Evaluating a BN diamond

[Spark Lee]

Hello everyone,

I''ve been studying this forum for months and can''t thank you all enough for all the fantastic information. I''ve finally narrowed down my criteria for an engagement ring (and BOY is it narrow...), and I''ve hit a little speed bump I hope you can help me with.

I''ve narrowed my search to two diamonds, one from BN and one from one of the PS vendors. Now obviously I have plenty of information on the one at the PS vendor, and I''m lacking some info on the BN diamond. The numbers on the BN diamond are all good, and it pulls a 1.4 on the HCA (it''s one of their Signature Ideals). But as I''ve learned here, I really need an IdealScope or similar image to make a valid comparison.

So what''s my next step? Can I get BN to send the diamond to a local appraiser to have the IdealScope image (plus maybe H&A, and heck, I''d love a Sarin scan) done? Would I have to buy the BN diamond outright, and just return it if it isn''t as nice a diamond as the PS vendor''s diamond?

Should I just get the BN diamond scanned and compare scans, or is it worth the extra expense/effort to get my hands on both diamonds? Both will be eye-clean... this is really an exercise in pursuit of "mind-clean".

About how expensive would it be to get that sort of work done? I don''t need a specific quote, but are we talking about closer to $50 or $500?

Thank you so much for your help!

 

[beach]

You can buy the BN diamond and get it appraised (around $100-175) or buy an ideal scope for 25 dollars and check it yourself. 30 day return policy is great. Just remember that there is NO upgrade policy with the BN stone....

 

[lburn]

I recently purchased a diamond from blue nile and was skeptical too. However, when I received the stone it was very nice, but too be sure that I was getting exactly what I wanted I brought it to an independent appraiser. It turned out to be a very good quality diamond. I am very happy that I purchased from them. One thing I did find helpful on their site was that all the diamonds certs are available to view. You do not have to contact them for it. Just my opinion but it is nice to have that info immediately available online when you''re looking through so many stones. I know many vendors here do that too, but there are those that don''t have everyone available.


Good luck in finding your stone!

 

[Spark Lee]

Date: 1/12/2009 5:52:34 PM
Author: beach
You can buy the BN diamond and get it appraised (around $100-175) or buy an ideal scope for 25 dollars and check it yourself. 30 day return policy is great. Just remember that there is NO upgrade policy with the BN stone....

Wow, I didn''t realize ideal scopes were so affordable. That''s good to know.

And thanks for the tip about BN''s upgrade policy. Though the GF is one of the *extremely* sentimental types, so the chance of her wanting to trade it in are basically zero.

 

[kcoursolle]

My appraisal costed about $100. Ordering and returning wouldn''t cost that much. Since she probably won''t want to upgrade, this may be a great route to take. If you use USPS registered and insured mail to return the stone if necessary that cost would probably be less than $30 for up to 25k in coverage.