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Questions about buying online vs. retail store

J

JTK

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 13, 2017
Messages
12
Hi -

I've been in the market for an engagement ring and thought I'd done some good research in educating myself about the 4 c's, looking up prices on Blue Nile and James Allen, and shopping around with my girlfriend to determine what she likes.

Between starting the buying process and reading through this forum, I've discovered there is a lot more to buying a diamond ring than that, and there is a lot more than just the 4 c's to worry about!

Here's what I know - it's important to go with a marquis cut or possibly a pear cut. I'm looking around 2 carats or maybe a little more. I'm prepared to pay for quality but not for bragging rights (if the diamond is the right size and beautiful, neither I nor my girlfriend care if it's an SI1 or a VS2). It's about the sparkle and fire.

Here's what I'm struggling with -

I went to a retail chain store (smaller than Zales or Tiffany's, but still a semi-local chain). Obviously they are trying to compete against online retailers. They tried to sell themselves on two points. First, when you buy at an online retailer at a cheaper price, you're going to get a more lifeless stone. They (the store/chain) "hand-pick" their diamonds for fire and brilliance. From what I've seen on this forum, there are certain things you can look at (besides just the 4c's) that give you a sense of how brilliant/fiery it will be. I just don't know what they are or how to evaluate.

Second, the retailer wants to sell based on the warranty. If the diamond falls out, or chips, or whatever, you can bring the setting back for a full replacement at 110% of the purchase price. This is my worry - marquis and pear cuts have those points that might be prone to chipping or even falling out as a result. If this happens to my (future) wife, she just lost a small car off of her finger. If the retail stores really honor such warranties, that's a huge plus over buying whole sale online.

My question is how seriously I should be taking these points (suggested by the retailer) vs. just buying online at substantial savings. Online I see 2 carat diamonds that are SI1 in the G color range (very good or ideal cut) around $15-$19k. I see some larger stones around 2.25-2.5 carats with similar properties under $25k. But at the jeweler, the cheapest 2 carat they are offering me is G color SI1 for a bit over $21k.

In other words, online does appear to have substantial savings (meaning I can get a better diamond within budget, all else equal). But do I need to be worried about the two things the retail store is telling me I should be worried about? How do I go about telling apart two diamonds at James Allen with similar 4c's but a price difference of 3-4 thousand dollars? How do I make sure I don't end up getting a "lifeless" diamond since I am buying sight unseen online? And how much should I worry about buying online and not having the warranty that the retail store offers, given the cuts I am looking at?

Finally, from this forum it appears when you buy from James Allen you can have them "review" any diamond. How much do I trust this? I'm asking the person selling something to me sight unseen to tell me if it's any good or not. Does this process really work?

Thanks everyone!

JT
 
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I went to a retail chain store (smaller than Zales or Tiffany's, but still a semi-local chain). Obviously they are trying to compete against online retailers. They tried to sell themselves on two points. First, when you buy at an online retailer at a cheaper price, you're going to get a more lifeless stone. They (the store/chain) "hand-pick" their diamonds for fire and brilliance. From what I've seen on this forum, there are certain things you can look at (besides just the 4c's) that give you a sense of how brilliant/fiery it will be. I just don't know what they are or how to evaluate.

This is complete and total utter BS. They dont have access to all the best stones and online is left with the dud's. what a crock. By doing your homework you will be getting a better quality stone for a better price online almost all the time. AND you can order an online stone from most reputable retailers to see in person before committing.

Second, the retailer wants to sell based on the warranty. If the diamond falls out, or chips, or whatever, you can bring the setting back for a full replacement at 110% of the purchase price. This is my worry - marquis and pear cuts have those points that might be prone to chipping or even falling out as a result. If this happens to my (future) wife, she just lost a small car off of her finger. If the retail stores really honor such warranties, that's a huge plus over buying whole sale online.

all diamonds can chip it isnt just a marquise or a pear. You can get a warranty from a jewelers insurance for online stones too. Ive worn my diamond rings for decades. I have marquise, princess and lots of rounds and have never had any chip.

