Hello,
I am a first-time buyer in the market for a diamond, and could use some advice. I'd like to spend about $3000-3500 USD. At the moment I am thinking of an E-F, VS1-2, H&A, .70-75 carat diamond. My preferences are based primarily on internet research and Renee Newman's Diamond Ring Buying Guide. I've looked at jewellers in the the town in England where I study, but they are of limited value because they don't have loose stones (and are extremely expensive). I could potentially have opportunities to look at brick and mortar stores in London, Boston, or St. Louis. However, since I would be in these places on visits, I would have limited time for shopping around and mulling things over. I've found that on the internet very few places post things like images of diamonds or crown and pavilion angles (probably because they don't have access to them). The best sites I've found are Superbcert and Good Old Gold, but I've been rather turned off by the spat that's been aired out over on Diamondtalk. Aside from these, Dirtcheapdiamonds seems to be the best for H&A, with images as well as AGS certs for at least some of their diamonds.
Does anyone have suggestions about websites or B&M stores that can give me good information about individual stones? I like to have as much information as possible when making large purchases, and am wary of relying on my own judgements of brightness, fire, scintillation, and symmetry when in a jewellry shop.
One more question: can anyone recommend independent appraisers in London, Boston, and St. Louis?
Many thanks!
I am a first-time buyer in the market for a diamond, and could use some advice. I'd like to spend about $3000-3500 USD. At the moment I am thinking of an E-F, VS1-2, H&A, .70-75 carat diamond. My preferences are based primarily on internet research and Renee Newman's Diamond Ring Buying Guide. I've looked at jewellers in the the town in England where I study, but they are of limited value because they don't have loose stones (and are extremely expensive). I could potentially have opportunities to look at brick and mortar stores in London, Boston, or St. Louis. However, since I would be in these places on visits, I would have limited time for shopping around and mulling things over. I've found that on the internet very few places post things like images of diamonds or crown and pavilion angles (probably because they don't have access to them). The best sites I've found are Superbcert and Good Old Gold, but I've been rather turned off by the spat that's been aired out over on Diamondtalk. Aside from these, Dirtcheapdiamonds seems to be the best for H&A, with images as well as AGS certs for at least some of their diamonds.
Does anyone have suggestions about websites or B&M stores that can give me good information about individual stones? I like to have as much information as possible when making large purchases, and am wary of relying on my own judgements of brightness, fire, scintillation, and symmetry when in a jewellry shop.
One more question: can anyone recommend independent appraisers in London, Boston, and St. Louis?
Many thanks!
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