Would really appreciate some help

[islandergold]

I''m quite new to diamonds (have been researching for a few weeks) and I''m unfortunately under a little time pressure to purchase an engagement ring. I''m hoping to find some help on steering me towards the right rock. These are my requirements:

Budget for the loose diamond: $10-$11k
Must be equal or above 1.5 ct.
Round Brilliant

From what I''ve been able to see, this has left me in the range of F,G,H colors and VS1,VS2,SI1 clarity. I''d like to really make sure that the cut is near perfect, so I can play with the color and clarity to (hopefully) stay within my budget. I know it''s going to be close.

I''m open to buying online as long as it''s one of the reputable shops. I''m located in Bellevue, WA so I''m also taking a close look at the Gemological Trading Corp (http://www.seattlediamond.com/). They allow web access to their inventory and they look to be pretty close to online pricing. That would be great if I could find something there, as I could view it before purchasing.

Any suggestions on specific diamonds that you''ve seen?

Any help is GREATLY appreciated. One more thing, I like the idea of the Polar Ice and Polar Bear Canadian Diamonds, so I''d also consider them as well. Though it''s tough to find much info (pricing, etc) on the internet about them.

 

[Rhea]

I''m not much of a stone searcher myself, but there is another thread right now with the OP wanting a very similar stone to what you''re looking for. So far three great options have been presented to him. You may want to take a look in case any of them fit what you''re hoping for:

other current PS thread

 

[Regular Guy]

Using the search by cut db here with your criteria, there''s two easy ones to consider, at $10,4 and $10,7 respectively, based on wire & Pricescope pricing.

 

[ChattyCat]

http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-513831.htm

Here''s one at whiteflash. It''s not ACA, but it still should be a very nice cut. There was one 1.51 carat ACA RB diamond they had, but it was $11.7K, a little over budget.

 

[Regular Guy]

Chatty found one of the two I found.

The others in the other thread are probably nice, too, but will be on some part of the slippery slope of what you can get for paying more, I think.

Between my two...in addition to the JA being bigger, and with AGS0...it has strong blue. The latter factor could make you love it or not.

I did look at Infinity and saw no evident options...as his sometimes are Canadian, I believe.

With SIs...there''s always an issue of inclusions, and whether they are visible or not. Though it''s possible to ask both, get contrary answers, for contrary actuals...asking (if it''s eye clean) is a good place to start for both vendors.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 1/14/2008 2:56:18 PM
Author:islandergold
I''m open to buying online as long as it''s one of the reputable shops. I''m located in Bellevue, WA so I''m also taking a close look at the Gemological Trading Corp (http://www.seattlediamond.com/). They allow web access to their inventory and they look to be pretty close to online pricing. That would be great if I could find something there, as I could view it before purchasing.

Hi Islandergold! Welcome!

I''m so excited to see that you may be dealing with Gemological Trading Corp. My bf and I are dealing with Mary there and she has been outstanding. They typically only deal in AGS & GIA certed stones since they tend to be more accurately graded than EGL stones, for example, and, based on your criteria, they will find the perfect diamond for you and will work within your budget. They are no pressure and have been fantastic with pricing! Really top notch service. If they do not have a diamond in house that suits your needs, they will order it in for you and they have access to a huge inventory of diamonds.

I would, without any hesitation, suggest that you deal with them. You do have to call ahead and make an appointment as they are not like a "store" that you would just walk into. They are flexible with their hours so if you can''t come in during business hours over even during the week, they will make special arrangements for you. The only downside is the hassle of trying to find parking in downtown Seattle.

My bf went into Gemological with a spreadsheet that I had created of my specs for a prospective diamond and they worked with him so closely that when I came in for the first time to see the diamonds they had, I found the perfect one for me! I went with a GIA graded, 1.28 E VS2, AGS0 stone. I can''t wait to see it when it has been set.

Also ... they can typically get you any designer setting at 25% less than other places, such as EE Robbins etc.

 

[Regular Guy]

Date: 1/14/2008 2:56:18 PM
Author:islandergold
They allow web access to their inventory ...

I am a pretty big fan of supporting local merchants. Also, they have Canada options for you to consider.

Using your criteria, scanning through 1072 options...I think I saw two AGS options...one of which was this one priced at $11,957...and without their checking further, you don't know if it's AGS what (AGS0, 1, 2, etc). Separately, they may a) have hundreds with positive HCA scores, or b) access to other unpublished options. Ideally, re HCA scores...you might get their help with screening. The above mentioned search by cut db does that work for you, so I just have to read what's left after it does the screening. Also...based on seeing no specific data with the one I linked here, I'm guessing they do not even give access to certificates on their db, so the work will really be theirs to do. Hopefully, they have good sensibilities, and will do this well for you.

