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Not sure what to do regarding an OEC purchase

Kim,

I don't think you can make a decision until you see it, and I think that once you see it, you will probably know whether it's "you" or not. A day of your time and whatever it costs for gas and a meal or two are small investments for this big purchase.

While you are there, you can take photos and post them here, get advice real-time, etc.

liz
 
Lotus99 and LibbyLA, you're right, I do need to go see it. I was hoping not to have to make the drive if I'd already decided it was too big. I'll keep thinking about it today, and if I'm still waffling, I'm going to just have to find the time to go. And that is a great idea about getting advice real-time after I take pictures.

Mayk, I know, asking PS if a diamond is too big--not the right question for this crowd! I can't remember the exact numbers, but I think the depth is at least 66%. And definitely no halo! That really would be too big!
 
Kim,

You can't know if it's too big or not until you see it on your finger. I'd go to that store, put that thing on, and wear it awhile, look at it, look at everything in the store, look at it some more, and get a good feel for what you think when you see it. If it makes your heart go pitty-pat every time you look at it and you can't wait to take it home, you have one answer. If you look at it and you think, "Well, that's pretty but I don't love it," then you know it's not for you. Until you put it on and wear it, you probably won't know for sure unless it's flat-out plug-ugly.

Deeper may be okay because you aren't trying to maximize spread with this baby. OECs have taller crowns and 66% doesn't sound awful.

I think you're going to have to see it, and we want pictures!!!!!!

liz
 
I agree, you need to see it, who knows when you try it on you may decide that it's not cut well, it's wonky and won't work for a solitaire setting, it's too yellow...or it may face up super white, have amazing light performance and look perfect on your hand. Until you see it's impossible to say how you will feel about. I always feel a diamond buying trip is worth a sick day at work. Especially if said diamond is 4 cts!! ;)
 
Woot! Woot! 4 carats! Yay! :) I do know what you're saying about it being too big though. But it's amazing how quick dss kicks in. 2 years ago I thought 2 carats was too big and now I know I want no less than 3 and preferably 3.5 and hey, I might as well look at some that are 4 and almost 5. Lol. Be sure and take lots of photos so we all can see and drool! :love:

So you are saying this is a GIA as in GIA lab graded diamond?
 
I second/third/fourth... whatever number we are at! ... that you must see the diamond to be sure one way or the other. Knowing what these OEC's sell for, you wouldn't want to risk spending that amount without checking into it first, right? (see - you and MIssy should be proud of me for letting out my practical side! :praise: )

It's worth the drive - you get to see the colour and the size and get a sense of what you are comfortable with. Who knows - maybe you are actually going to find the 4ct just right! Maybe its weight is in its depth, so viewing in person will help rule it out...

ROAD TRIP!!! :bigsmile:
 
For me 4 ct would be too big for in the engagement ring, but would be acceptable for a right hand ring.
 
Enerchi|1335832276|3184426 said:
I second/third/fourth... whatever number we are at! ... that you must see the diamond to be sure one way or the other. Knowing what these OEC's sell for, you wouldn't want to risk spending that amount without checking into it first, right? (see - you and MIssy should be proud of me for letting out my practical side! :praise: )

It's worth the drive - you get to see the colour and the size and get a sense of what you are comfortable with. Who knows - maybe you are actually going to find the 4ct just right! Maybe its weight is in its depth, so viewing in person will help rule it out...

ROAD TRIP!!! :bigsmile:
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THIS! THIS! THIS! And take pictures...please? Pretty please? I want to drool over it! :naughty:
 
You likely need to see it in person before you bother thinking about it at all. If you love it, then cross that bridge.
 
HI:

If you had told me 10 years ago that I would now be wearing an ER with a 5ctw center--I would have said you were mad as snakes. When I went to look for an upgrade, I was looking at 2-3ctw stones. This stone is larger and more costly than my original "plans", and yes will be more difficult to resell in years to come, but I am thoroughly enjoying it now. I am alive now and enjoying it now.

