I've visited a lot of shops recently as I'm looking for an engagement ring. From reading a lot, I've come to the conclusion that a diamond with the following specifications is what I should be aiming for:
GIA rated 1.0ct E VS1-2 with Excellent cut, symmetry, and polish, with a table between 52-60% and a depth around 60%.
I want to have this stone in a simple ring, to spend more money on the stone than the ring itself, as in the future I think it's probably going to yield the most when considering an upgrade.
I see a lot of people on here looking for diamonds from whiteflash.com, or jamesallen.com and their prices are about 15-20% more competitive than the shops that I've been to. I understand that the B&M stores I've been to need to support their establishment (which costs more money than selling online), and still profit on top of it.
Most shops said they would be amenable to me bringing in the raw materials (ring with mount and stone) and they would put it together. Others have said be wary of what you purchase on the internet.
1. If I buy a stone off the internet, I would assume I will get what I purchased. If I take it to a local store to get fitted, and it magically gets swapped... how am I going to figure out who replaced it? How can I be sure that the stone that I bring to the store is the same stone that I will have in my ring? Is this even a worry or an issue that people have faced in the past?
2. Am I better off purchasing a stone that is fitted from a reputable online store?
3. Should I get the diamond appraised after I get it off the internet? Should I get the ring appraised after the diamond is fitted in?
4. What should I consider when purchasing a ring/stone so that I'm in the best position possible when it's time for an upgrade?
5. What advice do you have for a first time buyer of a diamond/engagement ring?
Thank you for helping a newbie navigate through these waters!
GIA rated 1.0ct E VS1-2 with Excellent cut, symmetry, and polish, with a table between 52-60% and a depth around 60%.
I want to have this stone in a simple ring, to spend more money on the stone than the ring itself, as in the future I think it's probably going to yield the most when considering an upgrade.
I see a lot of people on here looking for diamonds from whiteflash.com, or jamesallen.com and their prices are about 15-20% more competitive than the shops that I've been to. I understand that the B&M stores I've been to need to support their establishment (which costs more money than selling online), and still profit on top of it.
Most shops said they would be amenable to me bringing in the raw materials (ring with mount and stone) and they would put it together. Others have said be wary of what you purchase on the internet.
1. If I buy a stone off the internet, I would assume I will get what I purchased. If I take it to a local store to get fitted, and it magically gets swapped... how am I going to figure out who replaced it? How can I be sure that the stone that I bring to the store is the same stone that I will have in my ring? Is this even a worry or an issue that people have faced in the past?
2. Am I better off purchasing a stone that is fitted from a reputable online store?
3. Should I get the diamond appraised after I get it off the internet? Should I get the ring appraised after the diamond is fitted in?
4. What should I consider when purchasing a ring/stone so that I'm in the best position possible when it's time for an upgrade?
5. What advice do you have for a first time buyer of a diamond/engagement ring?
Thank you for helping a newbie navigate through these waters!