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Typical Guy needs a little advice :)

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palmetto336

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 18, 2012
Messages
9
Hello all! I am officially on the search for the perfect ring for my girlfriend. I am looking for the $3000-7000 range. Its a wide range, but if I love it I'll buy it. She isn't materialistic and would be happy with anything (really), but in my eyes she deserves the absolute best (i can afford lol). I started the search with my dad's friend, who is a local family jeweler and has been around my city forever. He basically said no worries and I won't have to go anywhere else because he'll give me the best deal possible. My girlfriend actually went with her friends to his place and tried on a few rings, some okay, nothing "dazzled her". She loves Tacori, the HT2515 to be specific (Round Double Halo w/tendril things, beautiful setting, vintage-ish setting). UNFORTUNATELY HE doesn't carry the Tacori line, but his friend in another state carries Tacori and may be able to get the setting cheaper. Add a diamond and I'm gonna be at my $7K or even worse breaking my range barrier. And the diamond will probably be a smaller diamond than what I originally wanted due to the price point. My jeweler has also been extremely tough to get a hold of lately for unknown reasons and i'm getting ancy.

This brings me to my next topic, ONLINE. I started doing online research on diamonds and settings, etc, so I can have a clue of what's going on. I have actually looked at pre-owned Tacoris for around the 7K range that are settings she loves, Blue Nile, Solomons, 1910, Craigslist, eBay...EVERYTHING. I have been looking nonstop and stumbled upon ebay listings, which seem like most are legit from online jewelry sellers. Let me be honest: I am scared to buy things online, mainly ebay because the only time i've ever bought from it (15 years ago), i got ripped off out of 800 bucks. I found an ebay seller (and their store) called "Blue Apple Diamonds". Their website is stores.ebay.com/blue-apple-diamonds. I found a ring on there that is a "round diamond halo split shank" that is 2.8 twct. 1.5 Center and 1.3 band/shank. The Price is $5799. The center stone is E-F, SI-1 and VERY GOOD cut. The Certification is "GRA", which i haven't seen much and it says the ring would appraise for 22,000. This seems like its too good to be true, and I have been emailing them a little bit asking for more pictures and i'm currently waiting on them. They have great feedback, however I haven't seen much about them after a Google search. There is one topic on diamondreview.com, and a couple people had great experiences and the appraisal on their ring was legit after the did their own. MY GIRLFRIEND also loved this ring, as she asked to see a pic of it when I told her I found another ring she may want to look at.

Anyway, making a long story short, I really, really want to get a Tacori for her just because its a crazy beautiful ring and her friends said she cried when she tried it on at another store. I'm shooting for it. HOWEVER, I don't know if the budget will let me. Do you guys think the second option from the "Blue Apple Diamonds" above would be worth checking out? It just seems like its so cheap for a lot of diamond! Thanks for your input. By the way, this is the best site ive seen for amateurs who are mind-effed up like me when he comes to looking for rings! THANK YOU in advance for any advice at all...
 
Run from Blue Apple Diamonds and never look back. Just from the specs, certification company and appraisal value I can tell you its all bull. Very good cut honestly translates to pretty poor light return ie not sparkly.

You have a very nice sized budget and you will be able to get a beautiful e-ring for what you want to spend, but that setting is very expensive. I don't know your girlfriend but if it were me I would want you to spend almost the entire budget on the best biggest diamond you could find and have it set in a simple solitaire setting. Then in a few years, when we could afford it, I would want the setting upgraded to my dream setting.

What shape center stone are you looking for? Im guessing a round brilliant based on the dream setting you showed us.
Here is a diamond education link to give you a better idea of what to look for in a diamond. You will find on these boards that the thing people are least willing to compromise on is cut. A well cut diamond will sparkle and scintillate and blow your GF's socks off, a poorly cut diamond will look dull, have black spots (light leakage) and will totally underwhelm you. So read up and let us know what you are thinking and what we can do to help :D
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds
 
Thank you ma'am! I knew there was something about the blue Apple diamonds, but I just couldn't place it. She wants a halo setting, and from what she's seen looking at different stones with me, she likes the round stone with a cushioned halo. She absolutely wants a halo. I am supposed to hear back from our family friend that's a jeweler tomorrow about some Tacori stuff and I will ask your opinion on the prices, etc he gives me.