Go and see the stone b/c you'll never know if is isn't for you--because you otherwise won't be informed. If you love it--then you have to ask yourself difficult questions. Don't be upset if you love it and want it--we are human and we like and want nice things.

That said, try not to be implulsvie b/c those purchases are the ones that tend toward guilt and remorse. For the $$ you put into ANY ring, there should be NO regret.

Good luck and enjoy your road trip.

cheers--Sharon
 
Recently I have gotten to a point where I know within a day how I feel about something. So for me, I would give it a try and see how I feel. But it took me a long time to get here, and if you don't think you can make up your mind in that time-- I would wait for a smaller diamond of higher color. I understand being tempted but I'm a big fan of "lifestyle right" choices for myself, and so I wouldn't want to encourage you to do something you'll regret.

Usually recouping when reselling just depends on how good a deal you got, with old cuts. But with one of this size-- there are other factors. So I would say it's probably too risky.
 
Thanks, everyone! Okay, consensus is overwhelmingly to go see it, so I'll see how I can swing a day off to do that. I love the enthusiasm on this thread, and see, I'm the same way. I think, ooh, 4c, and my eyes go wide. But on the other hand, when I read missy and kenny and Gypsy's comments, I find myself nodding and agreeing. My husband is just worried I'll change my mind after the return period, and then we'll be stuck with a huge diamond that's difficult to re-sell.

Sharon, I agree, this is one thing I do not want to have buyer's remorse on.

MDS, yes, it has an actual GIA report. :)
 
Can you negotiate a longer return period? That's the first thing I would do.

I would say: "look it's a huge, expensive purchase on a low colored stone, and my husband (blame him, why not?) won't agree with my buying it without a 14 day return policy. And I agree with him. I need time to see how I feel about the color and see it in different light and I work during the week, so I really can't make the decision in less time."

See what they say? Worst thing they can do is say NO, and your in the same spot you are now.
 
Gypsy|1335839056|3184523 said:
Can you negotiate a longer return period? That's the first thing I would do.

I would say: "look it's a huge, expensive purchase on a low colored stone, and my husband (blame him, why not?) won't agree with my buying it without a 14 day return policy. And I agree with him. I need time to see how I feel about the color and see it in different light and I work during the week, so I really can't make the decision in less time."

See what they say? Worst thing they can do is say NO, and your in the same spot you are now.
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That's a good idea, especially the blaming the husband part :lol: Seriously though, negotiating a longer return period is a great idea.
 
Yep, Gypsy is right on spot with asking for a longer return period. I know from personal experience, because I have a lower color diamond (L/M) that it takes a while to get used to it and see if you like it. The color changes so much from sunny to overcast to shade to indoors or out, in the car, in the house. Plus, depending on the way the diamond is cut, that affects the color too--so not all N's look the same if that makes sense.

I once saw an N color GIA diamond and I absolutely loved it--the perfect creamy white. The problem is, is that I've never seen another diamond with that same coloring and I've looked at a lot of L, M, N, O and P's. And then, just when I think a P is too low for me, I see one here on PS and it looks perfect.

What is the clarity of the diamond? And what are the measurements?

And I know you mentioned this diamond was slightly above your budget. Is the diamond in a setting you like? Or do you have to factor a setting in as well?

Anyway, I can't wait to see a few photos and hand shots, and hey, a few videos too! ;)
 
I am definitely in the minority around here, as I "downgraded" to a smaller diamond. My lifestyle/social group etc. just didn't make me comfortable with a 5+ carat ering. Now, there is something to be said for DSS...it's usually inevitable. However, there comes a time when too big is too big and you have to decide if this is one of those times.

That said, what size ring do you wear? A 4ct on a size 7 will look very different than on a size 4.
 
