8 replies to this topic

[moriarcj]

Hey all. I'm looking for a second opinion. I'm in the process of getting an engagement ring for my girlfriend (soon to be fiance, let's hope). Her and I have been doing a lot of looking, and one that grabbed my eye (and hers) is the Asscher style cut. It is truly gorgeous...if anyone hasn't seen it, and you're not set on a shape, CHECK IT OUT. That said, I've been talking and going to a local jeweler to look at some stones. So he had me look at a bunch, in a wide range, all with no pressure. Very very good jeweler...they've been in business for 110 years, so I trust them. So here's the "deal" he offered me. The stone is an Asshcer style cut (some call it a Square Emerald Cut), and here are the stats on it: E, VS2, 1.01ct, Fancy Cut, 66.2% depth, 58% table, VG polish, GD symmetry, No Fluoresence, No Culet, Thick Girdle, 5.64x5.62x3.72 mm. I looked at it under a dark-field gemscope, and it's without a doubt absolutely gorgeous. At first, the diamond itself was $7100. Then I sat on it, and he called me back a couple days later, and he said that they'd do ANY platinum solitaire setting I wanted, WITH that diamond, altogether for $7100. I'm DYING for comments and thoughts on this "deal" and if it even is a deal at all. Please someone write back to me! Thanks!! :-D

[ross7]

Then I sat on it, and he called me back a couple days later, and he said that they'd do ANY platinum solitaire setting I wanted, WITH that diamond, altogether for $7100.

I can't comment on whether the diamond itself is a good deal for $7100. Asscher and other patented/branded cuts are always tricky, as they command a price premium over the standard cuts. However, if this is what you like and you believe you've found the perfect stone (and you've looked at it under the microscope, compared it to others, checked the pricing against similar round stones, etc.) then maybe you should just go for it!

All that being said, I don't think a platinum solitaire setting costs a whole lot, maybe $200-$400? So the new "deal" is not significantly better than the old one... also, are you sure your fiancee wants a solitaire setting?

Good luck!
Ross

[udc]

It sounds like a beautiful diamond but the price seems a little high. I think you should be able to get a comparable diamond for under $5000

Good Luck.

Expect more, Pay less!

Your trusted online diamond source...
[url="http://www.UnionDiamond.com"][url]http://www.UnionDiamond.com[/url][/url]
800-325-1251

[moriarcj]

Ross - Yeah, she wants a solitaire setting - first thing I checked on! Thanks for the thought, though. I was kind of figuring it wasn't too much of a "deal" per se, but I wanted to post it on a forum and see what some other people thought, so thank you VERY much for your input - I really really do appreciate it.

Union Diamond Rep - I also thank you for your input. I've been looking online too, namely at Union Diamond and DirtCheapDiamond for a stone as well, and the truth of the matter is that I have found the exact same stone (or very close to) cheaper online. But I'm very very confused as to which source to go to - local or online. Very tough call to make...but the price differential was approximately $1500-$2000...which clearly makes me seriously consider purchasing online.

So, next question: Online Purchasing - Good, Bad or Other? Again, anyone please write back...all input is appreciated!!

Thanks All,
Neal

[ross7]

[indent]So, next question: Online Purchasing - Good, Bad or Other? Again, anyone please write back...all input is appreciated!![/indent]

Online purchasing... depends on where you go. If you find a good place, you'll get a great deal. If you find a bad place... well, you're on your own Check out the individual jeweler reviews on this site for guidance...

Keep us posted!

Ross

[moriarcj]

Ok, what does anyone think about www.Dirtcheapdiamonds.com ??? I know the name doesn't sound too great, but the prices are outstanding! Best I've seen online so far, and a huge selection.

Anyone have any opinions/experiences with DirtCheapDiamonds.com ? Please let me know!

Thanks!
-Neal

[ross7]

I can't comment on "dirtcheapdiamonds", other than I wouldn't want my fiancee to find out I bought a "dirt cheap" diamond for her engagement ring!!!

I've heard really great things about Union Diamond ([url]http://www.uniondiamond.com[/url]) and about Blue Nile ([url]http://www.bluenile.com[/url]).

Ross

[moriarcj]

Ok all, I found a place online and it's the best experience I've ever had with ANY online company in ANY industry - Diamond Wholesale Corporation. It was truly amazing. Let me tell you all what I got - GIA certified 1.16ct, F, VVS1, Asscher style cut, VG polish, VG symmetry, No culet, medium to slightly thick girdle...all for about $5,460.00. The price I paid at DWC was approximately $2,500.00 LESS than a local jeweler was going to charge me, and over $1,000.00 LESS than I could find on any other website. And I've been looking and searching fervently everyday for well over a month. And when I got the diamond (yesterday) it completely blew me out of the water!! Absolutely gorgeous!!! And totally true to the GIA cert!!! So, if anyone has any doubts about this place, post a message here and I'll totally vouch for 'em. Happy Hunting, friends.

Check them out...
www.DiamondWholesaleCorporation.com

Now...I need to find a setting. Anyone know any good places for getting a platinum bypass (or trellis) setting? Let me know please.

-Neal

[jan]

The price was high as compared to online dealers, but it would all depend on the type of platinum setting they were including. Some platinum mountings can run a couple of thousand dollars for the setting itself.

We carry the Royal Asscher which is a patented cut and then some that are generic, but we opt for better cut grades with very good or higher on polish and symmetry.


Like this one for example is a 1.67 ct. that we have set in a platinum mounting with trapezoid diamonds.



Jan

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