Use Family Discount at Shane, or look elsewhere?

[thebigjdoe]

I just began looking into an engagement ring. I have a brother who works at shaneco and gets about 40% off a setting, and around 10% off a center stone.

I wan't around 1ctw round stone, in a round halo setting. Would you guys use the family discount, or look online?

We have been to all your standard Shane, jarrod, every "mall jewelry store", and know what style she likes. Now it's time to get the damn thing before I go insane...Any opinion welcome.

Budget is around $7k. $8k probably doable if we find a great deal, but no more than that. Whatcha think?

 

[Dancing Fire]

I just began looking into an engagement ring. I have a brother who works at shaneco and gets about 40% off a setting, and around 10% off a center stone.

I wan't around 1ctw round stone, in a round halo setting. Would you guys use the family discount, or look online?

We have been to all your standard Shane, jarrod, every "mall jewelry store", and know what style she likes. Now it's time to get the damn thing before I go insane...Any opinion welcome.

Budget is around $7k. $8k probably doable if we find a great deal, but no more than that. Whatcha think?

That would be a big mistake!. rule #1, never buy a diamond from a friend or a family member...
welcome to PS!...

 

[Stive85]

I just began looking into an engagement ring. I have a brother who works at shaneco and gets about 40% off a setting, and around 10% off a center stone.

I wan't around 1ctw round stone, in a round halo setting. Would you guys use the family discount, or look online?

We have been to all your standard Shane, jarrod, every "mall jewelry store", and know what style she likes. Now it's time to get the damn thing before I go insane...Any opinion welcome.

Budget is around $7k. $8k probably doable if we find a great deal, but no more than that. Whatcha think?

Just browsing around Shaneco website looks like with your 10% off you might be able to get a deal equal to that of online jeweler...Why not go in a see some for yourself?

Are you familiar with diamonds at all? Specs and what to look for? Aside for the 1 Ct mark do you have any other requirements?

 

[thebigjdoe]

hhmm, ok I kinda see where you are goin. Any reason in particular?

Looking at shane loose stones, 1ctw stones in the 6k price range score pretty low with the HCA tool.

Thanks for the welcome

Stive, I learned about the HCA tool, so that has been my point of reference Other than that I am a total noob, but want a quality stone

edit: We have been looking, so I've seen a bunch in stores like Jarred and Shane, but wasn't very impressed. Before last month I have never looked at diamonds. By principle I sorta refuse to buy them, but for an engagement ring I don't think there is any other way

 

[Dancing Fire]

Would she be OK with an I color stone?
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10102/

 

[Stive85]

hhmm, ok I kinda see where you are goin. Any reason in particular?

Looking at shane loose stones, 1ctw stones in the 6k price range score pretty low with the HCA tool.

Thanks for the welcome

Stive, I learned about the HCA tool, so that has been my point of reference Other than that I am a total noob, but want a quality stone

Best place to come was here.. For your budget of 7 k you can guarantee a gorgeous stone as long as you take advice from all the minds here who know their stuff..

Now in terms of Shanco stones, I see they get their stones graded by GIA, AGS and IGI... Notice the price difference from an AGS Ideal and an IGI? There is a reason. First thing to remember is 99/100 you get what your pay for in diamonds..

In terms of your stones other characters... I would suggest a color of G-I, even a J if price is right and a clarity of VS2 (so you can be almost certain it is totally eye clean)

The HCA is more a sorting tool. Anything with a score under 2 is worth considering, 2-2.5 is a maybe. After that you need to get what is called an idealscope image or ASET and post it on here.. These colored images of the diamond show how brilliant and "sparkly" it will be, so that you can rest assured your getting a great diamond.

 

[thebigjdoe]

Would she be OK with an I color stone?
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10102/

From what I've seen, I would be fine. We were shooting for H, but I could work. I'm sure her friends wont notice (isn't that what matters lol)

I guess I don't know what to look for. Is there anywhere that explains those colored pictures haha, sry for being clueless.

 

[thebigjdoe]

hhmm, ok I kinda see where you are goin. Any reason in particular?

Looking at shane loose stones, 1ctw stones in the 6k price range score pretty low with the HCA tool.

Thanks for the welcome

Stive, I learned about the HCA tool, so that has been my point of reference Other than that I am a total noob, but want a quality stone

Best place to come was here.. For your budget of 7 k you can guarantee a gorgeous stone as long as you take advice from all the minds here who know their stuff..

