Engagement rings

[humansoul]

Well, here's another engagement ring thread that's been started. Well, the ball has started rolling and pretty much the only thing left is finding that perfect engagement ring.

I've read up on majority of the threads here and had some questions for those who can answer:

-After going to several jewellers, they only provide the GemScan information. No GIA or EGL, and according to one jeweller, the GIA certificate is not accepted here and thus still goes through the GemScan appraisal, which is considered to be stricter than GIA or EGL. Is this true?

-The GemScan info seems to be lacking information about the diamond. When the jeweller shows me the diamond, the only info included is carat, clarity, cut, colour. I thought these certificates would entail a longer description? Is this a indication that GemScan may not be a good choice when it comes to the certification?

-Can anyone suggest a jeweller with GIA or EGL certificates or do most carry them? If there are jewellers that carry such diamonds, does it need to be appraised again by an independent or possibly GemScan?

-One particular diamond I was looking at from GemScan had a cut rating of 'good'. Can anyone clear up what this standard would be compared to GIA or EGL?

Sorry for all the in depth questions...but I want to make the correct decision on this.

Thanks in advance!

[azurephoto]

Have you tried http:Blue Nile (bluenile.ca) ? I believe they will offer it to you on their CAD site.

PS - www.jclayphoto.com for your engagement photos! ;)

[Coke355mL]

If you're going through the retail channel, it'll be hard to find a diamond that comes with anything other than a GemScan because these rings are already set/mounted during production and GIA and AGS or etc will only grade loose diamonds. You're better off going through a private jeweler. But no, it is not true. GemScan is probably what I would consider the lowest - and in your case, it sounds like a sales pitch to the unsuspecting consumers.

From what I have researched on my own when I purchased my engagement ring, GemScan is something to stay away from. People have reported GemScan to be overgrading the diamonds.

Another thing to note about GemScan, is that they ONLY report on the 4 C's. What was a huge concern for me was that they do not legally have to say if it is a real diamond. Legally, they can report on the 4C's for moissoinite (fake diamond) even so I would be very concerned on whether or not you are buying a real diamond or not. A detailed report would provide a lot more information (check out the GIA reports available from BlueNile on their diamonds).

What I would do is have the diamond graded independantly through Harold Weinstein, located in Toronto, who is the only laboratory in Canada that is AGS certified. But you won't get any AGS certificate either unless it is a loose diamond since GIA or AGS will only grade loose diamonds. Also, I know many insurance companies wouldn't cover a diamond with a GemScan either.

Also, if you are looking for the perfect engagement ring, you should design one yourself by working with a private jeweler!

[humansoul]

Wow...thanks for this info. I was reading up on Gemscan and they are some truth to the fact that it does not state it is a real diamond at all from the summary report.

I've had a hard time finding a reputable jeweller with GIA reports, which seem to be the standard and trusted throughout. I've been looking at diamond exchange and seems they do provide GIA diamonds, but I rather see the diamonds in hand first rather than just buying based on the report.

Can anyone recommend a large enough or even private jeweller than carries GIA diamonds?

[dog_mumu]

Just to clarify on why many jewellers have their diamonds graded at GemScan rather than at GIA. GemScan has an office right on Queen Street, lower prices and faster grading time (just a few days). GIA only has two laboratories in the United States that grade diamonds from the entire world. They will be opening up another lab to decrease the amount of stones coming into the existing ones, but that will be in Asia, not in North America. The costs are higher (both for the grading services and for shipping) and the time to grade is several weeks.

In addition to that, GIA is much more strict than GemScan, although in my experience EGL is the worst offender in term of overgrading. GemScan might be overgrading by a grade, EGL often does by two.

As to cut quality, let me just note that GIA spent years researching what parameters of cut affect the diamond's visual appearance and the cut grade on a GIA report reflects both the numbers (depth, table, crown and pavilion angles and so on) and the visual appearance as judged by a skilled grader. The grades given by GemScan are much less thorough and consistent.

[LaymanX]

Diamond Moments (Dundas Square), gave me a GIA report for my engagement ring and beat BlueNile's prices by 10%. Great worksmanship too.

