Hello all,

The time has come for me to purchase an engagement ring. I've read some of the older threads on here for some useful information, but I'm hoping I can get some advice on my particular situation. To start, I have done countless hours of research already both online and at local retail stores. However, I live near Philadelphia and have not yet ventured down 'Jeweler's Row' to see what I could do there. Here are my diamond requirements:

Round
2.0 ct minimum - I know some may say 'go down in size for a better stone...' this is her main requirement - whether it is wrong or right, she wants the size over exceptional quality.
Color - G-H - I would consider I but that's a stone-by-stone basis
Clarity - SI2 and up
Cut - Very good and up

I have seen every certification under the sun and although I know there may be differences, I simply do not care about the difference between GIA and EGL - neither does she - so not only will this save me thousands it will get a stone that makes her happy (the purpose of this whole ring experience)

As far as price - on the stone alone, I'd like to keep it under $8.5k - I have seen tons of stones for around $6500-$7500 that fit my criteria online (abazias, uniondiamond, etc) but I'm wondering what they do in terms of haggling - same goes for in store too...if I go to a store and they want $10k for a diamond that online costs $7500, if I throw down a wad of cash, how willing would they be to negotiate?

I just have a lot a questions, so any advice or strategy is appreciated
:woot:

If you and her are willing to go synthetic, you can pick up what you're looking for for about $1,000.

If you decide to go natural, make sure it's a GIA certified diamond. To make comparison shopping easier, only compare diamonds that are GIA certified so that you can compare the standardized specs from diamond to diamond. If you go to a jeweler and they say their diamonds are rated on a scale from A to D or something like that, walk away.

Also, after you buy it, have it mapped by a graduate gemologist. A map is like a fingerprint. There are no two diamonds alike, so having it mapped will give you your diamond's fingerprint. If you ever have it serviced anywhere (resizing, cleaning, etc.), have it mapped again after you get your diamond back to make sure it's the same one.

Last, make sure where ever you buy it from offers at least a 30 day money-back guarantee for any reason. Costco offers a lifetime guarantee.

I'd go with the synthetic one.

If you and her are willing to go synthetic, you can pick up what you're looking for for about $1,000.

If you decide to go natural, make sure it's a GIA certified diamond. To make comparison shopping easier, only compare diamonds that are GIA certified so that you can compare the standardized specs from diamond to diamond. If you go to a jeweler and they say their diamonds are rated on a scale from A to D or something like that, walk away.

Also, after you buy it, have it mapped by a graduate gemologist. A map is like a fingerprint. There are no two diamonds alike, so having it mapped will give you your diamond's fingerprint. If you ever have it serviced anywhere (resizing, cleaning, etc.), have it mapped again after you get your diamond back to make sure it's the same one.

Last, make sure where ever you buy it from offers at least a 30 day money-back guarantee for any reason. Costco offers a lifetime guarantee.

synthetic is a non-option - to me that's just cheap and tacky

I think GIA is bs - i understand they are the standard in diamond grading, but I have had a very high quality reputable jeweler lay eight diamonds out in front of me to choose - the one I liked the best was EGL, the second was AGA - all had near identical grades in every category - it just goes to show that its not about the cert, its about the diamond - I could give 2 craps about resale and actual value in the future - this is not an investment

synthetic is a non-option - to me that's just cheap and tacky

I think you're confusing synthetic diamonds with cubic zirconia. A synthetic diamond gemstone can be chemically, physically, and optically identical to a natural diamond.

I think you're confusing synthetic diamonds with cubic zirconia. A synthetic diamond gemstone can be chemically, physically, and optically identical to a natural diamond.

Yes I was, sorry for the confusion - however according to my research they do not make synthetic diamonds over 2 carats while still maintaining a near colorless stone.

If my wife had given me any kind of "diamond requirements," it would have been the last thing she told me. Obviously they want a quality diamond, but it's you picking it out. And she actually told you how big of a diamond she wants? Sounds like you got a spoiled little girl... good luck.

1. Read, read, read: http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/
2. Shop, shop, shop: http://www.bluenile.com/
3. Deal, deal, deal: http://www.retailmenot.com/view/bluenile.com
4. Insure, insure, insure: http://www.jewelersmutual.com/

This is the route I went and we are both very happy.

5. Never trust a saleman.

One more to read: http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.09/diamond.html

4. Insure, insure, insure: http://www.jewelersmutual.com/

Look to your homeowner's insurance for coverage rather than buying specialty insurance which is much, much more expensive. If the diamond or ring is not too expensive, it might be best to self-insure.