Hey Kim, I have a photo of me wearing a 4.28 carat MRB (which could be the equivalent of a 4 carat OEC) and a 2.43 carat MRB. Both rings are on the same finger so it is a great size comparison. I wear a ring size 6 to 7--I have awful hands they swell terribly and the photo was taken ion one of those size 7 days. :nono: Let me know if you want me to post the photo for you. :)

Edit: and I just realized that photo has my 1.5 carat diamond in it too. As well as a 4 stone diamond band with 4-40 pointers. An all around good comparison of sizes. :)
 
Gypsy is spot on...as usual. :wink2: I think such a large purchase requires a bit of thinking time. If they won't agree to a longer return period, I think I would walk away. I don't do well with BIG decisions in SHORT amounts of time. No matter which way I ended up going, there would always be a "Maybe I shoulda..." in the back of my head, under that short of period of consideration. Maybe you would find yourself thinking the same thing.

I really want to see pictures of this baby though!

And MDS, I'd like to see that photo of the size differences for reference as well. :))
 
Oh, I am so excited, I just can't wait to see what you do !!!!!

I also vote to see the size comparison,
since I have a size 7 finger, I am very interested......
 
MyDiamondSparkles|1335875554|3184685 said:
Hey Kim, I have a photo of me wearing a 4.28 carat MRB (which could be the equivalent of a 4 carat OEC) and a 2.43 carat MRB. Both rings are on the same finger so it is a great size comparison. I wear a ring size 6 to 7--I have awful hands they swell terribly and the photo was taken ion one of those size 7 days. :nono: Let me know if you want me to post the photo for you. :)

Edit: and I just realized that photo has my 1.5 carat diamond in it too. As well as a 4 stone diamond band with 4-40 pointers. An all around good comparison of sizes. :)
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I would like to see it! I am sure Kim won't mind you posting it here :tongue:
 
Okay, I hope Kim is okay with me posting the photo--I think it might help a lot. I really think the 4.28 carat looks BIG. Like maybe too big. I kind of have smallish hands, although my ring size is still a 6-7--hands swell something awful, so this is a size 7 day. So maybe if Kim has longer/ smaller fingers a 4 carat won't look as big on her. :)

Here's the sizes starting with the bottom of my finger: (I'm fairly certain these are the stats on the color and clarity but I am going off memory)

2.43 carat MRB, F color, VVS1.

Above that is a 4.28 carat MRB, I color, VVS2. Ignore the "Minnie Pearl"-like pricetag on that one, my daughter took the photos...lol.

Then to the right is a 1.5 carat I, Si1 (I think it's a deep stone so it might face up a bit smaller--we bought it before I knew about PS!) :blackeye:

Next is a 4 stone MRB, 40 carats each, G, Si1.

Then a 3.78 rose cut marquise, L/M Si2--faces up like a 10 carat.

Somewhere I have a photo of my hand with a 3 carat--I'll have to look for it and post that too.

So Kim, what do you think of these sizes????

DiaomndSizeComparison001_400mgp.jpg
 
Hi Kim, I hope you are able to get a chance to drive out to see the stone. I agree with everyone else - that is really the only way to determine if the stone is right for you, especially considering the size/color is not what you were initially looking for. And I would also go with your gut feeling on this one, if you don't love it right away on your hand, then I would pass, even if it is a great deal. For me and my hand, there is a point where a ring can be too blingy or too big for every day or almost-every-day wear (unpopular way of thinking here on PS, I know :) ), but of course it's a matter of personal taste and personal size/stature is a big factor as well.

Looking forward to seeing pictures from your trip :)
 
Concerning the return period, in addition to putting the blame on your husband, you can also tell them that it's hard for you to take time off work and the two-hour drive you have to make. Four days really doesn't seem like long enough.

For me, I honestly think a 4ct diamond would be too big to wear every day. I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing it to the grocery store or doing errands. And, of course, I wouldn't want a ring that sits in the safe all the time, either. Do whatever feels right for you.
 
Thanks, everyone, for all the additional input! I really appreciate it.

Gypsy, thanks for the great advice. Waiting to hear back on that right now. The other issue is that my schedule is a mess this month in terms of multiple out-of-town trips, so I'm trying to work out the logistics of the return period and going to see it. Ugh.

