Trying to compare vendors...

[ilovedogs]

I cracked my stone which was purchased from Blue Nile and am now in the process of replacing it thru State Farm (hoping they will let me choose my own jeweler). I want to puchase the stone thru a vendor with the best upgrade policy. Would this be Whiteflash? How about James Allen? I read on their website that the upgrade must be at least 2 times the original amount.....is this true?

Who would you choose based on upgrade policy?

Thanks-

 

[HariSeldon]

Crafted by Infinity has a really nice upgrade policy too (no minimum % of original). Might want to check out some of their vendors like Winfields.

Here''s how Wink explained it to me...
"Every Infinity diamond is one hundred percent upgradeable with no minimum upgrade requirement. I once had a lady upgrade from a 1.51 to a 1.55 to a 1.53 (more expensive even though smaller physically) all in just a few months time, two of the trades in a just a few weeks. One of the trade ups was just a few hundred dollars, and the other a couple of thousand."

 

[neatfreak]

Whiteflash''s is certainly the most liberal for sure.

 

[rainydaze]

GOG''s (good old gold) is pretty good - you get the full amount you paid (minus shipping) towards a diamond $500 greater than the original''s price.

 

[lovegem]

Date: 9/2/2008 2:09:26 PM
Author: neatfreak
Whiteflash''s is certainly the most liberal for sure.

How so?

 

[swingirl]

Make sure you understand that it isn''t every stone sold that qualifies for a vendor''s upgrade policy. Ask them the specifics especially when you decide to purchase a particular stone. The fancy cuts are often times not offered the Lifetime Upgrade Policy.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 9/2/2008 3:40:58 PM
Author: lovegem

Date: 9/2/2008 2:09:26 PM

Author: neatfreak

Whiteflash's is certainly the most liberal for sure.

How so?

Well, the other big vendors require you to spend a certain amount over the initial purchase, and WF doesn't have a set amount (like GOG is $500 more, ERD is half, etc.) So to me I consider their policy more liberal than other vendors...the process is very easy with them too.

Make sure you realize though that with ALL the vendors the initial stone needs to meet their upgrade specifics, so make sure to ask about it when you purchase. Each vendor has their own rules about what will qualify.

 

[Jelly]

I upgraded my stone through WF and it was a very easy process.

 

[lovegem]

Date: 9/2/2008 7:18:42 PM
Author: neatfreak

Date: 9/2/2008 3:40:58 PM

Author: lovegem

Date: 9/2/2008 2:09:26 PM


Author: neatfreak


Whiteflash''s is certainly the most liberal for sure.

How so?

Well, the other big vendors require you to spend a certain amount over the initial purchase, and WF doesn''t have a set amount (like GOG is $500 more, ERD is half, etc.) So to me I consider their policy more liberal than other vendors...the process is very easy with them too.


Make sure you realize though that with ALL the vendors the initial stone needs to meet their upgrade specifics, so make sure to ask about it when you purchase. Each vendor has their own rules about what will qualify.

Thanks NF. I got an ACA from WF. I didn''t ask for the upgrade policy when I bought it. I am really thinking about upgrading in the future. Do you know if all ACA stones are upgradeable?

 

[Fly Girl]

Just wondering how it is going with State Farm? When I had a claim for a lost diamond ring several years ago, I was told to use a State Farm jeweler (they gave me a list of local jewelers affiliated with SF), and that State Farm would purchase the diamond and send it to the jeweler. You do get to see it and approve it. So, I''m thinking that you will never get a chance to choose your diamond vendor. Would be nice if you can, however.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 9/2/2008 8:32:55 PM
Author: lovegem

Date: 9/2/2008 7:18:42 PM

Author: neatfreak

Date: 9/2/2008 3:40:58 PM


Author: lovegem

Date: 9/2/2008 2:09:26 PM



Author: neatfreak



Whiteflash''s is certainly the most liberal for sure.

How so?

Well, the other big vendors require you to spend a certain amount over the initial purchase, and WF doesn''t have a set amount (like GOG is $500 more, ERD is half, etc.) So to me I consider their policy more liberal than other vendors...the process is very easy with them too.



Make sure you realize though that with ALL the vendors the initial stone needs to meet their upgrade specifics, so make sure to ask about it when you purchase. Each vendor has their own rules about what will qualify.

Thanks NF. I got an ACA from WF. I didn''t ask for the upgrade policy when I bought it. I am really thinking about upgrading in the future. Do you know if all ACA stones are upgradeable?

With their ACA stones you are fine. Don''t worry!

It''s some of the stones they "call in" that aren''t eligible.

 

[ilovedogs]

Thanks everyone.....

Fly girl--We just called in the claim today so I have not spoken with the adjuster yet, that is tomorrow. When we insured it I asked the rep several times if they will just issue a check, he assured me they will. Now the time has come and nope, they do not issue checks. So that alone is extremely frustrating. I spoke with the owner of the agency and he assured me I will be able to use my own jeweler since they will not cut a check. Just not sure how it will work out.......I have seen a couple of pricescopers score checks from State Farm though. My main concern is having full control of the choice. I submittedan independent appraisal along with my GIA so we will see.....

 

[WinkHPD]

Date: 9/2/2008 10:11:40 PM
Author: ilovedogs
Thanks everyone.....

Fly girl--We just called in the claim today so I have not spoken with the adjuster yet, that is tomorrow. When we insured it I asked the rep several times if they will just issue a check, he assured me they will. Now the time has come and nope, they do not issue checks. So that alone is extremely frustrating. I spoke with the owner of the agency and he assured me I will be able to use my own jeweler since they will not cut a check. Just not sure how it will work out.......I have seen a couple of pricescopers score checks from State Farm though. My main concern is having full control of the choice. I submittedan independent appraisal along with my GIA so we will see.....

Many of us vendors here work with State Farm so getting to work with a State Farm vendor should not be a problem.

Also, in some states, Idaho being one of them so I know this, you have the right to demand to work with the Jeweler of your choice. The adjusters will not inform you of this, but be sure to ask if your state is one of those with this type of law. You might be better to ask your state insurance regulators before you speak with your adjuster so that you are working from a position of strength.

Wink