Why settle for GemScan? I got the exact same sales pitch.. They told me that Canadian based dealers don't work with GIA. pffft.

[LaymanX]

A quick quote that I got from Diamond Moments:

1.00 caret diamond VS1 clarity, F colour, princess cut, VG cut = $4,500 (tax not incl)

They're asian, so be sure to bargain and use Bluenile as reference!

[thelefteyeguy]

use http://www.diamondexchange.ca/ as a reference and discounted about 10% (that's the price that a wholesaler in Toronto will give you) (use the search function too on the site)

then if paid in cash...no taxes.

That's how I did it when I got mine 3 years ago

[elty]

Diamond Moments (Dundas Square), gave me a GIA report for my engagement ring and beat BlueNile's prices by 10%. Great worksmanship too.

Why settle for GemScan? I got the exact same sales pitch.. They told me that Canadian based dealers don't work with GIA. pffft.

Anyone else has experience with them? I search online and I found a negative review about them.

[CharmyPoo]

I would never buy a diamond that is not GIA or AGS certified.

I am on this diamond forum and they always recommend going with the following online vendors. Their prices are suppose to be great but you will have to deal with getting it across the border.

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com
http://www.goodoldgold.com
http://www.whiteflash.com

People also had great experiences with USA Certed Diamonds. They are actually located in Thornhill.
http://www.usacerteddiamonds.com/

[fugazi11]

there are over 20 wholesalers at victoria and yonge in one builiding. I recommend making apt's at a couple of them and see who you feel comfortable with. Don't just get prices on specs.....go look at the actual diamond.

[humansoul]

thanks for all the assistance thus far!

I've decided to stick it out with a GIA cert diamond. I do agree that it's worth seeing the diamond first than relying on just the certificate, but it's so hard trusting some of these jewellers and selling you a diamond that could be not as good as what bluenile carries.

I've found one in particular at a local jeweller with a GIA cert:

Princess Cut
0.84 carat
G colour
VS1 clarity
No culet
VG Polish
VG Symmetry
Square modified brilliance

I saw the diamond and the sparkle was like it was on fire. In every angle, the diamond shined even under a shadow...Although, I would have wanted a higher colour, this seemed to be as close as I could get to something I wanted. Any thoughts on the above?

Also, the jeweller said with a GIA report, once I get the ring insured, I would need it to be appraised, and likely done through Gem Scan. Is this correct?

[dog_mumu]

Also, the jeweller said with a GIA report, once I get the ring insured, I would need it to be appraised, and likely done through Gem Scan. Is this correct?


That is almost correct. You need to get it appraised before getting it insured. Unless your insurance company will accept your original receipt as a proof of value, they will want a proper appraisal done with "Estimated Retail Replacement Value". GemScan is one place that does that, but there are many others. Also note that you might need to re-appraise your ring every several years (per request of insurance co.) as the inflation and changes in the market will change the effective replacement costs.

[humansoul]

I would never buy a diamond that is not GIA or AGS certified.

I am on this diamond forum and they always recommend going with the following online vendors. Their prices are suppose to be great but you will have to deal with getting it across the border.

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com
http://www.goodoldgold.com
http://www.whiteflash.com

People also had great experiences with USA Certed Diamonds. They are actually located in Thornhill.
http://www.usacerteddiamonds.com/

Thanks Charmy...I gave usacerteddiamonds a call and they arranged an appointment with a nearby jeweller that has some cuts I am in the range for. I'm pretty happy with the stone I mentioned above, but I do want to have a second opinion before i take the plunge.

I'll let you know how it goes..thanks again!

[CharmyPoo]

Good luck with your purchase! This process can be pretty stressful but the research will be worth it.

A lot of my friends purchased from someone at Dundas Square but it was a little shady - you give a deposit and get no receipt or anything. They were all really happy with the diamond and price.

I personally found that the Canadian prices just cannot compare to the prices you get in the US. In our search, we also found better cut diamonds in the US but we were looking for something very specific that we can't even find in Canada. With the cheap flights to NYC, it might even be worth it to make a trip down.

We worked with Mark at engagement ring direct and he is amazing.

[LaymanX]

Anyone else has experience with them? I search online and I found a negative review about them.

