Where to buy a great diamond. DCI???

GroomToBe

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Post#1 @ 03-04-02 , 09:14 PM

What to do, what to do…..

I live in Austin and want to buy my fiancée that "perfect diamond" for an engagement ring. But, there is a dizzying amount of information to understand about diamonds.

I visited various department and jewelry stores, talked to their personnel and took notes. Over the past month I have learn a lot from your discussions on DiamondTalk and the Internet. Then I finally went to the bookstore to buy a book on diamonds where I bought "How to Buy a Diamond" by Fred Cuellar. (Ok, I see some of your eyes rolling….). I read the book cover to cover and learned a lot on top of what I have already learned.

I decided to visit TheKnot.com where Fred is "their diamond guy", after reading several Q&A's I noticed the DCI web link at the bottom of the page so I visited it. Seemed pretty cool, lots of info, and a free service to have my own personal gemologist so I registered and got one. (Ok, I see some of your head shaking in disbelief…) So I continued to visit jewelry stores to see some diamonds.

Based on several recommendations, I later traveled to San Antonio where I visited Americus Diamonds to look at their selection. (Wow, it was like looking at stars on a perfect night.) I was assigned to "his buddy Rick" as my gem guy. I gave him the spec on two diamonds (a 1.25 and 1.40 rounds) and he too gave me his opinion of their "warp-ness". I finally asked him if they sold diamonds too. He said "yes" and would be happy to find one of theirs for me. I few hours later he called me back with a better diamond at about the same price.

Too good to be true?? That is why I am here.

Combined with all of this are the discussions on DiamondTalk about Fred and DCI from about a year ago. (Which I found on a search from Google.com) The talk was not positive. I even check the BBB but they only have 3 complaints on DCI from the past 3 years but all were resolved. (Actually, a very good BBB record) I read about his court case and understand both sides; not sure whom I would go for in that case but I know he is appealing the ruling.

I am planning to go to DCI (by appointment, in the next month) to look first-hand at their diamonds and see if I can get a gut feeling about them. I have also looked at Blue Nile, Asford, USACert and a few local jewelers…but all of this is so very confusing!!!

Lots of diamonds look great BUT how does a novice know what he is getting when making the most important jewelry purchase of his life. It can drive you MAD!!!!

So, in the meantime, I would LOVE to have YOUR advice and recommendation for finding a great diamond. Here are my specs: Cut: Round, Carat: 1.30 to 1.40, Clarity: VS1, Color: F to H, Price: hmmm…under 10K.

I knew it would be difficult to find that "perfect diamond for my bride"…but who knew that it would be this confusing.

Thanks in advance to everyone for your help.

ktse My Profile Registered User : offline Joined: 11-21-01 Posts: 135 Years: My Karma Power: 30 Points: 10	Your best bet... Post#2 @ 03-04-02 , 10:47 PM I don't think it's too hard to meet your specs at your pricepoint... For one you can run a query in pricescope to see what's out there. But for unbeatable service and prices you should seriously consider DBOF or GoodOldGold. Give 'em a holler, you won't be sorry. K

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Thanks....

Post#3 @ 03-05-02 , 01:26 PM

Thanks ktse,

I had not found my way to either of them yet but I did a quick look this morning. They look like great people, will call and talk to them too.

Your right, my price point gives me some definite wiggle room on my selection. My problem is that now I know that there is more than just "The 4C's" when it comes to diamonds. With that knowledge come more responsibility on making the right purchase from the right person.

That is my dilemma. I know more about diamonds but I am not a diamond expert. I feel that I am in that zone where I know a lot more than the average person does but if I'm not careful I could be talked into a bad purchase. Reading and understanding the various reports on a diamond helps tremendously and does give me a more easy feeling.

But, I guess anyone would be a bit scared on spending so much money on something so small for someone they love so dearly.

Once again, thank you so much. No matter where I buy my diamond I will post my experience.

ktse

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We're all in the same shoes...

Post#4 @ 03-05-02 , 10:07 PM

GroomToBe,

95% of the folks on DT qualify as only 'enlightened diamond consumers'. Regardless of how much you read on diamonds, any experienced jeweler could pull a fast one on you if they wanted to. The good thing is you have lotsa help here from the regulars on DT. Trust you gut instinct about diamonds your considering and the vendor selling them. Be patient and get what you want, not what some vendor is trying to sweet-talk you into buying. Set your standards and don't compromise. The consumer should come first, IMO.

That being said, DBOF and GOG are probably the most patient and trustworthy vendors here on DT. Both will search the diamond world from top to bottom to find a beauty for ya and never will they pressure you into a sale. They give you the options and let you decide. But don't wait too long b/c the rock could get snatched up by someone else before you even blink.

That's my 2 cents but like you I am a consumer looking for the best bang for my limited buck and through a vendor who is trustworthy and customer oriented.

KT

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Absolutely Correct!!!!

Post#5 @ 03-06-02 , 11:37 AM

You are absolutely correct ktse!!!!

If my gut waivers I am walking away. That is one of the major reasons I am on DT. I know there are qualified individuals here helping out us newbies. Plus, everyone is providing their two-cents, which is a big help too.

I checked out GOG and DBOF yesterday and they look great. Now it is time to call and talk to them about finding that "perfect diamond". Then after that go with my gut feeling and buy a sparkler.

babblingal My Profile Joined: 10-13-00 Posts: 753 Years: My Karma Power: 0 Points: 10	If you search using the word "warped" Post#6 @ 03-06-02 , 02:10 PM you will find much about Fred and his issue of diamond "warping". Basically, most folks here think it is bunk. You have a very generous amount to spend, remember it is your money and you should know everything about where you are spending it and what you are getting in return for your hard earned bucks! Good luck!

babblingal My Profile Joined: 10-13-00 Posts: 753 Years: My Karma Power: 0 Points: 10	If Houston is a roadtrip you can make Post#7 @ 03-06-02 , 02:18 PM http://www.whiteflash.com Lesley and Brian are in Houston. I bet they might be able to help you see some nice things in person and be treated nicely too.

GroomToBe My Profile Registered User : offline Joined: 03-04-02 Posts: 4 Years: My Karma Power: 0 Points: 10	Thanks Babs..... Post#8 @ 03-06-02 , 04:47 PM Thanks Babs, Will take a look at Whiteflash and contact them before I go to Houston. Probably within the next few weeks.

diveloonie