HELP with comparrison - different dealers

[zminnoch]

I have read a number of threads, spent the last 2 months becoming a gem expert and still am lost with the different dealers. I am looking at Blue Nile, James Allen and Union Diamond. Do all three have a person who actually inspects the diamond before it goes out? Do any of them actually have them in stock? So far I have seen the same diamond with 2 different brokers (union & B2C). I am looking for someone to actually inspect the diamond before sending it out.

Also I have read a lot of negative situations with the grading. Is a GIA to be trusted? I had found the diamond I wanted at James Allen, only to find out that when they inspected it they found it was chipped. Confused on that, thought once inspected them that they are locked up in a pretty box until ready to sell, who knew. Now I am tasked with starting all over again in my search for a diamond.

I also would likek to know how some of these brokers stack up, James Allen vs Union Diamond, at the moment. I have found the service to be impeccable with James Allen, found Union to be a rude via the chat but have not called the store yet. I really wanted some feed back before wasting my time. Thanks!

 

[Gypsy]

JA does inspect diamond you ask them to.

GIA is very reputable and consistent. But they are not perfect. And diamonds can become damaged. Best to have a gemologist pull it and check it for you if you are interested in it.

 

[Diamond_Hawk]

zminnoch,

In regard to the same diamond being listed by two (or more) vendors - Here is a great article from Neil Beaty on this topic:

https://www.pricescope.com/journal/why_are_there_several_dealers_offering_exact_same_stone

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Blue Nile doesn't offer idealscope images or images of most of their stones other than their signature line. I generally won't buy without a picture of the diamonds and an idealscope image to check light return/leakage. James Allen and B2C both list diamonds that are not on hand in their business location, and that is why you can see stones listed through multiple vendors. They are listing stones from a supplier. Anyway, I believe B2C offers idealscope images, and James Allen offers up to 3.

 

[Diamond_Hawk]

zminnoch,

As per diamondseeker2006- B2CJewels will often have a 'diamond blueprint' available for stones which will include an ASET and Idealscope image. If the blueprint is not available a call to customer service or email to the company with a stock number and an IS is usually possible.

 

[Lorelei]

zminnoch,

As per diamondseeker2006- B2CJewels will often have a 'diamond blueprint' available for stones which will include an ASET and Idealscope image. If the blueprint is not available a call to customer service or email to the company with a stock number and an IS is usually possible.

Good info Seekies and D-Hawk!