newbie advice please

[ender137]

Hello all,

This is my first post on PS. I actually only discovered this site two or three days ago, and since then, I have been reading endlessly. It''s unhealthy.

Anyway, it''s getting close to the time when I need to start proposing, so I figured that I would look at some e-rings to get an idea of what is out there. To be honest, I''m a little overwhelmed.

Because I''m a poor graduate student, my budget is something like 1k-3k (depending on how much my parents help out ). Since I''m tight on a budget, I would like to get the biggest bang for my buck as possible. I''m guessing the consensus around here is that WF is the way to go. However, being a little antsy about not seeing something before I buy it as well as not knowing what is out there, I am wondering what I should be looking for when I go into a store. So far, I''ve been letting the salesperson lead me (and my girlfriend) around the cases and pull things out. (FYI: My girlfriend has less an idea of what''s going on than me.)

I''m guessing that something from WF that is ACA and around .5 carats, round, with an H and VS1 would run something like 1700. If I were to find something that is the equivalent of that kind of stone in the store so that I can get an idea of it would look like if I were to order it, how would I do that?

Also, when I look online, it seems like there are lots of options available in terms of rings and prongs and such. Whenever, I''m in the store, I only see the six-prong and four-prong. Is it customary that stores usually just carry these? Would it be a good idea to order the ring itself from WF too, or would buying the diamond and buying a ring elsewhere be a better deal?

Thanks in advance for any tidbits you send my way.

I just hope that I don''t get upgraditis like I did at headfi.

 

[Lorelei]

Hi ender and welcome!

Just wanted to ask before we really get down to business to try to help you, whereabouts are you located if you don't mind me asking? Some of the trusted online vendors can see clients by appointment or also have a brick and mortar store, so although it is a long shot that one of the vendors might be in your area, I thought it was worth asking! WF are an excellent vendor but we also have others who also have a fabulous and well earned reputation.

Don't feel overwhelmed, we are at your service and we can still help you even if you prefer to buy from a store!

 

[ender137]

Hi!

Wow, that was fast.

Anyway, I am in Central Jersey right now, in the New Brunswick area. I actually went out last night to see what a HoF looked like, but alas, the store was closed on vacation.

I don''t mind ordering online. It''s just that I would like to have an idea of what the general shape/quality of the ring and diamond would be when I''m ordering it.

Thanks so much!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/9/2009 12:45:34 PM
Author: ender137
Hi!

Wow, that was fast.

Anyway, I am in Central Jersey right now, in the New Brunswick area. I actually went out last night to see what a HoF looked like, but alas, the store was closed on vacation.

I don't mind ordering online. It's just that I would like to have an idea of what the general shape/quality of the ring and diamond would be when I'm ordering it.

Thanks so much!

Hehehe! I am known to be a bit speedy!

Would you be willing to take a jaunt to LI? If so Jon at www.goodoldgold.com is there, he is a wonderful guy who does both online sales and has a store, you can make an appointment and he will have lots of gorgeous diamonds to show you.

Also in NYC is www.exceldiamonds.com you could contact Judah and make an appointment if that is more convenient for you.

Also I believe www.jamesallen.com are based in MD but have offices in NYC - again an appointment would be needed.

Good idea with looking at some HoF in person to get an idea, also if there is a Jareds in the area you could look at their AGS0 Peerless brand.

 

[ender137]

Wow, thanks. I will definitely check into those options.

It might be a little hard to get out to LI, but since I''ll be looking around and such, is there a method by which to look at these diamonds? Do I just hold it up to the light and try to look through it?

Also, there is a Bailey Banks & Biddle that is closing down near me, so the rings are near 70% off. When I went in there, they told me that they keep all the diamonds not in the display, so what I see on the ring are not diamonds.

In any case, out of my limited experience with trying to buy a ring, I''m a little confused, so I had some questions.
(1) Does this mean that I have to announce an amount that I want to spend if I want to see them?
(2) Do jewelry stores allow you to just buy the diamond without the ring? Every place I went shows both the diamond and the ring together already.
(3) The jewelry stores at the mall keep talking about some diamond exposition or something, where people come with loose diamonds and show them off. Are events like these a good place to buy diamonds?