Well, unless they're in the business of counterfeiting the GIA report, certificate and hologram.. I think it's a good deal. The stone + ring are gorgeous, and the service was good, with quick turnaround time.

You put down the deposit, get a receipt that fully details the attributes of the stone as well as the ring design, and they call you in a few days to review the product.

Although, some of those other dealers at Dundas Square WERE shady.. I surveyed about 20 different dealers all over GTA about the pricing for the same specifications, with responses from 4500 to 7600.. then one guy at Dundas Square quoted me abruptly "$12,000.. you can't get a better deal anywhere else"

:confused:

[dog_mumu]

Although, some of those other dealers at Dundas Square WERE shady.. I surveyed about 20 different dealers all over GTA about the pricing for the same specifications, with responses from 4500 to 7600.. then one guy at Dundas Square quoted me abruptly "$12,000.. you can't get a better deal anywhere else"

:confused:

It is real simple, my friend. :cheesygri

Some of those dealers at Dundas Square buy their diamonds from ...other dealers at Dundas Square. Seriously. At that place there is a lot of different fish, and the price they quote depends how high up the food chain they are. Telling you as a member of that food chain myself.

Some buy direct from cutters overseas. Some buy from New York dealers that buy from cutters overseas. Some buy from Toronto dealers (many located on Queen Street and in Dundas Square offices) that buy from New York dealers that buy from cutters overseas. And some buy from fellow Dundas Square dealers that buy from Queen Street dealers that buy from... You get the picture.

[elty]

It is real simple, my friend. :cheesygri

Some of those dealers at Dundas Square buy their diamonds from ...other dealers at Dundas Square. Seriously. At that place there is a lot of different fish, and the price they quote depends how high up the food chain they are. Telling you as a member of that food chain myself.

Some buy direct from cutters overseas. Some buy from New York dealers that buy from cutters overseas. Some buy from Toronto dealers (many located on Queen Street and in Dundas Square offices) that buy from New York dealers that buy from cutters overseas. And some buy from fellow Dundas Square dealers that buy from Queen Street dealers that buy from... You get the picture.

Would you mind to go through on the other attributes (not the 4C) - such as girdle, flourence and so on?

[LaymanX]

At work right now, fluorescence was "None", and that was apparently a good thing. :/ Don't remember girdle.

What other attributes do you want, and I'll look them up when I get home.

[gheart008]

Here's my experience, just went through the whole ordeal this year, after spending months of research.

I purchased my diamond loose from a broker in Florida. They were great (I dealt with one woman specifically) and I basically told her what I was looking for in terms of specs and price range, and she found me something that I would have never been able to find at the price. I had very specific requirements, even down to the dimensions and measurements.

I compared it to something similar here in Canada and it was roughly $3+K more expensive even at wholesale prices.

The broker is actually very reputable and is very popular on the pricescope forums.

I ended up getting a 1.08 GIA EX, EX, EX, VS2, F, no culet, medium girdle, no florescence, almost exact measurement percentages I was looking for, and it was an hearts and arrows diamond.

I couldn't even find a non hearts and arrows diamond with the same specs for the price I paid, here in Canada.

Anyways, after having the diamond shipped FedEx (no brokerage on loose diamonds to Canada from the USA, only tax), I had it regraded at EGL as well as appraised as a loose diamond and it was pretty much spot on compared to the original GIA cert.

I then had a custom ring made out of 18K Palladium and had it set in a Tiffany setting, then reappraised as a full ring for insurance purposes.

All in all, I got way beyond what I was planning to get, with the same amount of money I budgeted for. Getting a loose diamond through a broker from the states is by far the cheapest way you can go. Of course you have to do some work to get the final product, but it also makes it that much more satisfying and cost effective. My fiance was quite impressed what I went through and did to get her ring made.

Anyways, if you want the broker's contact info, just PM me.