I also have another curveball to throw in. My mom has a round diamond (that I don't know all the specifics) that is around .73 carats and she paid about $3700 for about ten years ago. She wants to give it to me to use in the setting if I want OR she said she wouldn't mind me trade up if I wanted. The problem is I think the diamond may be too small for what I want to do, and I don't wanna really give up a diamond my mom wants to give me. I might have to. I just think it'd be too small in that Tacori setting? My girlfriends ring size is a 7 as well.

Anyway, as soon as my family jeweler decides to be a little better about calling me back, I will have a better understanding.
 
Hi palmetto,

The Tacori setting your girlfriend loves is around the $5000 mark in white gold without a diamond, so I think using your mom's diamond could be a good idea. The Since1910 listing for it says it accommodates anywhere from a .60 carat round and up, so it's not too small. I'd at least take a look at it (see how it looks in different types of lighting), and see if your mom has any more information on it, like a grading cert.
 
First, regarding the setting. If she does not specifically want a Tacori setting, even at the cost of a smaller diamond, then I would look for something in the same style but from a different brand. For me having a halo was also very important so I would not recommend deviating from that.

Are you sure that the right Tacori number, since that one is a simple halo with tapered channel set sides http://www.since1910.com/engagement/tacori/tacori-channelset-and-pave-round-diamond-engagement-ring-ht2515-ps1991.aspx.. This one from Gabriel & Co http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7293W44JJ is close to the same style but only $2000 and I believe that if you go with ether GOG or ID jewelry you can get 20% off the setting.

Take a look at Gaberiel & Co settings and if she likes delicate antique styles Beverly K makes some beautiful settings too.

Regarding the local family jeweler. Simple economics mean that an online jeweler can have lower margins and give lower prices than a local one. No matter how close this guy is, he has to pay the rent and overhead of his store and he has too eat, so he will probably not be the most inexpensive source of diamonds. On the other hand some people like the peace of mind of dealing face to face and that is worth something too.

The thing you need to be careful with is that a lot of the time jewelers will offer you a "deal" through selling a diamond that is graded by a less strict lab, so that the diamond you thought is an F VS2 really is an H SI2. Or they will offer a less well cut stone, which won't sparkle as much and/or look smaller than it's carat weight. With all of this said, using a local jeweler might be the right choice for you, but be careful and as with any big purchase, know what you are getting.
 
Please go to http://www.goodoldgold.com. They have an extensive inventory of ideal cut diamonds (which will look larger due to their ideal light return) and they also carry both Tacori and Gabriel & Co settings.
 
Wow, thanks for the Gabrielle link! That will help! I think she would like that one! I will also get the cert on my moms diamond.
 
What about a Beverly K design. Pearlmans has a nice supply, their honest and could help you fnd what you are looking for in you budget
 
i bought a Gabriel X Prong.

The stone was just set and returned to me today. I"l post pics of it so you can see it for yourself
 
I love that Gabriel setting, I didn't even think of Gabriel and Co that would be a perfect alternative! It depends on how your moms diamond looks but if its not everything you were hoping for you should be able to get a stone close to 1ct with the remainder of you budget. That of course depends on how color and clarity sensitive your GF is.

This diamond would be a good choice and its only a bit over budget with the PS discount (I may not be your GF but I'm still a girl :naughty: ). From the cert it looks to be eye clean but JA will check this for you if you call them. The cut on this diamond is beautiful and it will sparkle like mad.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1479509.asp

This is another good one and its slightly less expensive. Again I would make sure it was eye clean but this one will also sparkle like crazy
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1452958.asp
 
A .75 ct would look fantastic in that setting and rival a 1 carat + solitaire for finger coverage! Love the Gabriel & Co!
 
SOOOOOO...i must have gotten completely mind screwed when I spit out the model number of the Tacori. It was Tacori 2620RDMDP. Somebody called me out on it, and I appreciate you reading that!

Well here is the update: I went to my dad's friend (who is an extremely reputable jeweler here) and he absolutely gave me a deal. I ordered the Tacori 2620RDMDP in white gold (didn't want plat) and he has another shipment of diamonds coming in. He also guaranteed me a GIA Certified .97-1ct, D-F Color, VVS2-SI1, Excellent to Ideal Cut. He explained the dimensions and things too which i don't totally understand, but he told me that I would be happy and if I wasn't he would get another. He told me that he had some more diamonds coming in and it would be a couple weeks before they came in, but showed me prices of different things and how much they normally sell for (honestly rediculous how much markup is on jewelry). Anyways, NOT HARPING lol.

