5 replies to this topic

[RFS]

Hi everyone,

I would love to hear some opinions on this.

I'm buying a stone from an overseas broker in the states (I'm in Europe) so I obviously can't see the stones. I'm saving so much money I probably could never have afforded to get as high a grade stone as I am potentially getting online.

But am I still making a mistake buying a diamond, even though it is 0.61 D IF with excellent cut (GIA), EX polish and VG symmetry, that I haven't seen? The best grade I could buy at home would be Colour G, Clarity VS2, Cut VG, VG/VG, 0.5 - 0.55, but it could have better brilliance and fire???

Thanks all

[diamond_lover]

RFS, on Friday, Jul 27 2007, 12:33 AM, said:

Hi everyone,

I would love to hear some opinions on this.

I'm buying a stone from an overseas broker in the states (I'm in Europe) so I obviously can't see the stones. I'm saving so much money I probably could never have afforded to get as high a grade stone as I am potentially getting online.

But am I still making a mistake buying a diamond, even though it is 0.61 D IF with excellent cut (GIA), EX polish and VG symmetry, that I haven't seen? The best grade I could buy at home would be Colour G, Clarity VS2, Cut VG, VG/VG, 0.5 - 0.55, but it could have better brilliance and fire???

Thanks all

it's safer to buy diamonds which you've seen before. it's a big and expensive purchase so it's good to see BEFORE you buy!

[RFS]

I hear you, the online retailer is a big, well known broker that has been recommended by some trustworthy people, although they did emphasise that you should see a diamond before purchase, the fact that the 'certificated quality' is so much higher than anything I could afford at home makes it soooooooooo tempting. I think I might just have to go for it. In the knowledge that I am a reckless fool intent on throwing his money away, can I 'go wrong' with an excellent graded stone with D colour and IF with an excellent polish? By going and actually looking at a bunch of much less quality stones that have 'worse' cuts and lower grades, could I find a more desirable stone?

[denverappraiser]

Buy from a dealer who will give you at least 30 days to return it if you are unhappy. Shipping back and forth across the ocean can be a pain in the neck but there is definitely some money to be saved. Consider hiring a US based appraiser to inspect it prior to the overseas shipment.

Don’t forget the VAT that will be collected by customs when you import the stone.

People in Europe do this quite often with a fair amount of success. Pick a dealer and an appraiser who are familiar with the whole process and you should have very little trouble.

Neil

[diamondsbylauren]

HI RFS,
The first question would be, what country?
Some places in Europe are far easier to ship to.
For example, the UK versus France.
The UK makes it much easier for people to purchase from overseas dealers than France in our experience.

You used a term which is misunderstood.

Quote

the fact that the 'certificated quality' is so much higher than anything I could afford at home makes it soooooooooo tempting.

If you asked GIA, they'll tell you that they do not "Certify" diamonds- a diamond's grade is really not a barometer of how beautiful it is.
There's beautiful I1's, and ugly Flawless diamonds.
That's why the folks telling you that photos are essential were right on target.

[RFS]

Cheers guys, thanks for your advice.

I shipped to the UK and she's happy, all's well that ends well.

Interesting industry you have here!!

Best Wishes

Rehan