Trying to find a diamond

[ck1223]

I have some selections, and the criteria from her is BIG. Her ring size is a 6.5, and she wants a thin band.
I'm in Toronto, Canada. So anyone that has Duty/Tax experiences would be great to chime in as well!

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ls/1.202-j-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104054185009

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ls/1.212-j-si1-round-diamond-ags-104060038133

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1445793.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1463673.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VVS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1482553.asp

I know the carats are all over the place. I'm thinking a minimum 1.25. The 1.51 looks great, but I'm worried about the inclusions, it's a bit more than I want to spend, but it would be great to give her a 1.51.

I'm also stuck with whom I'd rather purchase from.

JAMES ALLEN
PRO:
I like James Allens return policy (60 days!), and upgrade policy (any diamond).
CON:
I am personally not attracted to any of the bands on James Allen's site.

Brian Gavin
PRO:
I like their bands.
CON:
Upgrade policy is limited to Brian's Signature Hearts and Arrows (hence the ones I've linked above).
Return policy is only 15days!

Bands I'm looking at:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/minnie-sholdt-18k-white-gold-5771w18
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e...ire/the-valentine-ring-18k-white-gold-5683w18

I guess I could order the diamond from James Allen, and the band from BG, but then i'd have to set it locally, which in the end, will cost more than buying it all from 1 place. Plus, i'm sure there are other perks I'm missing by setting it locally rather than from JA or BG.

Does anyone have experience with diamondexchange? There is one local here in Toronto, and I can most of the JA diamonds from there as well. Their website shows prices which are higher than JA, but I wonder if those prices are negotiable.

 

[farmer gal]

You could call blue nile and see if the medium blue flourescence has any bad effects on this diamond:

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=head#diamonds_pid=LD02764507

Settings:

http://www.bluenile.com/white-gold-engagement-ring-setting_19287

http://www.bluenile.com/white-gold-engagement-ring-setting_19285

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-engagement-ring-setting-platinum_19793

A lot more to choose from just some ideas

 

[DaveMutant]

I'm in Canada too. I ordered with a different seller, but the diamond was sent via FedEx priority which meant there were no brokerage charges. All I had to pay was HST - no duty applicable because of the NAFTA agreement between the USA and Canada

 

[two_little_birds]

You could drive to Erie, PA. PA has no tax, so depending on how much you spend you could save a lot. Plus we (Canadians) give the government enough tax already!

 

[Enerchi]

I've bought from the US and it is just duty only (13% HST for Ontario) . Shipping and insurance is on their end - but you are charged for it. Maybe its a $25 - $50 cost (I can't recall)

I'd buy the best diamond not the best setting, if I had to pick between. The diamond will last and last and last... the style of setting could change as her tastes change. Not that anything like that has ever happened to anyone on PS...ever...

 

[mimi123]

Hi ck1223, in answer to your query I have experience with DiamondExchange in Toronto. A few years back I was looking to upgrade my er to a three stone and was wary of dealing online let alone across the border. I met with Shaun and Michael Baumbach from Diamond Exchange to allay any qualms I had and eventually purchased three AGS0 diamonds and had them make a platinum setting which I designed from elements I chose from different settings. Ever year I send them my ring for inspection/repairs which they provide and return on their own dime. I would recommend them without hesitation.

 

[JulieN]

I would get the diamond from the same place as where I liked the settings. It's the setting that makes it jewelry. The photos of BGD settings really do look better, as the pictures on JA are just computer renderings, and not actual photos.

Some people have bought from Diamond Exchange.

 

[ck1223]

Hi Mimi,

The diamondexchange prices online are $1000-$1500 more than on JamesAllen, WhiteFlash, and it's literally the exact same GIA diamond. Do you know if the prices on Diamondexchange.ca are highly negotiable?

 

[ck1223]

Thanks for the info Dave.

 

[ck1223]

Thanks Enerchi lol Good point on the setting.

 

[mimi123]

Hmmm, I can't speak for that, but I would encourage you to call for yourself and find out.

 

[ck1223]

I'm attempting to get this. Going to get ASET images and scopes etc. in the next couple of days.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1462182.asp

What do you think of the GIA report? I'll post the images when I get them. I always hate the "additional comments" section, it's frightening.

 

[ck1223]

Anyone?

 

[woofmama]

I'm not going to comment on your diamond selection, I'm no expert on that and don't even own a round myself.
Just wanted to help you out with your setting logistics. I purchased a square emerald cut diamond from James Allen about six weeks ago
and had it shipped unset. I was/am in love with the diamond but wasn't sure how I wanted it set. I had admired the Sholdt settings for a long time and went to a local retailer to try them on. Fell in love with a particular style which local store quoted at around $2100 in 18k WG plus a $200 setting fee, outrageous price really! Must not want the sale.

Got a quote from Brian Gavin & Pearlmans, which is another trusted PS vendor. I am going with Pearlmans, the quote was less and they have been great to deal with. I was sent a shipping label, my stone goes directly from me to Sholdt where they make the setting for my diamond which then gets shipped back to me directly. Should take about 4 weeks. If you decide on the Sholdt setting you can purchase your stone from any vendor as they act as middleman between you and Sholdt but don't actually set the stone.

Hope this helps!