DCI, 47th Street, Blue Nile !PLEASE HELP!

[av8er23]

Hello All,

I stumbled across this forum just the other night. It seems like a great place to gather information about purchasing a diamond. I recently visited DCI in Houston. I decided to visit that place after reading Fred Celaular’s book. I have learned lots about Fred on this forum in the past couple of days. I had no idea of the trouble he got in several years ago. When I went out to Houston I met with two guys that seemed to be very helpful. They seemed very honest. After reading about the conviction of Fred I must say I am really turned off to this place. The couple stones I viewed out there were beautiful. I want my stone to really sparkle so cut is VERY important. They priced a .92 I SI1 at $5950.00 and wow did it sparkle. I still think this is a little steep. I also happed to be in NYC two nights ago and visited 47th street. I arrived about 7:00pm so most of the stores were already closed. I did walk into one called “Diamond Source Inc.” I really did not like how these guys acted. There were only interested in helping me if I was going to purchase the stone that night. After advising them about six times I was not going to purchase now I left. I have a couple of questions below and any help will be greatly appreciated.

What are the most recommended Jewelry stores on 47th? Who can I really trust?

Since I am very concerned with the Cut isn’t the depth%, crown angle, and pavilion angle very important? And if so can I trust the cut information in Fred’s book?

I have read a little about Blue Nile and most of the comments and experiences are positive. Should I give this place a try since I know what I want? And is an ideal cut considered to be a 8-9 out of 10?

Are the price guidelines in Fred’s book valid? If not where can I find industry standard prices?

Thank You,
John

 

[Eva17]

Firenze, 15 W.47th
Signed Pieces, Same bldg as Firenze
Ultimate Diamond, 14 W. 47th
Michael J, 5th ave.
Diamonds by Lauren
SESCreations, (open to public?)
Christopher Designs, (open to public?)

I will add Engagement Rings Direct (positive feedback from this forum)

The above is a few names i copies from a thread from today.....

Good luck!

 

[f0rbidden]

add AngelDiamond to the list of vendors in the NYC area.

 

[av8er23]

I was hoping to get a little more imput and experiences about the big online vendors.

 

[mrssalvo]

you can do a search on any of the popular online vendors and read tons of feedback. If I were in NY I go to Engagement rings direct (you''ll have to make and appointment with Mark t.) and also it would be worth the 45 min. drive to Goodoldgold, (good idea to have an appointment there as well.) YOu can find stardard pricing on the search by cut function on the homepage of this site. Please remember to compare apples to apples when looking at stones. A EGL stone will probably be priced less than and AGS graded stone b/c EGL has a repuation for being a little more lenient in their grading. I personally would stick to stones graded by GIA or AGS. The Cut is the most important quality in a stone. it''s what gives it it''s sparkle. There is a tutorial on this site as well as a wonderful tutorial on Goodoldgold''s website explaining it.

 

[av8er23]

Can someone please give me some guidance on the cut. I have read about it in the knowledge section and undersand depth, table, crown angle, & palivialn angles. But what is the range that I want to stay in?

 

[Regular Guy]

The range is well specified in combination with other particulars..with a good crown known with a specied pavilion, etc. This is reviewed in the HCA tool, also at the top right, under tools.

BTW, if in Houston again (who knew DCI was there?) White Flash is a popular vendor, worth a visit as well, again though by appointment, as they''re otherwise not a regular storefront.

 

[av8er23]

Thanks Ira,

I found that tool and its pretty cool. Should ALL GIA reports give the five specs that is required for the tool?

 

[pyramid]

I would second GoodoldGold also, Jon who writes on this forum is a qualified Gemologist who is very customer orientated. If you are in the area, well worth the trip. Have a look at his site www.goodoldgold.com lots of education there even if you do not go to visit. By the way Jon writes on the forum under the name Rhino.