My question is how seriously I should be taking these points (suggested by the retailer) vs. just buying online at substantial savings. Online I see 2 carat diamonds that are SI1 in the G color range (very good or ideal cut) around $15-$19k. I see some larger stones around 2.25-2.5 carats with similar properties under $25k. But at the jeweler, the cheapest 2 carat they are offering me is G color SI1 for a bit over $21k.

The local Jeweler is feeding you one heck of a line. I have purchased 2 major stones from my local jeweler, and they have ALWAYS been able to meet or beat the prices I found on blue nile for comparable. there is NO need to pay thousands more locally

In other words, online does appear to have substantial savings (meaning I can get a better diamond within budget, all else equal). But do I need to be worried about the two things the retail store is telling me I should be worried about? How do I go about telling apart two diamonds at James Allen with similar 4c's but a price difference of 3-4 thousand dollars? How do I make sure I don't end up getting a "lifeless" diamond since I am buying sight unseen online? And how much should I worry about buying online and not having the warranty that the retail store offers, given the cuts I am looking at?

when you find a stone online that you think is great ( be sure and run it by the folks on rocky talk first ) , you can have it sent and you can compare it to the stone that your jeweler is trying to upsell you.

Finally, from this forum it appears when you buy from James Allen you can have them "review" any diamond. How much do I trust this? I'm asking the person selling something to me sight unseen to tell me if it's any good or not. Does this process really work?

ive never bought from james allen. if they had the best stone for the best price i wouldnt hesitate to order from them though. whiteflash has a fantastic upgrade policy and they are definately worth considering . if in 3 years or 5 or 20 you may find you want a different stone they are a great company to order with. shop around. read lots of old threads here. become informed so that when you have the finished product you know that it was a good use of the money!
 
i have my jewelery insured through my homeowners policy. it covers loss theft and damage.
 
Some of the PS recommended vendors are in fact also brick and mortar stores.

Where, generally, are you located? Perhaps there are PS recommended vendors right in your neighborhood that we can refer you to!
 
JTK said:
Second, the retailer wants to sell based on the warranty. If the diamond falls out, or chips, or whatever, you can bring the setting back for a full replacement at 110% of the purchase price.
Click to expand...

Might want to clarify this. I know the US and Australia are different, but here in Aus you'd struggle to find a warranty that covers you for damage or issues caused by the wearer. I use to work for a jeweller who would replace small stone (melee) as a good customer service gesture, but never more substantial stones. Unless the damage is a result of poor workmanship (difficult to prove after the event...) you why would this be covered by warranty?

If the wearer is hard on their hands, or would like extra protection for their stone then choose an appropriate setting, like a bezel setting.

If you're looking for a modern round brilliant and fire/sparkle is your priority then I'd be looking at branded or premium cuts. You'll get 'the best of the best', and most online retailers have excellent return policies so if the stone isn't what you'd expect in real lift for whatever reason you have some follow up options.
 
I designed and we purchased my ring from a B&M. They were more than willing to match the online price for a similar style/quality ring... In the end the GM was so nice I negotiated an even deeper discount than the online price and we also didn't pay sales tax :)).
 
I'm far from expert on diamonds, least of all fancy cuts but from what I've read on here you have to see pictures and videos, plus ASETs to check the light return in order to find the best ones.

There are people on here who can find you exactly what you want.

The online retailers often have upgrade policies which your B+M may not.

Don't forget stores have their lighting set up to make even a poorly cut stone sparkle like crazy.
 
The B&M is feeding you wheelbarrow loads of BS. It reminds me of one of the local chains here that have used a similar line on me as to why I shouldn't buy online (I have purchased from that B&M here in Australia, but that is after I have gone and talked with their sales staff who have had gemological training and who know I'm serious about what type of stone I want).

They can "handpick" any type of stones. More than likely, with what they are telling you, they are likely to handpick stones that will bring them the most profit rather than bringing you the most brilliance, fire and scintillation.

