What are my next steps?

[Mark21]

I placed an order from James Allen for a diamond today. Based on my research and what others posted in another thread, this really is a nice one that fits my exact criteria:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1107187.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

Normally the next step is that everyone recommends I go to an independent appraiser. But what exactly is the purpose if 1) it is a reputable dealer, 2) it includes its certs, and 3) they also have an 'independent' appraisal done by the dealer being sent along. I understand for complete safety and assurance, this is what should be done, and I plan on doing so, but is there anything else I should be doing besides being able to view it with my own eye, then sending it to back out to be set? I've done a LOT of research on the actual diamond part, but I just realized I have very little idea of what takes me from having the stone to the final ring!

Also, should I take it to a local jeweler (I'm in Chicago) and compare it to any that they may have, or is this bad etiquette? I'm not thinking of getting a better deal, but just to compare it to other options, as all my research has been web-forum and internet-dealer based...

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I would not take a diamond to other jewelers to compare it. I do tend to think that is over the line, not to mention the risk involved in possibly losing it, etc.

But I bought diamonds from Good Old Gold and WhiteFlash which came with certifications and insurance appraisals, and I saw no reason at all to have a third appraisal. I suppose if I had bought a $50,000 stone I would have, but I felt the stones matched the certs and had total trust in my vendors (and AGS and GIA).

And your stone looks fabulous, by the way!!! (I''d have an appraisal done if you have it set locally so that the completed ring can be on the insurance. My local jeweler did this for me for free since I bought the setting there.)

 

[Mark21]

Diamondseeker -- thank you for the input. Being almost certain I will go with this diamond, are there any advantages to getting it set locally? My FF wants a 6-prong tiffany-type setting, which many online dealers have, thus should I just send the diamond back (insured of course) and have it set by James Allen? Or maybe go to a third-party specialist like Mark Morrell? Or is that for more really intricate settings?

After reading everything on this site, learning all about diamonds for the past two months, and finally finding a diamond I'm very happy with (before realizing I need to figure out the last couple steps like appraisal and setting) I feel like a marathoner who has run 26 miles, and suddenly realized there is the 0.2 miles left. Just...need....to...run....a....bit....more....!

 

[mrssalvo]

There is quite a difference in price between a James Allen tiffany settting and a Mark Morrell. What type of budget do you have? Mark Morrell does amazing work, his plain plat. work is just amazing and what he''s known for so if that''s in the budget that''s what I''d take.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Yes, as MrsS said, there is a big difference from a standard tiffany 6 prong setting which can run about $400-500 in platinum and a Mark Morrell 6 prong platinum solitaire which starts at $1600 or so.

If you do decide to do with a plain tiffany style setting, then I''d just have it set by James Allen before they send you the stone. I don''t think you are going to have any second thoughts about that diamond!

 

[Lorelei]

So glad you bought that incredible diamond!!!

You can leave everything to James Allen with confidence, to include the setting. He has a great rep here and will do an excellent job for you! I doubt you can better that diamond, so I would definitely feel good that you have bought one of the best cut diamonds money can buy!