[gheart008]

Would you mind to go through on the other attributes (not the 4C) - such as girdle, flourence and so on?

girdle:
http://diamonds.pricescope.com/girdle.asp

florescence:
http://diamonds.pricescope.com/fluor.asp

culet:
http://diamonds.pricescope.com/culet.asp

hearts and arrows:
http://diamonds.pricescope.com/hna.asp

table size:
http://diamonds.pricescope.com/tablesize.asp

crown and pavilion:
http://diamonds.pricescope.com/crn_pav.asp

polish:
http://diamonds.pricescope.com/polish.asp

symmetry:
http://diamonds.pricescope.com/symm.asp

ideal cut dimensions:
http://diamonds.pricescope.com/tolk.asp


Tons more useful information on the left hand side of the pricescope website. Forums on that site are excellent as well.

[dog_mumu]

Here's my experience, just went through the whole ordeal this year, after spending months of research.

I purchased my diamond loose from a broker in Florida. They were great (I dealt with one woman specifically) and I basically told her what I was looking for in terms of specs and price range, and she found me something that I would have never been able to find at the price. I had very specific requirements, even down to the dimensions and measurements.

I compared it to something similar here in Canada and it was roughly $3+K more expensive even at wholesale prices.

The broker is actually very reputable and is very popular on the pricescope forums.

I ended up getting a 1.08 GIA EX, EX, EX, VS2, F, no culet, medium girdle, no florescence, almost exact measurement percentages I was looking for, and it was an hearts and arrows diamond.

I couldn't even find a non hearts and arrows diamond with the same specs for the price I paid, here in Canada.

Anyways, after having the diamond shipped FedEx (no brokerage on loose diamonds to Canada from the USA, only tax), I had it regraded at EGL as well as appraised as a loose diamond and it was pretty much spot on compared to the original GIA cert.

I then had a custom ring made out of 18K Palladium and had it set in a Tiffany setting, then reappraised as a full ring for insurance purposes.

All in all, I got way beyond what I was planning to get, with the same amount of money I budgeted for. Getting a loose diamond through a broker from the states is by far the cheapest way you can go. Of course you have to do some work to get the final product, but it also makes it that much more satisfying and cost effective. My fiance was quite impressed what I went through and did to get her ring made.

Anyways, if you want the broker's contact info, just PM me.


That's a really great experience! Many people end up happy with their purchase from the United States, but I would also like to add that there are brokers like that in Canada too. Their prices would be just as competitive overall, since they source the diamonds from the same places.

May I ask, what exactly were the differences between the GIA and the EGL report?

[gheart008]

May I ask, what exactly were the differences between the GIA and the EGL report?

Just bits of different information.

The EGL report had all the information the GIA cert had, plus pictures showing the hearts and arrows under a firescope. It also came with an additional small report indicating the loose diamond's appraisal value. Normal appraisals can only be done for a diamond already set in a ring, and the appraisal value is for both the diamond and the ring, for insurance purposes.

It was really more of a peace of mind thing where I wanted to make sure that I was getting what I was promised.

[matkun]

I personally had a very good experience with bluenile.ca. I ordered our engagement ring from their, shipping was lightning fast and very happy with the result. Also got my wife's wedding ring from there also.

PS: Keep in mind some USA dealers do not include importing tax charges in their shipping. Bluenile does, and charges you the appropriate import tax.

When I ordered from another place, signed pieces, they did not include it and I had to pay the tax directly to Fedex. It was ~117 dollars on a ~1000 dollar ring.

Also if you shop at bluenile.ca and have a Visa, you can get an additional 10% off with Visa Perks:
http://visaperks.ca/visaperks/offer.cfm?cat=all&offertype=all&merch=10806&clear=y&CFID=910524&CFTOKEN=38227002

Just enter the promo code: VISABN18 in the reference code section when your checking out. 10% on 5k is a nice chunk of change.

[gheart008]

-One particular diamond I was looking at from GemScan had a cut rating of 'good'. Can anyone clear up what this standard would be compared to GIA or EGL?

I'm not completely familiar with GemScan, but with GIA as an example, the best is EX (excellent), then VG (very good), then good. For me personally, cut is the most important so 'good' wouldn't have cut it for me. But again, that's just me.

In terms of AGS, EX in GIA terms would translate to "Ideal"

[humansoul]

I personally had a very good experience with bluenile.ca. I ordered our engagement ring from their, shipping was lightning fast and very happy with the result. Also got my wife's wedding ring from there also.