If you are looking for fire and brilliance in stones, I find it a bit of a curiosity that you are looking at marquise and pear shaped stones rather than round brilliants.
 
Not much can be said without further details about the vendor the OP is dealing with, budget, setting and diamond
 
Thank you all for your help and replies - I really appreciate it. Some of your questions (finding my request "curious") simply reflect that fact that many of you know more about this stuff than I do, so I'm sorry if I sound foolish. Here are some responses and bullet points that I hope will help you to help me out! :)

1) My girlfriend definitely wants a marquise cut or a pear cut. Perhaps I should not have spoken about fire or brilliance. All I meant is that given the shape I am locked into, it is important to me (her) that it sparkles and does not have a lifeless or cloudy (waxy?) look. I now understand that these won't have the "fire" of a round cut - that's ok. But given the shape, "clearness" and "sparkle" are things I am looking for!

2) I am in the Orange County, CA area.

3) I did look at whiteflash because of their upgrade policy. They appear to carry almost no marquise or pear cuts, and none at 2 carats or larger. James Allen, on the other hand, has many.

4) Many forums hate newbies asking questions and I'm not one to expect anyone to do anything for me, so I did not ask. But yes, in spite of researching this for hours there is so much I do not know. If any of the experts here wouldn't mind looking around for me and suggesting some stones that are likely to look beautiful in person, I'd love it!!! :) You have no idea how much I appreciate it (or maybe you do!).

My specs -
-Will be set in 18k white gold. Very simple. Maybe a "pinch" loop or maybe a small band with some diamond chips in it. No halo, nothing to pull attention from the diamond. Don't care about a designer name or paying for one. My girlfriend cares much less about the loop than the diamond itself and she prefers simplicity.
-Marquise or pear cut.
-At least 2 carats, though if I can stretch upward toward 2.5 that would be amazing.
-I have the sense that SI1 should be the lowest quality I look at. True? I care about look, not some microscopic flaw that only exists in my mind or under a microscope.
-Certainly I don't want yellow coloring but I see little reason to pay for D or E color. My research says G is the lowest I should go for this shape and size, but I defer to the experts!
-The quality of the cut is very important especially with these shapes. I've seen different opinions on the ratios but I'm hoping some experts here can help steer me toward stones with the best shapes.
-My budget is a range and will depend on what I am getting. I'd love to be in the 15k-20k range, but if I have a chance to get a bigger or better diamond that's still beautiful I can go up to 25k total with setting. My local retailer was asking over 21k for a G-color SI1 ideal-cut stone of 2 carats, and that's before the band/setting. I seem to find way better deals on James Allen and Blue Nile.


I don't plan to let the local retailer rip me off - I'll walk into another store or just buy online if they don't become more competitive. I appreciate your dispelling their myth that anything online cheaper than their prices must be lifeless rocks - I had a feeling it was a sales pitch, but I have no experience with this at all so I came here to check. I don't know how to look at an ASET and so I'm hoping you folks can help me given my specs - please let me know if you have any more questions!

JT
 
Tyty is really great at picking out fancy shapes but I'll throw a few out there to get you started. Once you've narrowed down a few stones, you could request ASET images for 3 stones with James Allen if the stones are in NY. You could post them here and we'll help you interpret!
Although it's an H, I very much like this stone - it's lively, has lots of crisp faceting, a small table, no bow tie, big and within budget: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/2.40-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2592442
This one is ok too but has more splintery sparkle and I prefer the chunkier facets of the one above..you'd also have to ask if it's eye clean:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-2860395

I don't have a whole lot of time right now to search but for pears, these initially stood out:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/2.02-carat-d-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2845107
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/2.03-carat-h-color-if-clarity-sku-685314
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/2.02-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-375186 - I love the shape of this stone and the middle but I'd check if it's eye

I don't know if you'd be open to preloved, but I believe one of our PSers (LaurenK I believe?) was selling their antique pear in a VC halo. It's an incredible ring! I know you're not looking for a halo but maybe she'd sell the center.
 