Regards,

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 1/14/2008 5:03:17 PM
Author: Regular Guy

Date: 1/14/2008 2:56:18 PM
Author:islandergold
They allow web access to their inventory ...

I am a pretty big fan of supporting local merchants. Also, they have Canada options for you to consider.

Using your criteria, scanning through 1072 options...I think I saw two AGS options...one of which was this one priced at $11,957...and without their checking further, you don''t know if it''s AGS what (AGS0, 1, 2, etc). Separately, they may a) have hundreds with positive HCA scores, or b) access to other unpublished options. Ideally, re HCA scores...you might get their help with screening. The above mentioned search by cut db does that work for you, so I just have to read what''s left after it does the screening. Also...based on seeing no specific data with the one I linked here, I''m guessing they do not even give access to certificates on their db, so the work will really be theirs to do. Hopefully, they have good sensibilities, and will do this well for you.

Regards,

To add some more ... with regards to pricing ... they are willing to negotiate.

 

[islandergold]

Thanks everyone for all of your responses so far, very helpful. Regular Guy, those two do look nice, though I''m a little unsure/weary of the strong fluor on one of them. I''ve never looked at diamond in person with strong blue fluorescence - I''ll have to make a trip to a store to do that.

Sparklicious, I''ll definitely be giving Gem Trading Corp a visit. I just spoke with them and have an appointment set already. Did you find their pricing to be quite close to online as well? It doesn''t sound like they have a large retail store resulting in heavy overhead charges, etc. Any more info or opinions on them would be great, as I''d feel much better purchasing locally and being able to see the stone upfront. Also, were they fairly open to negotiate or was that something you really had to push hard for them to budge?

Thanks very much

 

[ImpatientOne]

Date: 1/14/2008 4:11:01 PM
Author: Regular Guy
Chatty found one of the two I found.

The others in the other thread are probably nice, too, but will be on some part of the slippery slope of what you can get for paying more, I think.

Between my two...in addition to the JA being bigger, and with AGS0...it has strong blue. The latter factor could make you love it or not.

I did look at Infinity and saw no evident options...as his sometimes are Canadian, I believe.

With SIs...there's always an issue of inclusions, and whether they are visible or not. Though it's possible to ask both, get contrary answers, for contrary actuals...asking (if it's eye clean) is a good place to start for both vendors.

Just an FYI, but I had emailed JA about that one this weekend, and this is what they said, "Thank you for taking the time to consider Jamesallen.com for your diamond and jewelry needs. Item# 1105598 is available for purchase and I have reviewed the magnified image provided. The dark spots you are seeing at the top of this diamond is actually a reflection of the two inclusions present in the table. Because this diamond is over a carat in size and the inclusions are dark in color, my thoughts are that this diamond will most likely not face up 100% clean to the naked eye. I believe we can locate you a better option for purchase. "

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 1/14/2008 5:34:24 PM
Author: islandergold
Sparklicious, I'll definitely be giving Gem Trading Corp a visit. I just spoke with them and have an appointment set already. Did you find their pricing to be quite close to online as well? It doesn't sound like they have a large retail store resulting in heavy overhead charges, etc. Any more info or opinions on them would be great, as I'd feel much better purchasing locally and being able to see the stone upfront. Also, were they fairly open to negotiate or was that something you really had to push hard for them to budge?

Thanks very much

I found the pricing, for my diamond, in particular, to be extremely competitive ... actually even just a smidge better than what I was able to find online.

They do not have a large retail store. They are in the jewelry district downtown, in the Joshua Green office building, thus, as you stated, less overhead etc.

They were absolutely able to negotiate and more than willing to do so ... If you give them your criteria, they will find the BEST stone for YOU! Mary did the absolute best on pricing that she could for us and did so without hesitation.

They have access to way more diamonds than just the ones you see online even. Some are not in-house, however, they will order in whichever ones are suited to your needs so that you can see them. They will show you them under the idealscope and under magnification in the store.

They would like to make you a lifetime customer so they are not going to quibble over a few dollars, within reason, of course. They tend to deal with a higher-end and/or more informed client who is really conscious about diamond quality etc, thus they are really into building a relationship and not just making a "sale". They will & have for me, gone above and beyond to make sure you are satisfied.

