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Newbie considering buying online

adrift02

adrift02

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 18, 2011
Messages
40
Hey All,

Found this forum awhile ago, and after browsing the various B&Ms I'm seriously considering buying a great diamond online.

I just recently finished college so my budget is very limited -- I'm hoping to spend <$5,000 on the stone. I have always valued quality over quantity, so rather than buying a ~1crt stone (at lower quality) I'm looking for the best diamond I can afford at ~0.75crt (which seems to fall in my price range). Keep in mind she has very small hands (her ring size is a 4) :tongue:

She wants a round diamond. She is open to a solitaire setting, but I honestly like the settings with two smaller side stones and maybe more very small ones along the band. Basically, I feel like getting a center diamond of less than a carat needs some extra bling around it.

The stones I was shown at the B&M's in the same "range" just weren't up the the quality I am seeing at these online outlets. While I am hesitant of buying without seeing, I would feel better about it with some opinions to guide me along.

Target: Cut: Ideal (H&A), Color: D-F(G maybe), Clarity: VS1-VS2 (the SI occlusions I've seen just bug me :roll: )

So, as a starting point, here is one I'm looking at: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2618036.htm

I feel pretty overwhelmed by all of the information here, so I wanted to start with what seems like a good pick to me and see what I may be missing. The only issue I see with the diamond above is the ideal scope seems a little light (pink) with white spots, which may be indicative of its (lack of) brilliancy? Haha, I may be way off here, but that's why I decided to start posting and chatting with you guys.

Thanks in advance, sorry to begin with a somewhat general post.
 
Looks good.
 
Hi,

If you're going to add any additional stones, I'd go for super tiny melee around the band rather than a three-stone style. IMO, for a diamond around the size you're looking, a single stone pops more when it's on its own vs. trying to compete with two side stones.
 
I agree with MC. When it comes to an ACA, I would get a setting that allows it to really "pop." With her small fingers, I think something like WF's Legato sleek line pave would look amazing.
 
yes, do remember that you get discount for going through pricescope to place like whiteflash, jamesallen etc which can combine with the discount if you want to wire the money~ :bigsmile:
 
Thanks for the advice! I had thought the center stone size needed something extra around it and I see your point, the side stones wouldn't help. I'll check out the recommendations and post back here.
 
I just don't know if the increase in size (0.038) from going from the ACA to the expert selection is worth the HCA difference (1.5 to 2.6). I really want the stone to have an awesome vibrancy and part of the reason I'm shooting for such high quality in cut is to increase the odds of picking a great stone without seeing it first.

Just for some other opinions, would you guys make the trade up in size in this case (talking about the two diamonds linked btw)?

Thanks!
 
I would not make the trade up in size in this case
 
Yes, I would definitely consider it (as long as it's eye clean). It's one of the better ones I've seen (based on the reports anyways). The main reason I am shying away from the SI1s is the whole buying online thing. I really don't want to deal with the return/repurchase thing. However, I will admit that the stone you linked looks very good and has a better HCA than the other "expert selection that was linked.

Definitely something to think about. If I can find a stone at a equal cut and "fire", I would gladly trade a small inclusion such as that for the larger size...

It's never easy, haha. Especially not being able to look at them in person :(sad
 
In my experience WF/JA/GOG/BGD give pretty honest opinions so I wouldn't hesitate to ask them to compare stones. Just be specific about your definition of eye-clean (viewing distance/angle).
 
Hey All,

Unfortunately, the ACA diamond I was looking at got snatched up ;(

So, I talked to Victoria at WF about the 0.822 diamond (https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2587974.htm).

My question is, while she confirmed it was eye clean at 6 inches, what does this actually mean to me? Is that just the standard quoted range or does that mean I could see the inclusion at 3 inches? The AGS chart shows a long feather on the left which is what I'm concerned about...

Otherwise, it seems like a decent diamond. Decent price for the size and the HCA is 1.8.

Thoughts?
 
I doubt you would be able to focus at 3 inches :) I certainly cannot. It looks really nice, I would put it on hold if interested. If you are really concerned about inclusions maybe go to lower color VS2? or get it shipped to you before being set?
 
Yea, I guess that's right, 6 inches is as close as I will likely be getting...

I was considering getting the Legato Sleek Line Pave setting (thanks brandithib) as it looks similar (better) to what I was considering at a B&M. Also, Victoria was suggesting a discount for ordering the setting with it (I don't know how much yet). So, I was thinking about ordering it already set.

Would it be a bad idea ordering it already set? Would it affect the appraisal because he/she couldn't see the diamond separate? I was just thinking that I might as well see the diamond in its setting for the first time because that's where it will be anyways...but I could see potential issues if I can't get a proper appraisal...
 
it depends on what you want out of the appraisal. if you just want to verify that the diamond is the one on the AGS report you are fine. if you want an independent appraiser's opinion of color/clarity then it should be done unmounted. since you are buying a stone graded from a reputable lab from a reputable vendor, I think you are fine purchasing it already mounted.
 
adrift02|1303339193|2901272 said:
Yea, I guess that's right, 6 inches is as close as I will likely be getting...

I was considering getting the Legato Sleek Line Pave setting (thanks brandithib) as it looks similar (better) to what I was considering at a B&M. Also, Victoria was suggesting a discount for ordering the setting with it (I don't know how much yet). So, I was thinking about ordering it already set.

Would it be a bad idea ordering it already set? Would it affect the appraisal because he/she couldn't see the diamond separate? I was just thinking that I might as well see the diamond in its setting for the first time because that's where it will be anyways...but I could see potential issues if I can't get a proper appraisal...
Click to expand...
WF is very honest in their assessment of "eye clean". I wouldn't worry about getting an ACA appraised before putting it in a WF setting. All their ACAs are beauties. If you were buying a 2 or 3 ct stone I'd say get it independently appraised because the cost of the appraisal compared to the cost of the stone is minimal.

But I would feel very safe buying an ACA and having it set before I saw it. And it'll be stunning in the Legato setting. Classic and really lets the stone speak for itself.
 
Thanks for the help all.

I spoke with Victoria again and I think I am pretty close to pulling the trigger. It's eye clean at 6 inches from all angles and she says it's very beautiful, close to the ACA diamond in performance (who knows...the HCA is 1.8 though). Also, she mentioned that they might be able to prong the feather (depending on whether the inscription can still be seen on the diamond).

I will be saving a couple hundred ordering it set...and I don't see a significant issue based on what you guys have said regarding appraising it (basically just for verification)...

She said that insurance wise it probably won't make a difference appraising it because it's AGS certified...but I should still be getting it appraised regardless, yes?

Anything else I am missing here? So stressful buying online, haha!
 
you should check with your insurance whether or not you need an appraisal. some insurance companies will accept a 'letter of verification' which WF may be able to provide.
 
Payment has been submitted! Thanks everyone who commented for your help, it's much appreciated. I'll be sure to post pics when I get it, super excited :appl:
 
oh it looks beautiful!!
 
beautiful ring! Congrats!
 
Looks great, congrats!
 
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