Where to buy a high performance diamond in Melbourne, Australia?

[ringcat]

@Crystal_Dreams, @Sparkles88, @R32 and other Aussie posters
I will need to send funds to a trusted PS vendor for a high cost purchase in the coming days. I was just wondering if you could tell me more about your experience with orbit remit and transfer wise. I’ve only ever used the bank in the past and didn’t even know about these online transfers. Am a bit nervous, it’s a very large amount. But the potential savings on a larger amount become more significant. Any reassurance, advice or feedback would be most appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Sparkles88]

@Crystal_Dreams, @Sparkles88, @R32 and other Aussie posters
I will need to send funds to a trusted PS vendor for a high cost purchase in the coming days. I was just wondering if you could tell me more about your experience with orbit remit and transfer wise. I’ve only ever used the bank in the past and didn’t even know about these online transfers. Am a bit nervous, it’s a very large amount. But the potential savings on a larger amount become more significant. Any reassurance, advice or feedback would be most appreciated. Thank you!

Hi @ringcat
I’ve only used OrbitRemit just once, but based on my experience using them I would use them again. Of course you need to do your own due diligence but I found the process very simple and quick. I was really nervous too as a first time user but I felt at ease when I received updates via email and text message each step of the way.
I had a look back at my transaction and I transferred the money from my bank on 23/11/17 early morning, by that evening I had received an email to say the funds were received by OrbitRemit. When you do the transfer the funds get transferred to OrbitRemits Australian holding bank. On the 27/11/17 I received another email to say that my funds were deposited into IDJ’s account, once I received that I confirmed with IDJ and my transaction was completed! My order was completed around Thanksgiving weekend, so I was pleasantly surprised that there really wasn’t too much of a hold up.

When you open an account, they need to verify a few identity details with you and just a heads up, when I opened my OrbitRemit account it was in my sole name and the funds were taken from our joint name account. If you are in the same situation you’ll need to provide a copy of your bank statement to show the details of the joint names. If I had known that I would have used my single name account.
Make sure you use the correct reference number to link your transaction, I can’t remember which one, but I’m pretty sure it’s your customer number and not transaction number, it will highlight which one to use, so just keep note of it, otherwise it will delay the funds transfer.

I think that’s it, I hope that helps and congratulations on your new purchase. I hope you will share photos of your new bling! If you have any other questions I’m happy to try and answer them.

 

[ringcat]

Oh wow @Sparkles88 thank you so much for all that information. It certainly gives me an idea of what to expect. Its good to know that the funds are deposited into the vendor's bank account and thanks for the tip about the single account name. Much appreciated. Looking forward to seeing your IDJ bling

 

[tanalasta]

Mixed experiences with Jogia. He's nice enough but I never got over the gut feel something wasn't quite right or what would happen if something went wrong. I have however purchased from him previously (as has others I know). This was many years ago.

Holloway diamonds has a good reputation.

I've used OFX to send funds to WF and also to family overseas without issue. Like all accounts, they require an identity and phone verification initially. But they keep you well informed every step of the way. The other time I made a high value transfer to WF, I asked my relationship manager at the bank to contact the currency trading floor, bought the currency (US dollars) at the spot rate and then transferred that! It was a bit complicated and the strings my RM had to pull to get it done saved me several thousand dollars and scored him a bottle of Laphroig for the trouble.

FEDEX - be aware that the customs broker for FEDEX calls from Manilla (if I recall correctly). You will have a number originating from Melbourne but with an overseas call centre, slightly dodgy English mention your package, contents and the anticipated customs charge. Almost sounds like a phone scam! The lady I had this time was new, didn't understand the AUSFTA rules and I had to explain the documentation already existed on the invoice. I was in a meeting so told her I'll call back later, which I did. If you don't trust an unknown calling you for your credit card details, you can call back FEDEX (the number is 03 7001 1487) and quote your tracking number, and then pay the estimated customs charge over the phone. Request an email invoice and it appears in seconds so usually all okay

 

[R32]

I have only had to do one wire transfer, so I only have experience with transferwise. You don't have to do an ID check with them. I guess just check who has the best rate and go with them.

Fedex called me today to pay the gst on my package, its already in hawaii after a night.

 

[Sparkles88]

Oh wow @Sparkles88 thank you so much for all that information. It certainly gives me an idea of what to expect. Its good to know that the funds are deposited into the vendor's bank account and thanks for the tip about the single account name. Much appreciated. Looking forward to seeing your IDJ bling

You’re very welcome, I hope it helps!
I’ve already received my tennis bracelet from IDJ it was a 25th Wedding Anniversary gift from DH. I’ve been wearing every day . Best of luck with your purchase!

 

[tanalasta]

You’re very welcome, I hope it helps!
I’ve already received my tennis bracelet from IDJ it was a 25th Wedding Anniversary gift from DH. I’ve been wearing every day . Best of luck with your purchase!

Wow! Beautiful!!! What tcw ? We're waiting for ours from WF. FEDEX had it in transit from Singapore the last I checked!

 

[Sparkles88]

Wow! Beautiful!!! What tcw ? We're waiting for ours from WF. FEDEX had it in transit from Singapore the last I checked!

OMG!!! Yippee, how exciting for you. Please post photos of your bracelet when you get it. I’ve become a bit of a PS addict and I get so much joy looking at everyone’s new bling purchases.
My bracelet is just shy of 5tcw, it’s a 4.95, I opted for a shorter length 6.5 inches as I have small wrists. Each diamond is 11 points and there’s 45 in total.

What did you decide on, I’m getting excited for you impending bling arrival, are you in Perth too?

 

[ringcat]

Oh wow! Thank for all the advice and info @tanalasta, @R32, and @Sparkles88 . I am going to look at all your suggestions and recommendations next week! Truly appreciate your advice/info.
Sparkles88, your bracelet is stunning! Congratulations on 25 Years!
And tanalasta, you must be so excited! Looking forward to seeing your bracelet too!