same diamond - different vendors - where to go

[stephcola]

I have seen the same stone on various websites - prices differing in some cases more than $600. How do I find out who actually has the stone so someone can look at it for me??? It is an SI1 G but has an EGL cert. EGL make me uneasy. I would like someone all of you trust to eyeball it before I consider it. Whiteflash and Dirtcheap both have it listed as well as some others. It seems both have good reps. The egl cert is not on the sites so I can''t even look at it. Do internet diamond vendors match prices on the same stock item??? Advice please on how to proceed. Thanks!!

 

[Colored Gemstone Nut]

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On 10/5/2003 11:00:20 AM stephcola wrote:





I have seen the same stone on various websites - prices differing in some cases more than $600. How do I find out who actually has the stone so someone can look at it for me??? It is an SI1 G but has an EGL cert. EGL make me uneasy. I would like someone all of you trust to eyeball it before I consider it. Whiteflash and Dirtcheap both have it listed as well as some others. It seems both have good reps. The egl cert is not on the sites so I can't even look at it. Do internet diamond vendors match prices on the same stock item??? Advice please on how to proceed. Thanks!!

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Hi StephCola,

Some of the vendors who sell diamonds often have the same stock of diamonds available from certain cutters or cutting houses which send diamonds to brokers (vendors) upon request. These are diamonds which companies have access to but do not stock "in house".

Whiteflash & DirtCheapDiamonds have excellent reputations. Type in the names on the search menu and you will see positive responses for both companies.

I would have the stone appraised by an independent appraiser before you make the purchase. It will cost you a little money but is a sound investment in assuring yourself you are getting what you pay for.

3 Top Appraisers which frequent and contribute to this board are:

Richard Sherwood of (Sarrasota Gem Lab)

Dave Atlas (Oldminer on the Forum)

Bill Lerium (RockDoc on the forum)

This should get you headed in the right direction. EGL certs have been known to be a little loose in grading but depending on which EGL Lab certified the diamond, Some branches of EGL (Where the Labs are based) have better reputations than others. Go the appraisal route if you want to be sure.

Hope this gets you headed in the right direction.....

-Josh Rioux

Sitka, Alaska

 

[Giangi]

First of all, they are both excellent sellers with great reputation, so I think that as long as you go with these vendors you won't make big mistakes and you'll get exceptional service.

Honestly, I would go with whiteflash.com. They inspect each diamond they call in... In this way you'll know if the EGL cert is accurate or not. Lesley is a gem too.

I don't think DCD does the same service... If I'm wrong, correct me. (but I stress that DCD would be great too).

 

[canadiangrrl]

Whiteflash & DCD both have terrific reputations on this board. I've been working with DCD on an upcoming diamond purchase, and they've been great to deal with - very prompt in responding to my queries, and helpful in terms of providing information. DCD will also visually inspect a stone that they call in - in my case, they also had the broker who owns the stone visually inspect it.

Regardless of the vendor, I would still suggest getting the stone appraised independently. There are a couple of knowledgable, professional independent appraisers who contribute frequently to this forum - Rich Sherwood and Dave Atlas are two of them. It's a cost-efficient way of ensuring your peace of mind, given that your purchase will be made sight unseen.

Best of luck with whatever you decide!

 

[magna2]

stephcola,

The reason that you see multiple vendors listing the same diamond is because they are acting as brokers to the diamond. They do not actually have the diamonds on hand. There are price differences, albeit minor, but the vendors usually are willing to match prices on these brokered diamonds or provide a level of service that are above a lower priced lister. It never hurts to ask a vendor if they are willing to match a price.

And as for that EGL cert, as long as the cert has EGL USA on the top of the cert, you are O.K. EGL USA grades diamonds as strict as GIA and/or AGSL. The certs may not be provided on the net for you to see but when you contact the vendor to inquire about the diamond, you can also ask them to send you a copy of the cert.

 

[niceice]

Go for the vendor who is willing to bring the diamond in and evaluate it for you, provide you with clarity photographs, etc. and determine whether the EGL was accurate in their grading... We're not 'it' by the way, we don't represent EGL paper...