on-line buying process

[bling11]

Hi everyone,

I have been reading your posts for few weeks now and almost ready to take the plunge and buy a diamond on-line. I have narrowed down the sellers to Whiteflash (10 day return policy, can get pics of stone) and Blue Nile (30 day return policy) to buy the diamond. I will go to a local jewler (or possibly Tiffanys) for setting.

But before I actually place an order for the diamond, I would like to some clarification on the buying process. I am planning to have the seller ship the diamond to an appraiser so that it can be inspected (to confirm I am getting a good stone) and appraised (for my own knowledge and to provide to insurance company).

1) When do I actually need to purchase insurance for the diamond? As soon as the stone leaves the seller on its way to the appraiser?
2) Should I make full payment when I purchase the diamond from the seller, or only once it was been appraised?
3) Can you recommend a good appraiser in the NYC area?

I am looking to buy a Round 1.40-1.49 ct, G-H, VS2-SI2, with excellent cut.

TIA for your help.

 

[Regular Guy]

Hey Bling11,

Some thoughts in context below:

Date: 6/30/2009 11:03:17 PM
Author:bling11
I have narrowed down the sellers to Whiteflash (10 day return policy, can get pics of stone) and Blue Nile (30 day return policy) to buy the diamond.

WF's gotten confusing on this, but for most diamonds people go to them for, you'll get 30 days, actually. Read here.

I will go to a local jewler (or possibly Tiffanys) for setting.

But before I actually place an order for the diamond, I would like to some clarification on the buying process. I am planning to have the seller ship the diamond to an appraiser so that it can be inspected (to confirm I am getting a good stone) and appraised (for my own knowledge and to provide to insurance company).

1) When do I actually need to purchase insurance for the diamond? As soon as the stone leaves the seller on its way to the appraiser?

Given what you're doing, I'd get only Jeweler's Mutual, because of the unique protection they can give you for during the time the diamond is set. Read threads on this board (and below my signature) showing the way to do this. Given the way you're planning to do this, the diamond should be covered up to the point it leaves the appraiser, so figure out how to get insurance from there forward.

2) Should I make full payment when I purchase the diamond from the seller, or only once it was been appraised?

Since you're having the diamond sent to the appraiser, I think you might take advantage at that point of the rest "of the ride," and see about not paying until the appraiser gives it a thumbs up.

An alternative, more rigorous approach, would be to pay up front, and have the diamond sent direct to you. Then, you don't have to worry that the appraiser is in any way beholden to the seller, since he doesn't know who it is...not that that's ever reported to be either a problem, or fishy in any way.

3) Can you recommend a good appraiser in the NYC area?

From reading here for some time, Just appraisers seems to come pretty well recommended.

Best of wishes!

 

[Lorelei]

Hi Bling,

Ira has you covered!

 

[lowphat]

You mentioned having Tiffany''s set the ring? Just to clarify. You can get a Tiffany style setting from most jewelers but Tiffany''s itself won''t set loose stones into their settings.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/1/2009 9:34:11 AM
Author: lowphat
You mentioned having Tiffany's set the ring? Just to clarify. You can get a Tiffany style setting from most jewelers but Tiffany's itself won't set loose stones into their settings.

Ditto.

 

[bling11]

Thank you Ira for your comments. I will contact WF to see if 30 day policy will apply to me. And I think I will take your suggestion of having the seller ship the diamond directly to me. I will take the diamond myself to the appraiser.. seems like an extra step but it makes the process cleaner.

Lowphat and Lorelei, thanks for that about Tiffany''s setting! I did not know that. You saved me a trip into the city.

 

[bling11]

I noticed that WF does not post the diamonds'' Crown and Pavilion angles. How can I get that? Do I need to call and speak with someone or can I just email them the few items I''m interested in? I want the numbers to plug into HCA calculation.

Also, are there any benefits to buying WF In-house diamond vs. outside?
Are In-house diamonds usually more expensive than outside?

 

[Todd Gray]

Date: 7/1/2009 11:16:09 AM
Author: bling11
Lowphat and Lorelei, thanks for that about Tiffany''s setting! I did not know that. You saved me a trip into the city.

And a WHOLE lot of attitude too! I don''t know why the clerks at Tiffany & Co. seem to get so worked up when customers inquire about setting a diamond purchased elsewhere into one of the designs offered by Tiffany, but sometimes they act as if you''ve had the audacity to insult their very being by suggesting that they would ever consider setting anything less than a Tiffany diamond in a Tiffany setting

Ira definitely has you covered in terms of your questions!

 

[FancyDiamond]

Date: 7/1/2009 11:51:38 AM
Author: bling11
I noticed that WF does not post the diamonds'' Crown and Pavilion angles. How can I get that? Do I need to call and speak with someone or can I just email them the few items I''m interested in? I want the numbers to plug into HCA calculation.

Also, are there any benefits to buying WF In-house diamond vs. outside?
Are In-house diamonds usually more expensive than outside?

Bling11,
You can get thst information form the ASS and Sarin reports which are included in the loose diamond listing. I just purchased an engagement ring and loose diamond from WF. Perhaps, we can share some notes. This is my first online purchase. Like you, I am new to PS. My one and only diamond ring was purchased from a local jewelry store eons ago, way before GIA started ot include the crown and pavilion angles in their reports. Found PS through another forum and started understanding about diamonds only recently. Haven''t learned enough basics and already ventured into my first online purchase in less than 2 weeks.

I chose WF, because they have the loose diamond that interests me, and I guess from reading the feedback here, they must be pretty reliable. So far, I find their customer service outstanding. Representaives are very patient, knowledgeable professionals. Of course, I can''t draw any conclusions yet until I see the sparkling monster on my finger.

