Too good to be true?

[TooGood]

Hey guys,


A friend hooked me up with a wholesaler here in New York. They have a nice website, and he had a great experience. They are not a retail jeweler and are very obviously a wholesaler. I just talk with them in their office and they show me diamonds/etc.

The diamond specs:

2.15 ct
Oval
Color: F
Clarity: SI2
Cut: ex
polish: ex
Certified EGL Israel

Price 10.7k.

Now I know that I can return it if I need to, but what are you guys' thoughts on this? I've looked online and even at their website and none of the ones on there get close to this good of a deal. I absolutely trust them and honestly don't think it's anything to worry about, but asking can't hurt. Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[ecf8503]

Hmm. Well there's the old adage of "you get what you pay for", and that is very true in the world of diamonds. Be suspicious. If a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is.

I would never buy a fancy shape without an ASET to assess light performance first, as you can't buy them "by the numbers". A poorly cut stone isn't going to look as big, as white, or sparkle as intensely as a very well cut one.

And the SI2 clarity concerns me. Plus it's an EGL stone, so it may very well be a GIA H/I color, I1/I2 clarity. I'd worry about not only visible inclusions, but structural integrity of the stone.

 

[TooGood]

Yea it looks great to the naked eye. I also looked at it 10x magnified and has plenty of inclusions but definitely not any worse than most options I've looked at.

I've compared it with many stones that are good deals compared to regular jewelers, but this one stands out as such a significantly better deal. I've been there 6x now, and there were stone that were 1.7 for 13k, 2.1 for 18k, etc. Obviously the 2.1 for 18k looked just as good, but it definitely didn't look better to the naked eye. Color wise I prefer the cheaper one honestly.

 

[Stive85]

Yea it looks great to the naked eye. I also looked at it 10x magnified and has plenty of inclusions but definitely not any worse than most options I've looked at.

I've compared it with many stones that are good deals compared to regular jewelers, but this one stands out as such a significantly better deal. I've been there 6x now, and there were stone that were 1.7 for 13k, 2.1 for 18k, etc. Obviously the 2.1 for 18k looked just as good, but it definitely didn't look better to the naked eye. Color wise I prefer the cheaper one honestly.

Can you get it appraised. There is a guy in New York who is very reputable and independent. He will go to where the diamond is (or can be sent to his office) and he will give u an unbiased opinion on the stone.

I'd at least contact him. Very least

 

[MichelleCarmen]

What kind of lighting did you look at the diamond in? Any jewelry store lighting can make a diamond look more sparkily and make it difficult to judge the diamond's cut.

I agree that it would be in your best interest to take it to an appraiser. Also, it's usually recommended not to buy from a friend or person claiming to be a wholesaler. You're not necessarily getting the best deal...but, if you think this is your best route, STILL take the stone to an appraiser before buying it.

 

[yssie]

Hey guys,


A friend hooked me up with a wholesaler here in New York. They have a nice website, and he had a great experience. They are not a retail jeweler and are very obviously a wholesaler. I just talk with them in their office and they show me diamonds/etc.

The diamond specs:

2.15 ct
Oval
Color: F
Clarity: SI2
Cut: ex
polish: ex
Certified EGL Israel

Price 10.7k.

Now I know that I can return it if I need to, but what are you guys' thoughts on this? I've looked online and even at their website and none of the ones on there get close to this good of a deal. I absolutely trust them and honestly don't think it's anything to worry about, but asking can't hurt. Thoughts?

Thanks!

It's EGL Israel.
And if your "wholesaler" is willing to sell to you, a private independent individual consumer, they are not "wholesalers".
Deals from "friends of friends" rarely end well.
I would advise running from both the stone and this vendor, but... something tells me you aren't interested in hearing that sort of advice, so I will abstain from further comment.

 

[kay1]

EGL grades softer and I think israel is the worst one of the EGL labs.

Your 2.15 / F / SI2 is more likely a 2.15 / H / I1 on the GIA scale.

If you search on the diamond searcher at the top of the forum, you'll see even for a EGL it's not a 'great' deal actually.

