The buying process

[MAFreeze]

Okay, so I''m new to buying a diamond off the internet. Well, I''m new to buying diamonds, period, but I (like many) always thought I''d be making the purchase at a traditional B&M store as opposed to online. That is until I found this site and realized what a great resource it is and how buying from a reputable internet dealer can get you a much better price, and likely a better stone in many cases.

But I still feel clueless in many respects. What steps do I need to follow to best protect myself and the diamond during and after the purchase? I''m particularly curious about appraising and insuring the stone. What is the proper process and timeline for these things to happen? Do any extra steps need to be taken to insure the diamond while it''s being mounted?

It sounds like something that might belong in the FAQ but I couldn''t find much info in a quick search. Can someone break down the process of properly buying a diamond online from the very beginning until the time it''s safely on her finger?

Thanks everybody!

 

[JulieN]

The old-timers knew what it was like back in the wild, early days! Not even Sarin info on GIA reports. Now, I think it's super easy...

When choosing a vendor: they should provide photos and IS/ASET pictures, or perhaps via video. Read the return and upgrade policies.

Pre-purchase appraisal: send 1 or more stones to an appraiser. They may be able to bring up possible differences in opinions between themselves and the labs or the vendor (that's the most interesting part.) Barring anything interesting, if you pick a local appraiser, you will get the chance to see them in person, perhaps easing any anxieties. This step is sometimes (often?) omitted, now that vendors have learned to take better pictures, have things like a Helium scanner, ASET, consumers on PS as well as vendors are a little bit better-educated, and some vendor reputations have strengthened.

Pick a stone and setting.

Appraisal after purchase and setting: this is what you want for insurance purposes. Check quality of setting, verify it is the stone you picked, and basically that you got what you paid for.

Contact your insurance agent.

 

[CharmyPoo]

We are very new to the process too but these are the steps we took / are taking.

1. Set a budget
2. Select a diamond vendor (PS seems to recommend GoG, ERD, WhiteFlash, James Allen)
3. Get educated by the vendor (see photos or real diamond comparisons)
4. Establish your criteria (size, color, clarity, shape .. etc)
5. Wait and see what options the vendor finds
6. Select a setter (if different from diamond vendor) or find a setting
7. Select a diamond and send it to an independent appraiser
8. Purchase diamond if all works out
9. Design setting (if going custom route)
10. Insure diamond
11. Send diamond to setter
12. Get engagement ring back
13. Send to independent appraiser
14. Get engaged

 

[astraea]

This might not be appropriate for every case, but in mine, I''m going to put the diamond on hold for a day, and then get an opinion on it like here before I make the final purchase. Of course, most online vendors offer 30-day returns, but if you can it''s probably best to make the decision before you actually buy it. I know with WF they ask for your credit card to be on file for a hold.

I''m somewhat of an impulsive shopper though (if I had the money for my ring right now I''m sure it''d be well on its way!).

 

[MAFreeze]

So in my case I''ve been working with James Allen. Am I understanding correctly that before I ultimately purchase the stone, JA can/will send the stone to an independant appraiser of my choosing and then the appraiser will send it back after their analysis? And at that point, if all looks good it can be purchased, mounted (most likely by JA as well) and shipped to me where I immediately take it to another appraiser to verify it''s the stone I paid for and to check the quality of the setting for insurance purposes?

I''ve seen pictures and have the Sarin and Ideal Scope reports for the stone I''m looking at. Other trusted individuals on this board have given their thumbs up as well. Is it too risky to buy the stone and have it mounted and not take it to an appraiser during the 30-day gurantee?

 

[strmrdr]

You need an appraisal for insurance anyway.
What I'd do is have it mounted then verified by an appraiser within the 30 days if it has an ags or gia report and the vendor provides a lot of information.
I don't see the need for a loose stone appraisal in that case with a good vendor.

It comes down to your comfort level.
I am confident in my ability to pick diamonds and vendors.
If your not then a loose stone appraisal might be a good idea.

 

[MAFreeze]

Storm you''ve made this process so much more comforting to me! I appreciate your help. I trust JA and all the information I''ve received from them, and I value your insight when it comes to finding the perfect asscher cut! I was thinking your suggestion made the most sense for my particular case given I have the 30 day guarantee to fall back upon if needed. Thank you SO much.

 

[strmrdr]

Your welcome.

 

[CharmyPoo]

I trust my vendor completely but I figured that I may never have another opportunity to appraise the stone out of the setting. I wanted more information on the diamond since it was not provided to me by the vendor.