Thanks again!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/9/2009 4:21:30 PM
Author: ender137
Wow, thanks. I will definitely check into those options.

It might be a little hard to get out to LI, but since I'll be looking around and such, is there a method by which to look at these diamonds? Do I just hold it up to the light and try to look through it?

Ok here is where I might get a little wordy!

The best way to do this in my opinion is first find out what a well cut diamond actually looks like. The trouble is if you haven't seen many diamonds, they can all look reasonably pretty under the store lights, the trick is finding a well cut stone which doesn't go dead the minute you get it into normal lighting. So I would definitely suggest looking at the Peerless or HoF as above to see some well cut diamonds in action. Some diamonds can be cut that they will show more in the way of brilliance or white light, some a good balance of brilliance and fire, others more fire than brilliance, so compare as many as you can to see what you like best. If you aren't sure then a balanced diamond of what we call Near Tolkowsky proportions might be the best choice.

Once you have done this and have a better idea, you can look at some in person to get some real contenders. It is best if you can compare the diamonds you are seriously interested in away from the store lights or at least under a desk or table, what you are looking for is a diamond which does not go dead once it is away from bright lighting. If you can view it outside what you are looking for is a lively stone which shows a good amount of fire, brilliance and scintillation with no dull patches or areas. You want a diamond which is pleasing to your eyes, one you find joy in looking at. It is really hard to describe how to do this in one post, so also use the search tool here and read read read, also if you go to www.goodoldgold.com Jon has a marvellous array of videos you can watch which show many aspects of diamond beauty, performance and comparisons.

Also for $25 you could buy an Idealscope. This little tool is a great invention, bascially what it does is show you any leakage in a diamond, they are easy to use and to interpret what you are seeing. For a bit more money you could buy an ASET which not only shows leakage but decodes the light from the diamond so you can see the quality of the light return.

http://www.ideal-scope.com/cart_zoom_item.asp?Id=2&ShowAdd=Y

This page explains how ASET and Idealscope work.

http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=education-performance

Many of the online vendors have ASET and Idealscope images available however if you decide you prefer to shop in person, not many stores have the images or the scopes, so if you purchased the beginner scope it would be of immense value.

But really I would say don't rush this particularly if you prefer to buy in person, look in the places I suggested and get comfortable with the process. Compare as many diamonds you can in person that you know are well cut, take your time and read up here and if you have any specific questions just ask.

Also as to the ' physical' exam of the stone, some stores have a loupe you can look through, X 10 power is sufficient. That way with a little practise you can look at any visible inclusions and give the diamond a good inspection.


Also, there is a Bailey Banks & Biddle that is closing down near me, so the rings are near 70% off. When I went in there, they told me that they keep all the diamonds not in the display, so what I see on the ring are not diamonds.

In any case, out of my limited experience with trying to buy a ring, I'm a little confused, so I had some questions.
(1) Does this mean that I have to announce an amount that I want to spend if I want to see them? Not necessarily, just tell them what you are looking for with size, colour and clarity ranges if you are more comfortable that way, although with the vendors I listed above there would be no problem telling them your budget.
(2) Do jewelry stores allow you to just buy the diamond without the ring? Every place I went shows both the diamond and the ring together already. Yes, the problem is that if you have it set by a store which didn't sell the diamond and the diamond got damaged ( rare but not unheard of) then the store won't normally take responsibility.
(3) The jewelry stores at the mall keep talking about some diamond exposition or something, where people come with loose diamonds and show them off. Are events like these a good place to buy diamonds? Only if you know what you are doing, I wouldn't recommend a rookie tried to purchase at one of these places unless they were dealing with a concessionaire whom were known to be reputable.

Thanks again!

 

[swingirl]

Maybe something like this?

0.7ct H SI2 GOG

When you buy a stone separately you get to decide how much you want to spend on the stone and how much on the setting. When B&M shops sell the stone already set you have no idea of the breakdown. And flaws can be hidden under a prong.

Many young people with limited funds spend their money on a nice stone and simple setting which can be upgraded down the road for an anniversary or birthday or just cuz.

And if you are only a couple hours away from GOG you ought to take the trip. They are great at spending the time and educating you and have beautiful stones to compare!!