You don't sound at all foolish. But I agree, the stuff they tell you in the B&M stores is BS.

I will tell you a little story. I am upgrading my diamond for my 15 year anniversary for a couple of reasons I won't bore you with. I am going to NYC to look at a diamond because so far on paper, it is the only one I have seen that looks good to me. It is 5 carats. But last weekend, I went to two local stores to decided if I could settle for a 4 carat stone before I went to NY. The two stores were Harry Winston and Graff diamonds because they are the only stores here that carry that size stone. So I was looking at some stones and I told them point blank, they were out of my price range and I was buying from a guy in NYC. They tried to sell me on their 'vertical integration' and how well their diamonds were cut. This is ludicrous. Their stones are probably 4 x the cost of what I am buying or maybe buying and no amount of great cut can make up for that. I tell you this to illustrate a point. Diamonds are diamonds. They are a commodity. Since the store doesn't have a good diamond to sell you and they are more expensive, they have to sell you on something. Don't fall for it. Contact whitefish. Liza is great. Or Jonathon at GOG.
 
B&M can sometimes really deliver a good line of BS. And my stone/ring is from a (really great) local B&M place!

LOVE the first marquise and first pear ac117 posted. That pear is just :love::drool:

Some settings..
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...gold-sleek-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49507 This is my favorite solitare for a pear or marquise stone that JA has. there is a large pear in the pictures and it's just stunning!
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ite-pave-cathedral-engagement-ring-item-49519
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-gold-perfect-pave-engagement-ring-item-55361
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ed-baguette-diamond-engagement-ring-item-7101 Maybe not what you were looking for but i like the tapered baguettes with both a pear and marquise stone. Very classy.
 
I love the 2.4 H ac117 posted...beautiful stone and looks to have very nice light return. No bow-tie, nice ratio, and eye-clean at VS1. Crisp, clear well
defined facets and lots of mirroring going on. The price seems quite good at that size also. Dings would be slightly thick to very thick girdle but I have
to say that this seems to be fairly common in fancy cuts (unfortunately).

The nicest pear I saw at JA popped up as Not Available...not sure if its sold or might become available but would need to keep an eye on it.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/2.08-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2860118

FYI - I cut the price off at $20k. I also checked Enchanted Diamonds. They did have some pears that looked decent that I could post if you decide thats the
direction you want to go.

But...I did find some nice pears at BlueNile (hold your shift key down when you click on the link)
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD08464716
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD08309175
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD06600712 This is an SI1 and may be eye-clean but you would need to ask.

Relative size difference between the marquise that ac117 posted and the biggest pear (2.2) so you know what effect the different shapes/sizes have. This is
on a size 6 finger.
marquise and pear.PNG
 
JTK said:
Thank you all for your help and replies - I really appreciate it. Some of your questions (finding my request "curious") simply reflect that fact that many of you know more about this stuff than I do, so I'm sorry if I sound foolish. Here are some responses and bullet points that I hope will help you to help me out! :)

1) My girlfriend definitely wants a marquise cut or a pear cut. Perhaps I should not have spoken about fire or brilliance. All I meant is that given the shape I am locked into, it is important to me (her) that it sparkles and does not have a lifeless or cloudy (waxy?) look. I now understand that these won't have the "fire" of a round cut - that's ok. But given the shape, "clearness" and "sparkle" are things I am looking for!

2) I am in the Orange County, CA area.

3) I did look at whiteflash because of their upgrade policy. They appear to carry almost no marquise or pear cuts, and none at 2 carats or larger. James Allen, on the other hand, has many.

4) Many forums hate newbies asking questions and I'm not one to expect anyone to do anything for me, so I did not ask. But yes, in spite of researching this for hours there is so much I do not know. If any of the experts here wouldn't mind looking around for me and suggesting some stones that are likely to look beautiful in person, I'd love it!!! :) You have no idea how much I appreciate it (or maybe you do!).

