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Novice Looking For ER

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ForrestG

Rough_Rock
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Jan 5, 2008
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Hello all. I would like to thank this website and its members for the vast knowledge on diamonds. However, the more I read the more I feel that I am at square one.

This is where I stand. First, I did the mistake of walking into a mall store without doing my research (though, I didn’t buy anything). Second, I went into Tiffany for the first time ever, simply because one of the mall stores clerks stated, “oh you want a Tiffany setting.” Thus, I walked in and simply asked for .5 to 1 ct ring. I was blown away by the beauty and radiance (fire?) of the diamond. The ring itself was beautiful. Still, the price tag was $4,300 for a .53 ct, VVS2, G, platinum ring.

Then I walked into a Robins Bros and felt that sales pitch right off the bat. Though, the clerk was extremely informative and I was able to compare 2 diamonds at a time on a white background.


I have visited WhiteFlash and other websites, but the old school in me is reluctant to buy something so meaningful online without seeing it. Thus, my questions are the following: Does anyone recommend a local jewelers in San Diego, CA; what, if any stores should I stay away from; can you bargain or lower the tag prices at stores; what accreditations and/or certificates should I look for; what is the cut for a princess cut diamond; and should I worry about fraud when buying online or at a store. Any other vital information is welcomed.


I am not looking to break the bank, as I am not one who has been fortunate enough to be able discard money, but have been blessed to have found the one. My specs are modest: .50 - .70, F-G, VSS2 – SI, Princess Cut.

Thank you in advance for your time and response.
 
Date: 1/6/2008 1:05:39 PM
Author:ForrestG
I have visited WhiteFlash and other websites, but the old school in me is reluctant to buy something so meaningful online without seeing it.

Are you aware that you can have WF diamonds shipped to a local appraiser where you can not only view the diamond, but get an appraiser''s opinion on it too? Something to consider.
 
HEPennypacker,

Thank you. I was not aware of that option. That would give me peace of mind when buying on WF.
 
No problem. To find a local independent appraiser, go here: https://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx

As for your other questions, I''m afraid I can''t be of much help since I don''t know that much about San Diego or princess cuts. But you should look for certs from GIA or AGSL, and you don''t need to worry about fraud if you buy from one of the pricescope vendors.

Good luck!
 
I would trust WF 100%. Try doing a search for Whiteflash or WF and you''ll come up with thousands of posts about this great company. You probably don''t even need to search, if you simply scroll through "Posted Today" or any of the other forums, you''re bound to find many topics about Whiteflash, as it seems people discuss them and their products on a daily basis here.
 
Forrest, there are no worries ordering a stone from WF. Even if you buy it, you have 10 days to return it for any reason. And they will promptly refund your money. After that, you have the freedom to upgrade your stone towards another, with 100% of what you paid going toward the price of the next stone. It is so much easier to buy from an online vendor who specializes in excellent stones. When you go to regular jewelers, you see a sea of mediocre stones and once in awhile a good one. Knowing what I know, I would never buy a diamond any other way than from one of the vendors that specializes in top quality stones.
 
Date: 1/6/2008 1:05:39 PM
Author:ForrestG

I have visited WhiteFlash and other websites, but the old school in me is reluctant to buy something so meaningful online without seeing it. ....

........should I worry about fraud when buying online or at a store.
Forrest, buying online doesn''t have to mean buying without seeing it.

Most of the reputable vendors here, including WF, have excellent return policies, so you CAN see it. If it''s not everything you hope for, you can return it. Further, many will ship to your appraiser for inspection prior to purchase. Either way, there really is NO risk, and you CAN see it with your own eyes to be sure it''s for you.

The best advice I can give you is to work with an independent appraiser (not a jeweler who sells stone, but a truly independent appraiser). There are several excellent ones who participate right here on PS. With those expert eyes doing the examination, all your eyes have to do is decide if you love the stone.

Honestly? You can save a BUNDLE online.....and often get a superior stone to boot. Here''s a .52, G, VVS2 stone at WF for $1349 (ps price), and it''s probably a superior stone as it''s an AGS0 princess!

http://www.whiteflash.com/aca_princess/A-Cut-Above-Princess-cut-diamond-114349.htm#

I don''t think it''s worth $3K more (TRIPLE the cost) to buy at Tiffany''s myself!

You could go bigger for your budget................ .72 F, SI1, AGS0 princess for $2520 PS price.....
http://www.whiteflash.com/aca_princess/A-Cut-Above-Princess-cut-diamond-336523.htm#
 
aljdewey,

Thanks for the response and the recommendations.

I am 99.9% percent confident I will buy my stone online, probably WF.

With that in mind, my next step is finding the right ring.

Does anyone know how good the quality of the craftmanship of these e-rings are? Any recommendations?
I am a platinum type of guy, but I think my significant other likes white gold. I''m looking for a simple Tiffany setting.

On a side note, I walked into Jared''s yesterday and their stones and service were mediocre at best. Their rings were outright terrible. The prongs looked like they were crafted at a local high school. What a way to ruin any beautiful diamond.
 
Congrats on taking the move. I just got my ring not to long ago, and I know exactly what you're going through. For one thing is price is a main selling point, I would stay away from the vvs2 stones as they cost more than a VS1 or 2 which are clear to the naked eye. However if clarity is what you're looking for then vvs2 is the way to go (beacuse you know), but you wouldn't be able to tell the difference without a microscope/handlens.

Dropping to vs1/2 would also let you get a larger stone if you wanted for the same price as a smaller vvs2. As for the tiffany setting I also went through that ordeal which caused a minor ulcer, trying to get the ring of her dreams for an affordable price. I went through exceldiamonds.com (superbcert) and am EXTREMELY happy with the tiffany replica I bought. check this link for pics. https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/its-finally-arrived-wow.75544/ I found them great to deal with and they answered my many questions, sent numerous pics of the stone, and I could have asked for more, and were able to complete my oreder on schedule. From my research they SEEM to have the nicest tiffany replica's on the market, and I couldn't be happier with mine. So I highly recommend. I dealt with Judah, and had a good experience. As for platinum or wg, there are pros and cons to both. Check out this forum for discussions on the subject as I found them ad they will list both. good luck in your search.

Ken
 
ForrestG, is your GF''s name Morgan by any chance? My sister lives in San Diego, and is probably close to proposal with her BF. She also likes princess cuts...
 
MustanGal,

Sorry, but her name isn''t Morgan. That would have been cool...
 
I figured the odds were slim, but thought I''d ask.

I don''t know much about princess cuts, so I can''t help you there, but if you''re going through Whiteflash just call them and ask the sales person to look at the stones and reccomend one for you.

Have you looked at the X-Factor princess cuts at Whiteflash? If you were my sister''s BF I would have steered you towards those. There are sometimes issues with the corners on princess cuts chipping during mounting, so the clipped corners on the X-Factos seem safer to me. I''m not a square fan though, and I don''t own any princess cuts, so this is just based off what I''ve seen here.
 
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