Online vendors that sell Canadian diamonds?

[thefitter]

So who sells these things online?
Thanks

 

[thefitter]

So nobody has any idea who sells these things online?

 

[Nicrez]

Do a search on Polar Bear Diamonds, which are Canadian. I believe the market is just starting to open up, and some cutters have them, but they are slow to come in.

Try: Polar Bear Diamonds

 

[thefitter]

Yeah I did a search for Polar Bear and Canadian also. Lots of threads. Read quite a bit but could not find references to who sells them online. Someone in boxed me with two Canadian vendors but their web-sites are not very good to say the least.

What I’m really want to check out is the Canadia brand because of the triple certs they provide.

Thanks

 

[Nicrez]

Fair enough, only thing is that they are not established here in the diamond business enough to advertise their "Canandian" stones online yet, but it is slowly growing. If possible, try higher end Canadian B&M for some ideas...?

 

[Daniela]

Hey, weren't you going to go out comparing some diamonds to see what the difference is between "ideal" and "superideal"? What did you come up with? I'm curious.

 

[thefitter]

Hi Daniela,

I had no idea anybody was paying any attention.

Yes I did go out on Tuesday and look at stones. I have been trying to figure out what I wanted to report back because I learned a lot. The first thing I learned is that all you people are insane! The logical side of my brain knows this but unfortunately the other side (illogical?) has gotten himself totally caught up in this nonsense. Knowing myself I know the only way out of this is to finish it, buy one of these overpriced lumps of coal and then live with my decision.

So here is what happened that day. I call it "a dinosaur goes diamond shopping". My first stop was a B&M to look at 8*. Basically the only difference I could tell was that they do look larger. A 1.02 8* sitting next to a 1.03 Ideal looked like at least a 1.10, maybe more? I forgot what the salesman said was the exact reason, but it had to do with the light distribution on the edges. I had been told this by an appraiser but was not sure if I believed them. I do now. I could not tell any difference between the brilliance, sparkle or fire. I could see what everyone was talking about regarding light leakage. Under the fire scope that 8* was tighter than a … whoops wrong forum! But you get my point. There was definitely a difference between the two. So is it really worth $5000 more? That’s an individual decision, but for me I do not think so. Here is the price 1.02, F, VS2 = $13,000 and change. Conclusion- this guy (me) can’t tell the difference between an Ideal and one of the "SuperIdeals". One interesting note- the salesman said that 8* does not use AGS because they grade cut. And 8* do not necessarily always fall within Ideal range because the only criteria they are cut for is no light leakage. Comments?

My next stop was at the land of Tiffany. Where everything is oh so shiny! Except the people, they seemed a tad rubbery. I can’t explain it. I stopped by because I wanted to see their stuff and get an idea of the markup I have heard so much about. You have to admit that six-prong setting is very nice. Very meticulous detail and seems really solid. But it is expensive- 1.00, F, VS1 = $13,300. Is it worth it? As I said above that’s a matter of opinion. I do not think so but it might be. One of the other people that responded to my other thread stated: "In the end, your goal is making her happy -figure out what matters to her and get it." I know she does not know anything about what’s discussed on this board but I think she would recognize a Tiffany. Then I would not have to sit down and explain all the grading points of a diamond. Thereby showing her that the rock I gave her was really "technically" a better stone just for less money. So I have not completely discounted the idea of Tiffany. The salesman I talked to had never heard of 8* and was not that up on H&A either. Oh well most of the time I end up knowing more than salesmen anyway. But in this area I’m a rank amateur and he said he’s been with Tiffany for over 20 years.

Next stop was Cartier. I don’t care for the design of the store or most the jewelry either. The solitaire setting I saw was very "clunky". Not anywhere near the league of the Tiffany. I quickly asked for a price on an Ideal, 1.0, F, VS1 = $14,000 as a reference and left.

My conclusions at the end of the day are:

1) I can’t tell the difference between an Ideal and a "SuperIdeal".

2) Salesmen in branded B&M stores are damn near useless.

3) I’m not entirely convinced that it might not be a good idea to buy a Tiffany.

4) My gut says none of these things are worth this much anyway. I’m going to pay way too much no matter what I buy.

5) I have not gotten a whole hell of a lot closer to my decision and I have only two weeks left.

On the issue of Canadian diamonds, I think my wife could really appreciate the sentiment behind me giving her something like that. Not only for political reasons (Do I really care? I don’t know. But she might.) but we are also a union family. And we are in the San Francisco bay area. Which is the epicenter for the PC Nazi movement. So if any smart alec earth mother commented on her "Blood stone" she could cut her off by saying it was mined in Canuk country.

So that’s were I am. I found one Internet vendor for Canadia Diamonds but they will only send it to certain appraisers before I buy it. I’m not really comfortable with that. I thought the appraiser I have in Walnut Creek was pretty well known? She was recommended off this site.

As always I welcome and appreciate everyones comments and advice.

 

[Daniela]

I don't post all the time, but I always pay attention! In fact, your question is one that has baffled me for a long time now. I would like to buy another ideal cut stone, but one that's not "superideal", and take it around in every single lighting comparing it to my H&A stone. I figure this is the only way to truly tell. But I do find it interesting that you couldn't necessarily tell the difference.

Regarding the following comments:

"3) I’m not entirely convinced that it might not be a good idea to buy a Tiffany.

4) My gut says none of these things are worth this much anyway. I’m going to pay way too much no matter what I buy."

I had to laugh out loud, because it is sort of true. But you're going to make her happy doing it, so there's nothing wrong with that.

Heck, I've never had a problem with anyone buying at Tiffany if they know what they're getting into. We're getting my wedding band there (Tiffany etoile--been in love with it since I was, like, seventeen).

I loved hearing about your diamond expedition!

Daniela

 

[Daniela]

Oh, and about Canadian diamonds: I have no problem with your supporting our economy. Heck, if you wait a few months to buy the ring, your Tiffany diamond might end up being a Canadian one, considering they're buying a huge amount of rough from one of the mines up this way.

 

[fisiogrl]

Love your reasoning!

Lots of it sound reasonable to me...before I started learning about diamonds, I would have been more happy with a 'tiffany' box than a Sarin report!

Now I would rather get my money's worth and forget the box. Also, I would have loved to get a Canadian rock too, but seems as though there is a premium to pay there too.

I have heard that US Certified is actually in Toronto (go figure), so they might carry some canadian stones. Worth a call.

Good luck.

 

[sfbayarea]

thefitter,

i'm not sure if you are only interested in canadian diamonds for sale online but if you want to visit a B&M just to see them in person, check out David Clay Jewelers at 1872 union street in SF or Pave Fine Jewelry at 5496 college ave in Oakland. when we were diamond shopping those two places had great service and were polar bear diamond carriers. good luck with your shopping...let us know how it's going.

 

[Nicrez]

TheFitter, I understand the problem with online. We had the same thing. We could only ship to appraisers they suggested. Not a good idea sometimes, because these guys can be in collussion, and they do it to make money on both side. ALWAYS use an Independant. true the market can be small and everyone knows everyone at times, but you want an appraiser with NO vested interest either with the diamond company, or with an insurance company...

As for Tiffany's, it's worth it to a lot of people, and sometimes you just have to go for what you think is right for you two. Your wallet, her eyes...

 

[Nicrez]

Here's a link I found for Canadian diamonds from Ekati mine. I hope you find it, but they seem limited...

Canadiandiamonds.com