Eg. here's a 2.16 / F / SI2 for $7750

http://search.virtcert.com/cgi/u/1012/v.cgi?stock=15477013&_s=1012&_p=sdf348gd743&_c=&_fs=1&prestock=&_ln=ps

BUT i'd advise you to stick with GIA or AGS lab reports. In which case you can get a real D-G / SI2 for about 11k

 

[TooGood]

EGL grades softer and I think israel is the worst one of the EGL labs.

Your 2.15 / F / SI2 is more likely a 2.15 / H / I1 on the GIA scale.

If you search on the diamond searcher at the top of the forum, you'll see even for a EGL it's not a 'great' deal actually.

Eg. here's a 2.16 / F / SI2 for $7750

http://search.virtcert.com/cgi/u/1012/v.cgi?stock=15477013&_s=1012&_p=sdf348gd743&_c=&_fs=1&prestock=&_ln=ps

BUT i'd advise you to stick with GIA or AGS lab reports. In which case you can get a real D-G / SI2 for about 11k

This is exactly what I wanted to hear. I just don't want it to be fatally flawed, and it seems for this type of stone it is overpriced slightly(as I would expect from anyone not online).

I've looked at many diamonds in retail, along with this one beside GIA diamonds. I simply like it more, I like the color and the "shine" and anything else. It's definitely not a perfect diamond but looking at it magnified, it's no different than the many GIA certified ones that come in at 12k. From the look of the pricescope search, I could likely get it for ~9k online. I felt very comfortable going with an SI2 and G-H color on GIA, and I assume this is likely around what this would be shown as.

Also this isn't the wholesaler type I think many think of. They are relatively big, have a nice website presence(Not some shoddy website), and do identify themselves as wholesalers but it's obvious they deal with private customers, but at the same time they can't do it that often because they have no where to do it. I didn't show up and end up in an obvious jewelry store, it was just an office type situation with very little room for a bunch of customers to be coming in and out.

 

[TooGood]

Hey guys,


A friend hooked me up with a wholesaler here in New York. They have a nice website, and he had a great experience. They are not a retail jeweler and are very obviously a wholesaler. I just talk with them in their office and they show me diamonds/etc.

The diamond specs:

2.15 ct
Oval
Color: F
Clarity: SI2
Cut: ex
polish: ex
Certified EGL Israel

Price 10.7k.

Now I know that I can return it if I need to, but what are you guys' thoughts on this? I've looked online and even at their website and none of the ones on there get close to this good of a deal. I absolutely trust them and honestly don't think it's anything to worry about, but asking can't hurt. Thoughts?

Thanks!

It's EGL Israel.
And if your "wholesaler" is willing to sell to you, a private independent individual consumer, they are not "wholesalers".
Deals from "friends of friends" rarely end well.
I would advise running from both the stone and this vendor, but... something tells me you aren't interested in hearing that sort of advice, so I will abstain from further comment.

Thanks for the advice. Let me phrase this another way:

I want basically the biggest stone I can afford for my price. I care only about how it looks to the eye, assuming of course it's not just going to break in half of course. I've seen some with more shine, sparkle, and even a better color. But I like this one, and I like it more than plenty of other options they showed me that were priced how I would expect and were GIA.

I don't think the guys are my friends. I don't think they are giving me something 40% off. I don't think if I resale it I will get my money back, and I'm fine if I'm even going to lose say 10-20% versus if I got one of the GIAs and resold it.

Do you think those expectations fit within the story told? Or is there a fatal problem. According to the pricescope search, this is a relatively normal price or slight overprice for EGL IS, which to me likely means they aren't doing anything shady enough for me to go running. I've tried working with your normal retailer and they simply cannot compete so far. I assume this is because they push GIA hard and such, but I simply don't care about that, I just care about how it looks to me.

 

[kay1]

EGL grades softer and I think israel is the worst one of the EGL labs.

Your 2.15 / F / SI2 is more likely a 2.15 / H / I1 on the GIA scale.

If you search on the diamond searcher at the top of the forum, you'll see even for a EGL it's not a 'great' deal actually.

Eg. here's a 2.16 / F / SI2 for $7750

http://search.virtcert.com/cgi/u/1012/v.cgi?stock=15477013&_s=1012&_p=sdf348gd743&_c=&_fs=1&prestock=&_ln=ps

BUT i'd advise you to stick with GIA or AGS lab reports. In which case you can get a real D-G / SI2 for about 11k

This is exactly what I wanted to hear. I just don't want it to be fatally flawed, and it seems for this type of stone it is overpriced slightly(as I would expect from anyone not online).