Now in terms of Shanco stones, I see they get their stones graded by GIA, AGS and IGI... Notice the price difference from an AGS Ideal and an IGI? There is a reason. First thing to remember is 99/100 you get what your pay for in diamonds..

In terms of your stones other characters... I would suggest a color of G-I, even a J if price is right and a clarity of VS2 (so you can be almost certain it is totally eye clean)

The HCA is more a sorting tool. Anything with a score under 2 is worth considering, 2-2.5 is a maybe. After that you need to get what is called an idealscope image or ASET and post it on here.. These colored images of the diamond show how brilliant and "sparkly" it will be, so that you can rest assured your getting a great diamond.

First of all, thank you! Seems like I am in good hands around these parts. Thanks for the info, I should probably go look at the colors again and decide why we wanted to stick with H or better...I will certainly reconsider that!

Again, you guys rock. Ya shane lookin sub par, half the rocks HCA won't even give me a number because it's Overly Thick

 

[Dancing Fire]

Would she be OK with an I color stone?
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10102/

From what I've seen, I would be fine. We were shooting for H, but I could work. I'm sure her friends wont notice (isn't that what matters lol)

I guess I don't know what to look for. Is there anywhere that explains those colored pictures haha, sry for being clueless.

Here's an H color...
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.024-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-104067957010

 

[KenD]

I just began looking into an engagement ring. I have a brother who works at shaneco and gets about 40% off a setting, and around 10% off a center stone.

I wan't around 1ctw round stone, in a round halo setting. Would you guys use the family discount, or look online?

We have been to all your standard Shane, jarrod, every "mall jewelry store", and know what style she likes. Now it's time to get the damn thing before I go insane...Any opinion welcome.

Budget is around $7k. $8k probably doable if we find a great deal, but no more than that. Whatcha think?

Just browsing around Shaneco website looks like with your 10% off you might be able to get a deal equal to that of online jeweler...Why not go in a see some for yourself?

Are you familiar with diamonds at all? Specs and what to look for? Aside for the 1 Ct mark do you have any other requirements?

I checked the Sheneco website looking for Round Brilliant Diamonds / VS1 or VS2 / I color, .75 to 1.0 ct.
11 stones came up. Six were 1.0 ct. The 1 ct. stones ranged from 4,415 to 4,850. At least two of the them, had GIA Cut Grades of Poor!
Another was Cut Grade of Fair. Others were Modified Round Brilliant with no cut grade.

 

[thebigjdoe]

Would she be OK with an I color stone?
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10102/

From what I've seen, I would be fine. We were shooting for H, but I could work. I'm sure her friends wont notice (isn't that what matters lol)

I guess I don't know what to look for. Is there anywhere that explains those colored pictures haha, sry for being clueless.

Here's an H color...
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.024-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-104067957010

looks nice for sure. Seems like if I wan't quality I may have to bump up to $9k for the whole shebang? The halo settings she likes are between $1200-$2k.

 

[thebigjdoe]

I just began looking into an engagement ring. I have a brother who works at shaneco and gets about 40% off a setting, and around 10% off a center stone.

I wan't around 1ctw round stone, in a round halo setting. Would you guys use the family discount, or look online?

We have been to all your standard Shane, jarrod, every "mall jewelry store", and know what style she likes. Now it's time to get the damn thing before I go insane...Any opinion welcome.

Budget is around $7k. $8k probably doable if we find a great deal, but no more than that. Whatcha think?

Just browsing around Shaneco website looks like with your 10% off you might be able to get a deal equal to that of online jeweler...Why not go in a see some for yourself?

Are you familiar with diamonds at all? Specs and what to look for? Aside for the 1 Ct mark do you have any other requirements?

I checked the Sheneco website looking for Round Brilliant Diamonds / VS1 or VS2 / I color, .75 to 1.0 ct.
11 stones came up. Six were 1.0 ct. The 1 ct. stones ranged from 4,415 to 4,850. At least two of the them, had GIA Cut Grades of Poor!

Yes, I've been doing the same this morning (then i found this site), and not only are some poor, even the excellent cut diamonds are off the HCA scale. Half of them won't even grade because it thinks I entered the info wrong

 

[Stive85]

Would she be OK with an I color stone?
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10102/

From what I've seen, I would be fine. We were shooting for H, but I could work. I'm sure her friends wont notice (isn't that what matters lol)

I guess I don't know what to look for. Is there anywhere that explains those colored pictures haha, sry for being clueless.

