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advice on costco diamonds

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novicediamondgirl

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 9, 2013
Messages
33
I am feeling a little frustrated shopping in a more limited market. What is everyone's opinion on shopping for a costco diamond?
Currently, I have a budget of $50,000 and they only have a few options which include the following:

1-3 carat princess (G, VS1)
1- 3 carat cushion (G, VS1 and a G, VS2))
1-2.52 carat round brilliant (G, VS2)

I like colour and clarity but am worried about cut grades specifically because only the round brilliant can be verified for cut. The cushion cuts from what I have read on the forums--may not be the most ideal. I have also shopped at a few stores--but I have found that cut information is not forthcoming. Whoever I have met so far--either does not know or does not care to share. I am being told to just buy what I like--and this is partly true but I still want to know that the cut grade is very good to excellent--especially at this price point.

I can provide specs....but any thoughts out there on using Costco?
 
If you have a budget of $50,000 (4 zeros) , why buy from costco?
 
I am feeling a little frustrated shopping in a more limited market. What is everyone's opinion on shopping for a costco diamond?
Currently, I have a budget of $50,000 and they only have a few options which include the following:
Click to expand...

What makes you feel like your market is limited? Just nothing local?

youre options are quite broad with a reputable online vendor
 
I am feeling so frustrated with the retail market. As I mentioned, they just want you to buy something without asking too many questions.
I am looking for quality and value as well. I live in a city that is doing very well and I feel that the pricing is unreasonable when I verify it against pricescope or US Good Old Gold sites.

Any advice? Would also like to make sure someone looks after my interests as once you buy it most retailers do not want to see you again if you discover something is not right.
 
still, why not buy from GOG or other US sites then?

The import tax the issue?
 
Can you explain this further? I am a bit afraid of ordering on line but if I had help I may feel differently. Sometimes knowing a little can be a bit dangerous....I love reading and learning about diamonds but do not want to deceive myself into thinking I am an expert. On the other hand, from what I am seeing out there---it is discouraging.

I thought perhaps that at Costco the return policy is excellent and I like the fact that it is a more equal playing field--versus shopping at a high end jewellery store. I have visited stores in town and often their prices relative to comparable diamonds sold at Costco are easily $20,000 more---.
 
First thing to know is that you won't get a deal on a diamond.....From anyone...

The wonderful people here offer advice on the best value to get for your money but if there is a diamond that is cheap, I guarantee you there is a reason. Either a bad inclusion or a soft grading lab or a poor cut or color ..
 
Not sure what the import tax would be....but this could easily be verified. Its also scary to purchase something in that price point that you cannot physically see....Not sure what my husband would think too. He would think I was gambling.

what other options are there? Its a nice sized budget I think....I like round or cushion but keep getting told that the rounds hold their value better. I like colourless but in a round its not so obvious so up to G is good too.

So I gather Costco is not a popular option from these responses.
 
novicediamondgirl|1392833247|3618632 said:
Can you explain this further? I am a bit afraid of ordering on line but if I had help I may feel differently. Sometimes knowing a little can be a bit dangerous....I love reading and learning about diamonds but do not want to deceive myself into thinking I am an expert. On the other hand, from what I am seeing out there---it is discouraging.

I thought perhaps that at Costco the return policy is excellent and I like the fact that it is a more equal playing field--versus shopping at a high end jewellery store. I have visited stores in town and often their prices relative to comparable diamonds sold at Costco are easily $20,000 more---.
Click to expand...

But im correct you are outside the US?

Most of the jewelry stones that have an online presence also have store fronts, they are just in NY or Houston or CA or something. Most of us dont live there, and the store owners have realized having an online presence brings in more customers. They are very transparent, offer lots of info, will answer most any question you have, and DO offer return policies.

Get whatever you want, if you want a cushion, get one. If say you got one from GOG, they offer a lifetime upgrade, so who cares if it doesnt hold its value on the second hand market, if you want to change later just upgrade.

Also they give you lots a videos, photos, and light performance tests, its just under being able to see it in your hand. I think your husband would probably feel comfortable that way.
 
Yes you are correct..I am outside the US and I wish otherwise because I feel there is more information. Try asking someone here for a report other than GIA. I visited a store that was AGS rep and they really could not tell me anything....other than they had a certificate saying they were a representative. They showed me a cushion that was with my eye "off square" and when I mentioned it...they fluffed it off. I am not looking to score a deal--I just want to know that I am getting the best bang for my buck and getting cut quality first so that it actually performs.

