind that an online purchase does not have to be done sight unseen. Many vendors will send a diamond that you are interested in to an independent appraiser in your area so you can see the diamond in person and then decide if you want to buy it or not. Usually you must only pay for shipping if you don't decide to buy the diamond, though this varies with each vendor.
 
A lukewarm vote for Derco here.
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I bought my custom eternity wedding band from them and several of my friends have bought their e-rings there. (I was just there on Monday with a girlfriend who''s looking for a setting) Derco does good custom design, however, their diamond prices are hiked up fairly high (though still a tad bit cheaper than "regular" retail B&Ms). They do have wonderful service though. If you go there, ask for Lorraine.
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Thanks for all the replies!

JulieN: RBCD is round brilliant cut diamond. I guess I should''ve clarified :)

KristyDarling/FireGoddess: Yes, I am starting to find that out as well, even compared to those vendors IN the GiftCenter Jewelry Mart. Put it this way, I got a quote for a 1.60ct, F, VS1, VG/VG polish/symmetry, and some clouding which was not shown on the certificate (GIA). The quote was at the Rap price of $17,920. This is definitely overpriced given that I submitted the report and as much as I knew to an Internet vendor (who also has a B&M store), and he first said that most likely he wouldn''t even sell a diamond like that and although if he did, he would sell it for $16,200. That''s a 10% difference!

This same Internet vendor mentioned above is actually very well respected and he has been more than helpful. He does have a 1.753 ct, G, VS1, priced at $22,530 or so and it IS AGS Ideal 0. All the proportions are ideal as well.

On BlueNile, I found a 1.791 ct, F, VS1, also AGS Ideal 0, but one thing that did bug me about it was that the total depth was 62.3% (In your honest opinion, is this okay, despite not being 61.8% or lower (down to 58 or 59% at the minimum)? This one''s priced at $23,000.

By the way, will BlueNile ship to an appraiser before I buy?

Also, I know that I''ll most likely want like a setting different than what the Internet vendors can offer. (This will be a separate topic in itself, which I''m sure you guys are going to be very helpful with too! :P)
 
Btw, that 1.791 stone rated 1.3 HCA... Pretty good, right?

(Excellent in all categories on HCA, except Spread is VG)
 
No, I don''t think BN ships to appraisers before you buy. They can be a little unhelpful, IMO. I couldn''t get pics, a sarin, or a ship to an appraiser
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The lady just kept saying I have 30 days to return, if I don''t like the diamond.
 
Excuse me for my ignorance, but how do you know if the diamond is Canadian or Russian or whatever.
I take it that if the diamond is Canadian, it is mined in Canada? Is that indicated on the certification?

Good luck with your search.
 
I actually don''t know if its Canadian or Russian.. I do know that the 1.753 one that I mentioned earlier is Canadian though.
 
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