Time to buy, need some advice

[gt6974a]

Well, I think I''ve narrowed it down to 3 places to get the diamond and possibly the setting and need some advice...I need to pull the trigger in the next month and get something. Upon your posts, I''m going to start contacting representatives from each place.

JamesAllen

likes: reputable for asschers
dislikes: not much on their setting, everything is a number so I don''t have anything to compare to

GOG
likes: reputable for asschers
dislikes: I still don''t know squat about settings so even the designer name (outside what she gave me) means squat

SolomonBrothers (Atlanta so local to me)
likes: large selection, local
dislikes: their damn store is on the 15th floor of a high rise office building (felt really weird), dont know how good they are compared to erings.


I''m looking for Asscher, WF seems to drop ship b/c I read their rating (?), b/c all Asschers were 1 check mark.

SolomonBrothers online actually has more Asschers than the rest and we saw the settings in person. We went there b/c its in Atlanta.
However, being the smaller, non-chain shops, I can see how GOG and JamesAllen are still very valuable.

I''m looking for 1.2 - 1.5 carat, H+, Ideal Cut, VG to EX polish/symmetry, SI1 to whatever. She''s more size, I''m more quality.

I''d like the ring/diamond to total out b/t 7.5 and 10K. I have the majority of the money to pay but will get a small loan from my credit union to pay some of it. I like having my reserves and I can get a discount with all 3 by paying cash!

1. I really don''t know how to compare SolomonBrothers diamonds online to JA and GOG? They don''t mention cut and all I have are these measurements (favorite link) to go by. Haven''t mastered the numbers yet. I just know I want ''Ideal'' cut.

2. The setting, should I go online as well, what abut matching wedding ring b/c I see most rings don''t have matching wedding ring. Do women even wear wedding rings b/c my mom doesn''t and I don''t believe my sisters do either?

3. Cast rings, WTH is this, I figured they we''re all cast.....
What would be the diferrence b/t an Inwwer, Tacori, Verragio at GOG to a Natalie K, S.E.S., A Jaffi that we saw in SolomonBros.???i


4. Here''s the styles she likes

A jaffe


S.E.S link

don''t have Natilie K link but like the first one but with longer trapezoid diamonds on the side, and some antique type design around 1/2 the ring.

5. Do you save on the setting online like you do the diamond b/c I noticed Solomon carried Taccor?


any other comments, thx btw!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Regular Guy]

Qt,

Though not sure how to direct you...

if you shop locally (not unreasonable)...seriously consider getting an Aset starter kit.

Consider your jeweler will have better or worse makes, and that you would help yourself finding an optimum cut.

By the way...now that I think of it...supposedly...AGS are now certifying these. See if you can get one with an AGS0...and if you can get these...you might be able to care less about where you buy these from. Though...not entirely sure.

Storm might say don''t trust AGS0 either. Chances are, though, if it gets that, it''s definitely better than most. Consider paying that premium.

Warm regards,

 

[gt6974a]

I''ve hit up several local B&M''s. Wasn''t too impressed with Shane Co. and Jewelry Artisians was way too expensive.... and I didn''t need an ideal scope to determine this, the loop was enough. Guess I might need one for Solomon like you said, I may just call and see if they have one I can use w/o having to drop $100 b/c they online guys will provide them correct?

 

[KtIceRN]

Date: 11/7/2007 7:47:34 PM
Author:gt6974a

I''m looking for Asscher, WF seems to drop ship b/c I read their rating (?), b/c all Asschers were 1 check mark.

WF does not drop ship.

If you find a stone with numbers that you like they will have it brought in to them and check it out for you. This includes a sarin, IS, ASET and a 40X. They do usually charge a fee to bring the stones in but best to check with them about what the policy is on that.

 

[marcy]

QT. I have read good things about Solomon Brothers on PS and people have been very happy with their diamonds and their rings. It is kind of nice to buy your rings locally for cleaning and checking. See if they can get you the quality stone you desire. I like the first ring mounting you posted but it''s just a personal preference. Good luck with your diamond search and will look forward to the final product.

 

[Dee*Jay]

One thing that leaps out at me on the Solomon Bros. setting is that the end of the bullet doesn''t appear to fit in the V prong at all. Maybe it''s just a function of the photography, and I''m sure that isn''t *the* setting you would get if you went that route, but just wanted to point that out so you take workmanship into account when you''re checking out the settings.

 

[mrssalvo]

I would recommend getting the setting and stone from the same place if at all possible. GOG has an excellent reputation for asschers and also carries tacori so you might look into getting a quote if you buy both from them. I'd also check out Pearlmans for a quote. they can supply daniel K asschers which are all ex/ex, and carry a jaffe, so again, you might find the pricing better and pearlmans with pricematch or beat a setting price you can find elsewhere. Both GOG and Pearlmans have wonderful reputations here and it would be worth it to at least call in get quotes IMO.

as for differences between handmade and cast rings...check out this thread

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/differences-in-pave-rings-that-are-handmade-vs-cast.41084/

 

[lovewhitediamonds]

Since you are in Atlanta I would check out UnionDiamond.com -- ask for Leah.. They are in Vinings. They will bring in stones for you and you can view them... they are extremely competitive on price -- and the BEST customer service! I would definately check them out before you make your final decision!

 

[gt6974a]

I haven''t gone to Union, but they seem pricey online...... I''m going to hit up Solomon this week and maybe trhow in Union....and compare them to online....it''s time to buy!!!