So I've been shopping for one for about a month or so. And I just don't get it. I've been to the bigger jewelry stores and I've been to the smaller diamond stores. Things are a ton cheaper at the smaller stores, and they all seem to be graded on the GIA scale. So, it feels like they should be the same. So far, it appears cut is the most important, followed by color. I don't care about clarity as long as I can't see the inclusions with the naked eye. As for size...I don't know what is average. I think a lot of that has to do with region, age/income, etc. I don't buy into the 2 months salary thing, especially when I'm going to be paying for a wedding, too, and I'm trying to sock away cash to do some career things in the next couple years. But at the same time I want it to be something she can be proud of. You guys have opinions on everything. Some of them are even intelligent! Who's got some guidance for me on navigating this whole diamond scam? Am I thinking about things the right way?
depending on what shape she wants, the cut plays different roles. In a round shape, you want a high quality cut because that's what gives the diamond its fire (colors) and brilliance (sparkle factor). In an emerald shape, for example, the cut doesn't matter as much, but the clarity is the most important "C" because you can spot any imperfection clear as day. If you're going for a round, maximize the cut and carat. With an outstanding cut, you won't notice the color as much and the clarity is hidden. I'd go with an H color, and an SI1 clarity for a round, but get at least a "very good" cut and get as big a carat as you can afford... blue nile will give you a fair price and you can play with all the four Cs to see how the price changes. Buying it in the mall is a ripoff, and buying from some of these wholesales (everybody has "got a guy they use", lol) can end up screwing you b/c they don't have the best inventory and they'll try to steer you towards what they have.
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Throw the 2 month salary thing out the window...I have a much better way of going about it. Ring > $15,000. You're welcome.
Go to Diamond Cutters international. Great service and your jaw will drop when you see all the sports memorabilia and pictures of Rick with all the celebrities. it is fun just talking to him. He is a nice guy with great customer service.
I bought my wife a nice ring...it's been in a safe box at home every since we got married because she just wears the wedding band now...but it looked great the 6 months we were engaged. Thanks honey.
save money by "buying shy". most folks buy 1 carat, 1.5 carat, 2 carat and so on. if you buy just below a break point, say .98 carat, the size difference cannot be seen with naked eye, but you save a lot b/c folks want to be able to say it's a 1 carat ring. same for all other break points, but more so with whole numbers. cut is huge. i picked a round shape that was perfectly cut. it's been 8 yeas and wife still gets tons of compliemnts, particularly in restaurants witih low light.
Buying shy is a good idea if you can find it, but cutters have gotten wise to this and won't cut many diamonds that are just under the round numbers. They know they'll get more for the diamond if they cut it to be right at 1, 1.5, 2, etc.
For the most part, diamonds are a scam.......unless you spend close to six figures on an investment grade stone, you're essentially throwing your money away on junk.....junk that will more than likely never allow you to recoup your principal adjusted for inflation down the road.....but hey, chicks are dumb so what can you do.....in the past 80 years the perception of glamour associated with diamonds has become reality for them thanks to nonstop marketing.....cecil rhodes and his bankrollers are all smiling wide up there..
I do analysis for the diamond industry for my day job -- the company I work publishes an international price guide based on NY wholesale prices. Most of this advice is good, but one thing you may consider is ethically sourced jewelry. That means the precious metals are recycled, or made through non-toxic means, the diamonds are from non-DTC (read: De Beers) sources and often a percentage of the proceeds go to alluvial ming communities in places like Sierra Leone (where the diamond industry has screwed the people for generations). It's more expensive, but if it's a sentimental gift, it makes sense to buy something with good karma. Ordering on the Internet is a good way to go -- there's a reason why Blue Nile's stock has been rising for some time, and many of the mall chains are now owned by Indian companies that specialize in making cheap sparkle. There is something to be said by going with a good ma and pop jeweler though -- they are in the business for many of the little things: cleaning, resizing, repairs, and what not. If you want to send me a private email I'd be happy to talk to you...I'm in Israel, but I know some legit guys all over the US. I even know a very respectable custom jeweler in Corpus Christi I profiled for our weekly broadcast. Don't feel pressured to overspend. Diamond prices are really inflated now, and are steadily rising. The marketing division of De Beers shouldn't make you feel compelled to spend your hard earned money. And there's no reason the stone needs to be diamond. I like emeralds and rubies myself. If you want more advice I'm zach at diamonds dot net
Thanks for the advice guys. I live in Chicago, so though I appreciate the referral, BigSherv, I probably won't be checking those guys out. Pippen - I completely agree that diamonds are a scam, but what do you do? She gets pleasure out of it, in much the same way that I get pleasure out of driving my car. I spent more than was absolutely practical for my car. And though the ring isn't practical, if it gives her a little bit of happiness, why should I say the way she likes to spend $$ is not as important as they way I like to? Aside, from the fact, that it's my money... It's going to be a round stone and I've been looking at the excellent cuts. I won't go below a S1 based on what I've seen, and the DEFs seem to be where she and I both lean. Deji, thanks for the info! I'll email you later on
Had a pretty good experience here. Check out their diamond search link. In my experience, the mom and pop stores are just as expensive as anywhere else. In many cases, even moreso.
If you dip to an H color, you'll save a ton of money and you'll never be able to tell the difference, especially if you're looking to get an excellent cut. If you get a platinum or white gold band, it will make it even harder to tell the difference. just trying to save you some cash