I love this forum and everyone is always so helpful. I read and follow various threads all the time. I cannot thank you all enough for all your help not only for me but to others.

As I mentioned, its a smaller center and doing very well. Lots of big money gets dropped but that is not my style....I am very conservative with my money which is what is making this so difficult for me.
 
novicediamondgirl|1392833957|3618642 said:
Yes you are correct..I am outside the US and I wish otherwise because I feel there is more information. Try asking someone here for a report other than GIA. I visited a store that was AGS rep and they really could not tell me anything....other than they had a certificate saying they were a representative. They showed me a cushion that was with my eye "off square" and when I mentioned it...they fluffed it off. I am not looking to score a deal--I just want to know that I am getting the best bang for my buck and getting cut quality first so that it actually performs.

I love this forum and everyone is always so helpful. I read and follow various threads all the time. I cannot thank you all enough for all your help not only for me but to others.

As I mentioned, its a smaller center and doing very well. Lots of big money gets dropped but that is not my style....I am very conservative with my money which is what is making this so difficult for me.
Click to expand...


I completely understand. I didnt think you meant you want a "deal". Just that you want the very best for your money and you want someone to be upfront and honest with you, not just try and sell you something and get you out the door. Thats I think what anyone would want, especially dropping 50k!

May i ask, what kind of ring do you want? Like a solitaire? Halo? diamonds in the band? Also, you said you were looking at 1-3 cts. You say youre consiverative conservative; ideally what size would you be happy with?
 
What online sources do you recommend? There is the listing here on pricescope which I look at frequently. I also have checked out GOG---which seems very, very helpful as well.

Are these the resources you are referring to?
 
What online sources do you recommend? There is the listing here on pricescope which I look at frequently. I also have checked out GOG---which seems very, very helpful as well.

Are these the resources you are referring to?
 
I would be happy with anything from 2.25 to 2.5 carats in a round. I would like bigger but given that I do not want to veer off the cut grade , colour of G or better or VS2 or better it may be difficult. Ring style, not necessarily a halo. And the budget is for the stone only. I will focus on the setting afterwards as my husband may want to weigh in on the ring style.
 
I would be happy with anything from 2.25 to 2.5 carats in a round. I would like bigger but given that I do not want to veer off the cut grade , colour of G or better or VS2 or better it may be difficult. Ring style, not necessarily a halo. And the budget is for the stone only. I will focus on the setting afterwards as my husband may want to weigh in on the ring style.
 
I completely understand that it's a huge purchase to make sight unseen online. When I first came here looking for a diamond my budget was only around $3000 which is nowhere near yours......but in terms of our finances it was a huge amount of money. We were nervous to spend it not only online, but from another country. Since that time I have purchased from some of the more well known PS vendors - Whiteflash, Brian Gavin Diamonds and Wink Jones (High Performance Diamonds) as well as some interaction with Good Old Gold (who I also intend on working with at some point). These vendors are excellent. They are very reputable and will look after you very well.

Why don't you reach out to one of them and see how you feel once they start to show you your options? I think you will find there is absolutely nothing to worry about and you will get an amazing diamond in a beautiful ring. :))
 
good old gold is nice, but they even sometimes seem to be on the high end, which is probably because of all the amazing things they offer IE videos and photos and a lifetime trade in policy.

James allen doesnt offer quite so much, but they offer 360 images, idealscopes, and trade ins, but you have to pay double.

theres a loooooovely cushion on JA currently, that im sure you could get a setting for, or even just buy it loose, and set localy
This is a little smaller than your target but E VVS2 and stuuning
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.03-carat-e-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-168090
 
novicediamondgirl|1392832379|3618617 said:
I am feeling a little frustrated shopping in a more limited market. What is everyone's opinion on shopping for a costco diamond?
Currently, I have a budget of $50,000 and they only have a few options which include the following:

1-3 carat princess (G, VS1)
1- 3 carat cushion (G, VS1 and a G, VS2))
1-2.52 carat round brilliant (G, VS2)

I like colour and clarity but am worried about cut grades specifically because only the round brilliant can be verified for cut. The cushion cuts from what I have read on the forums--may not be the most ideal. I have also shopped at a few stores--but I have found that cut information is not forthcoming. Whoever I have met so far--either does not know or does not care to share. I am being told to just buy what I like--and this is partly true but I still want to know that the cut grade is very good to excellent--especially at this price point.

