Would love some assistance on getting the best for my money!

[Coupeguy]

First time poster, but not new to the helpfulness of forums.

About to make the important decision of buying a diamond for my Girlfriend as im getting ready to propose on the 30th.

My budget is about $5,000.00 and ive been looking for a Radiant cut diamond in the 1.20-1.30 range ive seen some around VS-1 to VS-2 and usually around E, F, or G in color (would preffer colorless, but depending on looks would go lower)

Right about now my head is swimming with decisions, and ive been reading all about EGL vs GIA and saw all the warnings associated with purchasing... trying to be an informed consumer lol.

In the end i know 5k isnt a ton of money for a Diamond but would like to find a good deal for my money.

Any suggestions from the forums on diamonds to look at?

So far ive been looking on the Diamond Review Diamond finder pricing as such, just wouldnt mind a few suggestions for the best diamond with regard to proportions, and clarity and cut for my money.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

How did you decide on a radiant?

And I would advise that you consider color down to G and clarity down to eyeclean SI1. That will give you a white bright diamond, and maximize your budget.

 

[Coupeguy]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

Hello Gypsy, and thanks for the quick reply!

How i came about the radiant cut was the grilfriend suggested she liked square style diamonds, ( i assumed that would include Radiant, princess, and Cushion cut diamonds)

Thanks for the suggestions on grading and clarity, ill grab a few suggestions in my price range and post them here for review.

Any other suggestions you would recommend?

Ill start searching now...

Option one in the above guidelines.

http://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/848843/

http://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/437082/

http://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/444696/

Thanks for your help!

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

For Radiants

This one has a nice ASET and is in budget : http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4859/




Okay so... just read your response. Let me see what else I can find you. If she just wants square that opens things up.

 

[tyty333]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

Your budget is a bit low for a 1.2 - 1.3. Here is what I found on JA. I'm no radiant expert but these look
like they might have potential. You'll need to request an aset image to check on light return.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VVS2-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1501179.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1520703.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-VS1-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1336788.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VVS2-Very-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1336970.asp


You might talk to diamonds by lauren. I think he deals with a lot of radiants.
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

I'm going to suggest you put these on hold with JA and ask for an ASET image (they can get you one in three days). PUT ON HOLD IMMEDIATELY

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1281682.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1360248.asp I know it's an I color, but that's safer in a cushion than a radiant (radiants trap color) but this is an 8 main cushion (if you want me to explain that I can) and it would be my first choice of the stones I've posted for you if it the ASET performs the way I expect it to. It is a NICE stone.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Very-Good-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1540722.asp Potentially fantastic asscher. Lovely steps and fabulous spread, could be a needle in a haystack stone.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

Your budget is a bit low for a 1.2 - 1.3. Here is what I found on JA. I'm no radiant expert but these look
like they might have potential. You'll need to request an aset image to check on light return.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VVS2-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1501179.asp TABLE is huge, low crown not a lot of fire
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1520703.asp RECTANGLE not SQUARE
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-VS1-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1336788.asp Dark underperformer
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VVS2-Very-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1336970.asp Rectangle


You might talk to diamonds by lauren. I think he deals with a lot of radiants.
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/

I wouldn't waste the 3 ASETs you get on any of these from JA. I really wouldn't. If she just wants a square, then I would go for cushions, princesses and asschers as well. With only 3 ASETs per purchase, you have to be choosey.

Diamonds by Lauren doesn't have anything in stock that meets your criteria for white and one carat (lots of fancy light yellows though, so if you are interested in those... give David a call).

Stick to the 3 I picked for you at JA.

The GOG .98 Radiant is also a good choice.

I'll look for some princesses for you too.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2565659.htm Princess. Good ASET, good price. Over a carat.

NOW... you need to pay attention to the MEASUREMENTS of the stones. NOT the carat weight with fancy cuts (not round). So this IS a 1.08 carat stone. But like all princesses at about a carat it measures 5.5 x 5.5 square. SO... that means both the asscher I picked for you above and both the cushions FACE UP LARGER and will look larger (provided they perform well). It is larger (not just heavier) than the GOG radiant at .98 carats though. So I would seriously consider it.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

http://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/848843/

http://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/437082/

http://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/444696/

Thanks for your help!

None of these have images of the real diamond (all the ones we picked for you are at vendors that have images of the real diamond posted) and I do not think this vendor offers ASET images. When you are buying fancy cuts (non round) virtually (on the net) you need both of those.

Diamonds have to sparkle. Light performance and faceting are how you determine sparkle. Unlike round diamonds, the numbers on the certificate tell you very little about how a diamond is going to sparkle in real life.

