Buying a diamond in the UK

[CookieBin]

Hello everyone.

Newcomer here

I hope this post finds everyone well.

I am looking to buy a diamond for my mother (ideally in the UK so I can get it quickly) and the ones I like that cost around 2500 never come with GIA certificates as the stones on them are each smaller than 0.30. From looking at the UK ebay sellers many seem to offer the WGI certificate (http://web.wgi-global.com) which from researching here is of questionable reliability.

Now, I realize GIA doesn't do smaller than 0.30 stones, and if so what do I do at this point? one seller on ebay told me " it will come with independent laboratory certificate which is called WGI laboratory plus our valuation certificate and it is hallmarked by London assay office" and another seller told me "We can do certificate the ring from reputed lab in London hatton garden" ( I am assuming WGI). I will not post direct links so you don't think am advertising.

These sellers have rings that are aesthetically pleasing to me and they have one half eternity stated as D-F, VS, excellent cut, 1.20ct, platinum set for 2k which I like and is in my budget but am I actually buying the stones of the quality claimed?

I am not sure where do I go from here. Worst case am opening buy from the US if I can be assured I won't be getting ripped. If I buy a F colour i want it to be F. I am currently looking at Whiteflash shop as well since it was recommended here before.

 

[dk168]

I trusted Diamond House of Antwerp where I bought my 1.19ct EC in person in Antwerp and was HRD certified back in 2005.

They have an office in London's Royal Exchange that I visited for a consultation about a diamond related project. Celine, the lady who looks after the London office, was very helpful and knowledgeable.

If I were to buy a diamond in UK, that's where I would go.

Alternatively, have a look at Blue Nile UK to see if anything suits with GIA certifications that may suit.

I have heard of WGI lab being mentioned, however, I do not know how well they compared with other more well-known labs. Therefore, I would hesitate to spend a lot of money on a stone with certified by this lab.

Lastly, if I were to buy another natural modern round brilliant diamond, I would not hesitate to get one from White Flash and import it into UK myself.

Good luck with your purchase.

DK

 

[Izzy70]

I would not hesitate in buying from Whiteflash, I brought a diamond pendant and also a loose diamond. I am currently looking for some earrings from them.
My work colleague also brought his engagement ring from Whiteflash and they are both really pleased with the diamond and ring.
Are you looking to buy a loose diamond? If so I am pretty sure you only have to pay the VAT and no duty.
I am not in the UK but the Channel Islands

 

[CookieBin]

I would not hesitate in buying from Whiteflash, I brought a diamond pendant and also a loose diamond. I am currently looking for some earrings from them.
My work colleague also brought his engagement ring from Whiteflash and they are both really pleased with the diamond and ring.
Are you looking to buy a loose diamond? If so I am pretty sure you only have to pay the VAT and no duty.
I am not in the UK but the Channel Islands

I am looking to buy a ready made ring. I have got relatives in USA so I can get anything I want from there without duties.

How does Whiteflash or any other store certifies smaller stones? If we can't use GIA as a guidance for smaller stones what do we use as a guide?

Also do you recommend WhiteFlash for their pricing too?

 

[Snowdrop13]

It would be very expensive to add certification fees onto all the diamonds in an eternity. Blue Nile has some nice diamond bands but if you look at the diamond stats they are usually low colour and clarity. Whiteflash often use ACA melee in their rings so although not certified are great quality.

Durham Rose (U.K. based) sell Crafted by Infinity diamonds and make jewellery, you could try them.

 

[Tartansparkles]

Another UK-based vote for Whiteflash. You mentioned you would like the ring quickly and also that you have relatives in the USA. If you were thinking of having your relatives post the ring over, as opposed to meet in person, be aware that it will be difficult to post a diamond ring with adequate insurance.

 

[Franqui62]

As a UK buyer, I would not worry about buying from the trusted sellers recommended by PS. I certainly would not trust buying from an eBay seller, except for one from known source with certificates). I’m buying one from a private seller from eBay, but it is an Ingle & Rhode ring with GIA.
My ER is coming from Brian Gavin Black range because they had a stone and setting I liked, but otherwise I’d have gone with Whiteflash. They have a great upgrade system if you are starting with a smaller stone. I think Whiteflash pays the import duty up front?

 

[Tartansparkles]

I think Whiteflash pays the import duty up front?

In my experience WF send the parcel via FedEx, FedEx then send you a text with a link to a payment page. The charge was 20% vat, 5.5% duty and <£20 handling fee. I found the international payment process quite nerve wracking but it did go smoothly. On each occasion my packaged arrived safely within 48 hrs of dispatch which I thought was quite impressive.

 

[CookieBin]

Another UK-based vote for Whiteflash. You mentioned you would like the ring quickly and also that you have relatives in the USA. If you were thinking of having your relatives post the ring over, as opposed to meet in person, be aware that it will be difficult to post a diamond ring with adequate insurance.

I am talking to Whiteflash and they seem to offer very good customer service which has me pleased. I am impressed.

I am aware of what you said but I never use insurance for anything that costs up to 2-3k for obvious reasons and never had any issues after 10+ years. I am obviously prepared to take a chance if the package gets lost. I always have packages send to my relatives and then they post to me, seems to work great (so far).

 

[Tartansparkles]

Sounds like you are all sorted with your relatives. If you can buy from the US you might end up with better value although I wouldn't discount Blue Nile as I think they are having a 30% sale just now.

 

[Austina]

So are you saying you’d get them to post it to you to avoid paying the duty?

 

[CookieBin]

So are you saying you’d get them to post it to you to avoid paying the duty?

Correct, but am also prepared to take a hit if the package gets lost.

The savings versus chance of package getting lost is such that am comfortable taking a risk.

For very expensive pieces I wouldn't risk it and rather wait till someone comes over and bring it to me.

P.S. I am assuming that was an honest question from curiosity and you won't start telling me now about the morality of it.