Any ideas on where to get a high quality inexpensive diamond.... what state, country, etc?

[Sujuann]

Hello everyone! I am new to this forum but I have loved everything I have viewed so far! I can tell there are a ton of caring and intelligent people in here so I was hoping to ask a question for some help.

I live in Orlando, Florida and I have heard that it is more expensive to buy a diamond ring here than in other areas of the US and world. Is it true that St. Thomas has high quality and inexpesive diamonds? Or is it true that New York has inexpensive diamonds? A friend of mine got her engagement (of course her then fiancee got the ring) in New York for $10,000 but it was appraised for $14,000. Is this common? My boyfriend and I are very new to this ring buying deal so we... well, he wants to make sure that we aren''t snowed or that we miss out on an opportunity.

Can anyone help me with infomation on where to buy .. state/country?

Thanks so much!!

 

[mrssalvo]

Hi and Welcome to PS

It is very common for rings/other jewelry to appraise for more than you paid. Many times the appraisal price is overinflated and you have to request an actual replacement quote on you appraisal so you're not overpaying on your insurance premiums. You have found the right place to begin educating yourself on your hunt for a ring. Many of the pricescope vendors offer the lowest prices for a varity of reasons and purchasing online can save you a lot of money verses paying at a local mall or other store. The diamond district is in NY so the vendors there do not have the added expense of having to pay to have stones shipped to them to look at so you "may" find a lower price but not necessarily. You might want to read the tutorial on this site to get you started. Don't forget to check out the Show me the Ring folder for some beautiful ring ideas

 

[mrssalvo]

also, the PS vendors here are located all over the country. Many times whom you choose to buy from has to do who who has what you are looking for in stock, prices may also come into play.

 

[cinnabar]

Date: 5/2/2006 12:40:48 PM
Author:Sujuann

I live in Orlando, Florida and I have heard that it is more expensive to buy a diamond ring here than in other areas of the US and world. Is it true that St. Thomas has high quality and inexpesive diamonds? Or is it true that New York has inexpensive diamonds?

I''m afraid there''s no such thing as an inexpensive diamond. There are certainly overpriced diamonds, and this site will be able to help you learn how to spot those and avoid them. The stories about St Thomas having great diamonds are likely spread by the diamond merchants of St Thomas, or the cruise reps who get commission from those shops. You can get a better (and more importantly, SAFER) deal from a US vendor.

Do you have a budget in mind? Have you a preference for any particular diamond shape/size?

Welcome to PS, btw. Ask all the questions you can think of, this is a great forum where everyone is friendly and helpful. Getting you the diamond of your dreams is what it''s all about.

 

[mrssalvo]

speaking of ST. Thomas..you''ll definitely want to read this

 

[perry]

We''ll, your in as good as place as any - and have far more oportunity than most.

If you are going to buy one - the fact is that Diamonds are a commodoty and if you find a seller who honestly represents the quality of the diamond - is actaully educated enough to discuss cut and get you a great cut - and minimizes their markup.... Most anywhere in the US (proper) will do. By and large, diamonds are fairly cheap in the US mainland compared to other places in the world.

In general; the Virgin Islands are not likely to meet the description above. They have created a "buzz" about great values... and it is true - for the sellers their (and not for the consumers).

Pricescope will help you sort out the rest... except for one thought that should work.

Lots of people loose rings - or diamonds out of rings. The beaches of Florida ought to be prime searching grounds. So get yourself a metal detector and make a hobbie of it. With enough work you should be rewarded.... Of course, to be honest about it you will have to report your find to the authorities - but, most likely no one will claim it and after the cooling off period it will be yours - legally.

Of course - that may not help you get an engagment ring in a timely fashion. But it would be cheap (and if not cut the best - perhaps you could trade it up for one that was).

Perry

 

[pearcrazy]

I think that a finder's/ keepers for somebody's lost diamond on the beach is like searching the proverbial needle in a haystack. I don't think that a loose diamond would set off a metal detector anyway. He'd have better luck buying a lottery ticket and winning the jackpot. That last thing I found of value on a Florida beach was someone's hearing aid!!

 

[Sujuann]

Wow, mrssalvo!!! That post (the link with the story) ... truly eye opening! Okay so I am out of the St. Thomas thought.

Thank you (to everyone) so much for your responses!!! I truly feel I am at the right place to start our diamond serch!

However, I have to admit... I am getting a little over my head! LOL There is so much here to read!! Would anyone suggest a good place to start? I think I have looked at every ring in the gallery!

But I have a feeling I should be looking at the education part since I am new to the 4 Cs. I''ll have to go to the beginner''s forum... hopeuflly there is one.

Thanks again for all of your reponses! I hope that I won''t sound to silly when I start to ask question

but I have a feeling that all of the folkd in this forum will not make me feel that way!