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Wholesale, Really?

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Mooga1120

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 19, 2013
Messages
14
The company I work for designs class rings and other jewelry and I was told as employees we have the opportunity to purchase stones and settings at 10% above cost. I was quoted on a diamond that seemed like a deal last year when the ring talk first started, but things happen, and funds were needed for other things. Now we're back to shopping again. I believe the pricing I got on the setting (from Stuller) is absolutely awesome, however not so sure about the stone. From reading the threads you guys like to have all the numbers, which I don't have. The quote I got this year doesn't really seem like a bargain compared to what I'm finding online.

Last years quote, .74 round, F, SI1, good cut $1895
This years quote, 5.8mm, G-H, SI1, good cut $2505

First, have prices really risen that much? and again, is this really a deal?
 
Don't settle for 'good' cut, especially at that price. I think you should pass on it. An excellent cut stone will look whiter, brighter and bigger than a stone that's poorly cut.

Just one example of what $2500-ish could get you:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10504/

AGS Certified, Ideal Cut, I colour, SI1.
 
I'm finding similar online prices to what you are being offered, so I would encourage you to take a look around and not limit yourself. Only purchase stones with a GIA or AGS report. They are the most accurate and consistent in the world and the only way to know exactly what you are purchasing and if you are paying a fair price. For example if the stones you are being offered as F/G color are graded by EGL or some obscure lab, then it's very possible...likely even that the GIA would grade the same stone as I/J. There is a hefty premium on stones graded DEF, so if you are paying DEF prices for a stone that accurately graded would be a HIJ...then you are overpaying..by a lot!
 
maccers|1366387126|3430467 said:
Don't settle for 'good' cut, especially at that price. I think you should pass on it. An excellent cut stone will look whiter, brighter and bigger than a stone that's poorly cut.

Just one example of what $2500-ish could get you:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10504/

AGS Certified, Ideal Cut, I colour, SI1.
Click to expand...


Ditto. "Good" cut in the diamond world really means "Not so good at all".
 
I would basically agree with all the comments made above. These people are giving you good advice. However, there are times when a diamond with a "Good" cut might be a right diamond for someone. If your budget is limited and you need to buy a diamond of a size large enough that you are running out of options in color and clarity, it could make some sense to consider taking a Good cut in a slightly better clarity which is not so visibly imperfect or likely to have future breakage. This circumstance is most common when you are look at your budget, the size diamond you desire, a barely acceptable color and only diamonds with I2 or I3 clarity. If you are already looking at diamonds with EGL-International reports, then possibly even an SI2 might not be so durable or attractive. At this range of low clarity, then heading away from Excellent cut grading is something to consider. This is not a decision evreyone would make. In most cases, an Excellent cut looks better than a Good, cut even if you give up a color and a clarity grade to get it.

WHat you can't do is assume that a diamond described as a Good Cut is sufficiently attractive to buy without seeing it yourself. The lower the cut grade, the less dependable the appearance of the diamond. There will be nice looking ones and some which you might really dislike. It is so much easier to buy an Excellent cut diamond than a Good cut that we tend to skip the possible options and reasons for thinking about it.
 
Kind of bummed out about the stone pricing. I really need to stay under the $2k mark, but was hoping for a miracle to still get a quality diamond in the 3/4 range. I have looked on bluenile, but find there inventory overwhelming. Any thoughts on Costco for cost and quality?
 
I don't have any personal experience with costco, however I've read thread where other PS members have shopped there and found a beautiful stone at a good value, so with some guidance I wouldn't dismiss it as an option.

Have you consider the secondary market? There are some amazing deals to be found. The fact is, even when purchasing a stone from a BM or online vendor, you have no guarantee that the stone is 'new' in the sense that you are the first time owner/wearer of the stone. People are constantly trading and upgrading their diamonds so it's as likely that you will be purchasing one of these as it is unlikely. IMO purchasing a 'pre loved' stone and setting in into a new setting makes it a new ring. :))

I can totally understand how shopping online can be extremely overwhelming, but we can make it much easier for you! We can make suggestions and you yah or nay them as you see fit. =) You've mentioned that your budget is around $2k, is that just for the stone or for the stone and setting? I know that you would like to stay in the .75 range, but do you have any color or clarity preferences? Are you firm on a round brilliant or are other shapes an option? Some fancy shape stones have the appearance of looking larger than others, pears, ovals and marquise for instance. Do any of those appeal to you? Another popular option for getting the most visual impact for you dollar is to purchase a slightly smaller ct weight and set it in a halo setting. So don't despair we can definitely find you a great ring and stay within budget! =)
 
I am not seeing GIA reports on those diamonds listed from ebay, so those need to be avoided, too!

I also advise you to stick with GIA Excellent cut only. People here can suggest stones for you if you'd like.
 
I would really like to stay with a round stone in the .75 range. I don't think I would mind SI1, but would like a clearer colored stone. I have picked out two different settings that I don't think can be beat price wise ($300-500 vs 1500-2500 retail), so the 2k budget is for the stone only. "used" isn't as much of a concern as the buying sight unseen. As for my visit to Costco this morning, they do seem to have high quality items, but selection is limited, and minimal in my price range.
 
I saw these yesterday, but one doesn't mention a GIA certificate at all, and the other says "appraisal certificate" by a GIA graduate. That little piece of paper provides me with a great deal more confidence, especially buying sight unseen.
 
also, the spelling of tecori as opposed to tacori with no visible stamp on he ring, a little fishy.
 
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