I've looked at many diamonds in retail, along with this one beside GIA diamonds. I simply like it more, I like the color and the "shine" and anything else. It's definitely not a perfect diamond but looking at it magnified, it's no different than the many GIA certified ones that come in at 12k. From the look of the pricescope search, I could likely get it for ~9k online. I felt very comfortable going with an SI2 and G-H color on GIA, and I assume this is likely around what this would be shown as.

Also this isn't the wholesaler type I think many think of. They are relatively big, have a nice website presence(Not some shoddy website), and do identify themselves as wholesalers but it's obvious they deal with private customers, but at the same time they can't do it that often because they have no where to do it. I didn't show up and end up in an obvious jewelry store, it was just an office type situation with very little room for a bunch of customers to be coming in and out.

You've obviously fallen in love with the stone, or maybe the nice way in which the vendor treated you. Despite any of that, your personal bias is deflecting from the fact that you're paying $3000 more than an equivalent stone by EGL standards - that's almost 30% more

If you like the lower colour (EGL F is more like a GIA H or I) then you can look at a GIA H, it'll still be a lot cheaper.

Yssie got it spot on, you've already made your mind up it seems and it sounds like nothing we say will change that. I'll leave you with one final thought...

In a years time when this guy is a long distant memory and you compare your diamond to someone else's, or you're listening to a conversation other people are having about a diamond they are about to buy, you'll remember this and feel a bit silly. That's usually the way things go, humans have a tendency to do something if they think they figured it out themselves more so than if an expert tells them.

My view for the sake of clarity is:

- You're paying almost 30% too much for a like for like EGL stone.
- You should be comparing against other EGL stones OR a lower grade GIA. Only then can you say if this is a good deal or not, and to me it isn't.
- SI2 on a GIA is below the grade I would look at personally - it's a grade you really need to see the stone to check for eye clean. SI2 on an EGL is I2 or I2 equivalent which isn't eye clean. Most vendors don't even sell I1/I2 stones - there's a good reason why

That's all I have to say, the rest is upto you.

 

[kay1]

... According to the pricescope search, this is a relatively normal price or slight overprice for EGL IS, which to me likely means they aren't doing anything shady enough for me to go running....

Not sure where you're looking but:

 

[TooGood]

EGL grades softer and I think israel is the worst one of the EGL labs.

Your 2.15 / F / SI2 is more likely a 2.15 / H / I1 on the GIA scale.

If you search on the diamond searcher at the top of the forum, you'll see even for a EGL it's not a 'great' deal actually.

Eg. here's a 2.16 / F / SI2 for $7750

http://search.virtcert.com/cgi/u/1012/v.cgi?stock=15477013&_s=1012&_p=sdf348gd743&_c=&_fs=1&prestock=&_ln=ps

BUT i'd advise you to stick with GIA or AGS lab reports. In which case you can get a real D-G / SI2 for about 11k

This is exactly what I wanted to hear. I just don't want it to be fatally flawed, and it seems for this type of stone it is overpriced slightly(as I would expect from anyone not online).

I've looked at many diamonds in retail, along with this one beside GIA diamonds. I simply like it more, I like the color and the "shine" and anything else. It's definitely not a perfect diamond but looking at it magnified, it's no different than the many GIA certified ones that come in at 12k. From the look of the pricescope search, I could likely get it for ~9k online. I felt very comfortable going with an SI2 and G-H color on GIA, and I assume this is likely around what this would be shown as.

Also this isn't the wholesaler type I think many think of. They are relatively big, have a nice website presence(Not some shoddy website), and do identify themselves as wholesalers but it's obvious they deal with private customers, but at the same time they can't do it that often because they have no where to do it. I didn't show up and end up in an obvious jewelry store, it was just an office type situation with very little room for a bunch of customers to be coming in and out.

You've obviously fallen in love with the stone, or maybe the nice way in which the vendor treated you. Despite any of that, your personal bias is deflecting from the fact that you're paying $3000 more than an equivalent stone by EGL standards - that's almost 30% more

If you like the lower colour (EGL F is more like a GIA H or I) then you can look at a GIA H, it'll still be a lot cheaper.

