Where to buy

[Robg54]

I love this forum. I looked here a lot when doing research before I proposed in January and it helped me learn a lot. However, at the time I didn''t feel I was able to buy the type of ring I wanted. I waited and gave her a "temporary ring" that I got in the mall.

Now that my big day is coming up (4/10/10), I am thinking more and more about finding a way to buy her a nice ring before we get married.

I have a fairly good idea what I want. I want a round cut that is eye clean. I care about the color only to the point where it looks bad. I think she''d rather stay around "H" but I don''t think she''s really looked at any "I" or "J" stones for comparison, and I''ve seen some here that are spectacular.

I''m looking for the ideal cut if I can get it. I want something that will really sparkle. I care about girdle, symmetry, polish proportions inasmuch as it will affect this. Honestly I doubt I''ll ever be able to look at the stats and know for sure if it''s good. That''s why I''ll ask you guys (if you don''t mind too much).

We are looking for about 1 carat.

I have looked at local jewelry stores, and have been largely dissappointed. Helzberg wanted 5200 for a 1.15 carat I1-2. Macy''s was more reasonably priced, but still seemed more expensive then what I could find from blue nile for an equivalent price.

I could very easily go to the Diamond district in Manhattan, but I''m sure I don''t know enough not to get ripped off. I was looking at James Allen, which I found from this forum.

But my biggest question is where an ultra bargain hunter should go? Are there sites where I can find the diamond I want at a lower price? Is it risky to do so? Is ebay a decent option? Are there good deals to be found there, or is it mostly ripoffs?

 

[HopeDream]

Hi Robg54,

If you''re realy concerned about cut and sparkel, I''m sure that any one of the PS vendors will be able to find you a winner (and provide the documentation as to why it''s a winner).
Ebay is very hit or miss I''ve read about some good deals, but mostly dissapointment, misrepresentation and difficult refunds.

There are several PS vendors in the NY area including (but not limited to) : good old gold, ERD, excel diamonds,
I''m sure they could show you some stunning stones if you made an apointment with any one of them. Online stones definately have the smallest markup (5-10%) and PS vendors will take good care of you.

You might want to consider various vendors'' upgrade and buy back policies for future reference as well.

So you want a 1ct eyeclean H round brilliant.... What is your budget?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/19/2009 9:27:47 PM
Author:Robg54
I love this forum. I looked here a lot when doing research before I proposed in January and it helped me learn a lot. However, at the time I didn''t feel I was able to buy the type of ring I wanted. I waited and gave her a ''temporary ring'' that I got in the mall.

Now that my big day is coming up (4/10/10), I am thinking more and more about finding a way to buy her a nice ring before we get married.

I have a fairly good idea what I want. I want a round cut that is eye clean. I care about the color only to the point where it looks bad. I think she''d rather stay around ''H'' but I don''t think she''s really looked at any ''I'' or ''J'' stones for comparison, and I''ve seen some here that are spectacular.

I''m looking for the ideal cut if I can get it. I want something that will really sparkle. I care about girdle, symmetry, polish proportions inasmuch as it will affect this. Honestly I doubt I''ll ever be able to look at the stats and know for sure if it''s good. That''s why I''ll ask you guys (if you don''t mind too much).

We are looking for about 1 carat.

I have looked at local jewelry stores, and have been largely dissappointed. Helzberg wanted 5200 for a 1.15 carat I1-2. Macy''s was more reasonably priced, but still seemed more expensive then what I could find from blue nile for an equivalent price.

I could very easily go to the Diamond district in Manhattan, but I''m sure I don''t know enough not to get ripped off. I was looking at James Allen, which I found from this forum.

But my biggest question is where an ultra bargain hunter should go? Are there sites where I can find the diamond I want at a lower price? Is it risky to do so? Is ebay a decent option? Are there good deals to be found there, or is it mostly ripoffs?

Hi Rob,

I wouldn''t advise using Ebay, there are great vendors who sell there but you need to know who they are and what you are doing so for the rookie, I wouldn''t recommend you do so.

James Allen are a great vendor as are all of the PS vendors, you can purchase from any of them in complete confidence. If you give us your budget for the diamond we could look for some suitable ones for you?