Repacing a lost engagement ring-(and upgrading) Advice needed

[ShellyS]

I lost my engagement ring back in March. Fortunately it was insured and we did receive payment from the insurance company. I have looked around in Chalotte NC area and can not make a decision. My hubby agreed that I can upgrade, change setting, etc.

I looked at a SI2 G 1.57 round cut for about 9300. This was in Charlotte.

I talked with a great frined in Atlanta and am going to see her on Thurs, to go diamond shopping. I am interested in getting her opinions on settings. I trust her opinion on styles, etc.

Well, we will be in Atlanta and I have no idea of what to expect. I want to conbine by engagement ring/wedding band and buy one ring with a wider width.

Where should I go in Atlanta? She can take me to the Atlanta Mart. Do you recommend this? If I don't purchase a center stone, can I buy a mount only and have the above diamond mentioned (from diamonds direct) set in it? If I did buy the mount in Atlanta and the stone from diamond direct, would diamonds direct mount the stone for me since it was not purchased at their store? Also, would I know the setting would work for a 1.5 carat diamond?


My budget is 14,000 including taxes. Can you tell me what color, cut and clarity stone I should be on the look out to stay within this budget. I am thinking I will spend approx. 3,000 on a setting (would like platium), so a total of 11,000$ max. on a center stone). I would like a 1.5 carat center stone. Is this reasonable?

Any suggestions/recommendations are welcome. Please comment on the above center stone/price if you have a second.

Again, I will be in Atlanta next week. Please feel free to pass on any recommendations for the Mart or outside the mart.
Thanks, Shelly

 

[NeverEndingUpgrade]

I have bought 2 diamonds now from GoodOldGold.com. They sell the best, plus they can set it for you. Here are some in the $9,000-13,000 range. The prices I listed are for credit card; the diamonds are less if you wire the money. You have a very nice budget! I wasn't sure if you were looking at rounds only so I included some other shapes:

1.80ct FSI1 Hand Selected Cut Corner Square Brilliant at $11,954 http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4366/

1.7ct I SI1 Round H&A at $12,125 http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3659/

1.52ct HSI1 Round H&A "Tolkowsky" at $12,076 http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4339/

1.61ct G SI2 Hand Selected Cushion at $9,351 http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4037/

1.50ct G VS2 Ideal Cut Princess at $12,628 http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4277/

1.511ct E VS2 Hand Selected Cut Corner Square Brilliant at $11,187 http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/2628/

You might also want to check out NiceIce.com or Whiteflash.com. I don't know anything about the Atlanta market, buy you can usually get better diamonds/prices online. GOG has a great trade up policy, plus they sell very nice designer settings.

 

[decodelighted]

Since you''re free to buy anywhere ... if you''re looking for a Round Brilliant stone, I''d probably buy online. You can really tell by the numbers if something is going to look amazing in person (as opposed to trickier cuts).

If you want to check out setting styles on your hand ... or other cuts on your hand ... a diamond market is fun. But I wouldn''t advise planning to purchase there -- especially if you don''t live in that area (to return for repairs etc).

My own e-ring comes from NYC''s Diamond District -- but we knew *exactly* what I wanted stone wise & asschers really need to be seen in person (IMO). In my case we saved a bit vs. the internet prices for similar stones but it doesn''t seem to be a common scenario.

 

[heb1976]

Hi, I have worked with Howard at Solomon brothers in Atlanta and they are fantastac. For reference I worked with Howard Solomon, not a floor salesperson! Their GIA diamond prices were less than the Pricescope vendors for the exact same diamond that I purchased from them. As for settings, the tag price is not what you pay, they will seriously negotiate. I would suggest you stop by and ask for Howard! Good luck and have fun!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I live in the Charlotte area and could not find the quality and prices I could find online. I eventually bought diamonds from Good Old Gold and WhiteFlash. My advice if you decide to buy in Atlanta is to ONLY consider AGS000 and GIA Excellent cut stones. You should have no trouble finding a setting in Charlotte. Diamonds Direct has a million of them, and Karat Patch has some nice ones as well. But I found better quality diamonds at a better price at GOG and WF.