What are MUSTS when purchasing a diamond Online? (Newbie)

[iluvdiamonds2]

I might have to get a diamond online as the setting i might get is out of state. I would then know the wedding set would be made FOR the diamond they would have available there. VS me getting the setting and shopping around to find a proper size stone for my bridal set. I figure the diamond price would be around $3k or 3400, not like a $10k stone or anything.

What should I make sure to do when purchasing a diamond online? Should I ask for pictures?
I'll also ask the jeweler to give me his/her advice on what they see (I want a nice stone).

I know to ask to see the GIA Cert., I guess I'll ask if the diamond would be engraved with a # to identify it once I receive it?
Anything else? All advice is appreciated!

 

[Amys Bling]

Re: What are MUSTS when purchasing a diamond Online? (Newbie

I might have to get a diamond online as the setting i might get is out of state. I would then know the wedding set would be made FOR the diamond they would have available there. VS me getting the setting and shopping around to find a proper size stone for my bridal set. I figure the diamond price would be around $3k or 3400, not like a $10k stone or anything.

What should I make sure to do when purchasing a diamond online? Should I ask for pictures?
I'll also ask the jeweler to give me his/her advice on what they see (I want a nice stone).

I know to ask to see the GIA Cert., I guess I'll ask if the diamond would be engraved with a # to identify it once I receive it?
Anything else? All advice is appreciated!

You want the certification information.... pictures...aset or idealscope...clarity plot- this will help you to determine the color, clarity, and especially cut quality.

having laser inscription is great to ensure the stone is the one advertised and that you have the corresponding lab report.

 

[slg47]

Re: What are MUSTS when purchasing a diamond Online? (Newbie

hi and welcome! what are you looking for? (round, princess, cushion, asscher, etc...)

 

[stone-cold11]

Re: What are MUSTS when purchasing a diamond Online? (Newbie

Depends on your comfort level actually. :p

What shape are you looking at? Rounds you can be reasonably safe buying by the numbers, depending on your comfort level, but not other shapes.

Generally for GIA graded stones of that price, most stones comes with the Diamond Quality Dossier which comes with GIA report number inscription but no inclusion mapping. The other type of GIA grading report is the Diamond Quality Document which comes with inclusion mapping but inscription is optional, depending on if the vendor wants to pay extra to get it inscribed.

 

[iluvdiamonds2]

Re: What are MUSTS when purchasing a diamond Online? (Newbie

Thanks so much. It's would be a round stone, around 1 carat.

 

[slg47]

Re: What are MUSTS when purchasing a diamond Online? (Newbie

I would look for

GIA or AGS report
pictures (probably OK with an AGS0 without pictures, depends on your comfort level)
idealscope image

 

[yssie]

Re: What are MUSTS when purchasing a diamond Online? (Newbie

My #1 must: a clearly stated no-questions-asked return-for-refund policy that leaves enough time (at min 7-10days) for an inspection and appraisal.

 

[antelope1]

Re: What are MUSTS when purchasing a diamond Online? (Newbie

I suggest the following steps:

1) Set a budget. Sounds like yours is $3.5k for the diamond + extra for the setting?

2) Go to a couple local B&M stores to figure out what color you can live with (face up, and upside down), and what clarity you can live with (most people shoot for "eye-clean", but you may need more clarity or you may be ok with less clarity). Make sure the diamonds you're looking at (for educational purposes) have GIA or AGS certs (no EGL certs). If you are looking for round diamonds, ask to see some H&A cut diamonds to see if you like that look vs traditional symmetry. Look at the diamonds in different lighting too.

3) With your cut, color, and carat weight specs, go and check out the PS search tool and see if your budget is reasonable. (I suspect that your budget is too low for a well-cut, high color or high clarity 1ct RB...)

4) Pick a couple RB diamonds in your budget and plug the numbers into the PS HCA tool. If HCA < 2, ask for photos. If the merchant has an idealscope or ASET, ask for those images as well. If you post the stats here, the experts will help you choose between your options.

5) Some diamonds are "virtual selection" (listed on many web sites for sale, but actually held at the distributor). The merchant will have to "call in" those diamonds for examination if you want photos or images that they don't already have, so usually there is a limit to the number you can call in -- choose wisely!

6) Try to buy from merchants that offer unconditional inspection periods, a buy-back period (usually some % of your purchase price for X years), and an upgrade policy (if you plan on upgrading). Note that upgrade policies vary from merchant to merchant -- for some, you get 100% toward a diamond of greater or equal value, but for others, it will be a diamond x% greater than the purchase price of your original diamond.

Good luck!

 

[denverappraiser]

Re: What are MUSTS when purchasing a diamond Online? (Newbie

Credible dealer presentation
100% return policy of at least 10 days. preferably 30.
Credit dards (not just paypal)
GIA or AGS grading

 

[MarkBroumand]

Re: What are MUSTS when purchasing a diamond Online? (Newbie

Credible dealer presentation
100% return policy of at least 10 days. preferably 30.
Credit dards (not just paypal)
GIA or AGS grading

+ Good Communication is a must!

 

[denverappraiser]

Re: What are MUSTS when purchasing a diamond Online? (Newbie

Credible dealer presentation
100% return policy of at least 10 days. preferably 30.
Credit dards (not just paypal)
GIA or AGS grading

+ Good Communication is a must!

I agree absolutely. By the way, what I mean by 'credible dealer presentation' is that pass the test as a legitimate outfit that you want to be doing business with as opposed to the 'hey buddy, wanna buya diamond?' sort of operation. An annonymous website in Tajikistan that promises low prices is simply not sufficient.

 

[IceExplorer]

Re: What are MUSTS when purchasing a diamond Online? (Newbie

1. Obvious experience with online dealings. Positive reviews are easily found and much fewer than the negative reviews.

2. 10 day review period (At least) - full money back guarantee

3. Upgrade policy - some vendors offer this, other don't. I think it is a must when getting a diamond considering their value can sometimes only be sold under 20% of what you paid for it (when trying to sell it for an upgrade).

4. Buy-back guarantee. Some vendors have them. Why not go with a vendor that has it? Same as above, diamonds are worth CONSIDERABLY less when being sold be an individual vs. a retail/e-tail/wholesale outfit.

5. A sales person that offers great communication and customer service.

6. AGS or GIA certed diamonds. Since, you can't see for yourself (upfront) without putting money down. There isn't much sense in dealing with looser certifications that could prove to have less then expected results AFTER having a diamond shipped to you.

7. Pictures, ideal scope, sarin report, ASET images. - Someone who will offer as much information as possible about the particular stone.

8. Vendor must have the stone onsite to provide their personal opinion. I wouldn't buy a virtual stone (unless it was brought in for review by the vendor).

9. All of their policies are CLEARLY STATED and easily found on their website. CLEARLY stated being a big one. If I have questions I want clarification up front by a knowledgeable staff member.

It varies for everyone. You'll find the policies and value added services that make you most comfortable.