Find your diamond
Find your jewelry
shape
carat
color
clarity

New York Diamond Brokers? Asscher cut diamond wanted

Status
Not open for further replies. Please create a new topic or request for this thread to be opened.
T

TeacherLover

Rough_Rock
Joined
Dec 19, 2007
Messages
21
Hello,
I found this site through my research on trying to find a reputable diamond broker in New York. My boyfriend is a high school teacher, so he doesn''t have a huge budget. We are looking for a diamond with the following parameters:

1.7 Carats or greater
Asscher Cut
VS1-VS2
G-H, maybe I depending on the presence of color
less than $9000

I have received several quotes from various diamond brokers in New York, but was hoping to locate one that people have used and can trust. I''ve looked on eBay and instead of buying straight from eBay, I''d like to fly out to NYC and take a look at what''s available. I go to New York once a year to visit friends.

I''m sorry if this question has already, just trying to gather as much information as possible.
Thanks!
 
Thanks your prompt reply! I did look at that site last night, other posters really seem to like it. But when I did the search with my parameters, no diamonds were available.


I''ve received quotes or corresponded with the following jewelers in New York, any opinions would be quite helpful and appreciated.
Global Bargain Hunters
Diamond Market Sales
Facinating Diamonds
Outrageous Auctions
Cut Rate Diamonds
Impact Diamonds
NYC Jewelers
Diamonds by Lauren


If anyone else has any suggestions, that would be great!
 
Date: 12/20/2007 3:46:08 AM
Author:TeacherLover
Hello,
I found this site through my research on trying to find a reputable diamond broker in New York. My boyfriend is a high school teacher, so he doesn''t have a huge budget. We are looking for a diamond with the following parameters:

1.7 Carats or greater
Asscher Cut
VS1-VS2
G-H, maybe I depending on the presence of color
less than $9000

I have received several quotes from various diamond brokers in New York, but was hoping to locate one that people have used and can trust. I''ve looked on eBay and instead of buying straight from eBay, I''d like to fly out to NYC and take a look at what''s available. I go to New York once a year to visit friends.

I''m sorry if this question has already, just trying to gather as much information as possible.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Hi TeacherLover,
Just my two cents, so please ignore if you like. We spent a long time looking for the perfect asscher for us. I think it will be challenging to find a diamond with your parameters and price, and if you so, then you will likely be sacrificing cut quality (or settling for a lower certification than GIA). If the 1.7 carats is a must, I would subordinate the clarity and color to cut. I saw a ton of stones from D to J and really couldn''t tell the difference face up on the ones with excellent cuts. Also, if you''re working with a broker you can definitely find a lower clarity that will be eye clean, so no one will be able to see any flaws.

We ended up with a 1.72 ct F VS2/EX Polish/VG Symmetry/69.9% Depth/62% Table (GIA Cert, James Allen "Ideal Cut"), which is just around what your parameters are, but it was a steal at over 33% more than your range compared to other similar stones.

Hope this is helpful at all.
 
I agree with the previous poster in that for your price range, you will have to sacrifice something if you want to get that size diamond. Maybe lower the colour and the clarity a bit?
 
I have been able to obtain quotes within my price range from the above diamond dealers, most come with EGL or GIA, or will send out the diamond to get certified if I pay the fees.

But, since I don''t know these places personally and haven''t gone out to visit yet, I just wanted to get the opinions of people who may know of these places, or any additional ones.

Here are some examples of what I have received:
1.80 ct H VS2 EGL Cert: $9,600
1.73 H VVS2 EGL $8750.00 or 1.91 I VS1 EGL $8650.00
1.71 G SI1 G.I.A $9812 AND 1.70 G SI1 E.G.L $8674
1.71 ct I SI1 EGL: $8499.99
1.7 ct VS2, H EGL: $8400

I have found great deals from people in California, but since we live in California, we''d be taxed at the CA rate if they ship it to us, thus we are trying to save a little $$ by going with a New York jeweler.

I''m flexible with the grading, it will all depends how it looks, I''m just trying to get as much up front research done as possible before making appointments.

Thanks everyone!
 
Date: 12/20/2007 4:33:01 PM
Author: TeacherLover
I have been able to obtain quotes within my price range from the above diamond dealers, most come with EGL or GIA, or will send out the diamond to get certified if I pay the fees.