You need to stick to vendors that provide images and ASETS, and if they also provide video that's great too.

 

[chrono]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1360248.asp I know it's an I color, but that's safer in a cushion than a radiant (radiants trap color) but this is an 8 main cushion (if you want me to explain that I can) and it would be my first choice of the stones I've posted for you if it the ASET performs the way I expect it to. It is a NICE stone.

This would be my first pick too. With fancy diamonds (non rounds), you must not only be able to see the stone (at least a picture) but have an ASET done. The ASET is a tool to help evaluate the cut of the diamond. Cut is what makes it sparkle or look dull and dead. Also, without pictures, how would you know if the cut is wonky, diamond is eye clean, if you like the pattern (not all cushions have the same pattern), etc. Secondly, it isn't just the carat weight you are looking for. A larger carat weight stone that is cut too deep with an overly thick girdle will face up the same as a smaller carat weight diamond with the right cut parameters. Go by measurements, not just the ct weight.

 

[Coupeguy]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1360248.asp I know it's an I color, but that's safer in a cushion than a radiant (radiants trap color) but this is an 8 main cushion (if you want me to explain that I can) and it would be my first choice of the stones I've posted for you if it the ASET performs the way I expect it to. It is a NICE stone.

This would be my first pick too. With fancy diamonds (non rounds), you must not only be able to see the stone (at least a picture) but have an ASET done. The ASET is a tool to help evaluate the cut of the diamond. Cut is what makes it sparkle or look dull and dead. Also, without pictures, how would you know if the cut is wonky, diamond is eye clean, if you like the pattern (not all cushions have the same pattern), etc. Secondly, it isn't just the carat weight you are looking for. A larger carat weight stone that is cut too deep with an overly thick girdle will face up the same as a smaller carat weight diamond with the right cut parameters. Go by measurements, not just the ct weight.

Thanks to you both on this stone, i like it too!

As for cuts, i kind of like the Radiant, and cushion cuts over the asscher, or princess cuts so i think ill be focusing on those.

I actually had already made a purchase with Wonder Jewelers, but returned the stone quickly as i knew it was not what i wanted.

Im in the process of talking with Carol trying to sift through diamonds and take the advice above, as she was close to the other jewelers ive found online such as James Allen, Union Diamond, Solomon Brothers, and Diamond Ideals and told me she has access to all the same diamonds as those resellers.

Im glad i have a few tools to size up my requests, im planning on sending her the diamond shown above on JA, and hopefully can get a few other suggestions in cushion and Radiant cut to send to her.

Thanks again for all your valuable insight, its always better to be an informed buyer!!! Cant thank you guys/gals enough!

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

Can Carol provide you with ASET images of the diamonds?

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1544383.asp

Try that one instead of the asscher. Although, that asscher is a potentially cherry one and faces up at 6 mm square, which is much larger than any of the other stones. Just saying. The two cushions I posted above and this radiant.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VVS2-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1486626.asp This one is just tiny in face up, so... I didn't put it on the list.

 

[Coupeguy]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

Thanks Gypsy for all your suggestions, ive sent a few of the stones suggested to Carol for her to look through and asked about her providing a ASET image of the diamonds im intrested in.

Ive also let her know that im a more informed buyer and dont have a problem asking for my full refund if things dont go how i think they should.

I think of all the ones posted i really like this one the best http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/...tm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=shopzilla

Shes sending me a video of one she has in mind for me, if i dont like it ill go with the suggestion above and see where that gets me.

Thanks again for the reality check and suggestions, time to get this thing to my door!

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

Thanks Gypsy for all your suggestions, ive sent a few of the stones suggested to Carol for her to look through and asked about her providing a ASET image of the diamonds im intrested in.

Ive also let her know that im a more informed buyer and dont have a problem asking for my full refund if things dont go how i think they should.

I think of all the ones posted i really like this one the best http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/...tm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=shopzilla

Shes sending me a video of one she has in mind for me, if i dont like it ill go with the suggestion above and see where that gets me.

Thanks again for the reality check and suggestions, time to get this thing to my door!

Post the video for us of the one they are recommending. And get an ASET of it too.

I also really like that I VVS cushion. It's got a lot of potential. I am just worried about someone snatching it out, we have quick lurkers and good cushions are in demand.

 

[Coupeguy]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

Thanks Gypsy for all your suggestions, ive sent a few of the stones suggested to Carol for her to look through and asked about her providing a ASET image of the diamonds im intrested in.

Ive also let her know that im a more informed buyer and dont have a problem asking for my full refund if things dont go how i think they should.

I think of all the ones posted i really like this one the best http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/...tm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=shopzilla

Shes sending me a video of one she has in mind for me, if i dont like it ill go with the suggestion above and see where that gets me.