MDS, thanks so much for posting the photo of the size comparisons! Wow, the 4.28 does look huge! I think I agree, maybe too big. I have short, size 5.5 fingers, so I think that would look too big on me. I love the size of the 2.43, and that was exactly where I wanted to be. I have a 1.5 now, and in your picture, there's a big size difference between the 1.5 and 2.43, which I love (though I know you said the 1.5 might be deep). Thanks for sharing that!
 
You're welcome, Kim, and I'm glad the photos helped. Are you still going to go see the diamond? I'd still love to see photos--plus you never know if you are going to like the size unless you try it on. :)

On another note: My hunt for the 3-4 carat stalled out last week---our chimney caught on fire--like dial 911 scary, so I'm dealing with that mess. I'm still looking, but I think I've decided against the almost 5 carat one. Really, it's over my budget--even though it's a good deal, plus I think I've decided it's just going to be way too large and the setting is brand new and hideous so that just makes it more over budget. I know my dream diamond is out there somewhere and I just need to be patient. I wish there were more places in town that sold OEC's--I'm stuck with online vendors and there just isn't a lot of what I am looking for and in my price range. And if it is in my price range they have awful photos, etc. I'm sure you know exactly what I mean...sigh.
 
Kim, yesterday I told my husband that I needed to go buy a hole puncher just to get out of the house and be kid/fuss/noise free for just 30 minutes... :eek:
I will gladly volunteer to drive out there for you. Even if you are out of state...no problem. My husband will understand :wink2:

Seriously, am interested in what you will do. Great pics MDS...That rose cut marquis looks like a ring I have seen on PS. Was that a recent pic/in store? Beautiful!
 
vinjewels|1335905381|3185004 said:
Kim, yesterday I told my husband that I needed to go buy a hole puncher just to get out of the house and be kid/fuss/noise free for just 30 minutes... :eek:
I will gladly volunteer to drive out there for you. Even if you are out of state...no problem. My husband will understand :wink2:

Seriously, am interested in what you will do. Great pics MDS...That rose cut marquis looks like a ring I have seen on PS. Was that a recent pic/in store? Beautiful!
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HA! Did you really do that? I mean, you really said you needed to buy a hole puncher? LOL! I need to remember this for the next time I need to get out of the house. Knowing my husband he''d probably say "Well why don't we all go then?"....lol.

And oops! Sorry for the confusion--The rings in the tray are all mine, so I am sure that is why the rose cut marquise looks familiar. The ones on my finger belong to Tiffany. :naughty: And yes, the photo was taken just about 3 weeks ago. I got tired of looking for an OEC and thought I might talk myself into a MRB. ;)
 
After talking it over with my husband again, I've realized that I just wasn't comfortable with buying such a large diamond. I didn't feel good about the idea of spending over budget for a diamond that wasn't really what I was looking for. So in the end, I think I've subscribed to both, "A deal is only a deal if you are getting exactly what you want," and "When in doubt, don't." So I'm sorry to disappoint by not even going to go see it. It just wasn't the right diamond for me.

vinjewels, haha, that's hilarious!

MDS, so sorry to hear about the fire! I hope you and your family and your home are okay. I do know exactly what you mean about the search. I think the way you felt about the almost 5 carat is the way I feel about this one. Wow, that 4.28 is from Tiffany? I shudder to think of the price! :$$): :tongue:
 
Kim N|1335914649|3185132 said:
After talking it over with my husband again, I've realized that I just wasn't comfortable with buying such a large diamond. I didn't feel good about the idea of spending over budget for a diamond that wasn't really what I was looking for. So in the end, I think I've subscribed to both, "A deal is only a deal if you are getting exactly what you want," and "When in doubt, don't." So I'm sorry to disappoint by not even going to go see it. It just wasn't the right diamond for me.
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And that's a good thing to discover - for all the reasons you listed!

Bummed we won't get to see all sorts of photo's but... glad you are happy and know you've done the right thing for you and your diamond search.
 
Would you be willing to share what the asking price was? (Did I miss that earlier in the thread??)
 
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