Between and H and I you would be hard pressed to tell the difference between the two, for even a lot of these diamond enthusiasts

Take a look at this one too, its got a VS2 clarity which is a plus and an AGS0. Again guaranteed to be gorgeous.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3063741.htm

The other one from Brian Gavin is really nice too.

 

[thebigjdoe]

Does it matter that both of these are AGS certified and not GIA? Sorry if it's a dumb question. I know there are some certification labs that are very loose with their ratings, I'm guessing since you experts are recommending them, I got nothing to worry about

Edit: Also, what do you guys think about local jewelers? I got a recommendation from a family member to a jeweler who has been doing it for 30+ years. Do family recommendations fall under the rule of "dont buy a ring from a family member?

 

[Stive85]

Does it matter that both of these are AGS certified and not GIA? Sorry if it's a dumb question. I know there are some certification labs that are very loose with their ratings, I'm guessing since you experts are recommending them, I got nothing to worry about

Not a bad question, better to ask... In fact, AGS are the premier "cut graders" in the diamond industry. When you see AGS ideal for light performance, cut grade, polish etc you are guaranteed a stone that literally will blind people. It means it has been cut to the finest proportions to maximize light return.

GIA are equally reputable, you just often times have to do a lot more weeding out of poor performing diamonds (getting Idealscope, ASET images) whereas AGS000 do it for you already...

I also meant to ask you if you, or your gf were a fan of fluorescence in diamonds? Lot of people on here, me included absolutely love diamonds with blue fluor, as it adds such a cool, unique characteristic to a stone. It isn't something that takes away (99% of the time) from the color or beauty of the diamond, but say you were in a glow in the dark bowling ally, bar with UV lights or where ever, your ring would glow a super cool blue in the dark.

Take a quick google search for them and take a look. Lots of people on here have them as well and have posted pics.

EDIT: As per local jewelers, to be honest, just buy online. Your sure to get a great stone at a good price without any hassle or "sales pitch"

 

[Stive85]

Take a look at this one... Totally gorgeous and that blue fluor is awesome in my opinion!

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ound-diamond-ags-bl-104066186025#!prettyPhoto

 

[Dancing Fire]

Does it matter that both of these are AGS certified and not GIA? Sorry if it's a dumb question. I know there are some certification labs that are very loose with their ratings, I'm guessing since you experts are recommending them, I got nothing to worry about

Edit: Also, what do you guys think about local jewelers? I got a recommendation from a family member to a jeweler who has been doing it for 30+ years. Do family recommendations fall under the rule of "dont buy a ring from a family member?

IMO they are both equal if you know what to look for. Some of the GIA stones are cut too deep and will not receive a 0 cut grade from AGS lab.

 

[KenD]

Here is a video posted by Rhino of Good Old Gold on the topic of color.

A Consumer's Guide to Understanding Diamond Color: Part 2 What Diamond Color Is"

http://vimeo.com/3288695

Also:

"A Consumer's Guide to Understanding Diamond Color: Part 1: "What Diamond Color Isn't"

http://vimeo.com/917255

 

[thebigjdoe]

Thanks for the info about AGS, great info.

Have not seen diamonds with fluorescence in person, so I can't say whether or not she likes it. Will people think it isn't legit? uugghhh my brain is going to explode

 

[Stive85]

Thanks for the info about AGS, great info.

Have not seen diamonds with fluorescence in person, so I can't say whether or not she likes it. Will people think it isn't legit? uugghhh my brain is going to explode

Nope... UV light exposes the fluorescence, so really sunny days the diamond will have a really cool white/blueish color, inside or cloudy it will be totally white.... It's really only under blacklight that the really cool stuff happens.

Regardless an AGS0 stone will sparkle like crazy in all settings.. Trust me, no one will think it's not legit.. It'll likely knock the socks off any of her friends stones.

I'd recommend narrowing it down to a few suggested here.. Like I said, you can't go wrong.. Don't let it stress you out, let people on here help you make your decision. REturn policies for all these places are awesome

 

[thebigjdoe]

Thanks for the info about AGS, great info.

Have not seen diamonds with fluorescence in person, so I can't say whether or not she likes it. Will people think it isn't legit? uugghhh my brain is going to explode

Nope... UV light exposes the fluorescence, so really sunny days the diamond will have a really cool white/blueish color, inside or cloudy it will be totally white.... It's really only under blacklight that the really cool stuff happens.

