.3 Carat SI1 H for $300?

[Bluesq]

Hello,

I just joined because I did some research and saw a lot of knowledge on here.

I'm looking at stone from Gems n Loans in San Diego. They have a chain of stores and a good reputation. I see a pendant there that is .3 carats, rated SI 1 H. I usually talk these guys down 40 - 50%, but of course they always mark up. So from a sticker of $499 we're at $300 out the door. I assume they gave the original owner pennies on the dollar being a pawn store and all.

Anyway, good deal? Things to look out for? It's a nice round stone in a simple gold half clamp. I figured for $300, even if the rating from their GIA certified gemologist is off by one mark (SI2 vs SI1, I vs H) we're still in the good deal ballpark.

 

[WinkHPD]

If you know enough about diamonds to loupe the diamond and estimate the color, then go for it if you like the look. If you are depending solely on the vendor, then buying it is at your risk as he obviously is the one with the knowledge in this transaction.

It could be a great deal, or a horrible one, we do not have the information that we would need to give you any valid guidance.

Wink

 

[Bluesq]

I was going purely by the specs. What could I provide or do to help value it here? I cannot look at a diamond with a loupe and judge color - at best I could tell the range, not the exact grade.

At $300 it's obviously not even a bat of an eyelash to what you're all looking at but as a novice it'd be interesting to see what the community thinks.

 

[Dancing Fire]

I was going purely by the specs. What could I provide or do to help value it here? I cannot look at a diamond with a loupe and judge color - at best I could tell the range, not the exact grade.

At $300 it's obviously not even a bat of an eyelash to what you're all looking at but as a novice it'd be interesting to see what the community thinks.

Really hard to guess the price w/o a lab report.

 

[braga123]

I have actually been to Gems and Loans in Temecula and Oceanside. They do carry certified stones, and for those with GIA certs, there really is no advantage to purchasing from them, since they are retail price. Now, the rest of their stock, is a gamble. They are not certified, so they do allow for negotiating. That said, I once saw a great "deal" until I louped it and found a chip. The sales lady insisted that it was an inclusion, so be careful. The good thing about this chain is that they do allow trade-up's, but you have to spend double the price. I also think that they allow an exchange within the first 30 days.

ETA: I just noticed that you used the term "rated" and not certified. Nope. I don't agree with their ratings. Hope that helps.

 

[Bluesq]

I have actually been to Gems and Loans in Temecula and Oceanside. They do carry certified stones, and for those with GIA certs, there really is no advantage to purchasing from them, since they are retail price. Now, the rest of their stock, is a gamble. They are not certified, so they do allow for negotiating. That said, I once saw a great "deal" until I louped it and found a chip. The sales lady insisted that it was an inclusion, so be careful. The good thing about this chain is that they do allow trade-up's, but you have to spend double the price. I also think that they allow an exchange within the first 30 days.

ETA: I just noticed that you used the term "rated" and not certified. Nope. I don't agree with their ratings. Hope that helps.

Yes, all this helps. Thank you everyone. I have a better perspective on this now.

If you've been to those two stores then you've been all over North County SD. Do you recommend any other place? I've bought gold from them before in Vista and Escondido and they've been good if I get to the point so that's why I go there.

I don't think this comes with certification - if I ask they'll say their gemologist rated it. I assume that's bias in their favor, by how much I'll find out tomorrow. That specification is just what's on the tag, there's no paperwork that I'm aware of. I could probably spot a chip vs other inclusion with a 10x loupe.

It's clear this isn't something I do a lot so I don't own a loupe, should I trust theirs to be the magnification they say or put in the effort of borrowing/buying one?

I'll end up getting the clamp swapped with yellow gold. Maybe getting the stone and the work/gold for $300 would be a decent negotiation.

 

[braga123]

Yes, I have seen their ratings on their rings, and although I am the worst color gauger, I don't agree with theirs.
Also, they don't rate cut, so unless you know how the diamond performs and can gauge it and not be disappointed if your diamond is dull and lifeless as soon as you step out of their nice lighting...
I realize that 300 seems likes a nominal amount, but when you consider that you are taking a risk AND paying for another mounting or setting (150-300), you might be better off looking at Sam's club or Costco for a preset pendant with a return policy. For the size you want, I have seen some priced close to your total amount.
Yes, I have done a lot of shopping in North and South County and I have never found any "deals" on diamond pendants. YOu might be better off posting a WTB ad on preloved forum and someone might be willing to sell theirs!

 

[Bluesq]

Yes, I have seen their ratings on their rings, and although I am the worst color gauger, I don't agree with theirs.
Also, they don't rate cut, so unless you know how the diamond performs and can gauge it and not be disappointed if your diamond is dull and lifeless as soon as you step out of their nice lighting...
I realize that 300 seems likes a nominal amount, but when you consider that you are taking a risk AND paying for another mounting or setting (150-300), you might be better off looking at Sam's club or Costco for a preset pendant with a return policy. For the size you want, I have seen some priced close to your total amount.
Yes, I have done a lot of shopping in North and South County and I have never found any "deals" on diamond pendants. YOu might be better off posting a WTB ad on preloved forum and someone might be willing to sell theirs!

I will do this, thank you so much for your help. I wasn't aware of the resetting price - I thought they did it in shop. I probably won't be able to make a deal with them but I might as well give it a shot.

 

[braga123]

Did you go? Did you buy it?

 

[Bluesq]

Did you go? Did you buy it?

I looked at the time you posted this - you wrote that just as I purchased it.

I went back in and checked it out again. They have an VS2 H brilliant round GIA certified there of the same weight and also another control sample. The stone I got was similar in color, but that's coming from a newbie novice amateur. I feel I can tell range, not an exact color, so basically I think I can tell they're not totally deceiving me.

It is old european cut. I put it next to the brilliant sample and it was different in all the ways you'd expect. I had both of them in the case and out of the case, behind black backgrounds, different lighting, etc.

They will reset with yellow gold clasp which has a double loop so it has more gold weight. Whole thing out the door for $350 tax included (8.5% for this city ).

I'll take some macro pictures when I get it back. I really appreciate the help I got on here - super nice, concise and informative.

 

[braga123]

Wow! Sounds like you really negotiated a good deal! Can't wait to see pictures!

 

[braga123]

Bump. I don't know if you saw this. Would love to see pictures of your new pendant!

 

[Bluesq]

Bump. I don't know if you saw this. Would love to see pictures of your new pendant!

Hi, I do have the forum in mind but the pendant is not ready yet. They have a jeweler do all their work from all the stores so it takes a few days. Will certainly post pics as soon as it's done.

 

[Bluesq]

Bump. I don't know if you saw this. Would love to see pictures of your new pendant!

I finally got this back today. Looking good - exactly the setting I asked for. I think it was pretty good for $350 tax included with the custom setting. I just used my cell phone this evening but if I can get a hold of a macro lens I'll take some decent shots soon. At least you can get an idea of what I'm describing with these.

 

[Bluesq]

A few more pics.

 

[tyty333]

Can you take a picture straight into the stone. Looks like it has a shallow crown.

 

[Bluesq]

Can you take a picture straight into the stone. Looks like it has a shallow crown.

I will do that. It's a tough shot to get because I block my own light. I'll try here soon. In the meantime here's some from this morning with natural light. I have a 30x lighted scope, I could probably line up the camera lens for a shot of that if it helps.