Thanks again for the reality check and suggestions, time to get this thing to my door!

Post the video for us of the one they are recommending. And get an ASET of it too.

I also really like that I VVS cushion. It's got a lot of potential. I am just worried about someone snatching it out, we have quick lurkers and good cushions are in demand.

Gypsy,

Afte discussing it with her we both decided that the other stones video wasnt important as i wouldnt feel as comfortable buying an EGL graded stone (even if its EGL-USA) so i told her to look at GIA only stones and she found a few stones in the G SI-1 range as suggested above for bang for the buck with my budget.

Ill post her suggestions as she sends them, im glad to have a place to double check prices so shes reminded to stay competitive.

Thanks for your quick responses, your about my savior at this point!

 

[Coupeguy]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

Ok, so she sent me the details on the diamond she liked for me.
1.12 carat G color SI-1 gia report # 2131076570


Im attaching a PDF image of the GIA report, but ive already spent $4800 with them and the stone elsewhere is the following.

Solomon Brothers $3956.00
B to C Jewels $3794.00

Can i expect to pay the extra approx $1000 for the setting cost and mounting fee?

The simple setting i chose on there website is only shown as costing $360 in white gold.

Seems shes looking for Cushion cuts now, which is what i suggested in the first place...

 

[Rockdiamond]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

Your budget is a bit low for a 1.2 - 1.3. Here is what I found on JA. I'm no radiant expert but these look
like they might have potential. You'll need to request an aset image to check on light return.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VVS2-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1501179.asp TABLE is huge, low crown not a lot of fire
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1520703.asp RECTANGLE not SQUARE
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-VS1-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1336788.asp Dark underperformer
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VVS2-Very-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1336970.asp Rectangle


You might talk to diamonds by lauren. I think he deals with a lot of radiants.
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/

I wouldn't waste the 3 ASETs you get on any of these from JA. I really wouldn't. If she just wants a square, then I would go for cushions, princesses and asschers as well. With only 3 ASETs per purchase, you have to be choosey.

Diamonds by Lauren doesn't have anything in stock that meets your criteria for white and one carat (lots of fancy light yellows though, so if you are interested in those... give David a call).

Stick to the 3 I picked for you at JA.

The GOG .98 Radiant is also a good choice.

I'll look for some princesses for you too.

HI all,
Gypsy, all due respect, but we have a lot in stock that may not be shown on our site.
Do you ask people buying round diamonds why they came to that choice and suggest other shapes for them?

Coupeguy- HI!!

I have to say that information on Radiant cut diamonds is harder to find than rounds - and there's always been a sort of "anti radiant" bias here.
ASET, for example, is not really going to help you in any way- unless you know how to read one.
I don't suggest you try to learn, because using your eyes is far more intuitive, and useful.

By all means stay away from anything but GIA graded diamonds.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

Okay.

I really need to be firm about this. Unless she has pictures of the GIA stones, I can't help you and ANY ONE WHO SAYS THEY CAN based on certificate numbers is a LIAR.

She is trying very hard to keep this sale, and I appreciate that. But if she can not provide you with the level of information you need to make an informed decision (pictures UP FRONT, then ASET to follow on selection from pictures), then you need to MOVE ON.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

HI all,
Gypsy, all due respect, but we have a lot in stock that may not be shown on our site.
Do you ask people buying round diamonds why they came to that choice and suggest other shapes for them?

A) Self promote much?
B) Yes, actually I do ask people looking for rounds, princesses, radiants, ovals, etc why they are going for that shape and if their SO's have expressed preference.

C). BACK. THE. HECK. OFF. ME. DAVID.

 

[04diamond<3]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

Thanks Gypsy for all your suggestions, ive sent a few of the stones suggested to Carol for her to look through and asked about her providing a ASET image of the diamonds im intrested in.

Ive also let her know that im a more informed buyer and dont have a problem asking for my full refund if things dont go how i think they should.

I think of all the ones posted i really like this one the best http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/...tm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=shopzilla

Shes sending me a video of one she has in mind for me, if i dont like it ill go with the suggestion above and see where that gets me.

Thanks again for the reality check and suggestions, time to get this thing to my door!

I LOVE THIS!!! It's stunning! You really better put it on hold, no obligation, but you don't want someone else to take it!

 

[stargurl78]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

Thanks Gypsy for all your suggestions, ive sent a few of the stones suggested to Carol for her to look through and asked about her providing a ASET image of the diamonds im intrested in.

Ive also let her know that im a more informed buyer and dont have a problem asking for my full refund if things dont go how i think they should.

