First of all let me say that this is an excellent site. As an engineer, I love the amount of technical information, the good advice, and the friendly environment of this site. I research nearly everything I purchase on the internet and have had a number of smooth internet purchases (even my car...excellent experience BTW). However, I must admit that an internet e-ring purchase is something I had not considered until recent visits to a chain B&M and a locally-owned B&M. I am reasonably knowledgeable about diamond basics (moreso due to this site than from any other source) and have viewed a number of diamonds to decide what type of diamond I want for my fiancee. She and I have also looked at ring styles and I know what she likes (diamond accented setting) in this regard.
Here''s what I want in terms of a diamond. A RB diamond, ideal cut (AGS0 or GIA excellent certified stone), G or H in color, VS2 or SI1 clarity, 0.8 to 1 carat. B&M prices on 1 carat stones of this type stone have ranged from $7.2k to $14k. Boy was I shocked at these prices (and the range of prices) after having intially looked at prices online at BN and WF! Is the type of diamond I''m describing a good quality or do I really need to know all the specs to say for sure? What is a reasonable internet price and where else should I consider other than BN, WF, or GOG? Should I plan ahead to have an e-diamond appraised myself? Any feel for how much this would cost for the described stone in the state of GA? Would I need a loose stone to have a "good" appraisal?
As for the setting, I''ve pretty much decided on white gold or platinum. It is my understanding that platinum is more durable and this is the direction I am leaning. However, I''m not sure how often platinum needs to be polished. Any rules of thumb? Alternatively, for a white gold setting, should I definitely go with platinum prongs? How often would it need rhodium replating (one store told me 3 times a year)? This isn''t correct is it?
Finally, how do I care for an e-ring purchased from an internet seller? All the B&M stores lead me to believe the ring needs to be inspected and cleaned at least twice a year and that they must provide this service for their warranty to be valid. Do e-rings need to be inspected this often? How do I handle this with an internet purchase? Is this a big deal and will most insurance cover the loss of a stone if this hasn''t been done exactly as recommended? As often as people move around these days, there has got to be a way to deal with caring for an e-ring other than at the location where it was purchased. How do WF, GoG, and BN suggest you care for them? Any advantages (or first hand experiences) of any of their policies?
Looking forward to more of your excellent advice...
Here''s what I want in terms of a diamond. A RB diamond, ideal cut (AGS0 or GIA excellent certified stone), G or H in color, VS2 or SI1 clarity, 0.8 to 1 carat. B&M prices on 1 carat stones of this type stone have ranged from $7.2k to $14k. Boy was I shocked at these prices (and the range of prices) after having intially looked at prices online at BN and WF! Is the type of diamond I''m describing a good quality or do I really need to know all the specs to say for sure? What is a reasonable internet price and where else should I consider other than BN, WF, or GOG? Should I plan ahead to have an e-diamond appraised myself? Any feel for how much this would cost for the described stone in the state of GA? Would I need a loose stone to have a "good" appraisal?
As for the setting, I''ve pretty much decided on white gold or platinum. It is my understanding that platinum is more durable and this is the direction I am leaning. However, I''m not sure how often platinum needs to be polished. Any rules of thumb? Alternatively, for a white gold setting, should I definitely go with platinum prongs? How often would it need rhodium replating (one store told me 3 times a year)? This isn''t correct is it?
Finally, how do I care for an e-ring purchased from an internet seller? All the B&M stores lead me to believe the ring needs to be inspected and cleaned at least twice a year and that they must provide this service for their warranty to be valid. Do e-rings need to be inspected this often? How do I handle this with an internet purchase? Is this a big deal and will most insurance cover the loss of a stone if this hasn''t been done exactly as recommended? As often as people move around these days, there has got to be a way to deal with caring for an e-ring other than at the location where it was purchased. How do WF, GoG, and BN suggest you care for them? Any advantages (or first hand experiences) of any of their policies?
Looking forward to more of your excellent advice...