True that was just one resource amongst many. However they also ensure the diamond resource and their employees were not exploited. but as bush says.... terrorists are bad.
Have you tried Costco? Years ago we bought a 1 carat diamond (round, VS1, H) ring at a local Costco for around $4,300. It was $1,500-$2,000 cheaper than what you would find in other jewelry chain stores.
If I can throw in my two cents here.... I actually purchased a diamond engagement ring 2 weeks ago after doing a fair amount of research on the subject. It looks like you've got that part down so the only recommendation I'll make is to look into Whiteflash.com. They are an internet-based jeweler similiar to bluenile except they're based right here in Houston (assuming you live here as well). Take a look at their website for more info but my experience with them was stellar. I met with Brian Gavin who was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. He's a 5th generation diamond cutter and his brand of ideal cut rounds and princesses are truly amazing. The prices aren't bad either. I'll also echo the fact that pricescope is a good site which will have lots of reviews on the better internet shops including bluenile and whiteflash. Good luck!
Wow, diamonds have gone up! I purchased a certified 1 ct. diamond of F color, IF clarity, round cut, last year sometime. I know each lab's certifications are a little different. I don't remember exactly how much I paid for the diamond alone, but you are saying it's 6500 for a SI1, and G-I color range? That seems a bit high to me, but I'm hardly an expert I paid a little under 10K for the engagement and wedding band platinum set each has diamonds inlaid along the bands as well. Man, hope the wife doesn't read this thread, heheh.
You can't compare prices unless you know what the cut is (no, not the shape (round), the CUT). this is especially true for a round diamond, where cut is what really matters
I'm going to the B&M stores today to do some comparing and deal hunting. My first choice is bluenile because of the billmelater option. My VERY close second is whiteflash, but they do not have any ACA (A Cut Above) Princess Diamonds with the requirements I'm looking for. I've heard a lot of good things about whiteflash, plus they'll pull up a diamond if you want to see it. (Yes, I live in Houston) Can anyone else vouch for robbins bros. diamonds? Are they good quality, good cut?
This is only hearsay so you may want to take it for what its worth but IMO B&M stores like Robbins Bros are the ones you really should stay away from. I can only vouch for prices; when comparing diamonds of similiar stats between bluenile/whiteflash to Robbins Bros. I found a pretty big price gap as the online shops were cheaper. There are some first-hand encounters in the forums on pricescope where people tell their nightmarish stories. Although not all are bad it was enough for me not to go into a Robbins Bros. type store when I was in the market a couple weeks ago.