Yssie got it spot on, you've already made your mind up it seems and it sounds like nothing we say will change that. I'll leave you with one final thought...

In a years time when this guy is a long distant memory and you compare your diamond to someone else's, or you're listening to a conversation other people are having about a diamond they are about to buy, you'll remember this and feel a bit silly. That's usually the way things go, humans have a tendency to do something if they think they figured it out themselves more so than if an expert tells them.

My view for the sake of clarity is:

- You're paying almost 30% too much for a like for like EGL stone.
- You should be comparing against other EGL stones OR a lower grade GIA. Only then can you say if this is a good deal or not, and to me it isn't.
- SI2 on a GIA is below the grade I would look at personally - it's a grade you really need to see the stone to check for eye clean. SI2 on an EGL is I2 or I2 equivalent which isn't eye clean. Most vendors don't even sell I1/I2 stones - there's a good reason why

That's all I have to say, the rest is upto you.

Sorry -- overpriced isn't really my concern. I guess that's the biggest thing you guys are worried about, which is again fine by me. It's definitely better than the prices I was getting elsewhere.

Also the stone being eye clean stuff is confusing to me. I've looked at it, and it is most definitely eye clean. Or at least it looks the same to me as did the other ones I've viewed in other places that were GIA SI1 or around there.

Anywhere else I've went I have no choices that are close to 2ct for 10k. I have tried multiple times and I've gotten 1 that is 1.7 that is in my range. It was yellow.

So basically it seems like you're saying I'm getting screwed on price -- I agree, but I think every diamond place is going to screw me with price. I unfortunately cannot buy online.

My only real concern is simply that I don't want something where the looks of it are different than what it is. It fits my price range, it gives me the big stone I want, and it's one of the favorites I've seen in person. If I could get it for <10k in New York I would, but everywhere I go gives me nothing close to this option. Given these parameters, I feel that it seems fine? Like I said, overpaying just isn't the issue. Nearly every person overpays just as much as this because they go to a retailer. Kay, Zales, etc are going to be the same amount of overpay but I'll never get close to getting a 2.15 for 10k there, instead I'll get more clarity under 10x magnification(that I can't see) for 10k that is 1.7ct.

 

[TooGood]

... According to the pricescope search, this is a relatively normal price or slight overprice for EGL IS, which to me likely means they aren't doing anything shady enough for me to go running....

Not sure where you're looking but:

If you look at X/X sym/polish, the 2.51 crushes my price, but the only other going down the list is the 2.14 which is cheaper but is a G which in EGLISRAEL is probably out of what color I like. I want G or good H in GIA.

 

[yssie]

I assume this is because they push GIA hard and such, but I simply don't care about that, I just care about how it looks to me.

You are very new to buying diamonds. Your eyes don't know what they're seeing - that's something that comes with training, from looking at hundreds or thousands of different stones.
Your vendors' eyes most definitely know what they're seeing, and that they have chosen to sell this stone with an EGL Israel report is no accident - these are the specs that will get them the most money.

The stone is what it is is, no report from one authority over another is going to change that. What does change is the pricing scheme: if they could sell it for more with a GIA report they'd have done so.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gia-vs-egl-usa-vs-egl-international-which-is-the-best-deal.162154/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gia-vs-egl-usa-vs-egl-international-which-is-the-best-deal.162154/[/URL]
(You can consider EGL-Int and EGL-Israel to be on the same rung of the ladder, since you're buying here in the US).

 

[TooGood]

I assume this is because they push GIA hard and such, but I simply don't care about that, I just care about how it looks to me.

You are very new to buying diamonds. Your eyes don't know what they're seeing - that's something that comes with training, from looking at hundreds or thousands of different stones.
Your vendors' eyes most definitely know what they're seeing, and that they have chosen to sell this stone with an EGL Israel report is no accident - these are the specs that will get them the most money.

