Help me on my Diamond search

So, I don't know where else to turn ..

I'm frustrated - I been searching for a diamond for a engagement ring for a few weeks now and most of the great deals are online .. of course not seeing the diamond and it being online its becoming a very difficult task ..

I have gone to a few retailers around the area but the best place is the Jewelry exchange and I have heard allot of negatives things ..

With that said - I was wondering if you guys can recommend me a great online retailer or a around the DC/MD/VA or NYC ..

Specs

1.3 - 1.5
F-G
VS1-VS2
Excellent/Ideal Cut
GIA certify

BTW, I'm trying to buy this before x-mas ...

Thanks guys ...

DO NOT BUY OVER THE INTERNET. I can not stress this enough. If it seems to good to be true, then it is.

My family is in the jewellery industry, and have seen time and time again people getting screwed buying diamonds on the net.

Your best bet is go to a local retailer, and buy what you can afford. If you're going for a GIA cert, I wouldn't bother with a VS. Because the diamond has to be within certain specs, you will always get a nice firey diamond with a GIA which means you can get away with the inclusions.

Anyways, whatever you do, don't buy on the net. Good luck.

PM WMS - he makes jewelry so might be able to help.

Thanks guys ..

Most of the online retailers I have seen or looking into do have physical stores and their prices are not so incredibly off from physical retailers ..maybe 1k - 1.5k less that is from a ring that already is at 7500-10000 ..

But I guess I'll continue to do my research .. once again thanks ..

10g for a ring?

Do you have a brother? LOL.

RiKaN HaVoK wrote in post #9108224
Thanks guys ..

Most of the online retailers I have seen or looking into do have physical stores and their prices are not so incredibly off from physical retailers ..maybe 1k - 1.5k less that is from a ring that already is at 7500-10000 ..

But I guess I'll continue to do my research .. once again thanks ..

If they have retail shops, go in there as the stones will be the same price and you'll get to see what you're buying.

Nothing says "I love you" more than you going to a proper store, looking over all the options and then paying through the nose for something really special.

I hope she's getting you a 1Ds Mark III in return. Or an EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM.

lol .. actually before I started upgrading my gear she never had a problem and once as a joke she stated that her ring should be double of my camera equipment .. Thus I think I'm coming really short ..

5D
5DII
24-105
35L
85LII
135L
430exII

2x Ab800
1xAB1600
2Giant Octaboxes
2Giant Softboxes
etc etc ..

So yeah .. I think I might have to add a few K to the price tag .. lol

The reason I'm skeptical about actual retailers around my area is because I went to a local jeweler and I saw a diamond really liked round 1.3 VS2 I exc exc exc for 7800 most of the online dealers that have actual stores in others state the diamond didn't cost more than 5.5 - 6.4k so that's a big big difference .... maybe a 70-200 2.8 IS difference .. lol

You should invest in Canadian Diamonds. They're increasingly rare and considered to be the top quality in the world..check out:

http://www.bluenile.ca​/
http://www.charmdiamon​dcentres.com …BF6B4854D6D&arg​ParentID=1
For stores

or
http://www.diamondexch​ange.ca/
http://www.canadadiamo​nds.com/
For info

Have you considered buying an antique set for the diamond and then having it set (if she doesn't like the older setting) in a new setting? My hobby before cameras used to be jewelry. You can buy some lovely stones (if you know what you are doing...and you seem to) for good prices, in the older sets.

Karl Johnston wrote in post #9110490
You should invest in Canadian Diamonds. They're increasingly rare...

<Puzzled>
Is somebody putting them back in the ground, or is availability limited through strict control of supply, as with De Beers?

Karl Johnston wrote in post #9110490
You should invest in Canadian Diamonds. They're increasingly rare and considered to be the top quality in the world..check out:

http://www.bluenile.ca​/
http://www.charmdiamon​dcentres.com …BF6B4854D6D&arg​ParentID=1
For stores

or
http://www.diamondexch​ange.ca/
http://www.canadadiamo​nds.com/
For info

I'd say "Canadian" diamonds are sold as that for marketing purposes. Once a diamond is sent to be cut, they don't keep a record of where it came from.

Def. give this guy a call. If you are willing to go online I would assume you wouldn't mind dealing with a wholesome jeweler that is in Michigan.
I have found this to be the most honest jeweler in a world of crooks.
So in wrap up I would say Ken is highly recommended.
http://www.oldwaydesig​n.com/

Erik

Might give Carl at
http://www.bestdiamond​search.com/
a yell