My specs -
-Will be set in 18k white gold. Very simple. Maybe a "pinch" loop or maybe a small band with some diamond chips in it. No halo, nothing to pull attention from the diamond. Don't care about a designer name or paying for one. My girlfriend cares much less about the loop than the diamond itself and she prefers simplicity.
-Marquise or pear cut.
-At least 2 carats, though if I can stretch upward toward 2.5 that would be amazing.
-I have the sense that SI1 should be the lowest quality I look at. True? I care about look, not some microscopic flaw that only exists in my mind or under a microscope.
-Certainly I don't want yellow coloring but I see little reason to pay for D or E color. My research says G is the lowest I should go for this shape and size, but I defer to the experts!
-The quality of the cut is very important especially with these shapes. I've seen different opinions on the ratios but I'm hoping some experts here can help steer me toward stones with the best shapes.
-My budget is a range and will depend on what I am getting. I'd love to be in the 15k-20k range, but if I have a chance to get a bigger or better diamond that's still beautiful I can go up to 25k total with setting. My local retailer was asking over 21k for a G-color SI1 ideal-cut stone of 2 carats, and that's before the band/setting. I seem to find way better deals on James Allen and Blue Nile.


I don't plan to let the local retailer rip me off - I'll walk into another store or just buy online if they don't become more competitive. I appreciate your dispelling their myth that anything online cheaper than their prices must be lifeless rocks - I had a feeling it was a sales pitch, but I have no experience with this at all so I came here to check. I don't know how to look at an ASET and so I'm hoping you folks can help me given my specs - please let me know if you have any more questions!

JT
Click to expand...

Since I am a vendor, it would be inappropriate for me to speak about individual diamonds, but I do have some thoughts for you to consider. First some general thoughts.

There are some excellent bricks and mortar jewelers out there. They can be very competitive with the on line jewelers and you will have the advantage of seeing the goods to know if YOUR eyes like what YOU are seeing. Plus you can walk in for cleaning and polishing and never feel guilty for not having bought it there. Be sure to look at the diamond in many different lighting situations to be sure it is not just the bright lights of the store that are making it look special.

Sadly, the jeweler you are talking with does NOT appear to be one of the good ones. If he was he would not be using half truths and outright lies to attempt to scare you from doing your research. As for his warrantee, be sure to read the small print to ascertain whether there are strict, inspection time lines. You may have to return to the store and have a signed inspection report every six months. Miss one and the coverage is null and void. No matter whether you go local or Internet, get a good Evaluation for Insurance Purposes from the vendor, or an appraisal from an independent appraiser and get insurance. No ifs, ands, or butts! It is more expensive in CA than in ID, but that is because you have a higher crime rate.

You have many Internet options being offered to you as well as some not yet mentioned. (I am not fishing, I do not sell marquise or pear shapes so I have no dog in this fight.) ALL of the good ones will allow you to buy and return the diamond if you are not happy with it. Those selling in house goods will also happily take photos for you.

It is YOUR money, take your time and decide where YOU want to spend it. Now on to some specific thoughts based on your post above.


RE: "I'm sorry if I sound foolish." No at all, you sound like someone who had done some work and also has listened to his beloved, both traits we admire around here.

RE: 1) My girlfriend definitely wants a marquise cut or a pear cut. Perhaps I should not have spoken about fire or brilliance.

You are now correct, you will not get much fire from most pears or marquise diamonds. They are cut for smaller reflections of light and near the tips you get a sparkle referred to often as crushed ice. It can be very beautiful, so again, take your time and find one that you like.

RE: 4) Many forums hate newbies asking questions.

You will find questions very welcome here, as you have already seen. This is an incredible place and many stay long after they have found their diamond to help others find theirs. I hope you have a wonderful journey of diamond discovery. When you find the one, please come back and share it with us and pass on some well deserved praise for the vendor.

