missydebby
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2010
- Messages
- 1,815
diamondseeker2006|1335472014|3181687 said:Just wanted to mention that as I was clicking on these links, I saw that this stone must have had a pricing error before because the price is totally in line with the other GOG 1.4 stone now. I am suprised no one else noticed this. But regardless, I really like the shape of this one and it looks pretty clean, too!
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9202/
Gypsy|1335253287|3179230 said:Jon, I've been waiting for this to happen AGAIN. I know how outspoken you are in your defense of your pricing of these cushions. And here we are, once again, with you questioning me when you know already know the answers just because you want an opportunity to further your agenda and get on your soap box. Which I am certain you will do right after I post this.
All the hearts and arrows super ideals are marked up similarly by all the vendors that provide a similar level of information. All ideal princesses as well. Yet we on RT, and me included, consistently tell people who are on a budget to go to vendors like ID jewelry or James Allen, who have the ability to provide these stones for slightly less than other vendors. I have recommended GIA Ex/Ex rounds over AGS0's because of pricing differences as well. AND I have even written PARAGRAPHS about why I feel "near ideal' rounds to be a better deal than "super ideal rounds". Here's one such post: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/likelihood-of-finding-a-signature-super-ideal-diamond.174235/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/likelihood-of-finding-a-signature-super-ideal-diamond.174235/[/URL] You've never challenged me for these recommendations or comments. I also routinely call Hearts on Fire" diamonds "Wallets on Fire" for goodness sakes and advise people to consider lower priced super ideals from PS vendors rather than spend the money on the mark up for the HoF diamond. But of course, these AVC's are your babies and you don't carry Hearts on Fire diamonds.
This person is on a budget and looking for a cushion. He was looking at ERD initially and in fact posted about an ERD cushion. I recommended that he check with the vendor to see if they had anything in his budget, and mentioned that ERD's pricing is IN FACT cheaper than yours.
You and ERD and Perry are the only consistent source for antique cushions we have. Perry does not provide ASETs. He only provides videos that are, in my opinion not as helpful so I don't compare his product to yours, or his pricing. Although it is important to note that his pricing is also MUCH lower than yours. Still it's not apples to apples. Mark and ERD however have excellent antique cushions (and non-antique as well) and they are SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than your ideal antique cushions, the provide images and ASETs. He uses GIA you use AGS. Yes you have the ideal from AGS. That is special. But as I noted with rounds in the post above, *I* feel consistently that 'near ideals' or excellents can be a much better value than super ideals when those super ideals come with a huge markup and the near ideals or excellents do not. And some of Marks cushions can compete head to head with your ideals anyway.
So, in fact I am only being consistent in calling out that similar good are available out there for less from different vendors across all shapes. So why would I tell someone who is already looking at ERD to go with your higher priced goods when they are here to get ADVICE and PERSPECTIVE from people, like me, who have looked at all the vendors goods and know what their pluses and minuses are and are hoping for HONEST advice?
Contrary to your post, I am actually doing exact same thing I would do with posters who are looking for ideal rounds and princesses on a budget. Telling them the truth about the vendors pricing. There is no inconsistency. The only difference is that the AVC's are your babies so you feel entitled to pop in an challenge me every few months, so that you can then have your soapbox and defend your profit margin.
I've never bought from Mark and I have never bought from you. There is a reason for that. Both of you have dropped the ball in one way or another when I've contacted you for service. So that playing field is completely equal. So let's move on to the rest.
You mentioned facts... here are a few for you to ponder:
Let's compare these two:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9202/ 1.53 H SI2
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/this-cut-beyond-vintage-cushion-brilliant-has-been-sold.-gid-74061.html 1.71 H SI1
The GOG cushion is significantly smaller. And the clarity is one grade lower. The ASETs are comparable and actually I like the contrast pattern of the ERD cushion more than your AVC's ASET even though the later does show more red. The price is 18,000!!! and the ERD cushion which is bigger, has better clarity and lovely performance was just sold at 10,700.
That's SEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS DIFFERENCE. Do you EVER see that with rounds and princesses? NO. You know why? Because there are MANY vendors that have sources for ideal rounds and they keep the pricing markups for these ideals consistent. It's an example of competition in the marketplace keeping the prices under control.
But with cushions-- those GOG has little competition from ANYONE so it is MUCH more difficult for buyers to look at your prices and say... hey, these prices are kinda high. And now that ERD is providing some competition you chose to attack ME, for pointing out the truth rather than look to your own pricing practices for fault. You have a near monopoly on these cushions so you feel entitled to charge what you will. FINE. But don't expect people not to notice and comment.