I know I am not the most educated on diamonds (only knowing basics), but I feel like I am going to come away a complete winner. I know its a rare situation with the guy being my dad's great friend/next door neighbor, but I am only paying $7300 for EVERYTHING and he has my deposit. He didn't even want my deposit, but I wanted to consider it earnest money on my end for him helping out. He also told me during my appointment that my ring would most likely (when done) appraise for 11-14K. When everything is said and done, I will recommend him to anyone.

Also, if I can recommend anything to any guy looking at this, don't have ass buying the right ring. It truly SHOULD be forever and you can't put a price on that and her face when she sees her dream ring.
 
Definitely get an idealscope, get the GIA# and all details on all the diamonds you are considering and come back here for help. That's a pretty big range in size and clarity. It looks like the 2620RDMDP for a 1 ct head is about $3130 for gold and $3960 for platinum at since1910 (other PS vendors carry it). That leaves about $3340 for the stone (if platinum). We want you to get the best possible stone. :) Good luck!
 
I will. He said his diamonds come from Israel and it won't take too long. He is GIA Certified as well. Anyway, hopefully I have the pick of the litter and I told him I was still doing on the scope (stuff) lol. I told him he was gonna give me a diamond that had zero leakage and it better sparkle like a disco ball. He showed me his program called "Polygon"?? or something like that and showed me how much he paid... TRUST ME when these things come in i will be taking pics and posting them with details.

Thanks people!
 
Be very careful because these family friend jeweler situations RARELY turn out well for the buyer. I have seen it work once or twice in the last 6 1/2 years here. Insist on GIA Excellent cut and do NOT even look at anything else. There are some stones that are much better than others even in the GIA Ex range because it is a very broad range.

In reality, you might want to use your mom's stone because sadly, diamonds are high right now and with a $7000 budget, I am not sure you can get the kind of setting she wants with a diamond any larger. But it would be nice to know more about your mother's stone. Sometimes they can be recut to be much better.

Ugh, I missed one important post. No way is someone going to give you a Tacori 2620 setting and a 1 ct GIA Ex D-F VS-SI1 diamond for $7300. No way. So be very, very careful.
 
My mom's stone is EGL Cert #9901270129

.71 Ct Round Brilliant 5.80- 5.68x3.33

PROPORTIONS:
Dep 58%
Wid 60%
Cr Hgt 13%
Pav Dep 41%
Girdle Thk- Slightly Thick/Faceted

FINISH
Pol: Good
Sym: Good
Culet: None

Clarity SI1
Color F
Fluor: None

I could barely see the inclusions in the idealscope today. As much as I want to use the diamond because it would be a gift from my mom, I am thinking of possibly trading the diamond for credit (which he told me he would allow if I wanted). He showed me like diamonds and they were on polygon for around 1700-2000.
 
I think I would ask your mom if you can make her a pendant for a wedding gift out of that diamond as a wedding gift if you think you can buy another diamond. But the only way you can get a Tacori setting and .97-1 ct GIA Excellent diamond at $7300 is if someone is not only not making a profit, but they'd also be taking a personal financial loss.

(EGL is not reliable grading so the stone is likely 2-5 grades lower than the report says. I'd use it for a pendant and not an e-ring.)
 
Consider if it is a candidate for recut. It will cost you less than a trade-in.
 
diamondseeker2006|1343346698|3240925 said:
No way is someone going to give you a Tacori 2620 setting and a 1 ct GIA Ex D-F VS-SI1 diamond for $7300. No way. So be very, very careful.
Click to expand...

Even with the trade in value of 1800, it's not likely.

3000 for the setting in WG.
7,000 for a GIA Ex/Ex F SI1 : http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1494417.asp (for comparison)
____

$11k for the set.

7300 price he gave you for the setting and a 1 carat stone.
1800 Best trade in on Mom's stone
____
$9100

That 2k difference is going to come up in some way. I guarantee it. So be careful.

If something has to give, my advice is: Drop to H SI1 (eyeclean, and make sure you loupe it to know where the inclusions are, THEN decide if you can see them with your naked eyes). http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1466443.asp That will save you 1K. I still expect that in some way you will be ponying up that additional 1k.
 
