Ring expectations unrealistic?

[brokentux]

So I''ve saved up my money for the last two years and I''m now in the market to buy an engagement ring for my GF of 7 years.
My budget for the ring (diamond + setting) is 8k and these are the specs I''m hoping for

Setting is from Robbins Bros.
http://www.robbinsbros.com/ProductSearch/productDetail.asp?prod_id=30877&set_shape=&pType=ring&flag=1&intIsJewelry=0

For the Diamond I would like as follows:
Princess Cut
Carat: 1.00 - 1.25
Color: D-G
Clarity: SI1 - VS1
L/W Ratio: As close to 1.0 as possible

A friend from work has recommended a jeweler in the LA Diamond district which I''ll be seeing this Saturday and they might be able to custom make the setting possibly cheaper then just buying it from RB''s. They will also be showing me diamonds as well (I had to call and make an appointment and tell them what I want to see)

So now my questions...
1. For my budget are my expectations reasonable? The setting is around 1500 so that leaves me around 6500 for the stone
2. Is there anything wrong with an EGL cert diamond or should I try and stay with GIA or AGS?
3. I saw a different jeweler in the Tustin jewelry mart this past weekend who showed me the rapport pricing sheet and would go 20 back (possibly 30 back if I haggle with them) for their diamonds. Would this be considered a good price for a diamond?

 

[Pandora II]

Personally I would get some quotes from some of the on-line PS vendors rather than a B&M.

Try Whiteflash, GOG or James Allen for starters - have you tried putting the stats in the search at the top of the page? That should give you some idea of prices.

Remember if you buy a diamond from one place and have it set at another, YOU are responsible for arranging insurance to cover the loose stone while it is being set, ordinary insurance does not cover loose stones. Especially with a princess where the corners are vulnerable.

I would definitely want a GIA or AGS report over an EGL.

Re the Rap sheets - unless you are an expert I wouldn't go by them. Too many variables at play.

 

[surfgirl]

I''m sure you can get a gorgeous stone/setting with an $8k budget...

I would stay away from the Tustin Jewelry Mart...I doubt you''re going to get any deals there. And no, saving you $20-30 dollars isn''t any bargain.

I''d also only look at GIA or AGS cert''d stones. If they try to tell you how IGI or EGL are "just as good", insist on GIA/AGS or just leave.

Before you go to the LA District, get some quotes in hand from places like GOG and ERD first, so you have something to compare with. And again, ask them for cert''d stones so you''re comparing apples to apples.

 

[brokentux]

Thanks for the replies.

As far as the discount I might of used the wrong terminology... They basically said they would discount 20 to 30% off of rapport.

How is Bluenile prices compared to GOG or ERD? I was looking on their site and they had a nice setting that is similar to what I want as well as a stone that fell within my specs. In total it came out to 7,760.

 

[Diamond*Dana]

I am not really sure how prices compare, but I think that I have read by others that BN is a bit more expensive, but nothing crazy. BN does have great quality merchandise and fabulous customer service, though!

 

[Pandora II]

Date: 3/24/2008 4:16:49 PM
Author: brokentux
Thanks for the replies.

As far as the discount I might of used the wrong terminology... They basically said they would discount 20 to 30% off of rapport.

How is Bluenile prices compared to GOG or ERD? I was looking on their site and they had a nice setting that is similar to what I want as well as a stone that fell within my specs. In total it came out to 7,760.

Now, why would they do this? They will be making their cut on the stone whatever. The only time you will get a true amazing discount is if the person selling you it has some kind of relationship with you where they are willing to sacrifice part of their cut.

How good were all the specs on the stone that they were prepared to give this kind of discount on??

I prefer to shop with a company who give the most information - I like to know exactly what I am buying. Look at the difference between what Whiteflash will tell you about a stone and what Blue Nile will.