But, since I don''t know these places personally and haven''t gone out to visit yet, I just wanted to get the opinions of people who may know of these places, or any additional ones.

Here are some examples of what I have received:
1.80 ct H VS2 EGL Cert: $9,600
1.73 H VVS2 EGL $8750.00 or 1.91 I VS1 EGL $8650.00
1.71 G SI1 G.I.A $9812 AND 1.70 G SI1 E.G.L $8674
1.71 ct I SI1 EGL: $8499.99
1.7 ct VS2, H EGL: $8400

I have found great deals from people in California, but since we live in California, we''d be taxed at the CA rate if they ship it to us, thus we are trying to save a little $$ by going with a New York jeweler.

I''m flexible with the grading, it will all depends how it looks, I''m just trying to get as much up front research done as possible before making appointments.

Thanks everyone!
Click to expand...
Do you have some more information on the cut of these stones?
 
I also recommend Good Old Gold. Do not worry about what is on the website. What you do is call and tell them the preferred color and clarity range and budget. They will locate stones that meet your parameters that are excellent cut. Many people have Jon make them the video and buy long distance. In fact, I bought a round diamond from them without ever going there.
 
HI there,
I don''t have the specific information off hand, but I just wanted to give some examples of what I''ve been quoted. I didn''t think I could find diamonds that were EGL or GIA certified within my price range, but quite a few of come through. I just wanted to see if anyone had dealt with any of these online jewelers. I found them all through eBay, then e-mailed them individually to see if they had what I wanted in stock.

I''m just a bit nervous buying things off the internet without seeing the diamond first, or at least knowing someone has purchased through them previously.

Once I narrow down which ones I''d like to go see, I''ll request specific information on each of the diamonds and hopefully you all will be able to help me chose!
Thanks!
 
I don't have the expertise to comment on this stone, but my favorite part of this is the description of the grading laboratories when you click on "Certificate" in the link provided.
 
Date: 12/20/2007 8:38:01 PM
Author: TeacherLover
Hi there,
I received some more details on one of the diamonds from Cut Rate Diamonds:

1.91 cts, I, VS1, EGL certified
Depth 70.1%, Table 67% , Symmetry: Good, Polish: VeryGood, Culet: N, Girdle: M, Flouresence: N, Measurement: 6.85x6.56x4.60.
Price: $7,922.06

Here''s the link:
http://www.cutratediamonds.com/shopping-cart.cfm?page=stone&lotnum=11470834

Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
a better cut but still not great cut with a gia cert close too those specs is over $11000:
http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD01054789
j/si1 GIA better cut but not great 9851:
http://www.icestore.com/search/diamond_inventory_detail.asp?ID=264

I''m betting its egl-Israel and the stone is really a k si stone at best and badly cut too boot.
 
Date: 12/20/2007 6:59:58 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
I also recommend Good Old Gold. Do not worry about what is on the website. What you do is call and tell them the preferred color and clarity range and budget. They will locate stones that meet your parameters that are excellent cut. Many people have Jon make them the video and buy long distance. In fact, I bought a round diamond from them without ever going there.
Click to expand...
Ditto.
 
Date: 12/21/2007 12:03:28 AM
Author: strmrdr
also here is the stone your talking about 7834 PS price:
http://www.whiteflash.com/asscher/Asscher-cut-diamond-489972.htm
Not that it would likely pass their tests so they would sell it too you.
Click to expand...
What does this mean? Who''s test will this diamond not pass? I thought if something was on Whiteflash, it should be pretty good. I''m new to all this stuff, so any clarification would be great.
Thanks!
 
Date: 12/21/2007
Author: strmrdr
a better cut but still not great cut with a gia cert close too those specs is over $11000:
http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD01054789
j/si1 GIA better cut but not great 9851:
http://www.icestore.com/search/diamond_inventory_detail.asp?ID=264

I''m betting its egl-Israel and the stone is really a k si stone at best and badly cut too boot.
Click to expand...
How is a diamond "badly cut" can you give an example what a well cut Asscher cut diamond would be?

Thanks!
 
I dont want this post to come off wrong...I am new, and not looking to make enemies....

But, I find it amusing when people with modest-like budgets expect to get large diamonds of amazing quality.