Wink
 
Hey everyone - wow, it's amazing how helpful this forum is, I am so glad I discovered it. I'm exploring all of the options you've listed (while I should be working, earning money to buy a diamond, haha!). I'm going to write back to all of this later with a few more questions and comments, but I really appreciate this.

And in response to two things (more later) -
1) I will definitely post a picture once I get the ring and let everyone know how it goes, and give feedback on the seller and process for future buyers.

2) With the 2.4 carat marquise - is it fair to say that with that slightly thick - very thick girdle, there is extra carat weight that isn't really visible in size on the surface? So it might look similar in size to, say, a 2.2 carat marquise with a more ideal (slightly thin to slightly thick) girdle?

3) also - it's interesting that the 2.4 carat is H color and yet looks absolutely beautiful. I can barely see any hint of color or difference to F and G diamonds. I can pick up a bit of difference between that and the D diamond someone posted, but it does look like that 2.4 carat marquise would still shine.

4) That first pear diamond posted by AC117 did look really impressive!
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/2.02-carat-d-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2845107

Will write back with more questions later. And thank you for the recommendations on bands - they were exactly what I am looking for. If I went with a marquise shape, I especially like the one with the "pinch" shape. With a pear, probably one of the others.

JT
 
Hi JT,

If it helps - do remember to check the policies of anyone you are considering - many online retailers have 30-day no-questions-asked return policies.

This will allow time to get a diamond, post on this forum and then decide whether to keep it or move to something different.
 
But...I did find some nice pears at BlueNile (hold your shift key down when you click on the link)
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD08464716
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD08309175
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD06600712 This is an SI1 and may be eye-clean but you would need to ask.


Hi TYTY - having looked through all of the pears and marquise diamonds people suggested, right now I think marquise are looking more appealing. I also had a roundabout conversation with my girlfriend and have a sense she may slightly prefer oblique.

I'm going to get the ASET for the 2.4 carat that was suggested at James Allen. If you get a chance, people are saying you are the expert on fancy cuts! Would you mind suggesting a few more marquise that could be good?

2-2.5 carats, I think setting is only around 1k or so so the budget could be as high as 24k. And I'm flexible on other attributes... would I pay for E color if there were a beautiful diamond at a great deal? Sure. But could I go with an H if it had great properties and still had a wonderful shine and didn't look yellow on the tips or have too bad of a bowtie effect? Absolutely.

Thanks for any help you can give... I'm going to start requesting some ASETs on some stones and post them here.

JT
 
One other question - I may just do this entire thing online, potentially. But are there any B&M stores in my area (Orange County, CA) that come highly recommended? The store I was working with is not willing to order diamonds online to the store, though they said if I want to buy one online myself and bring it in to compare to theirs, I can do that.

I got the sense from you guys that some stores are willing to order a diamond online for you and deal with the shipping issues, as long as they are going to get the business for the setting and work. Haven't found a store like that yet and don't really know who to trust.

JT
 
Here's the ASET on the marquise that you guys suggested.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/2.40-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2592442

I have been mostly looking at marquise diamonds now (with settings that have a bit of a pinch) and this marquise stands out to me with very good symmetry and polish and a good value for 2.4 carats. But I'd really like your guys opinion from the ASET and other details whether I'm likely to see this and think "wow!" or think "hmm... cloudy, lifeless".

Let me know what you think and please feel free to suggest other marquise diamonds if you think there are any that could compare or even be better. Should I be worried about the H color?

2592442.jpg
 
Fancy cut ASETs are never very impressive (which is why it's important to have a video) but this one is nice! Has a good amount of red throughout which is strong light return and very little contrast so it just be a bright stone. Given how nice it looks in the video and the fact that JA offers free returns, this would still be my top choice. I didn't see anything else at JA that I would take over this one (I liked another but it was just over $24k, for a higher color stone that was smaller).
 
JTK said:
2) With the 2.4 carat marquise - is it fair to say that with that slightly thick - very thick girdle, there is extra carat weight that isn't really visible in size on the surface? So it might look similar in size to, say, a 2.2 carat marquise with a more ideal (slightly thin to slightly thick) girdle?
Click to expand...