Regardless an AGS0 stone will sparkle like crazy in all settings.. Trust me, no one will think it's not legit.. It'll likely knock the socks off any of her friends stones.

I'd recommend narrowing it down to a few suggested here.. Like I said, you can't go wrong.. Don't let it stress you out, let people on here help you make your decision. REturn policies for all these places are awesome

Ok that makes perfect sense. Thanks for the help, this is pretty stressful for me. I wan't to get her exactly what she wants, but I don't want to get ripped off, ya know.

Also, these are all loose stones, what about a setting? GOG for example has a no return policy on settings. Do you recommend getting a loose stone, and finding a local setting? Will a jeweler be pissed if I roll in there with my own stone and just get a setting? What about the horror stories I hear about the swapping stones when you aren't looking.

Maybe I'm over thinking everything. Deep breaths.... lol

 

[Stive85]

Thanks for the info about AGS, great info.

Have not seen diamonds with fluorescence in person, so I can't say whether or not she likes it. Will people think it isn't legit? uugghhh my brain is going to explode

Nope... UV light exposes the fluorescence, so really sunny days the diamond will have a really cool white/blueish color, inside or cloudy it will be totally white.... It's really only under blacklight that the really cool stuff happens.

Regardless an AGS0 stone will sparkle like crazy in all settings.. Trust me, no one will think it's not legit.. It'll likely knock the socks off any of her friends stones.

I'd recommend narrowing it down to a few suggested here.. Like I said, you can't go wrong.. Don't let it stress you out, let people on here help you make your decision. REturn policies for all these places are awesome

Ok that makes perfect sense. Thanks for the help, this is pretty stressful for me. I wan't to get her exactly what she wants, but I don't want to get ripped off, ya know.

Also, these are all loose stones, what about a setting? GOG for example has a no return policy on settings. Do you recommend getting a loose stone, and finding a local setting? Will a jeweler be pissed if I roll in there with my own stone and just get a setting? What about the horror stories I hear about the swapping stones when you aren't looking.

Maybe I'm over thinking everything. Deep breaths.... lol

I think a lot of people on here go to jewelers to have their loose stones set. For a lot the stones I suggest, I know for sure the blue fluor one, the side has an inscription with a laser, so as long as you know how to look for it (or just take it to appraiser before and after) you should be fine.. Where do you live, I'm sure some people on here can recommend someone who does good work in a city near you.

Again though in the case of a lot of these AGS stones, from WF or Brian Gavin, all the images and stats are provided, so you should know exactly what your getting. For example, say you decided on the stone posted from whiteflash. The idealscope images and ASETs all confirm (not suggest) that the diamond is a gorgeous stone. You could definitely have it set there. Worse case you can have the loose stone shipped to you (free). Check it out yourself, bring it to an appraiser if you want and then send it back to be set.

Don't let it stress you out! You came to right place, your gonna get a stone that will totally blow her away, I promise you.

 

[Gypsy]

I'm going to suggest letting us find you a fabulous 90 point I VS2 or SI1. For 5k. Since you are haloing it there is no point in going for a full carat. Then that leaves you about 2k for a halo setting. Now you can get that at Shame as the setting discount is a good one. Or we can help you find a nice setting online.

 

[Gypsy]

If you have to have a full carat, your 7k budget is going to be a problem with the setting included in the price.

http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-default&id=22 Ask if eyeclean. Wink is fabulous. And he can get you a nice halo from Vatche.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.02-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-152587 Put on hold ask for Idealscope image
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-289204 Put on hold ask for idealscope image

Setting at JA: http://www.jamesallen.com/wedding-rings/classic/18k-white-gold-pave-set-engagement-ring-round-center-item-18457

Ask if eyeclean and get an idealscope image: http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.02-carat-h-si1-excellent-round-cut-diamond-gid-180462.html ERD makes GORGEOUS halos.

 

[thebigjdoe]

If you have to have a full carat, your 7k budget is going to be a problem with the setting included in the price.

http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-default&id=22 Ask if eyeclean. Wink is fabulous. And he can get you a nice halo from Vatche.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.02-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-152587 Put on hold ask for Idealscope image
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-289204 Put on hold ask for idealscope image

Setting at JA: http://www.jamesallen.com/wedding-rings/classic/18k-white-gold-pave-set-engagement-ring-round-center-item-18457

Ask if eyeclean and get an idealscope image: http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.02-carat-h-si1-excellent-round-cut-diamond-gid-180462.html ERD makes GORGEOUS halos.