The stone is what it is is, no report from one authority over another is going to change that. What does change is the pricing scheme: if they could sell it for more with a GIA report they'd have done so.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gia-vs-egl-usa-vs-egl-international-which-is-the-best-deal.162154/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gia-vs-egl-usa-vs-egl-international-which-is-the-best-deal.162154/[/URL]

Maybe I wouldn't have minded an I1/I2 in GIA then? I definitely didn't like H or below color, and this one most definitely is not that, as they showed me one that was EGL G or H and it was very yellow, likely much lower.

I also don't doubt that I am getting "screwed," but I don't quite understand how you can ever buy a diamond without getting screwed?

My point is kind of this: I couldn't even see a 2ct for 10k before this place. I went to just the normal jewelry stores that weren't big chains. I told them I wanted G or better, SI2 or better, VG/VG or better, GIA. I usually saw 1.5ct for 10k. Sometimes 1.7 but the depth would be huge and it would look smaller than the 1.5ct.

So now with this X/X F color SI2 from EGLI I like it just as much as the stones shown in the stores. Do you think mainly I asked for too good of a clarity from these stores? Like if we assume EGL has terribly skewed results, then this may be a VG/VG H I2 and if I saw it from GIA with that I would have liked it and been able to pull a 2.15 for 10k then? I know color wise I wouldn't go any lower than what I was seeing in store and this one stands up well to those.

 

[kay1]

Sorry -- overpriced isn't really my concern. I guess that's the biggest thing you guys are worried about, which is again fine by me. It's definitely better than the prices I was getting elsewhere.

Then honestly I don't understand the point of this thread or the question you posed :/

If you just love how it looks, nothing else we say will change that or you're opinion. If you loved a black piece of tar and were prepared to pay $100 for it, me telling you it's tar, and that you can get tar for $1 isn't going to change anything if you _must_ have that bit of tar

I'm not saying this diamond is tar, it's just that it doesn't matter what this diamond is anymore, you've decided.

Too good to be true? No, because it's overpriced. It's not too good, it's not good, it's average, and that's true

Where do you live? There may be vendors that people know here that you don't know of. Surely to save $3k or to get a better stone, driving to the nearest decent vendor even if an hour or more away is worth it?

 

[kay1]

No i think you misunderstood.

A EGL rated F is the same as a GIA rated H or I. EGL rates the diamonds much softer, it's like a teacher that gives most students an A, even if they are C grade students.

Put another way if you sent this same stone to GIA they would rate it H / I1.

If you like an EGL F, then you'll like a GIA H, because actually they are both the same colour!

Similarly EGL SI2 is the same as a GIA I1 or I2. 'I' means the inclusion is visible to the eye. It may be a pinpoint or cloud or feather. If you don't know what to look for you won't see it of course

http://www.goodoldgold.com/4Cs/Clarity/InclusionGallery/

Just because you don't see anything doesn't mean its clarity is any better, it just means you can't see the clarity. If I1/I2 is fine for you, then look for EGL SI2 or GIA I1/I2.

The fact that you can't tell it's clarity or it's colour doesn't mean you should pay the price for a higher colour or clarity. It's like saying you can't tell the difference between a HD or normal TV, but because you like the particular TV you're prepared to pay HD price for it. You can if you want, but that's not a good deal!

 

[TooGood]

Sorry -- overpriced isn't really my concern. I guess that's the biggest thing you guys are worried about, which is again fine by me. It's definitely better than the prices I was getting elsewhere.

Then honestly I don't understand the point of this thread or the question you posed :/

If you just love how it looks, nothing else we say will change that or you're opinion. If you loved a black piece of tar and were prepared to pay $100 for it, me telling you it's tar, and that you can get tar for $1 isn't going to change anything if you _must_ have that bit of tar

I'm not saying this diamond is tar, it's just that it doesn't matter what this diamond is anymore, you've decided.

Too good to be true? No, because it's overpriced. It's not too good, it's not good, it's average, and that's true

Where do you live? There may be vendors that people know here that you don't know of. Surely to save $3k or to get a better stone, driving to the nearest decent vendor even if an hour or more away is worth it?

Hey, well the main point was I didn't realize that I could get something this cheap. Once you showed me the image and the image shows it is a slight overpay(read my comment on it), now I'm not so worried!

I live in New York / Chicago. I've been everywhere in New York and will be in Chicago for the next month, which is why I am kind of wanting to just close this deal. Know anything in Chicago that would be worth my time to wait for?

