Virgin diamond buyer, haaaaalp

[Niel]

I really don't know how to really evaluate their videos, so I don't know, sorry.

Can you afford to see your top two stones in person?

 

[cinnamoose]

I'd only be able to do one at a time. I'm thinking about taking a peek at that L in the video first. I went ahead and put a hold on it last night while I find something for him to set it in. Ilya said it's a super little stone for that price. Their return policy looks decent too. I wasn't sure how to judge the video either. Would like to have seen it in daylight or with some more movement but I can do that in person I guess

 

[Niel]

I'd only be able to do one at a time. I'm thinking about taking a peek at that L in the video first. I went ahead and put a hold on it last night while I find something for him to set it in. Ilya said it's a super little stone for that price. Their return policy looks decent too. I wasn't sure how to judge the video either. Would like to have seen it in daylight or with some more movement but I can do that in person I guess

good thinking. I think the color will probably be more flattering for an old cut vs a MRB, though at that size i really think both are fine. Plus, his settings are cheaper

 

[cinnamoose]

Found quite a few settings I liked. And yeah they were really reasonable! I tend to like seeing metal and less pave in my settings. One of my favs is the Sholdt semi-bezel I'm a stay at home mom with 4 kids and pave all over the place would worry me but I wouldn't say I'm hard on my jewelry at all. I'm sure these settings are pretty dainty at these prices, but they are pretty. Thought I'd try this one out to atleast get it here and check out the stone. I'd want yellow or rose gold with a warm stone and this one will let me see it that way. If I like the stone I can look for a more permanent home for it later and reuse the setting for my teenage daughter. I've got a couple loose stones that would work with it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400883825172?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[Niel]

Found quite a few settings I liked. And yeah they were really reasonable! I tend to like seeing metal and less pave in my settings. One of my favs is the Sholdt semi-bezel I'm a stay at home mom with 4 kids and pave all over the place would worry me but I wouldn't say I'm hard on my jewelry at all. I'm sure these settings are pretty dainty at these prices, but they are pretty. Thought I'd try this one out to atleast get it here and check out the stone. I'd want yellow or rose gold with a warm stone and this one will let me see it that way. If I like the stone I can look for a more permanent home for it later and reuse the setting for my teenage daughter. I've got a couple loose stones that would work with it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400883825172?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

great idea. My BIL, when searching for his now fiances engagement ring, had a lower budget than you, and he went with a DZ setting. Youre right, they are a tad thin, but still lovely, and at least it would get it on your finger until you can afford a more expensive sholdt setting (PS also love! ) heres some pictures so you can get a sense of their quality. Also, if youre not planning to return the setting anyways, know they can do any of their settings in rose or yellow gold

 

[cinnamoose]

How funny! I also looked at one almost identical to the one your BIL went with- http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-193...417?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d56c59f11

I have to say, I've been pleased with the communication so far from Ilya/DZ. He's been quick to respond, was straight up with me when I asked his opinion on various stones, and had that video done up lickety split. They're actually not too far of a drive from me either (2.5hrs?) if I ever wanted to go visit or try on some stuff etc. With the stone at this price my setting budget could swing a little higher.

 

[cinnamoose]

Oh yeah! Also meant to ask, what should I do after getting this stone home and ogling it for a bit? Should I have it looked at by someone, or appraised etc? If there are any big discrepancies or issues would you advise me to return it or try to haggle the price if it was something I could live with?

 

[Niel]

Oh yeah! Also meant to ask, what should I do after getting this stone home and ogling it for a bit? Should I have it looked at by someone, or appraised etc? If there are any big discrepancies or issues would you advise me to return it or try to haggle the price if it was something I could live with?

yes. If its not coming with a GIA cert I would take it to a reputable appraiser to make sure it all checks out. Even if it does come with a GIA cert, always smart to take it to check the GIA cert matches the inscription on the stone.

If it is far off, yes id ask them about adjusting the price and/ or returning it

 

[cinnamoose]

From DZ ebay description: "This stone is graded L, VS1 and is graded on EGL-USA standards. A certificate can be ordered on request." I have read that EGL tends to be a little more generous in their grading than GIA. I'll be sure to request the EGL cert and go have it looked at once it's in hand.