Here is another fun fact to ponder:
What does 32k buy you at GOG:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8157/ TWO carat G VS2
What does 32k buy you at ERD:
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/3.02-carat-g-si1-a-cut-beyond-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-68267.html THREE carat G SI1
That's ONE FULL CARAT difference and with only one clarity grade difference between the two!!!! If someone is looking for finger coverage, do you want me to ignore the FACT that their budget will get them farther with ERD than GOG?
Diamondseeker has stated on here again and again that she feels BGD has very high priced diamonds. Have you seen Brian come on here and defend his pricing margins? No. Well, I'm going to advise that you follow his example on this Jon.
Stop challenging me just because you are upset that there is another vendor who is undercutting your monopoly prices and threatening your profit margins. Not my fault. Not my problem. But, yes as long as the inconsistency exists I will point it out to people, like this one, on a budget looking for the best stone for their budget. And for your information BEST is subjective and it my pleasure to point out options and facts that new buyers, like this one, may not know to ask about in their quest to find what they consider best for them. And I will do so within the forum rules. Just as I always have.
Aoife|1335805149|3184065 said:I actually have an L AVC, and I have never, in any lights, seen it looking brownish at all. In most lights it is white, comparing favorably to my DD's excellent cut G-color RB. At the most colored, it is a very, very pale creamy white. And I am color sensitive.
Edited to add: My diamond also shows a kozibe effect,which I love!
Circe|1335801794|3184034 said:That L is the first AVC I've seen exhibiting the kozibe effect (culet reflection). That looks so cool!
Ahem.
So, on color: I have two J stones, and I can tell you that not all lower color stones are created equal; one of them has a yellow undertone, and the other one has a brown undertone. In the stone with the yellowish body color, I can see the tint more frequently. At the right angle, in the sun, it can look like a cup of light (which I think is really cool, but which might conceivably bug some people). The stone with the brown hue, though? Even though it's bigger, and as such, more apt to show color, it faces up whiter - this might be due to the bigger facets a transitional stone has opposed to an RB, an advantage the AVC also gives you. And from the side, it doesn't look "yellow" - it just looks, well, like a darker shade of pale (to paraphrase Bowie).
Because the L is reserved - by you, I'm assuming? - I can't see the cost, so I can't tell how much more expensive it is than the H, and I don't know what your budget is. Fill in the deets? Any major discrepancies aside, personally, I'd be tempted by the bigger stone that pleased my eye if it was closer to my budget ....
firelover|1335806590|3184083 said:Aoife|1335805149|3184065 said:I actually have an L AVC, and I have never, in any lights, seen it looking brownish at all. In most lights it is white, comparing favorably to my DD's excellent cut G-color RB. At the most colored, it is a very, very pale creamy white. And I am color sensitive.
Edited to add: My diamond also shows a kozibe effect,which I love!
How is it set? Do you have pictures? I am googline Kozibe effect as I am writing this![]()
ariel144|1335818199|3184215 said:It is very difficult to find cushion brilliants these days...Most of ERD's and LM's are cushion brilliants that face up like the antique cut stones. they are more likely to have an antique cut look. Anyway it is a decent price and one color higher than an L for $8,430. so if price is really a big issue then this stone may be the one for you.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-IF-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1471593.asp
1.66 Carat K-IF Ideal Cut Cushion Diamond
This K color, IF clarity diamond has Ideal proportions, a diamond grading report from GIA and a full 60 Day inspection period.
Price: $8,900
Pricescope Price: $8,430
Specifications for Item #: 1471593
Shape: Cushion
Carat weight: 1.66
Cut: Excellent
Color: K
Clarity: IF
Certificate: GIA
Depth: 66.2%
Table: 58.0%
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Good
Girdle: Slightly thick to very thick
Culet: Small
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 7.26*7.05*4.67
Ratio: 1.03
I still can't believe they haven't sold this stone yet. The facet pattern is amazing IMHO. Just one more option on a budget.
Laila619|1335820597|3184267 said:ariel144|1335818199|3184215 said:It is very difficult to find cushion brilliants these days...Most of ERD's and LM's are cushion brilliants that face up like the antique cut stones. they are more likely to have an antique cut look. Anyway it is a decent price and one color higher than an L for $8,430. so if price is really a big issue then this stone may be the one for you.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-IF-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1471593.asp
1.66 Carat K-IF Ideal Cut Cushion Diamond
This K color, IF clarity diamond has Ideal proportions, a diamond grading report from GIA and a full 60 Day inspection period.
