5 replies to this topic

[smeebond]

*** UPDATE ***: Sorry my topic should have been "Is this a reasonable price?" because this is what I meant to ask.

This is the first time I am out in the market to look for a perfect engagement ring. I did some research online at Blue Nile and James Allen. But I wanted to see some settings in person, so I went to Dominion Jewelers, Falls church VA since it had lot of high recommendations online. So, I went there to check out some settings and this is what I was quoted. Somehow, I feel its overpriced compared to some online stores. But I am in love with the setting I liked! Unfortunately I was not allowed to take a picture of it, otherwise I would share it with you.
With the best amount of information I could collect from the jeweler, please help me to figure out if the prices are reasonable or not?

Side-Stone setting with princess cut diamond at the center. 2 round (0.4 ct total) diamonds on the side, 8 baguette (0.29 ct total) on either sides.
This setting in 14K gold is priced at $1800
This setting in platinum is priced at $3300

Center stone: D1VS1 .51 ct princess cut - $1600

I apologize if this is less amount of information. But this is what I have. I would really appreciate your help in deciding.

Thanks!
Smee

Edited by smeebond, 04 May 2011 - 09:09 PM.

[davidelevi]

The prices sound "reasonable" in the sense that they are not outrageous (one way or the other), but whether they are truly reasonable depends on many many things.

The centre stone - usual questions: who graded this D/VS1, and what has the vendor to say/demonstrate about the cut.

Finally, a consideration: for an engagement ring, I'd think that a less flashy setting and a larger stone (all in relative terms; I'm not suggesting you buy a 3 ct rock) would be more suitable.

[smeebond]

David, thanks for your quick response. I found the following details from the jeweler based on your question:
- Diamond is princess cut, its EGL certified
- The ring is 3.5 mm on top and 3mm at the bottom.

Do you still think its reasonable with EGL certification because I found exact same specification diamonds using diamond finder link above for $600 less with GIA certification?

Thanks for your advice on the setting! I really appreciate it.

[LaurieH]

EGL certification isn't bad, per se, but it's slack compared to GIA. My rule of thumb is that it's always 1-2 Color grades lower than they claim, and 1/2-1 Clarity grade lower. Some others on here have had worse experiences (and it depends on which EGL lab grades it--some are a little more all over the place) where it's been up to 5 Color grades lower. So it just makes it MUCH harder to compare apples to apples.

If you're looking to spend about that much on the center stone, and could be happy with a little lower Color--even, say GIA F color--you're still in the Colorless category, but the diff between D and F won't really be noticeable when the diamond is set, unless it's side by side with a GIA D, and then you can maybe go a little bigger for the same price. You can also drop to a VS2 (GIA, of course) and have something that is equally eye-clean, but save another little bit of money. Also make sure you're still getting something with at least Very Good (preferably Excellent, but VG is a very close second) Polish and Symmetry, and you can't go wrong.

Good luck!

[davidelevi]

Given the unreliability and higher price - assuming cut quality is comparable - why ask for trouble with an EGL report? Stick with GIA.

[smeebond]

Thanks for your invaluable inputs. I will go ahead and look for more diamonds with GIA certification and decide.