What questions to ask for my upgrade?

[SB621]

I'm traveling in 2 weeks back to the area where my husband bought my engagement ring. It is from a small store in New England. We decided we want to upgrade my dimaond from .76ct to something between 1.7-2.0cts for under 14k.

I have been on email with the store manager who has been very helpful. So far we have 3 stones on hold and he says he will have at least 5 more fore me to look at in the store next week. Since I'm going by myself and not my husband I'm a little nervous as I don't have a lot of buying expereince in this area.

I know the 4C's and what I'm looking for but I'm not sure what else is important to ask- when I'm there...or if there is something I should ask about in email before? Also please remember that since it is a smaller store I highly doubt they have IS/ASET images available for me to go off of.


Any advise is much appreciated!

3 on hold so far:

CaratColorClarity...all of these stones are way under budget at 10k, which honestly I think I'm more comfortable at.
1.60 E SI2
1.51 F SI2
2.00 G SI2

 

[D&T]

Sarah - congrats on your upgrade! are these diamond certed? hope so, please ask them for the specs on the diamonds.

 

[outatouch0]

Welcome to PS !!
Fortunately you found us BEFORE going through with the deal.

The four C''s really only scratches the surface of what you need to know about diamonds before purchasing. Rather than hit you with a bunch of terms etc. you may not be ready for the best advice I can give you is to work your way through the knowledge section of this site. Then some reading on the forums - Rocky Talky especially but definitely focus on the Knowledge section at fist.

You will need this knowledge to be able to compare apples to apples...
Having gained that ability you might find yourself being able to get an even better upgrade and still keep your original ring for the same amount of money - who knows!!!

 

[stone-cold11]

Buy a hand held IS/ASET scope and go hunting?

Are these rounds or fancy cuts? Rounds will be easier to go by the numbers, fancy cuts you will have to have images. Also, are the stones graded and by who? That will also be a major determinant in the price. If it is graded, post the report numbers here and the exact carat weight as listed on the report.

 

[SB621]

Date: 11/5/2009 5:25:06 PM
Author: D&T
Sarah - congrats on your upgrade! are these diamond certed? hope so, please ask them for the specs on the diamonds.

Thanks D&T! I know they are certified but honestly I forget what lab they used. I emailed the store manager back to see if he can scan the certs for me so I can look at them......and post them here for the experts to weigh in on. I''m hoping he will get back to me soon with the scans.

 

[diamondsman]

Hi

i would suggest that before you make any descions ,try to find out what are the specs. on the stones that you are being offered. then go online and try to see what different websites are offering for similar stones, make sure that the specs are very close,as prices may vary .
if you are buying round stones ,the general rule for getting the maximum brilliance out of the stones are as follows:

depth:59-61.5%
table:53-57%
girdle: tn-med,tn-stk ,faceted
polish:ex,vg
symm:ex,vg
cut:ex,vg
culet:none
flour:none,faint
if you stay withing these parameters you will most likely get the most brilliance

hope this helps

 

[stone-cold11]

Good luck.