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When do you buy Costco diamonds?

MRBXXXFVVS1

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Dec 5, 2019
Messages
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It seems like Costco diamonds and jewelry are highly recommended based on value and quality, except for when it comes to larger stones where the focus is more on cut and color. Do you have any Costco jewelry and when do you buy from Costco vs. other reputable and/or branded vendors?
 
My e ring is from costco, we purchased it blindly (not knowing anything about the stone) and would have just returned it if it wasn't right. Turned out to be a beautiful diamond with almost perfect proportions (platinum solitaire 1.0ct, VS1, I, Ex Ex Ex), it came with a GIA certificate. Same ring was 5-10K more anywhere else.
 
I always compare Costco and IDJ. IDJ usually comes out ahead (not always, but usually) in price and I prefer their "PS quality" FG melee to the Costco I/VS2. I have a lot of jewelry from IDJ - diamond studs (an upgrade from a prior IDJ purchase), e-ring, earring jackets, eternity band - and I've always been happy with them. I do have a pair of the Costco hoops from a few years ago and they are gorgeous.
 
Looks like I might need to get a costco membership! Always keeping my eye open for a nice, but affordable, pair of stud earrings.
 
Thread on Costco jewelry that PSers own
 
When I need an inexpensive gift piece with amethyst, blue topaz, citrine quartz, etc, I can pick it up at Costco for less than I can have it made in this country.

I will run and hide now, as I am soon to receive incoming scud missiles and artillery for admitting this out loud...

Wink
 
I usually just keep an eye on their sales to see if something pops up of interest. Costco occasionally has diamond jewelry with G colored stones. I have 2.5 ctw G colored hoops that I got on sale for $500 off around the holidays. The diamonds seem to be on par with my IDJ pieces, even those with PS quality diamonds. Costco has sales pretty regularly and a great return policy, so they are definitely worth considering. As you noted, I’d be hesitant to buy larger diamonds from them since you don’t get to review the lab reports before purchasing, but it sounds like some people have had good luck with those as well.
 
They post the GIA Reports under the "Manual & Guides" section. Sometimes you will find a diamond within the PS recommended ideal specs. I just found a GIA 1.05 G, VS1, 34/40.8, 55(15%) T, 61.6D.
 
Their I color / VS2 clarity diamond jewelry is better quality than many online retailers for less money. Why pay more for tennis bracelets that average SI2 or even I1 clarity from BN/JA?
 
They post the GIA Reports under the "Manual & Guides" section. Sometimes you will find a diamond within the PS recommended ideal specs. I just found a GIA 1.05 G, VS1, 34/40.8, 55(15%) T, 61.6D.
Thanks for sharing! I believe this is something new since I’ve never seen that in the past. Just checked a few and seems like some have the lab reports linked and some, like the one below, don’t. It’s great that they are including this info now!

 
Anything from Costco with a diamond over a carat will come with GIA. If the piece is one of a kind, you can usually find a link to the GIA on Costco’s website. That can help you make a decision on a larger stone.
 
If the piece is sold in mass, you probably won’t be able to see any documentation before you purchase but you will often get higher than their VS2/I baseline. I have a 1 carat emerald that is E color and beautiful but I only paid for the I color baseline quality. Of course, if you’re disappointed they have a great return policy.
They also have a phone number on their site (diamond hotline) where you can call with specific requests.
There is definitely a time and place for Costco pieces in my jewelry box.
 
Their I color / VS2 clarity diamond jewelry is better quality than many online retailers for less money. Why pay more for tennis bracelets that average SI2 or even I1 clarity from BN/JA?

I agree. I have a tennis bracelet, diamond studs, a few Diamond necklaces & a 7 stone band from Costco. I love them all & they’re gorgeous. For a larger stone I prefer hand picking for proportions, but smaller pieces I love Costco :)
 
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