Who is your appointment with? ... We are dealing with Mary but I have met Toni and Erin as well and they are really nice and pleasant to deal with ... David is the owner and he is great as well.

How exciting!!!! Please do keep me updated. Can't wait to see if they are able to help you.

A word of caution ... They have some beautiful pieces there on display ... some custom and some by designers. I love a strand of brown pearls with a gold and brown diamond clasp -- just delicious looking. I wasn't prepared for all the bling and I ended up with a pair of diamond hoops ... Be careful!

 

[islandergold]

Great info, Sparkalicious. They sound like a great shop and I''m hoping that my search will stop with them I spoke with David on the phone and I believe I''m also meeting with him for the appointment tomorrow. I''ll let you know how it goes!

Did you also have them do your setting?

If I may, let me ask you this...my plan is to purchase the rock and place it in a cheapy setting just for proposal purposes. Do you think it would be better to just present the diamond and then have her choose the correct setting? Or do you think using a cheapy for the proposal is a good idea, then have it removed for the one she chooses later? (personal choice, I know..but I''m trying to keep this whole thing fairly secretive amongst our family/friends - I know she wants a 1.5ct round, so I can''t go wrong with just buying the diamond).

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 1/14/2008 6:19:48 PM
Author: islandergold
Great info, Sparkalicious. They sound like a great shop and I''m hoping that my search will stop with them I spoke with David on the phone and I believe I''m also meeting with him for the appointment tomorrow. I''ll let you know how it goes!

Did you also have them do your setting?

If I may, let me ask you this...my plan is to purchase the rock and place it in a cheapy setting just for proposal purposes. Do you think it would be better to just present the diamond and then have her choose the correct setting? Or do you think using a cheapy for the proposal is a good idea, then have it removed for the one she chooses later? (personal choice, I know..but I''m trying to keep this whole thing fairly secretive amongst our family/friends - I know she wants a 1.5ct round, so I can''t go wrong with just buying the diamond).

Oh Islandergold I am so excited for you! He''ll pull some diamonds for you, around the size you are looking for and you will learn all about diamonds! You''ll be able to see the color, in person, so you will know better what color range is your sweet spot.

I did have them do my setting as well! It is a Simon G setting they ordered in for me.

Of course you can ask ... I''m happy to help or at least share my thoughts.

With regards to the proposal ... buying the diamond and then picking the setting with your gf is a great idea! I went through the entire process of looking for a diamond and setting with my bf and now that we have found the perfect ones, I''m no longer in the loop. I will only see it set when he proposes.

I think that a simple setting first, suits you needs perfectly and then, once you propose, you guys can select her perfect setting together. I think it is much more difficult to find the perfect setting for someone than it is to find the "perfect" diamond.

Have tons of fun! I can''t wait to hear about how tomorrow goes .. I remember how exciting it was for me!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Sooo ... Islandergold, how did it go?!

Did you see anything that you loved ... In a previous post your mentioned your appt is set for today .... I''ve been dying to hear all about it. I know, I know ... I need to get a life. I seem to have lost that once I became a PS junkie.

 

[islandergold]

Sparkalicious, the update you''ve been waiting for.....

The visit went very well. I fortunately learned this morning (from my better half) that I should not be looking at Round diamonds, but Cushion shapes. Dave had put aside a bunch or Rounds for me to look at so he was somewhat unprepared for my change of criteria when I arrived. No worries though, we looked at some spectacular stones..one in particular that I wish I could afford. It was a 2ct cushion set in a platinum band with two .5ct side stones...all for somewhere in the mid 20''s. Beautiful, but out of range for me even though I''m sure it was a hell of a deal.

Anyhow, I really liked Dave and his approach to helping me find what I want so he''s now going ahead with a search for the perfect Cushion stone for me. I''m hoping to find a 1.55-1.85 ct diamond in the G/VS1/2 range. I''ve agreed to drop off a deposit tomorrow for him to start spending the time looking for the diamond. I can''t wait to see what he''ll find.

I quite like the fact that I get to see a variety of diamonds that he''s going to go out and find for me and it''s also not in a typical retail setting.

Now it''s a waiting game until he finds the goods....

 

[Sparkalicious]

Islandergold -- Thanks for the update!!

I'm so glad that it went well! It is a great litte set up, isn't it? It's difficult to describe ... not office space but not like the traditional retail location. I find it more intimate and well suited to best displaying their merchandise. I love the fact that they use the "daylight" bulbs inside of "jewelry store lighting" so all of their pieces and diamonds speak for themselves instead of being falsely "enhanced" by lighting.