I guess I just don''t understand. I am pretty framiliar with diamonds and prices and everytime I hear of someone being super specific about cut, color, carat, and clarity while having a firm price they WILL NOT go over...it makes me laugh. And especially this guy, looking to buy out of state so he won''t have to pay sales tax...

I guess an Asscher is good for him...he certainly likes to cut corners.
 
Date: 12/20/2007 2:38:20 PM
Author: TeacherLover
Thanks your prompt reply! I did look at that site last night, other posters really seem to like it. But when I did the search with my parameters, no diamonds were available.


I've received quotes or corresponded with the following jewelers in New York, any opinions would be quite helpful and appreciated.
Global Bargain Hunters
Diamond Market Sales
Facinating Diamonds
Outrageous Auctions
Cut Rate Diamonds
Impact Diamonds
NYC Jewelers
Diamonds by Lauren


If anyone else has any suggestions, that would be great!
Click to expand...
I'm not an expert and certainly not an asscher expert, but if you're set on going to NYC, then I can tell you that I have had very positive experiences with Diamonds by Lauren, one of the options on your list. I'm a big fan. I visited recently and saw some of their stones in person. I was very impressed. I've bought a few things there and I enjoy working with them. I have actually bought an asscher from them, albeit a very small one, but I was delighted with it. Really pleased.

I've also bought from Whiteflash and been very impressed. Perhaps if you contact them with your requirments they would be able to tell you what's available. I worked with Lesley Harris there and she was brilliant!

Good luck with your search.

Jen
ETA you say you're flying out to NYC -if you're from overseas you might need to factor in import duties to your total cost.
 
Date: 12/28/2007 4:57:05 AM
Author: TeacherLover





Date: 12/21/2007 12:03:28 AM
Author: strmrdr
also here is the stone your talking about 7834 PS price:
http://www.whiteflash.com/asscher/Asscher-cut-diamond-489972.htm
Not that it would likely pass their tests so they would sell it too you.
Click to expand...
What does this mean? Who's test will this diamond not pass? I thought if something was on Whiteflash, it should be pretty good. I'm new to all this stuff, so any clarification would be great.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
TL welcome
35.gif


The diamond above on Whiteflash's website, is probably what is called a ' virtual diamond'. This is one which may appear on many vendor's websites, but it is actually owned by a cutting house etc, not the actual vendor. This works by allowing vendors access to multi million dollars worth of diamonds, without actually having to own the stones. Often we recommend sticking to what are called in house diamonds, these are ones that the vendors actually own as part of their stock. This way they can describe the diamond to you easily, offer cut analysis, photos and sometimes an upgrade policy, if these diamonds match their requirements for upgrade. But they can call in virtual stones on request and if it meets with their approval and testing procedures, recommend it to you. Whiteflash use various methods of testing a diamond for light performance, and have very high standards in order to be able to offer top quality diamonds to their clients. They are experts in their field, so you are always in safe hands with them.

Also with round diamonds, there are pretty much proven proportions which can make finding a great cut and performing diamond easier, with fancy shapes and particularly Asschers, it is a different kettle of fish. It is more difficult to determine cut quality by the numbers of Asschers, this is where aids such as detailed photographs of the diamond, ASET images and other methods are essential, along with an expert eye of someone who knows Asschers to advise you.
 
Although I am a new member I have been lurking around this site for a while and have always been impressed by how helpful and friendly people are. Teacherlurver has been quite clear with the fact that shes a novice, hence the seeking help. Helpful suggestions is what shes after not chastisement. And the cutting corners comment was just plain mean.
 
Thanks, Chel. I did glean a good bit of information from my posting (Many posters posted very helpful answers), but I am quite hesitant at asking any more questions, since I felt a bit uncomfortable after reading a few of the posts. Some of the posts seemed a bit rough to me, and when I asked to clarify, such as "What''s a bad cut" I didn''t really get an answer. It was nice to get a response about one of the diamond sellers I am thinking of (besides WF, GoG and James Allen - it seems like those are the most frequented).

Oh wells, I now pretty much only read and post on another site to help me.

Thanks again for those that tried to help me.
 
