Unsure about uncertified diamond?

[hellokelli]

I found a ring set with a diamond already at a B&M store that I absolutely love. I know its best to buy the setting and diamond separate, but they don''t have this exact setting alone and I have yet to find another like it anywhere on the net. I''m wondering if it is a good deal or if I would be getting screwed.

They told me the diamond is 1.00 J S2 Very Good, but it isn''t certified- that''s just what the store declared it. Just from looking around on the net, I personally don''t think the diamond is a J color, it looks more like K/L to me because there is definite yellow tint to it, which I like. I like the way the diamond looks- very warm and not flashy. Personally I am comfortable with it, I just don''t want to pay more than it is worth. The price tag said 6300 and they quoted me a "special deal" of 3750. Does this sound fair?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[neatfreak]

Cut is really the most important of the diamond equation, and without a cert you really have NO information on the cut of the stone.

I would either get it independently appraised (i.e., NOT from a jeweler) before you purchase it, or I would pass. Most likely I would pass for something as important as an engagement stone.

 

[enbcfsobe]

try using the price comparison under "prices" above. a J SI2 round (i am assuming that''s what it is, but you didn''t say) in that size with an EGL cert (generally less expensive than GIA or AGS b/c of concerns about accuracy of color and clarity grading) looks to run around 2900. that is without looking for a great cut. pretty sure that an uncerted diamond should cost even less. if you pay 3750 for the ring, that would mean that at least 850 is paying for the setting. for a plain setting, that is pretty pricey even for platinum. things might be different if there are sidestones or other embellishment.
i personally wouldn''t want to deal with a seller that priced the ring so high so they could give me a ''deal'' -- 6300 is pretty outrageous for what you''ve described. while some negotiation is expected, this sounds fishy to me. (and very good what? cut? polish? symmetry?)
here is a better plan -- post a picture of the setting you like, and i''m sure we can find you something incredibly similar, if not the same! there are some amazing sleuths out there that seem to know every nook and cranny of the jewelry websites.

 

[Modified Brilliant]

Date: 6/24/2007 10:23:28 PM
Author:hellokelli
I found a ring set with a diamond already at a B&M store that I absolutely love. I know its best to buy the setting and diamond separate, but they don''t have this exact setting alone and I have yet to find another like it anywhere on the net. I''m wondering if it is a good deal or if I would be getting screwed.

They told me the diamond is 1.00 J S2 Very Good, but it isn''t certified- that''s just what the store declared it. Just from looking around on the net, I personally don''t think the diamond is a J color, it looks more like K/L to me because there is definite yellow tint to it, which I like. I like the way the diamond looks- very warm and not flashy. Personally I am comfortable with it, I just don''t want to pay more than it is worth. The price tag said 6300 and they quoted me a ''special deal'' of 3750. Does this sound fair?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Welcome hellokelli

The fact that the diamond is mounted somewhat limits the accuracy of the color grade. Did the store color/clarity grade the diamond before setting?
The important issue of "cut" is not addressed. It''s okay that you like the "warm" color, just make sure that you''re comfortable with the fact that
the color and clarity may not be precise, the cut may not be good, and there could be more inclusions under the prongs that you can''t see. You can oftentimes get a good deal on an uncertified stone but you must do your homework first!
If you do purchase the ring...please make sure that you get a full cash refund privilege in writing and then see an independent gemologist/appraiser for a second opinion. After all, it''s your hard earned money!

www.metrojewelryappraisers.com

 

[jayreneepea]

Date: 6/24/2007 10:44:51 PM
Author: enbcfsobe
try using the price comparison under ''prices'' above. a J SI2 round (i am assuming that''s what it is, but you didn''t say) in that size with an EGL cert (generally less expensive than GIA or AGS b/c of concerns about accuracy of color and clarity grading) looks to run around 2900. that is without looking for a great cut. pretty sure that an uncerted diamond should cost even less. if you pay 3750 for the ring, that would mean that at least 850 is paying for the setting. for a plain setting, that is pretty pricey even for platinum. things might be different if there are sidestones or other embellishment.
i personally wouldn''t want to deal with a seller that priced the ring so high so they could give me a ''deal'' -- 6300 is pretty outrageous for what you''ve described. while some negotiation is expected, this sounds fishy to me. (and very good what? cut? polish? symmetry?)
here is a better plan -- post a picture of the setting you like, and i''m sure we can find you something incredibly similar, if not the same! there are some amazing sleuths out there that seem to know every nook and cranny of the jewelry websites.

However, if it''s a k or l and if the clarity is off and it''s an I1 or 2, the price would be significantly lower. But, that''s the problem, you''ll just never know. You don''t even know for sure it''s it''s a 1 ct.

 

[enbcfsobe]

Date: 6/24/2007 11:20:21 PM
Author: jayrenay9

Date: 6/24/2007 10:44:51 PM
Author: enbcfsobe
try using the price comparison under 'prices' above. a J SI2 round (i am assuming that's what it is, but you didn't say) in that size with an EGL cert (generally less expensive than GIA or AGS b/c of concerns about accuracy of color and clarity grading) looks to run around 2900. that is without looking for a great cut. pretty sure that an uncerted diamond should cost even less. if you pay 3750 for the ring, that would mean that at least 850 is paying for the setting. for a plain setting, that is pretty pricey even for platinum. things might be different if there are sidestones or other embellishment.
i personally wouldn't want to deal with a seller that priced the ring so high so they could give me a 'deal' -- 6300 is pretty outrageous for what you've described. while some negotiation is expected, this sounds fishy to me. (and very good what? cut? polish? symmetry?)
here is a better plan -- post a picture of the setting you like, and i'm sure we can find you something incredibly similar, if not the same! there are some amazing sleuths out there that seem to know every nook and cranny of the jewelry websites.

However, if it's a k or l and if the clarity is off and it's an I1 or 2, the price would be significantly lower. But, that's the problem, you'll just never know. You don't even know for sure it's it's a 1 ct.

good points all, jay -- I was just trying to figure the maximum she might be getting for her $$, and pointing out that even making those assumptions, this isn't a "deal" at all. it might be a fair price, if the grading is accurate, which it seems unlikely to be.

whether it is actually a 1 ct is a really really big deal in terms of whether the price is fair. there is a substantial price increase at the 1 ct mark. while there is some premium on those just under 1ct, it isn't as substantial as going over the 1ct mark. if you're paying the premium for 1ct, you should be completely sure that you're getting it!!

 

[Finding_Neverland]

And it could be a 1 carat that''s a deep cut and/or thick girdle so it looks more like a .75-.8 carat well cut stone too. Hidden weight. OP could be paying the price for carat weight that is not seen.

If you had an Ideal Scope and practiced using it, you could make a fair assumption about the quality of the make. You can familiarize yourself with varying levels of clarity grades, loupe the stone yourself, and make a guesstimate if the jeweler is being fair in their representation. BUT, color tends to show a grade or 2 higher once the stone is mounted.

Generally speaking, diamonds don''t get submitted for a Cert with a reputable Lab for a reason. Personally, I''d pass on that stone.

If you really like the ring, ask the jeweler if they can bring in other, Certed stones for you to consider in place of that one. If we''re talking a Round, it''s nothing for the jeweler to have that stone removed and set another of similar size in it''s place.

 

[Lorelei]

Ditto Jeff - if you love it ( and many do love the warmer colours) get an independant appraisal to make sure you are paying a fair price. It is important to remember that with diamond buying, it is often a case of falling in love with a diamond and that may be what makes buying that particular rock a joy for many years - grading report, ideal numbers or not. But also in these instances the independant appraisal is important to make sure of what you are buying. Let us know how you get on!