This is true, but in this case the depth is affecting the face-up size more than the girdle I think. However the slightly smaller face-up size seems to be reflected in the price as well - price compares favorably to other stones of that weight.

There are no clouds on the report so it shouldn't be cloudy at all - looks like a great option. The only worry about the H color would be if it looks yellower at the tips than in the middle (that can happen with warmer marquises). Doesn't look like the case for this stone, but that's kinda what to look for in person.

I love marquises so I took a look for you as well. Here are a couple of others for comparison:
2.04 F SI1 - Similar face-up size to the 2.4ct, even though it's lighter. Not the hugest or bargain-est, but simply strikes me as an eye-catching and lovely stone.
2.4 G SI1 - Hard to tell without video, but could be a really nice stone. I love this setting from the same vendor - combines the pinch you're talking about with a split shank which (ok you can see from my avatar I'm biased) I think looks nice with biggish marquises.

I really don't know about diamonds like the rest of these folks do, but I enjoy watching people buy marquises :lol: Congrats on this exciting time!
 
JTK said:
Here's the ASET on the marquise that you guys suggested.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/2.40-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2592442

I have been mostly looking at marquise diamonds now (with settings that have a bit of a pinch) and this marquise stands out to me with very good symmetry and polish and a good value for 2.4 carats. But I'd really like your guys opinion from the ASET and other details whether I'm likely to see this and think "wow!" or think "hmm... cloudy, lifeless".

Let me know what you think and please feel free to suggest other marquise diamonds if you think there are any that could compare or even be better. Should I be worried about the H color?

2592442.jpg
Click to expand...

i love a good marquise. and that's a GOOD marquise! :lickout: My marquise is an H and i don't see any tint to it, it's set in white gold.

settings on JA:
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-gold-perfect-pave-engagement-ring-item-55361 I still love this, it's nicely tapered toward the stone
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...cross-over-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49496 I think this would be especially flattering for a marquise
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...wisted-shank-contemporary-solitaire-item-6854 same with this, very pretty for an elongated shape.

SO, David Klass is in Los Angeles, i think you should give him a call, my absolute favorite setting for a marquise is by David Klass
https://www.pricescope.com/communit...-antique-marquise-ring-by-david-klass.217003/ probably more ornate than what you're looking for but you can see how beautiful his work is.

He does not have a webpage, but he does have a facebook page. I'm pretty sure he could source the above stone on JA for you as well.
https://www.facebook.com/david.klass.jewelry/
 
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another thing you should consider when looking for settings is whether or not the setting will allow for a wedding band to sit flush. Definitely something to consider when you have an elongated stone like a marquise. THe first JA setting wouldn't be completely flush but close. the second and third one, a band would fit under the stone and flush. The DK one though, you can see wouldn't allow a wedding band to sit right next to the band of the engagement ring, there would be a sizeable gap. Some women don't mind the gap, even prefer it. But some women don't like the look. So definitely take that into consideration when choosing or designing a setting.
 
The vast majority of diamonds are listed in the memo system. This is where jewelers report to a central database what stones they have in house, and any jeweler can request any stone. That way the jeweler can get you any color/carat/clarity/cut combination you like without having a fortune invested in stones.

In other words, the chances are close to 100% that Blue Nile will sell you the exact same stone that your dealer is pushing on you. Not a stone with the exact properties. The same stone. If you know the stats (exact measurements like 6.25 mm) you can even search for it in the PS database and see exactly how much the dealer is trying to get away with.

One oddball approach worth considering is to get your own loupe and ASET scope and go to pawn shops. The shapes you like--marquise and pear--were hot in the 1980s and are now in oversupply. Many pears began life as chipped marquises FWIW. If you do try this, ask about the return policy and if it isn't good, walk out of the store. If and when you buy a stone, take it to an independent appraiser before the return period expires.
 
