newbie needs blessing from pc''ers

[lilya]

Hi wonderful pricescopers!

Last year August I stumbled upon this website when my bf wanted to buy me an engagement ring. As he wants to get me something I really love and he has very little time to do the searching we agreed that I would do that. I have been reading up intently and discovered a wealth of information! But I need your help very badly as it gets so confusing at times.
First I have to tell you that my bf absolutely does not want to buy from online vendors (for his own reasons). We live in London (UK). We have been to some high end retailers on Sloane Street and Bond Street.

I would love to find a chunky cushion, 1.5-2 ct, D-F, and up to VS2 with good light performance. That''s not too much asked for now, is it

So last year after seeing a couple of jewellers I was disappointed and stopped looking. They either have no cushions or if they do only one so it''s difficult to compare. With my untrained eyes it was quite difficult to appreciate the stones. And the shop assistants did not always know what I was talking about. Two jewellers did call in another cushion on my request but even I could see they were not nice stones, with very big tables and quite flat. I thought as high end retailers they would have quality stones without the need for customers to sift through the numbers.

Anyway, with renewed hope I have decided to start looking again. Hopefully with your help and some luck I will find my dream ring!

So what do you think about this stone I have seen last weekend:

GIA April 05, 2004
cushion brilliant, VS1, F
7.00 x 6.63 x 4.40 mm
1.54 ct
depth: 66.4%
table: 58%
girdle: medium to very thick, faceted
culet: none
polish: good
symm: good
fl: none

Is it normal to have a stone in stock with such an old certificate date (april 2004)?

The plot is a 4 main with the following symbols: crystal, feather, needle, indented natural, natural and extra facet. What are indented naturals and why extra facets?

What are your thougts please? I wish I had one of you lovely pricescopers with me here and do the diamond shopping together, that would be so fun!

Many thanks!

ps Forgive me for my English as it''s not my mother tongue

 

[DiamondFlame]

Unlike round brilliants, you can't estimate a cushion's performance based on numbers. You NEED to see the stone under as many lighting conditions as possible. Failing which you would need at least an ASET image to rule out bad ones.

You mentioned in your post that you saw this GIA certified stone? Did you really see the stone in real life? Or just a picture of it?
Many of us have bought diamonds from reputable online vendors successfully. What seems to be your BF's reservations concerning online purchase?
If high end jewelers can't help you or don't have stones that meet your expectations, perhaps it's time to consider other viable alternatives?
Have you seen some of the incredible chunky cushions available online?

Example:-
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5824/

 

[lilya]

Thank you so much Dmitri for your kind reply!

Yes I did see the ring in real life. But only under the lights of the store. I have to say the stone didn''t really sparkle and I just can''t believe such a high end retailer would carry a ''dead'' stone at all. So I thought it must be me or something? Do you think I can ask them for an ASET image?

Yes I always love reading posts about a challenging search for the dream ring coming to a happy end! Buying from online vendors or otherwise, well done you!

As for my bf, I think it''s mainly peace of mind issue. And as we live in the UK we can''t call in the gorgeous stone you posted from GOG for example to have a look at as easily.

I don''t want to go against my bf''s wish not to make a diamond purchase online but I will mention the idea and see what he thinks.

Lilya

 

[Ellen]

Date: 5/28/2009 6:55:01 PM
Author: lilya
Thank you so much Dmitri for your kind reply!

Yes I did see the ring in real life. But only under the lights of the store. I have to say the stone didn''t really sparkle and I just can''t believe such a high end retailer would carry a ''dead'' stone at all. So I thought it must be me or something? Do you think I can ask them for an ASET image?

Yes I always love reading posts about a challenging search for the dream ring coming to a happy end! Buying from online vendors or otherwise, well done you!

As for my bf, I think it''s mainly peace of mind issue. And as we live in the UK we can''t call in the gorgeous stone you posted from GOG for example to have a look at as easily.

I don''t want to go against my bf''s wish not to make a diamond purchase online but I will mention the idea and see what he thinks.

Lilya

No need. If you can see it''s dead, it''s dead.

What I''m wondering is, how can we get your guy to appreciate buying from here, and to feel comfortable? Do you think there is any way?? What if you get him on here to read all the testamionials? Just let him get his feet wet...

I feel so bad for you, as you are trying your hardest, but it sounds like less than ideal circumstances!

 

[stone-cold11]

Maybe get yourself a ASET scope and learn how to use it?

 

[Ryon]

Sounds like you need to talk him into GOG

They are nice people and have a store in New York (not just an online vendor)

Maybe you can smooth talk him into it..

They even had something up recently about that specific cut (video I think)

 

[Ryon]

ALSO!! before I forget.. they have a killer return policy..

there is his peace of mind haha

 

[lilya]

Oooh Ellen thank you! I do feel like I''m doing my best but not getting very far..

So smooth talking is the strategie it seems lol! I will practice tomorrow during the day and then drop my carefully selected lines on him during our weekly date tomorrow evening

Getting the ASET scope sounds like a good idea, I will definitely read up about it tomorrow. Thanks Stone-cold11
It''s 01h27 am here so nite nite!

Lilya

 

[rickster123]

Bless you my child....did that help?

Good Luck on your endeavor