Your future fiancee has great taste

... If I would have known about the cushion shape prior to purchasing a round brilliant, I may have seriously considered it. I recently heard from a jeweler - not GTC - that if I was interested in getting a cushion, I should hold off for a couple of years or a little while b/c they do not yet have a standardized grading process in place, thus they are more difficult to appraise. I have never heard this before and don't know whether or not that is the case, however, due to their rapid fire increase in popularity, I bet that there will be something in place sooner than later.

Poor Dave -- How were the rounds he pulled for you? Nice?

Next time I visit, I am going to check out that 2 ct cushion you mentioned... if they still have it. It sounds fantastic!

1.55 - 1.85 is a very desirable size and G/VS is a great combo!! I'm sure you'll be very happy with whatever he finds you! He'll probably have to "find" your diamond and I believe it costs something like $85 to Fedex the diamonds to them so that likely accounts for why he has requested a deposit. I thought it was strange at first b/c I never had to pay one until I wanted to take my diamond off the market.

I can't wait to hear & see, hopefully, what Dave finds for you. Did you get to see any of the other fab pieces they have?

Hey ... my ring is still there & I'm no longer able to visit it since the diamond, reportedly has now been set

... I'm not allowed to see it until my bf proposes. Maybe, just maybe you could ask Mary or Dave to see it on my behalf and report back to me.

My non PS world name is Sacha.

I'm sure they will get a little chuckle and will be more than happy to show it to you. Should be a testament to the type of work they do ...

 

[islandergold]

Sparkalicious,

Thanks for the note on Cushion grading, I hadn''t heard about that. I hope to be back in there within 10 days to view some of the diamonds that he''s able to find, so maybe...just maybe...i''ll be able to pass a report along regarding your prize. Although, I think there must be an unwritten rule about that sort of thing...i''ll have to think about it

I was a little unsure about the deposit as well, did you leave 50% of what you expect to purchase? Dave said they usually ask for 50% to make sure he wasn''t spending all his time/effort searching in vain, but then added to just leave what I was comfortable with.

Unfortunately, I didn''t get much of a chance to view some of their display pieces. I''ll make sure to do that when I next go in. I plan on also bringing my Mom in for the final decision to allow for her to be included in the process...I''m hoping she''ll enjoy that.

To be honest, I''m a little in shock that I''m actually doing this. This was the first place that I had actually gone to visit in person, which would normally make me feel like I should continue looking around just in case. However, I really feel like I found the right place on the first visit. I''ve stared at so many online diamonds at this point, that I;ve just got to go for it. It becomes a bit of an analysis paralysis. Honestly, though, I feel very comfortable with GTC and am looking forward to the next stages. I have a pretty good feel for value at this point and from what I;ve seen..GTC really delivers.

 

[Sparkalicious]

No problem Islandergold! Sharing info and my experiences with you is all fun to me.

10 days, huh. Dave will have to speed that up. I don''t know if I can wait that long.

With regards to my "precious" ... there''s no rules ... I promise.

Actually, Mary has been kind enough to show me a couple of pieces that have been completed and were awaiting pick up that were gorgeous. It really helped convince me to go with them. I remember the first time I went to check them out, she showed me an incredible 4 ct fancy yellow diamond eternity band set in platinum.

It was beautiful!
If you have an interest in seeing my baby ... ask and I promise I won''t harrass you for info ... If not, no worries, I''ll be able to share once I get it and am able to post pics! ... whenever that is.

tee hee.

The deposit, huh? Hmm ... Once we wanted them to hold the diamond b/c we didn''t want it to be available for purchase for anyone else, Mary requested a deposit, which is standard. By this time we had developed a rapport so she asked us to leave whatever we felt comfortable with and suggested 10% or so. She was pretty certain we were already invested in the process, in that, if we didn''t choose this diamond we would choose another one from them, so it was likely a reasonable risk for her.

Dave is the owner and it is probably quite time-consuming to find the perfect diamond for you so I''m sure he wants to make sure, as you stated, he is not searching in vain. I really like the fact that they are so comfortable. They would never, ever lose your business because you chose, for example, to not leave a deposit or to leave only 5% ... they will do what they can to work with you and satisfy your needs.

I think that adding your mom into the mix is a great idea! That is so sweet and a wonderful way to make it an even more memorable experience.

Good for you for "going for it"! It really is a fun experience, or at least it was for us. Please, please do keep me updated.

