need a diamond - opinions

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Old May 9, 2007 | 09:56 AM
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Default need a diamond - opinions

I am in the process of putting together an engagement ring for my girlfriend. I have already bought the band and need a diamond for it. It is designed for a 2ct round-cut diamond. I would like SI1 and G or better. I have consulted a diamond wholeseller, and a lady who charges 10% to take people to market in Dallas to pick them out. Both of these are MUCH cheaper than buying retail but more options never hurt. Let me know and thanks in advance.
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Old May 9, 2007 | 10:20 AM
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Some good advice I got when I bought my wife's ring: if the prongs on the ring are white, the diamond will look white, so you don't need to go for maximum clarity. The only time it matters in that case is if someone looks across the diamond, between the prongs. When a girl shows off her ring, she holds her hand out and down, so people see the stone from the top. Make sure any inclusions are far enough away from the top surface that they can't be seen.

If money is tight, you might consider getting a Moissanite stone. My wife lost her ring a few years ago, and we didn't have the money to replace it. We talked it over and got a moissanite stone in a nice band for very little money. A lot of young couples are starting to do this more often, saving up for a real diamond, but keeping the setting. It's a nice way to save some money (which is important when planning a wedding) and get yourselves established financially. When the time comes, you can simply replace the stone.


-Mike
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Old May 9, 2007 | 10:23 AM
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opinions... Buy a smaller diamond with better color and clarity.

I can refer you to a place in Houston that I have used several times. Just PM me for the info.
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Old May 9, 2007 | 10:23 AM
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Buying a 2 ct stone is gonna hurt no matter what you do

I did something similar, found the stone I wanted, then got the band to go with it. I had a connection with a dealer back in my hometown. I paid their cost plus 10% and paid in cash, no tax. It was much less than half the price of similar stones at Jareds or Robbins Bros. About 20% less than blue nile. Blue nile is a very reputable company. I would just suggest spec'ing out your stone on their site and seeing what their prices are. Then when you go to market you know what price you have to beat.

GL

Edit: Get that puppy insured as soon as you buy it
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Old May 9, 2007 | 11:05 AM
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all great info, thanks guys. I have talked to one wholeseller who had a 2ct SI2-SI3 G for 8k, but it was uncertified. I am going to look at the stone, but I would rather have something that was SI1, but as already said, it depends on where the inclusions are. Certification does not that mean that much to me as I feel like I know enough not to get ripped off.

Good advice on using blue nile as a negotiation tool. I have been looking through their diamonds. I would rather pay cash, and get a discount that way and not pay taxes, but not everyone will do that.
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Old May 9, 2007 | 03:27 PM
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Originally Posted by TEX02SS
all great info, thanks guys. I have talked to one wholeseller who had a 2ct SI2-SI3 G for 8k, but it was uncertified. I am going to look at the stone, but I would rather have something that was SI1, but as already said, it depends on where the inclusions are. Certification does not that mean that much to me as I feel like I know enough not to get ripped off.

Good advice on using blue nile as a negotiation tool. I have been looking through their diamonds. I would rather pay cash, and get a discount that way and not pay taxes, but not everyone will do that.
I wouldn't buy without cert, but thats me. Always nice to have that reference in case there is a question in the future. I would be very careful buying a the diamond above. SI2-3 means that stone is going to have a dog terd in it, likely large enough that you can see it without magnification. I would be skeptical of an SI1 even with a cert just because the size of the stone is so large, it will be difficult to hide inclusions in that category.
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