Where should he start?

[somedaysunday]

Hey Ladies!

So when the *real* conversations start, I'd love to be completely ready with some ideas of where he can get the most/best quality ring for his money.

I've spent tons of time on this forum, and, of course, SMTB, but I have to admit that the rest of the site is a little overwhelming to me - I KNOW it will be to him too.

My question is, where should he start? I'm hoping he'll stick around here for some diamond education, as well as the online retailers. Has anyone mapped out a Pricescope guide for their man?


Thanks!


**Holiday dust to you all!**

 

[Glitz]

What I did when we first started openly talking about getting engaged and buying an engagement ring was take him to Good Old Gold's website and we just browsed through it. I showed him what I liked and didn't like in the video's and showed him the charts with the 4 C's. That site is great for diamond education: http://www.goodoldgold.com/4Cs/ and the videos are very informative. You don't want to overwhelm him, just let him know that you're knowledgable when it comes to diamonds. How much do you want to be involved with the e-ring design? Do you think he'll want your ring to be a total surprise to you?

 

[LJL]

In a moment of genius, I created an "LJL's Guide to Diamonds" for my SO - Its one page of writing with a few pics so that he doesnt get overwhelmed. I KNOW that he wont bother coming on here and "learning" esp since this will prob be one of the one purchases it matters for (Its also likely that he just lets me do the work).

The cheat sheet starts with "ONLY AGS AND GIA" at the top. Then there are the categories listed w my preferences in each: Cut, Clarity, Color, Carat, and Setting. It has a couple of pictures of settings to give him an idea and then lists my ring size. I think the hardest part to get across is cut - but can be easier if you limit to GIA XXX and AGS 000. Vendor names are listed. I also included info about how much this should cost so that he knows if hes getting taken for a ride.

 

[somedaysunday]

Thanks! I like the idea of making a little guide!

What are the best online sellers?

 

[LJL]

I tend to think of whats "safest" when I'm referring the BF - aka Good Old Gold is very safe because of all the resources they have available - hard for SO to mess up with all of that great stuff in his face, especially on each stone. Another safe bet is getting him to go with almost any Whiteflash or Brian Gavin stone that they have in house (no virtual stuff).
I like James Allen because they seem to have a TON of diamonds - diff sizes, clarity, price ranges, etc. It seems like its easier to find an eyeclean SI1 or SI2 at a reasonable price.
Also, if I'm not mistaken, these four have good return policies (at least on many of their stones) so you can always take it back.

 

[PA-C]

Great advice LJL - that's pretty much exactly what I was thinking!

 

[somedaysunday]

I tend to think of whats "safest" when I'm referring the BF - aka Good Old Gold is very safe because of all the resources they have available - hard for SO to mess up with all of that great stuff in his face, especially on each stone. Another safe bet is getting him to go with almost any Whiteflash or Brian Gavin stone that they have in house (no virtual stuff).
I like James Allen because they seem to have a TON of diamonds - diff sizes, clarity, price ranges, etc. It seems like its easier to find an eyeclean SI1 or SI2 at a reasonable price.
Also, if I'm not mistaken, these four have good return policies (at least on many of their stones) so you can always take it back.

What does this mean? Are there brick & mortar stores that sell Whiteflash or Brian Gavin?


Thanks for your help - I had no idea I was such a rookie until I realized I've spent most of my time drooling at rings, and not figuring out the logistics of the purchase!

SS

 

[LJL]

I think BGD and WF each have one actual store, but unless you are in Texas or Cali/NY? (Idk where WF is), you can forget about that.

Virtual v In-House means - many vendors have stones in their actual warehouses and then more stones that they have access to. They can still get these "virtual" stones for you but they often don't have pictures or more information than just the GIA/AGS report. They have access as well as other vendors, but it usually costs a fee to bring them in and assess their quality. In-House stones often have a lot more information. When you search on WF or BGD, the responses will come back in different "categories" - I know WF calls their in house stones A Cut Above, or Premium or Expert Selection. Their virtual stones are labeled as such and when you click on them, there is not a real picture. I think BGD calls his in house stones "BGD Signature" or something like that. On in-house stones, the company's gemologist has typically looked them over and put them in a category according to their light performance/cut/etc. Also, if you call, they can grab the stone and discuss the optics with you.


...Don't feel like a rookie, I lurked for almost a year before I was comfortable enough to even sign up. I think I have the lingo and basic knowledge down but some of those threads on RT still blow my mind.

 

[somedaysunday]

Fantastic Info, LJL - thank you!

I need a Pricescope Advice for Dummies book!