price check on princess...

[digger]

Hi everyone,

I''ve been following the forum for about 2 weeks or so, just reading and learning. I must say, quite the wealth of experiences, viewpoints and knowledge on this site.

I''ve finally begun the search for a nice rock for the fiance to be and have come across two ''wholesalers'' in the Toronto area who quoted me some prices.

What I have in mind is a 1.25-1.3 princess center stone, with about 0.5cts of princess inset in a white gold band.

I got quoted: $9500 Cdn for the ring and setting by one guy for an extremely brilliant E color, SI1, very good cut princess. Judging by the internet prices done on pricescope searches, this seemed like a fair price to me, althought I hoped to get him under 9Gs.

The second guy I saw, said he could do it for $7200-$7500, and is in the process of acquiring some stones for me to see this week.

How is there a 2 thousand $ discrepancy? Can the first guy be ripping me off that much? (pending equal quality rocks of course).

Is there anything I should watch out for at these B&M ''wholesale - by appointment only'' type vendors?

 

[Nicrez]

Some things to note: GIA certificates and AGS certificates are more accurate when it comes to color and clarity. If you are getting the "deal" with EGL certified stones, be careful. It can sometimes be in reality a H VS2 stone, and it is considered an F VVS2 bu EGL...

Also, prices can vary based on WHERE you buy. Malls and some priceier jewlers can always have higher prices for the same goods. I would suggest that you make a list of the color, clarity and materials you want in the ring. Be as specific as possible, and just go on-line and off line to get price quotes. It helps weed out some jewlers and helps you bargain with others...

My friend recently saw a ring online, printed it out (with price) and had the jewler match it, and they were hesistant, until they saw it in print. She is using them as a full0time jeweler now...