Price: $8,900
Pricescope Price: $8,430
Specifications for Item #: 1471593
Shape: Cushion
Carat weight: 1.66
Cut: Excellent
Color: K
Clarity: IF
Certificate: GIA
Depth: 66.2%
Table: 58.0%
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Good
Girdle: Slightly thick to very thick
Culet: Small
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 7.26*7.05*4.67
Ratio: 1.03
I still can't believe they haven't sold this stone yet. The facet pattern is amazing IMHO. Just one more option on a budget.
Wow, that stone is gorgeous with that facet pattern, and internally flawless to boot?! If I were in the market...
ariel144|1335806153|3184078 said:Gypsy,
Maybe I misunderstood but the diff. in price of these two stones was $1300.
I have never worked with ERD. I have met Rock Diamond, for my ering I worked with Leon and sourced my cushion with Perry, and have had AVC's and now currently rock an insanely amazing 3 stone AVR ring.
firelover|1335843889|3184565 said:Gypsy & Dreamer - I was planning to get a hand forged halo. It seems with this stone the halo is totally out or As Dreamer suggested maybe a Tacori halo...but in general I am not a big fan of Tacori settings -- there is too much detail and that too IMHO not done well.Maybe I haven't seen too many. Dreamer suggested a tacori halo..any pics of that? On one hand I like AVC's but on the other hand I don't like too antiquey settings. Some examples of what I like is HW halo, LM setting with inverted diamonds on the band with milgrain (just like MissDebbys) ...maybe I need to look more into settings...I will do so..meanwhile if you guys see anything that has some antique elements but not much please please post pics here...I really really appreciate any help.
This is the reason I first started having doubts about this stone - The thought that I cant have a diamond wedding band and/or diamonds on the band of the e-ring is pretty restricting to me....But then the confusion arises from
1) Size (20 pts bigger than 1.57)
2) Price ($2K less than 1.57H)
3) I couldn't see much color when I kind of just put the stone in a halo setting (the diamond was bigger so didnt go in correctly).
4) Also, Jon said in his personal opinion he doesn't think it will be a problem to put it in a halo
5) But in general on his videos on color he says what you both are saying - beyond J go with yellow gold instead of WG/Platinum...
I really need to decide and I am confused....![]()
Gypsy - the cat example have given me something to think about..I love cats...BTW I was waiting for your response today....
Laila and ariel - am looking into that diamond from JA
canuk-gal|1335844776|3184571 said:firelover|1335843889|3184565 said:Gypsy & Dreamer - I was planning to get a hand forged halo. It seems with this stone the halo is totally out or As Dreamer suggested maybe a Tacori halo...but in general I am not a big fan of Tacori settings -- there is too much detail and that too IMHO not done well.Maybe I haven't seen too many. Dreamer suggested a tacori halo..any pics of that? On one hand I like AVC's but on the other hand I don't like too antiquey settings. Some examples of what I like is HW halo, LM setting with inverted diamonds on the band with milgrain (just like MissDebbys) ...maybe I need to look more into settings...I will do so..meanwhile if you guys see anything that has some antique elements but not much please please post pics here...I really really appreciate any help.
This is the reason I first started having doubts about this stone - The thought that I cant have a diamond wedding band and/or diamonds on the band of the e-ring is pretty restricting to me....But then the confusion arises from
1) Size (20 pts bigger than 1.57)
2) Price ($2K less than 1.57H)
3) I couldn't see much color when I kind of just put the stone in a halo setting (the diamond was bigger so didnt go in correctly).
4) Also, Jon said in his personal opinion he doesn't think it will be a problem to put it in a halo
5) But in general on his videos on color he says what you both are saying - beyond J go with yellow gold instead of WG/Platinum...
I really need to decide and I am confused....![]()
Gypsy - the cat example have given me something to think about..I love cats...BTW I was waiting for your response today....
Laila and ariel - am looking into that diamond from JA
Did you not have the opportunity to look at settings (I think GOG carries many brands you are discussing) with the stone you are considering? At least you could have gotten a feel of what the stone would like in white or yellow metal, solitaire, halo....
cheers--Sharon
Laila619|1335823451|3184331 said:ariel, maybe the price is just too high because of the IF clarity grade? I know stones with really high clarity are priced more expensive. Still, I can't believe someone hasn't snapped it up either!
The thought that I cant have a diamond wedding band and/or diamonds on the band of the e-ring is pretty restricting to me...