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Opinion on Pricing? I'd like to support my local retailer...

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Coop54

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 15, 2017
Messages
6
Hi forum members,

I've been shopping for a diamond at some local stores and, of course, looking at pricing online. I'd prefer to support a local business if their pricing is within 5-10% of online pricing, but it seems to be quite a bit higher. Does anyone have any thoughts about the below pricing? Or do any of you with more diamond knowledge have any suggestions on a stone to purchase online? (see requirements below)

My local jeweler showed me a bunch of stones, and the three that most closely matched what I was looking for were all around $15,000 give or take a few hundred. All of them looked very nice, eye clean, and difficult to find flaws even with a loupe. They showed me them with the ASET/IS viewers and it looked cool, but I don't know what I'm looking for. Here are the specs:
1.55 carat H color VS2
1.50 carat G color SI1
1.55 carat F color SI1

Is $15,000 reasonable for those, or would I be able to buy a similar stone online for under $13,000?

If I buy online, below is what I'm looking for. If you have any suggestions I would greatly appreciated it. Not sure if it matters, but I'm located in the USA.

I'm not trying to hit an exact budget. I want to buy a nice stone for a good value but not overpay for things that the average person won't notice. If I had to pick a budget, it's $12,000-15,000.

Carat: 1.4-1.6 carats (I don't necessarily care if it's over 1.5...that would be great, but if it drops the price per carat I'd go just below 1.5)

Clarity: VS1 (I've seen nice stones in person that are VS2 and SI1, but I'm a little hesitant to buy those online, because I've also seen SI1 stones that are below the standard I'm looking for). In general, I want eye clean up close without a loupe.

Color: G (I'm on the fence about H. I think I'm a little sensitive to color, so I should probably stick with G. F would be great, but not worth more than a $200 premium over G. I'd probably pay $1,000 more for a G than an F)

Cut: I want a diamond that really sparkles, and I'm okay spending money on cut, but only if it will make a difference to an untrained eye. I will never look at the stone with an ASET/IS thing after I buy it, so in my mind those are only as good as the information they convey about how the stone will look in real life. If I had to pick, I'd go for fire over brilliance.

So...two questions:

1. What should I expect to spend for a diamond that meets those requirements?
2. Any suggestions/links of online diamonds that would be good choices?

Thank you in advance for your insight and suggestions.

Sincerely,

Exhausted diamond buyer
 
I am waiting for others to throw in their insight before I post. I know you will get a lot of feedback, and a lot of knowledge here...
 
Coop54 said:
Carat: 1.4-1.6 carats (I don't necessarily care if it's over 1.5...that would be great, but if it drops the price per carat I'd go just below 1.5)
Click to expand...

It is very difficult to find a true super ideal cut diamond in the 1.40 ct range as most cutters will "swindle cut" them to weigh t least 1.50 cts., which results in a significant price per carat increase. Thus even though they will not be as attractive as the just less than 1.5 ct diamond that was cut for beauty rather than weight. It is only when there is something in the crystal that will prevent cutting a 1.50 ct of the same color and clarity of the better cut diamond that cutters are able to acquire that starting crystal for a reasonable price. If it will cut that 1.50 ct, then the cutters who will cut them to that weight, no matter the loss of beauty can pay more for the starting crystal than a cutter wanting to create a masterpiece from it.

In reality then, you would pay less for a 1.40 ct that was incredible than for the 1.50 that is only okay cut. However, both could be cut from the same starting crystal, depending on the cutters choices about beauty of the finished product. You would pay more for the 1.50 ct, but the lower priced smaller gem would actually be the much better value.

Wink
 
How about this?

We help you find virtual stones that are the best bang for the buck and you have your local retailer call them in?

Also, if you tell us generally what city you're in, we may have a vendor recommendation for you if you want to support local but are not wedded to a particular local vendor.
 
 
Last edited:
PintoBean said:
How about this?

We help you find virtual stones that are the best bang for the buck and you have your local retailer call them in?

Also, if you tell us generally what city you're in, we may have a vendor recommendation for you if you want to support local but are not wedded to a particular local vendor.
Click to expand...


PintoBean, I'm in Seattle. Any retailer suggestions? Thanks
 
As much as you would like to support the local jeweler and your community, unfortunately, in my opinion, the store models have not been able to keep up with the ever changing internet. The true, ideal cuts available online versus what you will find locally, are not even in the same ballpark. Not to mention the price difference is crazy. Online is your best option, as your purchase is much more transparent. Your budget sounds about right for a nice TRUE ideal cut 1.5ct G/H VS2/SI1 - With the ideal cut diamonds, even I colored stones face up white, definitely open up your search to see what is available, may be able to get a bit more carat weight for the same price:) Happy hunting!
 
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