Advice on whether to buy uncertified .75 carat stones

[saphire]

I am thinking about buying two 75 points stones around I or H color for earrings. Since these are less than 1 carat, I wonder if I should just go for uncertified stones to save money? Any advice?

Thanks

 

[yssie]

Depends, can you see them in-person? If not, does the seller provide clear pictures from various angles, have a generous, clearly stated return policy?

For earrings I am personally less picky and more interested in size, so with the right stones and the right return policy I might take the plunge.

Just beware if it's a deal too good to be true - in these cases, it usually is.

 

[Rockdiamond]

Great points yssie ( as usual!)

Saphire- it's not uncommon for some really trustworthy sellers to have stones like that' for earrings sans GIA reports.
It's also more common for less than stellar sellers to offer less than stellar stones, claim for them to be nice....and have the stones not live up to the billing.
So, as yssie suggests, make sure you get a money back guarantee- NOT an exchange, you want a refund if you're not happy.
If it's an internet seller, make sure you get some good digital photos of the specific pair ( not sample photos)
Do your homework- research the seller.
If you pick well, you should be fine.

 

[saphire]

Sometimes I think it's easier just to buy already mounted earrings. Do you think it is cheaper buying uncertified than certified for stones that is less than 90 points for earrings? Maybe it is not that much cheaper since you can't tell the quality with naked eyes, and I color GIA certification looks very nice with a good cut versus an uncertified H or F color stone. I am still debating whether to buy already mounted or uncertified and not be so paranoid.

The place where I plan to look at stones is an Asian store where most owners don't have that kind of detail on a stone except what's provided on GIA certificate. Without a certificate, they can only provide me with the color and clarity, and their word good cut or not.
Some stores give customers a week to have stone look at and get money back, but I think it would be hard to get money back if you really have to.