Ok, good advice. Wonder if I should just up my budget lol. I would like to get a carat, but you are right that a halo will add a bigger look to it.

What exactly am i looking for in the idealscope images? Does it just make it easier to see the flaws?

As for the setting, she likes super micro pave band, really thin, possible split shank but a verrryyy late split, like at the very end, no long splits. Doesn't like huge rocks in the halo part either. She has liked both single and double halo, but seems to lean toward single if we are going with 1 carat.

Will these places tell the truth if i ask if it's eyeclean? Or is that why you also say to get the idealscope image

Side note: super glad I found this forum, so much help already!!

 

[Stive85]

If you have to have a full carat, your 7k budget is going to be a problem with the setting included in the price.

http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-default&id=22 Ask if eyeclean. Wink is fabulous. And he can get you a nice halo from Vatche.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.02-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-152587 Put on hold ask for Idealscope image
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-289204 Put on hold ask for idealscope image

Setting at JA: http://www.jamesallen.com/wedding-rings/classic/18k-white-gold-pave-set-engagement-ring-round-center-item-18457

Ask if eyeclean and get an idealscope image: http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.02-carat-h-si1-excellent-round-cut-diamond-gid-180462.html ERD makes GORGEOUS halos.

Ok, good advice. Wonder if I should just up my budget lol. I would like to get a carat, but you are right that a halo will add a bigger look to it.

What exactly am i looking for in the idealscope images? Does it just make it easier to see the flaws?

As for the setting, she likes super micro pave band, really thin, possible split shank but a verrryyy late split, like at the very end, no long splits. Doesn't like huge rocks in the halo part either. She has liked both single and double halo, but seems to lean toward single if we are going with 1 carat.

Will these places tell the truth if i ask if it's eyeclean? Or is that why you also say to get the idealscope image

Side note: super glad I found this forum, so much help already!!

Idealscopes have nothing to do with how eye clean a stone is. They simply show you the light performance of a diamond, they literally leave you with no surprises and are a fantastic tool for allowing a customer to see what he/she is paying for.

Can you afford to up your budget? I think it is important to stick with your original budget, as 8k max is a good amount for ER. Why stretch it just to get a to the 1ct mark. Diamonds jump up in price anyways at that mark and you wont be able to tell a difference with a round in a halo setting between a 1 ct and a .9ish range one.

The vendors most suggested on here are all unreal. I've never dealt with Wink, but he is a regular on this forum and seems to have the backing of all the veterans on here. He has youtube video tutorials etc and you can be sure that what he says to you in the truth. Remember, all these places have great return policies for their loose stones, so worst case you send it back if you aren't totally satisfied.

I agree with Gypsy tho. Why stress out and overwhelm yourself, when people on here are totally trustworthy and can find you an excellent diamond for your budget. Then, all you have to do is take it to shaneco, with the discount and have it set. Look at some suggestions already, narrow it down to say 3-5 stones. Don't worry about trying to interpret your idealscopes yourself, that's why you have all these experts, just post them on here and let people tell you exactly what your looking at! (most of the stones linked already have idealscopes and ASET already.)

Did I mention I really think you should look at a Brian Gavin Blue?

 

[Gypsy]