If it helps, I'm paying 2300 for the Tacori setting. since1910.com has it for like 3300ish and another local jeweler has it for 5000ish.
 
palmetto336|1343348285|3240949 said:
If it helps, I'm paying 2300 for the Tacori setting. since1910.com has it for like 3300ish and another local jeweler has it for 5000ish.
Click to expand...
Does he have it in stock? If it's old stock that he already has, that might explain it a bit.
 
btw, this is why i love this site. i really appreciate all of your input.

Also, i first told him i wanted to look in the H range with SI1 because based on what i had been looking at for the 4000-5000 range that is what was there .90-1ct. He then told me he could get me a better color as well that was in the range

he is getting it from his best friend (who also owns a huge jewelry chain) in Georgia. He has it in stock ready to go. He is a huge tacori dealer.
 
palmetto336|1343348499|3240953 said:
btw, this is why i love this site. i really appreciate all of your input.

Also, i first told him i wanted to look in the H range with SI1 because based on what i had been looking at for the 4000-5000 range that is what was there .90-1ct. He then told me he could get me a better color as well that was in the range

he is getting it from his best friend (who also owns a huge jewelry chain) in Georgia. He has it in stock ready to go. He is a huge tacori dealer.
Click to expand...

AND that's where the 2k you were short is going to come from. There is A HUGE difference (price wise) between a .90 stone and a 1 ct stone. In fact the price difference is almost exactly 2K: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1422508.asp

So that makes more sense. Plus the setting price discount.

2300 for the setting (which is a great price, so that's awesome).
5200 for a 90 point stone.
___
7500 for the set.
If you have the 1800 from the trade in, even better.
 
well he put in writing .96-1 carat, and he changed my search for me lol. i told him originall between .90 and 1. He says "lets shoot for a carat."

but hey, we will see. i think he's going to pull it off for me. if he does, and everything seems okay to yall, do i get a vote for possible "steal of the year"?

Again, thank all of you. y'all definitely don't sugarcoat stuff. :)
 
It's not a matter of sugarcoating. Every week we sit here and get at least 2 people working with "family jewelers' or 'friend' jewelers or 'friend of a friend' and every week we find huge loopholes for people. Things they don't know to ask. Things they didn't consider. Things they weren't told. Like this one: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/motek-diamonds.161523/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/motek-diamonds.161523/[/URL] referred to by a co-worker. And weeks turn into months and months to years. And you can count on ONE HAND (and still have fingers left over) the times where you have been like "That's awesome! What a great deal!". And the rest of the time it's not even: Well, it's not a great deal but that's a fair price. No most of the time its: With friends like this you don't need enemies. Run don't walk to a different jeweler, please.

Last time it happened that a poster got a great deal that I recall was last year. Guy wanted a hearts and arrows cushion. Which are only cut by a couple of places and carried by a handful of vendors. And those that carry them mark them up a pretty penny usually. But his friend did find him a beautiful H color one for a FABULOUS price. I've been on here since 2005 and I post largely on this board helping people find diamonds, and they all begin to blur after 20+k posts. So why I do remember the details of this one so well? Because it happens that rarely that it works out with these situations that when it does it really makes an impression.

So, YES!! I want you to be the "Guy looking for a 1 carat in a Tacori" that I talk about NEXT YEAR and say: That was the last guy I know of that got a great deal. And I will be very happy with you if it all checks out. But until that's proven and you have your ring in hand and paid for and in hand you are one of the guys with "a friend" and we're all going to be helping you to make sure that what sounds too good to be true, isn't in fact too good to be true. :wavey: Please know we have your best interests at heart. And even if it DOESN'T end up being this years "Great deal!" -- as long as it ends up a fair purchase where you don't overpay-- that's good enough reason to go with your friend.
 
Gypsy already said exactly what I wanted to say...we are just trying to protect you and anyone who comes here from being taken advantage of, but since he is getting you the setting at cost, more than likely, I am optimistic that he is also getting you a diamond at cost. Do bring the GIA certificate numbers here so we can look at them for you.

(Are you in SC by chance? Just wondered because of your "name".)
 
Ditto - I really hope it works out for you. Also understand that the markup at JA is about 5-10% - there's no huge markup at online dealers like that.
 
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