Story of my Diamond Ring Purchase (w/ pics)

[Diamond_Newb]

Well as some as you might remember, I started this process of buying an engagement ring back in the beginning of February. I was “Frustrated, Overwhelmed, Exhausted, and Irritated” (https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/frustrated-overwhelmed-exhausted-and-irritated.135510/) I had my friend take me to a couple of local jewelers from which I learned a few things and yet still felt like I knew nothing. Even knowing my 4 C’s….i didn’t understand the 4 C’s especially cut!!
That’s when I jumped on this website and started reading everything I could. Mostly regarding Princess cuts since I at least had one “C” figured out. Since I was becoming even more overwhelmed, I decided to focus on a setting and the diamond would work itself out….Going off just one example my GF gave me and sort of knowing what she likes, I decided on the Vatche X Princess Style #110 in Platinum.

After getting the setting figured out, it was time to tackle the stone! I learned about ASET, SARIN, AGS, Idealscope, AGA, etc. and began to form ideas of what a good diamond is versus a run-of-the-mill…Being very anal I had a folder of print outs regarding everything from pictures to charts and ratings LOL…Slowly I started searching through GOG (goodoldgold.com) and WF(WhiteFlash.com) inventory to see what I preferred, all while thinking that I couldn’t really buy something like this ONLINE! But of course local jewelers just could really compete with the information and pricing that these online vendors could do especially for princess cuts! Plus most wanted to customize the ring and I really preferred the designer ring.
Eventually more research, searching through inventory, and excellent guidance from member here at PS, I finally found the stone with potential to be the “ONE”! Again another thread to reassure myself https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/princess-cut-specs.137106/



Here is the link of the diamond and pics of the diamond all from White Flash:
http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/princess-cut-diamond-2231087.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/pimg/diamonds/DI40X_AGS-1040387760004.jpg

http://www.whiteflash.com/pimg/ASET/AST_AGS-1040387760004.jpg

Next part was dealing with WhiteFlash. First I dealt with Chris who was a big help and worked out great pricing for me! WF had multiple people on top of this purchase as well as had their photographer take some pictures of the diamond before it was sent to be set.

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/2504/di40xtags10403877600041.jpg

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/9173/di40xtags1040387760004.jpg

After less than 2 weeks, the ring was ready and being sent out by WF. Again before it was sent to me, WF took some amazing photos of the ring.http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/7185/031110c.jpg

[url=http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/8632/031110a.jpg]http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/8632/031110a.jpg

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/5629/031110b.jpg

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/9002/031110d.jpg

On exactly 2 weeks from order (Last Friday) the ring was in my hands….I have yet to take pictures of it myself but I will soon.

This past Monday I set up a meeting with Chuck Stoddard an independent appraiser that I found here on PS. Not that I was worried about WF but, I am anal and wanted to verify it was what I purchased. At first I was a little apprehensive since it was at his house and most of his stuff looked very old school but after spending over an hour with him analyzing the ring, I realized that he was very thorough. I only provided the AGS cert. and let him do his thing. He explained the different things he was using and let me check out the inclusion and girdle inscription at different magnifications. I am awaiting his write up via mail and I will update.

All in all this process was not too bad. That’s not to say in the beginning I was freaking out with sensory overload of information. But with the help of PS members, WF, and even GOG (even though we didn’t do business I appreciated their help and information!). Next up is the proposal. We have been together for many years so I am not too worried about the answer…after buying a diamond ring I feel I can handle anything LOL. Hopefully this story can help some of the newbs around too.

Thanks again everyone….i will be sure to update with real pics, hand pics, proposal story etc.!!! Sorry for the novel

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[Hest88]

Awww, thanks for circling back! Can''t wait to hear more, especially about the proposal!

 

[Lula]

Congratulations! You did a great job; the ring is beautiful. Amazing that you can buy diamonds safely online, isn''t it?

 

[tyty333]

Your ring is beautiful...I love that setting for a princess. I''m sure your GF will be very pleased!

 

[Natylad]

You did great! The lady will be thrilled!!!

 

[Diamond_Newb]

Thanks everyone!! Yeah it is crazy to think buying diamonds online is probably better than going local...as long as you go with a great online vendor!

I cant wait to see her reaction!!!

 

[Bella_mezzo]

congrats! can''t wait to see handshots!