Some help with choosing a diamond online

[NoviceBrit]

Well.. I made my decision.

I asked to be presented with all the available AGS Ideal stones that my jeweller could source which were AGS Ideal (000 II) which fell within the range 0.7-0.8Ct F-G VS1-VS2. I chose to eliminate SI1 so that I didn''t need to view the stones to see if they were eye clean or not (time & location prevent me from another viewing, unfortunately.)

This gave about 22 options. I eliminated all those that were HCA >2 which left about 20... Then I eliminated those that gave a smaller spread for carat weight. Finally, I eliminated some very similar diamonds so that I had a range of stones from 0.7-0.8 in G/F and VS1/2 for price negotiation. This left a shortlist of six diamonds.

I asked for best prices, which were supplied. I then searched for similar diamonds online for negotiation ammunition

. I managed to get the 0.80Ct and a platinum Lucida style setting into (just above) my budget with a further 10% discount in negotiation. Not bad because before I discovered Pricescope et al I was originally considering a 0.53 D IF GIA ExExEx for a very similar price!!

Here''s the stone. Pictures to follow when I receive it. Full money-back guarantee so if I''m not happy I can change it later.

0.804 Ct
AGS IDeal (0)
- Light Performance (0)
- Cut Factors (0)
- Finish (0)
-- Polish (Ideal)
-- Symmetry (Ideal)

 

[stone-cold11]

Looks good from the numbers. Good luck.

 

[Lorelei]

The diamond has excellent numbers, congratulations!!!

 

[outatouch0]

I have been following your thread - congratulations

great diamond

 

[BobR]

Congrats on what seems a job well done!!
So you bought in the UK?? I''ve had no joy with UK vendors before. Are you prepared to diclose/recommend the vendor for us other poorly served Brits??

 

[NoviceBrit]

Date: 12/5/2009 8:49:32 AM
Author: BobR
Congrats on what seems a job well done!!

So you bought in the UK?? I''ve had no joy with UK vendors before. Are you prepared to diclose/recommend the vendor for us other poorly served Brits??

So far so good... I''ll make sure delivery goes well and I am happy with the diamond and setting before recommending, but assuming everything is good, of course.

I''ll try to get some pictures - should be with me on Friday.

 

[BobR]

Date: 12/5/2009 10:58:15 AM
Author: NoviceBrit

Date: 12/5/2009 8:49:32 AM
Author: BobR
Congrats on what seems a job well done!!

So you bought in the UK?? I''ve had no joy with UK vendors before. Are you prepared to diclose/recommend the vendor for us other poorly served Brits??

So far so good... I''ll make sure delivery goes well and I am happy with the diamond and setting before recommending, but assuming everything is good, of course.

I''ll try to get some pictures - should be with me on Friday.

Hi Novice Brit
Just wondering how things went? If all was ok can you recommend the vendor??

 

[NoviceBrit]

Hi BobR,

Sorry for the slow reply - I have been on holiday since the 15th (and still overseas until the 6th.)

I''ll take some pictures when I get back and post them. All seems to be OK - the ring and stone look very good with (what I think) is excellent light return and scintillation and the fire is amazing under direct lighting. I took it in to a local jeweller to see if they could confirm the cert number using a loupe but they said they couldn''t see it.. Though - to be fair I am not sure how much they know about ''Pricescope-Quality'' diamonds!!

I have bought my own loupe and will take a look when I get back later this week!

NB

 

[NoviceBrit]

Hi, sorry for the huge delay. Just got back from holiday late last week!!

My camera is terrible for macro shots so no lovely pictures of the arrows etc I am afraid (though I can see them with my eye)

The ring has to go in for resizing this week, but we are both delighted with it.

This picture is under direct halogen light.

 

[NoviceBrit]

And this picture is in a room with a 11w energy saving fluorescent behind the camera. Not sure if flash was used or not. The setting is a Lucida style setting in platinum.

Not sure if this is allowed in the Pricescope terms of use or not (Mods, please edit out if not) but BobR was asking where I got it from. I got it from Quality Diamonds who have an office in Hatton Garden and one in Milton Keynes. If you speak with their Sales Director Paul Sitton he is aware of Pricescope and AGS certified diamonds and will be able to advise you what he has access to. He will also price-match any like-for-like internet retailer - obviously this is quite difficult with diamonds all being different but he matched this stone which was listed elsewhere.

 

[BobR]

Hi
Congratulations on the ring. Glad you''re delighted with it and can see why!!
QD have been mentioned before. They seem to have access to some good quality stones, my feeling was their prices (as advertised) didn''t seem to match the pricescope vendors, however if they''re open to ''haggling'' ........
thx
Bob

 

[Maisie]

Beautiful ring! I am so impressed at the time and effort you put into buying this ring. You did a great job! Well done.

 

[NoviceBrit]

Thanks for your very kind comments!!

I managed to get a good picture of the stone using a loupe today. My camera is pretty crummy for macro shots and the left hand side is a little out of focus.. but you can see the arrows.

I promise... that this is the last resurrection of the thread

 

[AprilBaby]

Congratulations on a job well done! I am impressed with all the work you put into finding the perfect diamond!