Questions from a newbie

[opentable]

Hullo everyone!

So it is time for me to pop the question, and aside from freaking out about how to propose to my girlfriend (who already sorta knows I''m about to propose so the surprise factor is almost nil), I am also feeling a little overwhelmed about picking a ring. I am still flipflopping on whether I should buy online (whiteflash or bluenile) or at a B&M store (Charleston Alexander in DC). I''ve been searching and reading messages from the site since yesterday, and I have to say, it has been a gift. I''ve learned more about diamonds than I care to know! But I still do have questions, and if any of you don''t mind, can you answer some of them? Thanks!

1. I am looking at the Charleston Alexander website for diamonds, and I am surprised to see that for some of the diamonds that they marked as "Excellent Ideal" cut (i.e. better than Ideal), the corresponding GIA certificate only gives it a "Very Good" rating. Is this normal or are they just trying to mark up their prices? Ane example would be this:

https://www.wherethediamondsare.com/details.html?item=inventory&diamondReferenceValue=5856

2. I am thinking about these diamonds that I found on their website:

https://www.wherethediamondsare.com/details.html?item=inventory&diamondReferenceValue=5531

https://www.wherethediamondsare.com/details.html?item=inventory&diamondReferenceValue=5607

https://www.wherethediamondsare.com/details.html?item=inventory&diamondReferenceValue=6420

Any opinions on them? Are they a decent purchase? When I left their store yesterday, the lady I was talking to hinted the fact that the price is negotiable, so I would think that I can cut a little bit of the price if I decide to buy.

3. As for buying online, I know I can get more bang for the buck, but are there any guidelines I should follow? I am thinking that since I don''t get to see them before buying, I should buy at least a ACA or Expert Selection cut just to make sure....

4. One last thing since I am clueless about this... once I buy the diamond, what do I need to do beside buying the ring itself? Do I need to have the diamond appraised? Insured? If I have to get the ring resized, do I have to pay?

Thanks for any help.. please don''t feel obligated to answer all the questions. Anything helps!

 

[purrfectpear]

I''d call Whiteflash about THIS 1.02 Ideal F, VS2 AGS0 stone and save almost $2K (bank wire price $767

 

[opentable]

Thanks for the tip. After reading about all the rave reviews here, I''m leaning towards buying from Whiteflash.

 

[spike13]

I''m also a newbie in the midst of shopping. I''ve been corresponding with Good Old Gold and they''ve been stupedious. You might also want to check them out. Their site also has some great tutorials and videos (which help much more than anything else).
http://www.goodoldgold.com

 

[opentable]

I narrowed it down to these diamonds. Can anybody help me decide which ones to get?


http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/Diamond_Details.aspx?idno=55002
Round Ideal Cut, 1.126 Carat, G VS1, Excellent Polish/Symmetry, $8770

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/Diamond_Details.aspx?idno=608069
A Cut Above H&A, 1.04 Carat, G VS2, Ideal Polish/Symmetry, $8576

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/Diamond_Details.aspx?idno=906739
A Cut Above H&A, 1.005 Carat, G VS1, Ideal Polish/Symmetry, 9273

Thanks!

 

[Kayce]

I ran the Holloway Cut Analysis on all three diamonds and they all came back with Excellent ratings. They are all AGS certified diamonds and it has been our experience that they can be off a color grade or two. Millimeter wise the 1.12 is the largest and in the mid price range so that would probably be my first choice.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/5/2008 1:15:30 PM
Author: Kayce
I ran the Holloway Cut Analysis on all three diamonds and they all came back with Excellent ratings. They are all AGS certified diamonds and it has been our experience that they can be off a color grade or two. Millimeter wise the 1.12 is the largest and in the mid price range so that would probably be my first choice.

Do you mean off favourably or unfavourably? AGS has a reputation for being accurate.

http://diamonds.pricescope.com/grading.asp

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/5/2008 12:59:47 PM
Author: opentable
I narrowed it down to these diamonds. Can anybody help me decide which ones to get?


http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/Diamond_Details.aspx?idno=55002
Round Ideal Cut, 1.126 Carat, G VS1, Excellent Polish/Symmetry, $8770

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/Diamond_Details.aspx?idno=608069
A Cut Above H&A, 1.04 Carat, G VS2, Ideal Polish/Symmetry, $8576

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/Diamond_Details.aspx?idno=906739
A Cut Above H&A, 1.005 Carat, G VS1, Ideal Polish/Symmetry, 9273

Thanks!

These are three lovely stones, it is a case also if you prefer the '' pedigree'' of the ACA. I would contact your WF rep and ask them which diamond might be the best for you, they will be able to give you an idea of the personality of each.

 

[opentable]

Thank you for the suggestions! Good to know that they''re all at least good stones. Time to call whiteflash and see what their recommendation is...