I think of all the ones posted i really like this one the best http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/...tm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=shopzilla

Shes sending me a video of one she has in mind for me, if i dont like it ill go with the suggestion above and see where that gets me.

Thanks again for the reality check and suggestions, time to get this thing to my door!

I LOVE THIS!!! It's stunning! You really better put it on hold, no obligation, but you don't want someone else to take it!

Seriously, this stone is gorgeous. I would forget about that other jeweler, I doubt they will be able to get you as gorgeous of a stone for a similar price. What do you want to remember when you look at the ring 5 years from now - that you bought the best diamond for your budget and it was backed by expert advice or that you stuck with your original jeweler and possibly bought a lesser quality stone?

 

[Coupeguy]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

So i told Carol about the stone and if she could get it for me and she said im getting information overload and that James Allen is overpriced.

She also talked negative about it being an I color stone, and says she knows just the stone for me and will send me pictures of it tomorrow a VS2 G SI1 1.12 which i posted the report for above.

Sounding fishy more and more,just wondering what peoples opinion are on the I coloring.

Thanks again!

 

[Lovingwarmdiamonds]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

Another vote for the I vvs2 cushion. What a GREAT FIND!! Gorgeous and a great price for those specs. You should drop that sales lady like a hot potatoe and run to that James Allen stone. It will surely be purchased in a snap if you pass it up.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

Information overload!!! Like it's a disease. "You'd be much happier ignorant." Don't worry your pretty little head, *pat pat pat*, I'll save you from all that NASTY knowledge!!

OMG. RUN... don't walk away. A GOOD vendor would answer your questions, give you as much information as possible, AND GIVE YOU MORE information when they can provide it. How do I know this? This is what all vendors we *enthusiasts* use do.

Her telling you that she has the 'right stone for you tomorrow," is her saying that she was lying about being able to get in any stone you want. Second, she just wants this sale. SHE has a motive for misleading you. She doesn't want you to get the best stone for your money. She wants to get your money with as much profit for HER as possible. You know why she didn't jump at getting you that JA stone? Because she won't make any money on it, even if she can get it in for you. You know why? Cause JA pricing is good and has very little margin. That's the real reason why she's pushing you toward the stones she has in stock. Higher profit margin. Otherwise, why wouldn't she just say, "I will have that stone from JA called in right away AND beat their prices!" If she were telling the truth, that's what she would have said.

We on PS earn no money, kickbacks, commissions, discounts, or ANYTHING ELSE. No vested interest. Just like helping people find the best stone they can afford. James Allen's prices are very fair. And that's because they provide you with service and information, like individual pictures of each stone and ASETs and that takes time. Time is money. But honestly, as JA is largely self service their prices are very reasonable.

Regarding I color.

First and foremost LIGHT RETURN is what determines how bright and white a stone looks. A great performing I will out perform a sub-par G AND out white it too. I can promise you that.

One of my closest friends, also a pricescoper, has a one carat J cushion that is an 8 main, like that one. One of my favorite stones I have ever seen. I know that cushion is a winner. Don't let this woman's hard sell tactics keep you from the best you can buy for your money.

 

[Coupeguy]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

Ok i can say point well taken!

I contacted James Allen and put a hold on that stone pending the ASET image i requested.

Im sending an email now to Carol telling her i want my refund first thing tomorrow.

Wish me luck in a speedy refund so i can get the JA stone quickly!

Thanks again more than i can express, your help has been invaluable!

Especially Gypsy, Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

 

[JulieN]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

I'm excited about that I cushion, I've been keeping track of it for awhile.

 

[sonnyjane]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

Ok i can say point well taken!

I contacted James Allen and put a hold on that stone pending the ASET image i requested.

Im sending an email now to Carol telling her i want my refund first thing tomorrow.

Wish me luck in a speedy refund so i can get the JA stone quickly!

Thanks again more than i can express, your help has been invaluable!

Especially Gypsy, Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Excellent decision and hopefully you'll get your refund without any further commentary from this jeweler.

 

[stargurl78]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

Woo hoo, I'm glad to hear you are going to consider working with JA and you are getting your refund!

Since they will allow you to put up to 3 diamonds on hold, I would check out 2 other ones as well. Maybe the experts can recommend a few...

 

[Niel]

Re: Would love some assistance on getting the best for my mo

If I got to pick 2 more I'd pull the asscher an that 1ct f radiant. This is a beautiful cushion. That's true. But I don't know if its really all that "square".... I mean yeah the proportions are close to 1:1 but its not got any sharp edges which I feel is what makes a square desirable. But like I said that cushion is beautiful. A d if he doesn't mind it looking more round and was just looking for a 1:1 ratio than its great. But I just don't think is very very "square"