Date: 12/20/2007 11:57:03 PM
Author: Dee*Jay
I don''t have the expertise to comment on this stone, but my favorite part of this is the description of the grading laboratories when you click on ''Certificate'' in the link provided.
Click to expand...
DeeJay, that was rather amusing wasn''t it? This is my favorite part of their description of various certs:

"The bottom line is "A diamond lasts forever no matter what certificate"!
 
Hi TL! I''m sorry you had an experience with a meanie! I have also purchased from DBL and i have been beyond happy with their service! I gave them a budget, and they gave me my dream ring. I have the pic in my avatar as well as some pics in the photo section. I''m a stickler for clarity but for color, eh, warm doesn''t bother me much. My "asscher" is a non-traditional cut, some might say "bad". to be honest though, i don''t really like the huge windows and i prefer the proportions of my stone. mine is a GIA L VS1 and i love it!
 
Date: 1/8/2008 8:17:03 PM
Author: TeacherLover
Thanks, Chel. I did glean a good bit of information from my posting (Many posters posted very helpful answers), but I am quite hesitant at asking any more questions, since I felt a bit uncomfortable after reading a few of the posts. Some of the posts seemed a bit rough to me, and when I asked to clarify, such as ''What''s a bad cut'' I didn''t really get an answer. It was nice to get a response about one of the diamond sellers I am thinking of (besides WF, GoG and James Allen - it seems like those are the most frequented).


Oh wells, I now pretty much only read and post on another site to help me.


Thanks again for those that tried to help me.
Click to expand...

Don''t feel hesitant to ask more questions. I''m no diamond expert but the way that I see it is that you are better getting a well-cut smaller diamond or one with lower clarity or colour than a bigger poorer-cut diamond. If it''s well cut, it will perform more, the lower colour will not show up as much and you will have a nicer diamond. People are recommending you to go to GOG as they are excellent for the stone that you are wanting. There is a reason that you cannot get a stone in your desired parameters and budget at GOG but you can elsewhere-it means that the diamonds aren''t of the same quality.
 
Thanks for your comment, I truly appreciate it. I have compromised in some areas, but fortunately, I have been able to locate 8 diamonds that fall within my parameters (from references and other boards). I''m now just trying to do research on the companies to see which ones people have used. I am going to New York for Fashion Week next month and will personally see 4 of them. For the ones that were EGL, I have automatically assumed they are 1 to 2 grades less, and the others are GIA. I''m not one to recommend buying sight unseen to my boyfriend, so hopefully I like the ones I see in New York. And if I don''t, the non NYC ones, I''ll have to be more diligent in asking questions.

Honestly, the #''s are just the #''s for me, I was hoping to get as much info as I could before I went to physically see them. As long as I like how they look and I think they are beautiful, that''s what I''m going to go with. It''s like I would ever say to anyone, "Hey look, my ring is an VS2, G!"

So, not sure how many more questions I will ask, but I do enjoy reading all the posts!

Thanks again!
 
No prob. I did the same with my diamond.I picked what I thought was the sparkliest one that I saw and I think that it one of the best ways of picking them. I''ve never checked my ring against anything as to me it''s perfect
3.gif
Best of luck picking one!
 
Date: 12/20/2007 4:33:01 PM
Author: TeacherLover
I have been able to obtain quotes within my price range from the above diamond dealers, most come with EGL or GIA, or will send out the diamond to get certified if I pay the fees.

But, since I don''t know these places personally and haven''t gone out to visit yet, I just wanted to get the opinions of people who may know of these places, or any additional ones.

Here are some examples of what I have received:
1.80 ct H VS2 EGL Cert: $9,600
1.73 H VVS2 EGL $8750.00 or 1.91 I VS1 EGL $8650.00
1.71 G SI1 G.I.A $9812 AND 1.70 G SI1 E.G.L $8674
1.71 ct I SI1 EGL: $8499.99
1.7 ct VS2, H EGL: $8400

I have found great deals from people in California, but since we live in California, we''d be taxed at the CA rate if they ship it to us, thus we are trying to save a little $$ by going with a New York jeweler.

I''m flexible with the grading, it will all depends how it looks, I''m just trying to get as much up front research done as possible before making appointments.

Thanks everyone!
Click to expand...
This may be a "crazy" idea, but could you order the diamond and have it shipped to a good friend or relative out of state? Would that allow you to avoid the sales tax?