P.S. -- I''m really, really glad it was a positive experience for you dealing with Gemological Trading Corp as well so far as I didn''t want you to have a horrible time and think I was a jerk for recommending them.

 

[islandergold]

Sparkalicious, Did you use any tools to analyze the diamonds he ended up selecting for you? ie Idealscope, microscope, firescope, etc.

I have no idea what to look for when analyzing a cushion cut stone. All I can find on the Internet is that there is no industry standard.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 1/16/2008 4:31:36 PM
Author: islandergold
Sparkalicious, Did you use any tools to analyze the diamonds he ended up selecting for you? ie Idealscope, microscope, firescope, etc.

I have no idea what to look for when analyzing a cushion cut stone. All I can find on the Internet is that there is no industry standard.

I did. I used both the microscope and their idealscope to check out my diamond. I also had them run the diamond to get a sarin report to verify the specs on the GIA cert.

I would suggest posting a separate thread inquiring with the PS community about cushions and what you should be looking for ... I guess what you found out online sort of validates what that other jeweler was telling me.

In addition, I''m sure Dave will be able to help you out. If I recall correctly, I believe symmetry is really impt for this particular shape.

 

[islandergold]

Thanks, i''ll start a thread to hopefully learn more about Cushions. I also spoke to Dave and he confirmed that I can use their Idealscope to look at the diamonds.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Good stuff! I will be following that thread as well to see what I can find out. Maybe, just maybe someday, I too will get a cushion.

Please do keep me updated on your progress and take tons of pics!

 

[shlo_mo_shun]

Thought I'd add a note to this thread since it's pretty recent, and I have some experience with Gemological Trading as well. Well, actually, I don't have any experience yet, but I will be going there with my Fiance on Friday to take a look at some settings. Heres' the background.

I proposed about 6 months ago, with just the stone (Whiteflash ACA 1.26 F-SI1) in a temporary setting. My fiance was living out of the country at the time, so it isn't like I could really shop with her for a setting she liked. That worked out perfectly though, in case you were wondering Islandergold. The only downside is that budgetwise, the settings were much more expensive than I thought they would be, but picking them with the Fiance has been a fun way to prolong and enhance the whole engagement ring excitement. I'd highly suggest waiting and just getting it mounted temporarily in a simple setting. My setting was only like $150 or so, which is nothing in the overall. It's also nice cause it lets the diamond speak for itself at first. As one sales associate said to me (and it stuck) 'The diamond is for you, the ring is for her'. If she's got to wear it every day, what she'll notice most is the setting, and how that matches her as a person. But symbolically, the diamond is what counts, so focus on that for now, then you get to shop around, or design something together after you're engaged, which a fun break from the stress of wedding planning.
Anyways, just be sure to budget for the eventual setting and wedding band after that, which can be quite expensive based on your fiance's tastes (mine has expensive ones, I guess!)

Anyways, we've been all over town looking for settings now that she is back home. We've been to EErobbins, Shane, Turgeon Rain, Goldfarb, and others. Of course, she's fallen in love with the Michael B princess style, which runs about $5500+tax for the petite engagement band and wedding band together. They have them at Goldfarb.
Enter Gemological Trading. The fiance wanted to check them out and only knew of them because she used to work in their building. So she already knew the people from working in that building already, but she really liked the feel of the place when she went in. We were both sick of the whole B&M sales thing and they were much better to her in not being so pushy. Anyways, they can get the Michael B setting and their prices were less right out of the gate. Add to that, they wrote back a couple days later and said they had found it for even less from a different source until Feb 1st. We inquired about drop shipping and they will do that as well, with a cashiers check, so we can avoid sales tax if we want.
Also, they mentioned their jewlery designer has done some similar stuff (micropave) so this friday we are going to look at some examples of his work and see if something by him will work instead. If we do that, it'll be much less expensive, but even if it doesn't measure up, or look like just what she wants, we'll go with the Michael B from them and save almost $1000 over Alvin Goldfarb prices.
Point is, I think you found a good place, with really fair prices and from what others are saying, excellent service as well.

As for the stone you pick, good luck. I feel so lucky to have found PS, as after reading tons, and looking around, I love the general rules people stick to here. I've seen other stones, and frankly, because of this place, I got her a stone that looks superior to pretty much all of them, and for less money as well. It's all about finding sweetspots in the pricing arrangements. I love the 'eye-clean F-SI1' combination, as color is so close to the 'colorless' grades it's hard to tell, and inclusions aren't necessarily visible at that range. That way, I could go bigger and better cut within my pricerange.
Anyways, good luck.