 

[TooGood]

No i think you misunderstood.

A EGL rated F is the same as a GIA rated H or I. EGL rates the diamonds much softer, it's like a teacher that gives most students an A, even if they are C grade students.

Put another way if you sent this same stone to GIA they would rate it H / I1.

If you like an EGL F, then you'll like a GIA H, because actually they are both the same colour!

Similarly EGL SI2 is the same as a GIA I1 or I2. 'I' means the inclusion is visible to the eye. It may be a pinpoint or cloud or feather. If you don't know what to look for you won't see it of course

http://www.goodoldgold.com/4Cs/Clarity/InclusionGallery/

Just because you don't see anything doesn't mean its clarity is any better, it just means you can't see the clarity. If I1/I2 is fine for you, then look for EGL SI2 or GIA I1/I2.

The fact that you can't tell it's clarity or it's colour doesn't mean you should pay the price for a higher colour or clarity. It's like saying you can't tell the difference between a HD or normal TV, but because you like the particular TV you're prepared to pay HD price for it. You can if you want, but that's not a good deal!

Yea I really don't like anything below H. This could definitely be a "good" H which is what I was looking for.

I think the main thing was the I1/I2 part? I guess I had never seen one before(Just read online don't get one!) and assume now I probably would like it. To me that still seems crazy that I could go from a VG/VG/H/SI2 GIA 1.7ct for 11k to a 2.15 just from it being I1 or I2? I mean like I said I've looked at probably 100 and I'm absolutely sure the color isn't below H simply because I instantly hated every H I saw. I guess it could be G/G going from the X/X it is currently rated? I probably couldn't tell with that either.

Oh also I do know what to look for in terms of inclusions. I also looked at it 10x magnified then looked at the stone in the same spots with my eyes. I only have 20/20 vision but I just couldn't see anything. I could sometimes think I saw an inclusion at a certain angle but just couldn't pin it down every time I looked specifically for it. I'm sure it may not be considered eye clean by someone who really knows what they are doing, but for 95% of the population why would they want something eye clean then if it is only 5% that can even tell? I mean if I've done 6mo's research and know what to look for, looked through a scope to find the spots I wanted, and still couldn't find it -- why would anyone get better than that other than money to blow?

 

[Stive85]

All due respect. You don't seem to be taking any of what is said here seriously.

FACT: You are HUGELY overpaying for this diamond... that has been made clear and you continue to ignore people who are telling you this.

If you want an EGL Israel Diamond that's your prerogative. But if it's SI2 believe me it would be a mess under a loupe I suspect.

If anything maybe look for an EGL USA diamond. They are far more recognized and still present a nice discount compared to GIA.


But if you've made up your mind, just buy the thing. But it essentially means your thread was useless.

 

[kay1]

But if you've made up your mind, just buy the thing. But it essentially means your thread was useless.

^^ THIS!

OP, you're confusing EGL H and GIA H.

EGL F = GIA H/I.
EGL H = GIA J/K or even L who knows.

Either compare EGL with EGL, or drop 2 grades in colour and at least 1 grade in clarity and compare with GIA. So here you'd compare you're diamond to a GIA H / I1. This is NOT the same as a EGL H you may have been shown.

I think all that can be said has been said. If you don't care, that's up to you. If you want someone to just tell you you're right, that's not going to happen because no one here thinks you are.

 

[motownmama]

I think you should pass on the stone you;re considering. Take a deep breath and begin again.....
Very good luck to you!
And - this is coming from a VERY impulsive person!

 

[heididdl]

This is dejuvu for me and my first introduction to PS. I came on just after I started looking for studs. My circumstance was different in that I had to trade in my old studs plus sell gold and other jewelry pieces to purchase the upgraded studs so I was kind of in a quandry where to buy when I saw these 2.41 EGL International studs at a Brick and Mortar.

I'm telling you this because I ended up buying EGL International 2.41 studs. The difference between this thread and my journey was I knew exactly what I was buying and I negotiated a 4,000 discount so that I felt that I was paying the price for the EGL F color si1 stones (which I compared to I-J si2 GIA stones) So I didn't feel I over paid.

if I had to do over again I would have liquidated all my assets and gone to WF and negotiated a trade in and cash for AGS or GIA certified studs.