I originally wanted an asscher. I think they are beautiful and unique (I''ve never seen anyone with one), but once I learned how difficult they are to find and also the great variety in cut, I changed my mind. Primarily, because I want my ring to be somewhat of a surprise.....granted my boyfriend knows basically what I want. I decided to make things a little easier on him and opt for an emerald.......plus I''m mesmerized by the ones I''ve seen.

Good luck and congrats on the upcoming engagement!
 
Date: 1/8/2008 8:17:03 PM
Author: TeacherLover
Thanks, Chel. I did glean a good bit of information from my posting (Many posters posted very helpful answers), but I am quite hesitant at asking any more questions, since I felt a bit uncomfortable after reading a few of the posts. Some of the posts seemed a bit rough to me, and when I asked to clarify, such as ''What''s a bad cut'' I didn''t really get an answer. It was nice to get a response about one of the diamond sellers I am thinking of (besides WF, GoG and James Allen - it seems like those are the most frequented).

Oh wells, I now pretty much only read and post on another site to help me.

Thanks again for those that tried to help me.
Click to expand...
sorry for not getting back too this thread.
This is a very busy time of year for me and my net time has been limited.
Between a sinus infection then a nasty cold, New Years, consulting and job hunting I haven''t had time too dig around beyond the first page and some days not even the first page.

There are a bunch of asscher threads in the frequently ask question section on asscher cut that will answer most of your questions.
 
Date: 12/28/2007 4:57:05 AM
Author: TeacherLover

Date: 12/21/2007 12:03:28 AM
Author: strmrdr
also here is the stone your talking about 7834 PS price:
http://www.whiteflash.com/asscher/Asscher-cut-diamond-489972.htm
Not that it would likely pass their tests so they would sell it too you.
Click to expand...
What does this mean? Who''s test will this diamond not pass? I thought if something was on Whiteflash, it should be pretty good. I''m new to all this stuff, so any clarification would be great.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
It is a virtual stone owned by a wholesaler or the cutter.
Wf would call the stone in and if it passed their tests and was worthy of them putting their name on it then it would be offered too you at that price.
I think its highly unlikely it would pass those tests.
 
Hi, Teacherlover,

Sorry you've gotten some negative responses on here--I know how overwhelming it can be to want a great diamond, but not know a ton about it.

I got my e-ring before I found pricescope, so I went through a very lengthy process of finding the color, clarity, depth %, table % etc. by seeing a whole lotta stones in person.

I would highly recommend seeing some stones in CA before you go to NY, that way you can find your own personal sweet spot for depth, color, size of windmills you like,3 vs. 5 steps on the crown, whatever is important to you.

I found that I was pretty color sensitve. I do like a little warmth in vintage settings, but it's just a personal thing with everybody. Step cuts show more color than non-step-cuts, so if you see a few H-colored asschers in CA, that might give you a better idea of whether or not that's what you want. I had a couple of Hs shipped in as well as a J and when I was looking--I also had a couple of Es shipped in. Long story short, I got an F color.

Clarity is really important as well. I noticed that many round brilliants were SI1s, so I had a couple of SI1s shipped in and I could see the inclusions in all of them. Step cuts allow you to see deep into the diamond, which I love visually, but unfortunately that means inclusions are more noticable. You might find that sticking to the VVS in EGL or VS in GIA is your best bet. I'm sure that eye-clean SI1 asschers exist, but I think that the process of finding one would be difficult.

As for cut, when you find a well cut stone, it will blow the others away. This is why I like the videos from GOG--you can really see how the different stones perform under different sources of light.

Unfotunately I think that to get a 1.7 well-cut, H-I color, eye clean asscher, you'd need to spend more than $9,000. Deals do pop up from time to time--Brown Eyed Country Girl recently got a 1.8 carat J, VS2, beautiful asscher from Leon Mege for under $8k (VG symmetry, EX polish) and I have a 1.5 carat F, VS2 ex/ex Lazare Kaplan that I got for under $7K (for stones only--also both are GIA graded). It takes a lot of patience and education so that you know you're getting a great stone.

Good luck with the search and HAVE FUN!
 
Status
Not open for further replies. Please create a new topic or request for this thread to be opened.
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP
Jewelry Blog
PriceScope-Concierge-Ad
Find prime cuts.
Top