One thing worthy of mentioning is the exceptional help offered by James. Within hours from submitting payment, I questioned my choice of setting. After having patiently listened to me about my preference and reasons of choice, James immediately researched for me about my dream setting and very timely provided me with the dimensions and price information including any concerns and questions about the sidestones/melees. The information was all I needed for making a decision that I feel excitement instead of doubt (felt like settling for second before). I must emphasize that without James'' help, I would have never thought it possible to own a ring of my dream within my budget.

Now, I am goint through the next phase of "dreaded wait", with a little anxiety and lots of excitement. I shall certainly report my whole experience once I get photos of the CAD (computer aided design) of my custom made Vatche-like setting. Hope you will soon find what you are looking for or better yet, something that exceeds your original expectation.

 

[Regular Guy]

Date: 7/1/2009 11:51:38 AM
Author: bling11
I noticed that WF does not post the diamonds' Crown and Pavilion angles. How can I get that? Do I need to call and speak with someone or can I just email them the few items I'm interested in? I want the numbers to plug into HCA calculation.

Also, are there any benefits to buying WF In-house diamond vs. outside?
Are In-house diamonds usually more expensive than outside?

OK, so for you...10 days.



Sorry...most people who shop WF are taking advantage of the ACAs or expert selection options. Consider having at least one of these in mind as you also shop the "other" category, and again, review notes below my signature, and consider "strategy B."

Some of the "other" categories at WF will have crown/pavilion angles embedded in the certs which may or may not present on their web site. If not their web site, the same diamond may be on someone else's site (like say Union Diamond) but not presenting on WF's. Or, as said, you may have to ask for it.

But...I don't know...consider getting their help. Tell em what you're looking for. Identify an in house option...an advantage, yes, because they've already vetted it for you. And then ask for their help in beating it with an option in the big pool of virtual diamonds. They might not like the query, but it's your money, not theirs. You'll get the 10 days with one of these, but...if they find one to your mutual liking, you'll get the savings, too.

 

[Allison D.]

Date: 7/1/2009 11:51:38 AM
Author: bling11
I noticed that WF does not post the diamonds'' Crown and Pavilion angles. How can I get that? Do I need to call and speak with someone or can I just email them the few items I''m interested in? I want the numbers to plug into HCA calculation.

Also, are there any benefits to buying WF In-house diamond vs. outside?
Are In-house diamonds usually more expensive than outside?

Bling, we''re happy to do either; it''s just a question of what fits best for you.

Inhouse diamonds are diamonds that we have in our possession; they''ve already been through our full evaluation and earned our recommendation. Choosing from these is often more convenient because they''ve been pre-qualified for you; they also have full information on measurements and angles.

Virtual stones are stones that we don''t own; they are available to us (and likely many other vendors, too) to bring in if you find something you''re interested in. We have very good relationships with many of the dealers, so we''re able to get whatever information is available to help you decide if it''s a probable candidate. However, we can only get what information is available from them, and oftentimes that may not include crown/pavilion angles.

Inhouse diamonds are typically in the same ballpark as virtual stones, give or take a bit. When you factor in the cost of shipping virtual stones back and forth if they don''t turn out to meet your wants, inhouse stones may actually end up being less expensive.

Most clients prefer to work from our inhouse stock for convenience and ease, but we''re most happy to work from the virtual list for those times when you want something beyond what''s available in our inhouse inventory.

 

[bling11]

Hi everyone,

Just a quick update on my diamond search.

Whiteflash does not have any ACA or ES in stock right now that meet my criteria. So, I am working with someone there to find a good diamond from the regular Rounds they offer.

BlueNile does have two Signature Ideal diamonds in stock but they seem to be a bit more expensive than WF.

After spending the last few days digging into the diamond selection process, I now understand why people choose to buy ACA''s and Signature Ideals... a lot easier, convenient, and peace of mind. If I were to buy a "regular" Round from WF or BN, I think I would go with WF since they can provide (sometimes) Idealscope and/or Aset images. If I were to buy ACA or Signature Ideal, I would have to think about it.

As for the setting, I really am not that picky about the setting. Probably going to go with Tiffany 6 prong. So I am leaning towards just getting the setting done wherever I buy the diamond from. However, my concern is that if the stone is set, there is a chance that certain imperfections will be hidden to the appraiser because of the metal. Is this something I should be concerned with? I guess this concern is another reason why I should buy a ACA or Sigature Ideal.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/8/2009 1:23:38 AM
Author: bling11
Hi everyone,

Just a quick update on my diamond search.

Whiteflash does not have any ACA or ES in stock right now that meet my criteria. So, I am working with someone there to find a good diamond from the regular Rounds they offer.

BlueNile does have two Signature Ideal diamonds in stock but they seem to be a bit more expensive than WF.

After spending the last few days digging into the diamond selection process, I now understand why people choose to buy ACA''s and Signature Ideals... a lot easier, convenient, and peace of mind. If I were to buy a ''regular'' Round from WF or BN, I think I would go with WF since they can provide (sometimes) Idealscope and/or Aset images. If I were to buy ACA or Signature Ideal, I would have to think about it.

As for the setting, I really am not that picky about the setting. Probably going to go with Tiffany 6 prong. So I am leaning towards just getting the setting done wherever I buy the diamond from. Why not have the vendor you buy the diamond from set it?

However, my concern is that if the stone is set, there is a chance that certain imperfections will be hidden to the appraiser because of the metal. Is this something I should be concerned with? I guess this concern is another reason why I should buy a ACA or Sigature Ideal. This shouldn''t be a problem, apparently an appraisal is best performed with an unset diamond but a skilled appraiser can still work with a set stone. Alternatively have the loose diamond shipped to an appraiser of your choice and have the inspection, then the appraiser can send the diamond back to the vendor for setting.