too good to be true?

[longboardsoldier]

Hi,
I am relatively new to the topic of diamonds but have been reading as much as I could. The girl likes large(ish) stones (around 2ct) and my budget is somewhat limited to around 10K, I have found this stone (http://www.diamondexchange.com.au/store/diamonds/round/dx066125377749.html) and it looks almost too good to be true, can anyone help me shine some light on why it is so relatively inexpensive for the size and quality?
Also, I am based in Sydney, has anyone got experience with diamondexchange or can anyone recommend a jeweler?
thanks for any help from the experts

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Judging from the fact that the lab report is from 2011 and the stone hasn't sold at a very low price, I have to assume that maybe the stone is not eyeclean. Usually when a price is too good to be true, it isn't! I think you'll be more at the 1.5 ct level at $10k.

We have a lot of Aussie buyers on this forum, and many buy from US vendors. You might want to start a new thread just to ask other Australians where they have purchased stones there or here.

 

[JulieN]

did you ask if it eye-clean? Seeing as the clarity plot is very clean, it may have pervasive clouds that make it look hazy. You have to ask.

 

[nomissjane]

Welcome to a fellow Aussie

I've found that for the most part the diamond selection in Sydney is reasonably limited. I've almost always found that I had a greater selection to choose from at competitively the best prices from some of the vendors on this site.
Apart from my ERing diamond all my diamond purchases since have been online from either Brian Gavin or Whiteflash.
My 1.5ctw BG signature diamond martini studs were from Brian Gavin Diamonds and my .97ct diamond was bought from Whiteflash and set into a martini stylependant here in Sydney.
Both of these purchases have been fantastic, really smooth and I'm thrilled with the quality.
The customer service at both of these was outstanding.

All of these vendors are more than familiar with our customs and duty requirements and will take care of all of the paperwork for you and it has been my experience that inclusive of GST I have been able to purchase far better quality diamonds at better prices than the ones that I have been offered here in Sydney...(and if you ask reeaallyy nicely there are some super clever people on PS who I'm sure would be happy to help you find the perfect sparkly )

Ive also had the pleasure to work with Victor Canera in LA who last year made his beautiful Emylia halo for my 2.12ct diamond, which he made to fit my diamonds specs and sent out for me to have it set here. I've just last week received the matching band from him to complete my set. He couldn't have been more easy to work with and I was completely confident working with him from Australia.
His workmanship is impeccable and he's an incredibly nice person and super patient.

Good luck with your search.

 

[Rookiering]

Hey fellow aussies - I've also joined the forum in the last few days and am looking at these US based online shops (whiteflash, blue nile etc) for my girlfriend's engagement ring.

My experience so far has been positive in terms of the potential cost savings (and quality rocks) available through these sites (although I'm yet to settle on one rock so far).

I'm also speaking with 1 or 2 small diamond businesses here in Sydney and one well known wholesaler (millerdiamonds) and seeing if they can present some options that match both my quality specs for the rock, as well as my budget (roughly $14k AUD for the rock itself).

 

[Rookiering]

I'm also interested to hear how you go with matching the specs that your girlfriend is after, with the budget that you have for the rock ($10k).

I'm on roughly a $14k budget for the loose diamond, and I'm struggling to go much higher than 1.3ct (because I am shooting for an excellent cut, and no lower than VS2 (still eye clean) and ideally G colour.

Remember that a $12k rock (online) ends up costing $14K AUD once you add 15% tax (import duty + GST)

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Welcome! We'll be happy to help you guys narrow down your diamond selection as your search continues! Just start new threads when you have diamonds to ask about! Stick with GIA Excellent cut and AGS Ideal cut, and that will start you off on the right track!

(Sometimes girlfriends need a reality check because they have zero idea of diamond prices. $10k is a LOT of money to most of us, but it doesn't buy a 2 ct stone of any quality!)