JTK said:
Here's the ASET on the marquise that you guys suggested.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/2.40-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2592442
Click to expand...

In my opinion, that 2.4 marquise will perform (i.e., sparkle) very well, based on the 360 video and the ASET. I have not looked at any of the other stones suggested in this thread, or what is currently available on the online market. In my past experience, only about 1 in 10 of marquise or pear diamonds available online are worth a second look, so if you find a nicely cut one that meets your budget and specs, you should consider striking sooner rather than later. To be clear, this 2.4ct marquise is one of these rare good ones.

If you decide to go for it, do make use of the vendor's return period -- i.e., see for yourself if you're happy with the way it sparkles under various lighting conditions. Do be careful to keep the diamond clean while you're inspecting it though, as oil (e.g. fingerprints) can drastically worsen the appearance/performance of any diamond.

Good luck!
 
JTK said:
One other question - I may just do this entire thing online, potentially. But are there any B&M stores in my area (Orange County, CA) that come highly recommended? The store I was working with is not willing to order diamonds online to the store, though they said if I want to buy one online myself and bring it in to compare to theirs, I can do that.

I got the sense from you guys that some stores are willing to order a diamond online for you and deal with the shipping issues, as long as they are going to get the business for the setting and work. Haven't found a store like that yet and don't really know who to trust.

JT
Click to expand...

A friend of mine owns a store in El Segundo called The Jewelry source. I know that she is much more knowledgeable about cutting than most jewelers and she might be able to assist you with both your diamond and your mounting. Her name is Brenda Newman. I have no idea what her policies are about calling in or looking at Internet ordered diamonds, so if that is close enough for you, I suggest calling first.

Wink
 
Thanks guys!

I have a good feeling about the marquise based on all of your recommendations. I'd like to order it and see it in person. My preference is to order it loose and then have a local store do the setting. My reason for this isn't because I'm particularly picky about setting - rather, it's to have the insurance policy that established B&M stores have for setting/cleaning/polishing etc. You know, if a small diamond chip falls out of the setting, or if I want it polished, and so on.

If I go with an established brand store like Robbins Brothers or even Kay Jewelers, is this a smart plan?

Here is my second problem. I'm leaving for Europe for work tomorrow. I don't get back until Friday evening. But I don't want that marquise to disappear on me while I'm away. There are two ways around this that I can see -

1) Put the marquise on hold for the 2 day maximum. Then order it sent to the closest Fedex to my home where I believe they hold it up to 5 days. That's a total of 7 days and I'm only gone until Friday so I should be able to go get it. And James Allen has their 30 day return policy (it's no questions asked, right?) Then I have time to take it to a jeweler and have them verify I got what the certificate says I purchased, appraise it, and set it for me.

2) Alternative - just go with a setting that I like at James Allen. Like I said, I am not picky. I just hate that I can't see/feel the setting I'm picking. Anyway, if I do this, then it takes them time to prepare so I'll certainly be back before they ship it. Anyone have good/bad experiences with the settings at James Allen? I won't have the peace of mind of a local store insuring the setting though. I do save some money since JA is certainly cheaper, but that's not my #1 concern.

Anyone with experience have thoughts about these two plans or my questions? Thanks so much for all of your support - I want to take that marquise off the market before someone snags it.

JT
 
Wink said:
A friend of mine owns a store in El Segundo called The Jewelry source. I know that she is much more knowledgeable about cutting than most jewelers and she might be able to assist you with both your diamond and your mounting. Her name is Brenda Newman. I have no idea what her policies are about calling in or looking at Internet ordered diamonds, so if that is close enough for you, I suggest calling first.

Wink
Click to expand...

BTW thank you for this recommendation. Given all my travel for work and the fact that this store is over an hour from me in no traffic (worse when there is LA traffic) it would be tough for me to use this store and keep going back and forth to inspect things, etc. So I'm probably going to go with something more local, or else just have JA do the band. If I still lived up in LA county I would absolutely have taken your recommendation!
 
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