I can provide specs....but any thoughts out there on using Costco?
Click to expand...

Let me give you a few of the top options from each category. These all leave enough room in your budget for an elaborate setting.

Round
2.283ct, G, VS2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.283-g-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104052377001

2.690ct, G, VS1 (just within your budget after Pricescope discount, but my favorite of the bunch)
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.690-g-vs1-round-diamond-ags-104065097025

3ct, H, SI1
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11660/

2.835ct, H, SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.835-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-104065335001


Cushion
3.080ct, J, VS2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/3.080-j-vs2-cushion-diamond-ags-104066516017

2.015ct, F, VS1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.015-f-vs1-cushion-diamond-ags-104066027002

3.39ct, K, VS1
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9249/


Princess
3.02ct, H, VVS2
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7638/

2.1ct, F, VS2
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10123/
 
Of course this is canadian and given the recent dollar drop I have lost some buying power. Are my specifications realistic? Of course, if someone were to show me a wonderful fancy shape with an excellent cut , colour and clarity closer to 3 it could sway me....

I am in the design business so I appreciate the qualities of various shapes. I have opted to focus on a round because it is easier to verify cut grade with a certificate that states the specs...
 
Thank you for those links. I will check them out and re-consider these options and be in touch. I never really participated in any forums and what a lovely feeling it is to feel supported.

thank you :D
 
novicediamondgirl|1392835281|3618665 said:
Of course this is canadian and given the recent dollar drop I have lost some buying power.
Click to expand...

Ah a fellow Canadian :)

While my budget was far less than what yours is, I bought mine from the US when the dollar was pretty low and it was still wasn't even a contest with what local stores had, both in price and quality (I'm in a big city, so there were tons of options). Shipping wasn't an issue at all. You have some great options in every shape, so choose the shape you want, not what you think is easiest or safest to buy
 
hawk25|1392838237|3618722 said:
novicediamondgirl|1392835281|3618665 said:
Of course this is canadian and given the recent dollar drop I have lost some buying power.
Click to expand...

You have some great options in every shape, so choose the shape you want, not what you think is easiest or safest to buy
Click to expand...

I absolutely agree with this, especially if you're planning a ring that you expect to wear for a long time. Choose the shape that makes your heart sing, and then look for the best combination of beauty, stats, and value among the diamonds available in that shape.
 
Agree with the others - if you have a whopping $50K to spend on stone alone... definitely look elsewhere! :lol:

There is a recommended list of vendors somewhere at the top of this thread. Many many people safely purchase diamonds online - just ensure you use usual precautions of money-back guarentee etc.
 
Welcome to Pricescope! :wavey:

Here are some choices from James Allen. I used your "G" and added "H", and I used your "VS1" and "VS2". This is a great site because you can move the diamond around with your cursur, see videos of the diamonds, and all the measurements are given. I bought an emerald cut diamond from them and LOVE it.

Round
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/?CaratFrom=1.00&CaratTo=4.00&Color=G,H&Clarity=VS1,VS2&PriceFrom=400&PriceTo=50000&Sort=Carat desc ,DefaultOrder&TabSelected=1&showAdvanced=show&Polish=&Symmetry=&Lab=&Flour=&DepthFrom=45.0&DepthTo=80.0&TableFrom=50.0&TableTo=83.0&ps=15

Princesses
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/?CaratFrom=1.00&CaratTo=4.00&Color=G,H&Clarity=VS1,VS2&PriceFrom=400&PriceTo=50000&Sort=Carat desc ,DefaultOrder&advancedParameter=Shape&showAdvanced=show&ps=15&Polish=&Symmetry=&Lab=&Flour=&DepthFrom=45.0&DepthTo=80.0&TableFrom=50.0&TableTo=83.0

Cushions
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/?CaratFrom=1.00&CaratTo=4.00&Color=G,H&Clarity=VS1,VS2&PriceFrom=400&PriceTo=50000&Sort=Carat desc ,DefaultOrder&advancedParameter=Shape&showAdvanced=show&ps=15&Polish=&Symmetry=&Lab=&Flour=&DepthFrom=45.0&DepthTo=80.0&TableFrom=50.0&TableTo=83.0



With the help of the folks here on Pricescope I hope you can feel a bit more at ease about your purchase and have fun with it.

Warm regards,
PattyCo
 
I'm so relieved you are considering other options outside of Costco!! The thought of dropping $50k there for a diamond :eek: There are soooo many wonderful, trusted PS vendors!!
 
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