The entire purpose of faceting a diamond is to reflect light.
How well or how poorly a diamond does this determines how beautiful it is.
How well a diamond performs is determined by the angles and cutting. This is why we say cut is king.
No other factor: not color, not clarity has as much of an impact on the appearance of a diamond as its cut. An ideal H will out white a poorly cut F. And GIA Ex is not enough. And do not consider anything except GIA Ex or AGS 0 or 1 stones. EGL is a bad value and should not even be considered.
So how to we ensure that we have the right angles and cutting to get the light performance we want?
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-cut
Well one method is to start with a GIA Ex get the angles and table and depth from the certificate (you can just get the lab report number and look up the angles on the GIA website with report check), and then apply the HCA to it. YOU DO NOT USE HCA for AGS0 stones.
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/holloway-cut-advisor
The HCA is a rejection tool. Not a selection tool. It uses 4 data points to make a rudimentary call on how the diamond may perform.
If the diamond passes then you know that you are in the right zone in terms of angles for light performance. 2 and under is a pass. Under 2.5-2.1 is a maybe. 2.6 and over is a no. No score under 2 is better than any other.
Is that enough? Not really.
So what you need is a way to check actual light performance of your actual stone.
That's what an idealscope image does. https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/firescope-idealscope
It shows you how and wear your diamond is reflecting light, how well it is going at it, and where you are losing light return. That is why you won't see us recommending Blue Nile, as they do not provide idealscope images for their diamonds. Brian Gavin, White Flash, High Performance Diamonds, James Allen, Good Old Gold and Engagement Rings Direct. And yes these vendors will tell you if it is eyeclean truthfully, and they will give you a 40x image of the stone to see for yourself. And all you have to do is make sure you ask them for their definition of eyeclean is and if you agree with it. If you don't tell them your definition of eyeclean and they will look at it subject to that. Do keep in mind that some people have super eagle vision. And that's what a bullet proof return policy is for (and all of these vendors have that).

The Idealscope is the 'selection tool'. Not the HCA.
So yes, with a GIA stone you need the idealscope images. Or you can buy an idealscope yourself and take it in to the jeweler you are working with to check the stones yourself. Or if you have a good return policy (full refund minimum 7 days) then you can buy the idealscope, buy the stone, and do it at home.


Now if you want to skip all that... stick to AGS0 stones and then all you have to do is pick color and clarity and you know you have a great performing diamond. Because AGS has already done the checking for you. That's why they trade at a premium.

 

[thebigjdoe]

I wan't to thank everyone for your input. I have decided to purchase online and say forget about shane. Only their "Shane Classic" diamonds pass the HCA test, and those are more expensive than the links you have all provided.

I am going to look again through all of your suggestions, as well as try to find a few more from solid PS suggested vendors. I will start a new post asking for opinions and suggestions based on a narrowed down selection.

Both myself and my girlfriend would go crazy if we looked at the stone and saw inclusions, so eye clean is a MUST. It is a little deceptive when viewing the online pictures/videos at WF, Brian Gavin, etc, because of the zoom, even the VS2 inclusions are clearly visible, but I'm guessing without the magnification they may not show.

What's funny is, EVERYONE i have talked to "knows a guy" who can get a really good deal that appraises for double yada yada yada... I find it hilarious. Out of the few people who know I'm in the market, 3 of them have jewelers who have "the best deals" and then of course my brother at Shane who would gladly find me something, but obviously no sales pitch.

I think I'll stick with the people (you people ) who take passion in both diamonds, and helping people get something that they themselves would be happy with. PS rocks, and glad I found this.

I'm worried about finding a setting and then having it set, as that is one appeal to all in one shops like Shane or Jarred, however, #1, I want that FIRE!!!!!!!!

 

[LLJsmom]

I wan't to thank everyone for your input. I have decided to purchase online and say forget about shane. Only their "Shane Classic" diamonds pass the HCA test, and those are more expensive than the links you have all provided.

I am going to look again through all of your suggestions, as well as try to find a few more from solid PS suggested vendors. I will start a new post asking for opinions and suggestions based on a narrowed down selection.

Both myself and my girlfriend would go crazy if we looked at the stone and saw inclusions, so eye clean is a MUST. It is a little deceptive when viewing the online pictures/videos at WF, Brian Gavin, etc, because of the zoom, even the VS2 inclusions are clearly visible, but I'm guessing without the magnification they may not show.

What's funny is, EVERYONE i have talked to "knows a guy" who can get a really good deal that appraises for double yada yada yada... I find it hilarious. Out of the few people who know I'm in the market, 3 of them have jewelers who have "the best deals" and then of course my brother at Shane who would gladly find me something, but obviously no sales pitch.

I think I'll stick with the people (you people ) who take passion in both diamonds, and helping people get something that they themselves would be happy with. PS rocks, and glad I found this.

I'm worried about finding a setting and then having it set, as that is one appeal to all in one shops like Shane or Jarred, however, #1, I want that FIRE!!!!!!!!

If inclusions bug you, stick with VS2 and above. And have them inspected by a live human being. . For my ering, it bugs me to know they are even there. But I could not afford an IF stone at the size I wanted so I compromised with a really clean VS1. Everyone's tolerances and preferences are different. With PS vendors I am sure you will find something that meets all your criteria.