If is hard to turn down 2.0 + stone that you really want with a 10,000 budget but honestly I've been married and wearing my ering for 28 years and I would have second quessed my decision to go EGL israel for 28 years ...You still have a choice and in life there is no rush get an ideal cut GIA of AGS stone and be happy. You might have to go just under 2.00 but you'll be happier over time.

 

[TooGood]

Wow thanks for all the input guys!

I will put it on hold. My next question is where do I go then? I'm in Chicago starting tomorrow for the next month and I've told my guys in New York that I'm going to wait. So who should I be going to in Chicago? Any help? Thanks again everyone!

 

[Stive85]

Wow thanks for all the input guys!

I will put it on hold. My next question is where do I go then? I'm in Chicago starting tomorrow for the next month and I've told my guys in New York that I'm going to wait. So who should I be going to in Chicago? Any help? Thanks again everyone!

May I ask why you can't buy online?


If you really can't I know someone I bought off of, who's a member here drop ships. But can send you emailed images and from there have your diamond sent to an independent appraiser in Chicago who goes over diamond with you. If you are unsatisfied walk away and they return it for you. That is a better option than B and M store.

 

[kay1]

Wow thanks for all the input guys!

I will put it on hold. My next question is where do I go then? I'm in Chicago starting tomorrow for the next month and I've told my guys in New York that I'm going to wait. So who should I be going to in Chicago? Any help? Thanks again everyone!

NY? Good Old Gold are in New York. You can't go wrong with those guys. They'll show you the stone under a microscope, idealscope and whatever else you like.

 

[TooGood]

Wow thanks for all the input guys!

I will put it on hold. My next question is where do I go then? I'm in Chicago starting tomorrow for the next month and I've told my guys in New York that I'm going to wait. So who should I be going to in Chicago? Any help? Thanks again everyone!

May I ask why you can't buy online?


If you really can't I know someone I bought off of, who's a member here drop ships. But can send you emailed images and from there have your diamond sent to an independent appraiser in Chicago who goes over diamond with you. If you are unsatisfied walk away and they return it for you. That is a better option than B and M store.

I'd be interested in this. No online as per the girlfriend, thinks it would ruin the experience and such. She's traditional with this kind of stuff.

 

[TooGood]

Wow thanks for all the input guys!

I will put it on hold. My next question is where do I go then? I'm in Chicago starting tomorrow for the next month and I've told my guys in New York that I'm going to wait. So who should I be going to in Chicago? Any help? Thanks again everyone!

NY? Good Old Gold are in New York. You can't go wrong with those guys. They'll show you the stone under a microscope, idealscope and whatever else you like.

Well I've seen the one I had before under these and liked it! Apparently that isn't enough Anyways just went out of town for a month.

 

[Rhea]

I have to say that knowing that I overpaid or didn't have as nice of a rock as I thought I did would ruin the experience more than shopping online would. How depressing would it be to suddenly notice an inclusion in a different type of light and realise that you could have have gotten something better and paid less online?

In Chicago...maybe try DZ? Some PSers have had great experiences there. Hopefully others from Chicago (which I'm not!) will chime in. http://www.diamondzonejewelry.com/

 

[lovebug1031]

I have to say that knowing that I overpaid or didn't have as nice of a rock as I thought I did would ruin the experience more than shopping online would. How depressing would it be to suddenly notice an inclusion in a different type of light and realise that you could have have gotten something better and paid less online?

In Chicago...maybe try DZ? Some PSers have had great experiences there. Hopefully others from Chicago (which I'm not!) will chime in. http://www.diamondzonejewelry.com/

can't agree with this any more! I'd def. recommend Good Old Gold on Long Island if you're in NY - they have an excellent website and their staff is amazing - they're passionate about diamonds, and not just there to sell you something to make a buck!

I think what you're missing overall is that you can buy a 3ct or even 4ct stone in your price rage, but it won't be well cut - which it sounds like is the case here, so you're not only overpaying for the EGL Israel stats, you're not getting a great stone for your money. Most of the people on this board are going to preach quality over quantity in terms of stones...and trust me, while she might be happy with a 2ct stone, when she compares to maybe some of her friends rings and it just doesn't sparkle the same, she'll notice!