Great step-by-step write up of the process of buying an open-market stone. Although I would probably never go to step 5. IdealScope images give you details (like painting/digging of the crown) that videos simply cannot. If the vendor couldn't at least provide an IdealScope image, I would just pass on that stone. Sure, you could test it yourself at home, but I would rather not go through a return process if it turns out to have something like a badly dug out or painted crown for instance. Just seems like more of a PITA than it's worth, as there are plenty of other stones on the open market that have both videos and IdealScope images.
I find the search for a great open market stone to be fun. Sort of like a treasure hunt. But instead of a literal buried treasure chest at the end, you get to keep more money in your pocket (which I guess is equivalent?). But if you don't really enjoy the process of finding open market stones and analyzing images by yourself, then ID Jewelry is probably the best way to go. They have access to most of the open market stones, and can get you really detailed imaging (IdealScope, ASET, H&A viewer) images of any stone located in the NYC diamond district. They have a nack for finding great stones at any budget, and they'll select a few good options for you to pick from, meaning you don't have to do the grunt-work yourself. And best of all, they can usually price match other online vendors (or get pretty close to the lowest price found online), so you're not spending any more money having them do the work for you.
I know that @lovedogs recently had a great experience with IDJ, and while she went another direction with her final choice due with a custom cut, I know she would highly recommend them.![]()
Thanks TreeScentist, I definitely agree with that - digging for treasure comment
