omg! HOW do you do this??

[Radley]

As so many others, I am very confused! So, say I find a great diamond via PS, then what?!?!?!? Do I have to see the diamond in person?
Do people actually purchase rings from online vendors - sight unseen?
Or, do I take the diamond somewhere local and have them set it? Will a local jeweler be willing to do this if I didn''t buy the ring from them?
Is it safe to leave a diamond with a local jewler?
How do I know if the diamond is set well? Do I have to get an appraisal?

One thing I know, I don''t feel I am getting the straight scope when I go to the local stores! They certainly don''t want me to get a real close look at the certificates.

Please, please help!

 

[mrssalvo]

1) if buying a round, you don''t have to see a diamond in person, the cut parameters for what makes an incredible performing stone are consistant. stick with AGS000 or GIA ex/ex and you should have a winner. fancy shapes can be a little harder but if working with a trusted PS vendor can be bought unseen too. some venders like GoodoldGold will do a video of the stone in different lighting etc. so you can see it. Stick with stones that are *in house* or that each vendor owns rather than virtual inventory. if the vendor owns the stone it''s much easier to get info on it.

2)yes, people actually purchase stones sight unseen. I did.

3) you might have a hard time finding a local person to set it unless you are buying the setting from them. it is much easier to buy the stone and setting in the same place if possible. however, many PS vendors have worked together so it wouldn''t be unheard of to purchase the stone one place and the setting from another depending on vendor inventory.

3) it''s safe to leave a diamond with a local jeweler. some have inscriptions that you can identify it with. others might have a untique inclusion that you would be able to identify your stone buy. I think getting an independant appraisel is a very good idea.

Pricescopers would be more that happy to help you find the perfect ring if you let us know what you are looking for and your budget..

 

[Regular Guy]

There's a million ways to skin the cat in the naked city, and each and everyone is documented here.

From a quick read of your concerns...consider picking one of small number of many times mentioned vendors here, get both diamond and ring from them, have them set it, get it to a local appraiser after, get a thumbs up and good document for insurance, call it done.

But, lots of options, if you'd rather do this differently.

Welcome, and good luck with the process.

P.S. In the 38 seconds between Mrssalvo's response and mine...she and I consulted, and I told her to add the first #3 above...to make it look like we hadn't consulted...but you've figured us out.

 

[Radley]

Thanks! All good advice. Can you tell me if the vendors on PS have more rings available than what is on their sites? We''ve been to some stores for ideas, and my GF really likes baguettes and rounds on the sides (with a round main stone). I just don''t see anything that looks remotely close to any of the ones she swoons over!

I really appreicate the help!

 

[Regular Guy]

Some vendors do custom work. Also, as Mrssalvo noted...you can work with a different vendor for the ring, and this also adds advantages. However, it makes the process a bit more complex....note your thread name.

For example, do you care if the diamond is insured while it''s being set? Sometimes this is not particularly thought about...but it adds a level of complexity, once you separate the diamond and vendor. It can be insured, but it''s a tedious process. But, having a local vendor who worked on part of it is a nice thing, re future maintenance, and such.

 

[Radley]

"Pricescopers would be more that happy to help you find the perfect ring if you let us know what you are looking for and your budget.."

The budget is $10,000. What I know she likes is a great main stone with baguettes and rounds on both the ering and wedding band. One of the bands she tried on actually scooped down (like a V) to fit flush against the ering. There is a similar one at WF http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/Baguette-and-Round-Diamond-Ring_967.htm. But how do I tell if the band fits flush or if they even look good together? Or, do I let her go have a band custom made?

I had NO idea how hard this was going to be!

 

[mrssalvo]

not all the vendors get pics up of all their inventory. Check out www.pearlmansjewelers.com and Goodoldgold for a huge selection of designer inventory...

 

[sera]

Date: 8/9/2007 10:39:35 PM
Author: Radley
''Pricescopers would be more that happy to help you find the perfect ring if you let us know what you are looking for and your budget..''


The budget is $10,000. What I know she likes is a great main stone with baguettes and rounds on both the ering and wedding band. One of the bands she tried on actually scooped down (like a V) to fit flush against the ering. There is a similar one at WF http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/Baguette-and-Round-Diamond-Ring_967.htm. But how do I tell if the band fits flush or if they even look good together? Or, do I let her go have a band custom made?


I had NO idea how hard this was going to be!

You could email/call Whiteflash and ask if their matching
round and baguette wedding band fits flush.