Hi everyone. Thanks for all the information I’ve already received on this site – it’s a great resource and I’ll definitely spread the word to others I know in my position (looking to buy an e-ring within the next two months). I have several questions I thought I would post all at once. Apologies in advance for the long post, but hopefully it will reduce the number of follow-up questions.
As a bit of background, I am currently looking at round solitaires around 1ct. I’d like the best cut I can get (symmetry, light return), and based on some in-person viewings at Tiffany and another local B&M, I am willing to go as low as G for color. With respect to clarity, if it’s eye-clean, I’m not too concerned, but would prefer to have it VS1 or better. As for the setting, I’m thinking a classic design (four or six-prong Tiffany). I’m trying to stay below $10k for the entire package.
My questions follow (I split them into three sections).
1. Price Shopping & Online Retailers
I have spent A LOT of time perusing search results at BlueNile (BN), Whiteflash (WF), and Good Old Gold (GOG). I have seen a lot of great reviews of GOG on this forum, but frankly, their website does not inspire a lot of confidence for me. Some of the photos look grainy and it just doesn’t appear as professional as WF or BN. However, I’d like to hear your thoughts. So far, I can’t get over how BN does not show photos or scope images of the actual stones, so am leaning toward focusing my time at WF.
Also, my girlfriend is not materialistic, but when she asks me where I got the ring, I feel a bit strange telling her I got it online. Has anyone gotten adverse reactions to that?
Finally, with regard to the actual purchase from an online site, do most people get the loose stone sent to an appraiser to have it inspected before having the stone set, or is it safe to order the whole ring package and deal with the appraisal later?
2. Name Recognition, Reputation, GuaranteE
Regarding the much-debated issue of name vs. price, I know through research and common sense that I can get a stone of Tiffany quality (or perhaps better) through searching online and at independent jewelers. Many on this site have made the assertion that Tiffany shoppers are simply buying a name and a blue box. I disagree, because the prestige of the brand is only part of it. For me personally, I visited Tiffany because of its reputation for quality, and the fact that I know it will still be around 50 years from now to address any problems with the stone or setting, as well as a lifetime of cleaning to keep it looking its best. I can’t say the same about a local shop of a dotcom, particularly the issue of trying to get them to enforce their guarantee. If any of you are frequent Tiffany shoppers, I’d appreciate your thoughts, because most posts I’ve seen basically just say it’s not worth it. With that said, despite the benefits I stated, I''m not sure they are worth the $4k premium I''d be paying.
Also, on a lot of online retailer sites, the classic Tiffany replica setting often looks bulky, particularly the six prongs. Any thoughts?
3. Cut Branding
This one is short, but with regard to cut, are the online retailers’ “premium” cuts all about the same? In other words, is the BN “Signature Ideal” just as good as the WF “A Cut Above H&A.” Also, is it safe to assume an ideal cut round diamond will look good under an H&A viewer, or must it actually be specifically designated as an H&A diamond?
THANK YOU VERY MUCH in advance for whatever help you are able to provide. I''ve learned through reading these that you all like to see pictures, so when i eventually decide, I will be sure to post a few. Thanks again. Happy Valentine’s Day to you all.
As a bit of background, I am currently looking at round solitaires around 1ct. I’d like the best cut I can get (symmetry, light return), and based on some in-person viewings at Tiffany and another local B&M, I am willing to go as low as G for color. With respect to clarity, if it’s eye-clean, I’m not too concerned, but would prefer to have it VS1 or better. As for the setting, I’m thinking a classic design (four or six-prong Tiffany). I’m trying to stay below $10k for the entire package.
My questions follow (I split them into three sections).
1. Price Shopping & Online Retailers
I have spent A LOT of time perusing search results at BlueNile (BN), Whiteflash (WF), and Good Old Gold (GOG). I have seen a lot of great reviews of GOG on this forum, but frankly, their website does not inspire a lot of confidence for me. Some of the photos look grainy and it just doesn’t appear as professional as WF or BN. However, I’d like to hear your thoughts. So far, I can’t get over how BN does not show photos or scope images of the actual stones, so am leaning toward focusing my time at WF.
Also, my girlfriend is not materialistic, but when she asks me where I got the ring, I feel a bit strange telling her I got it online. Has anyone gotten adverse reactions to that?
Finally, with regard to the actual purchase from an online site, do most people get the loose stone sent to an appraiser to have it inspected before having the stone set, or is it safe to order the whole ring package and deal with the appraisal later?
2. Name Recognition, Reputation, GuaranteE
Regarding the much-debated issue of name vs. price, I know through research and common sense that I can get a stone of Tiffany quality (or perhaps better) through searching online and at independent jewelers. Many on this site have made the assertion that Tiffany shoppers are simply buying a name and a blue box. I disagree, because the prestige of the brand is only part of it. For me personally, I visited Tiffany because of its reputation for quality, and the fact that I know it will still be around 50 years from now to address any problems with the stone or setting, as well as a lifetime of cleaning to keep it looking its best. I can’t say the same about a local shop of a dotcom, particularly the issue of trying to get them to enforce their guarantee. If any of you are frequent Tiffany shoppers, I’d appreciate your thoughts, because most posts I’ve seen basically just say it’s not worth it. With that said, despite the benefits I stated, I''m not sure they are worth the $4k premium I''d be paying.
Also, on a lot of online retailer sites, the classic Tiffany replica setting often looks bulky, particularly the six prongs. Any thoughts?
3. Cut Branding
This one is short, but with regard to cut, are the online retailers’ “premium” cuts all about the same? In other words, is the BN “Signature Ideal” just as good as the WF “A Cut Above H&A.” Also, is it safe to assume an ideal cut round diamond will look good under an H&A viewer, or must it actually be specifically designated as an H&A diamond?
THANK YOU VERY MUCH in advance for whatever help you are able to provide. I''ve learned through reading these that you all like to see pictures, so when i eventually decide, I will be sure to post a few. Thanks again. Happy Valentine’s Day to you all.
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