PS: Keep in mind some USA dealers do not include importing tax charges in their shipping. Bluenile does, and charges you the appropriate import tax.

When I ordered from another place, signed pieces, they did not include it and I had to pay the tax directly to Fedex. It was ~117 dollars on a ~1000 dollar ring.

Also if you shop at bluenile.ca and have a Visa, you can get an additional 10% off with Visa Perks:
http://visaperks.ca/visaperks/offer.cfm?cat=all&offertype=all&merch=10806&clear=y&CFID=910524&CFTOKEN=38227002

Just enter the promo code: VISABN18 in the reference code section when your checking out. 10% on 5k is a nice chunk of change.

I've been on Bluenile hundreds of times now, looking at diamonds over and over again! I do agree that if you can really trust the reports/info without looking at the diamond on hand...then go for it!

As for the 10% off through Visa, this cannot be applied to loose diamonds or pre-set engagement rings.

On another note, for those looking for diamonds, I've found through my extensive visits to the jewellers, the reports/certificates have the good and bad. The major concern of jewellers now is the fact that many consumers are misinformed and cannot sell certain diamonds due to it's report. I had a jeweller show me GIA reports that were assessed by Gemscan and was graded lower, in particular the clarity.

[gheart008]

I had a jeweller show me GIA reports that were assessed by Gemscan and was graded lower, in particular the clarity.

As an official grading certificate, I think I would only trust GIA or AGS. I probably wouldn't consider my EGL certificate as "official", more of just a piece of mind. It just turned out the EGL grading was almost on par with the GIA.

To tell you the truth, during my entire research for diamonds, I never once encountered Gemscan and haven't even heard of them before reading this thread.

[humansoul]

To tell you the truth, during my entire research for diamonds, I never once encountered Gemscan and haven't even heard of them before reading this thread.

Gemscan is located in Toronto, so a lot of jewellers get their diamonds appraised here to save on money.

I'm sure there may be a larger, but local appraiser like Gemscan in Vancity.

[b3stewar]

I had a jeweller show me GIA reports that were assessed by Gemscan and was graded lower, in particular the clarity.

Based on your replies in this thread i think we have been through the same process, and probably to the same jeweller. Martin sent me to a guy in dundas square on 12th floor.

im in the process of purchasing a diamond as well... PM me

[CharmyPoo]

Some buy direct from cutters overseas. Some buy from New York dealers that buy from cutters overseas. Some buy from Toronto dealers (many located on Queen Street and in Dundas Square offices) that buy from New York dealers that buy from cutters overseas. And some buy from fellow Dundas Square dealers that buy from Queen Street dealers that buy from... You get the picture.

So would we get the best price buying from someone who buys directly from cutters. I wonder if a "normal" consumer can actually get a deal or we are just looking for a fair price.

[dog_mumu]

So would we get the best price buying from someone who buys directly from cutters. I wonder if a "normal" consumer can actually get a deal or we are just looking for a fair price.

Overall yes, the lowest price is with those who have the lowest initial cost.

Yet on the other hand De Beer's are opening their own retail stores, and no one expects the prices to be very low. Overhead is just too big: costs of rent at the upscale locations, advertising costs, designer costs, plus they do like their margins to be high.


Buying a diamond is more that just buying. You have to consider the variety of choice, the knowledge of the salesperson, the warranty and return policy of the store, the craftsmanship of their jewellery (if you purchase it set).

Diamonds can be graded to appear a commodity, but the final jewellery is a piece of art. The cost of art is more that just cost of its constituent parts.

[dog_mumu]

Another point though. Even those who buy from cutters may not always give you the lowest prices due to availability. If the dealer cannot locate a specific diamond from the lowest cost sources, they might have to buy from a dealer on the same level as themselves. In such case they might even cut their own margins, just to keep the client from purchasing from someone else.

[DLFB]

This post educated me a LOT in regards to finding THAT ring. I thought it was easy, but knowing myself, I want the breakdown on what I'm getting.

Just out of curiosity, how much did you guys spend on your engagement ring?

[JC69]

This post educated me a LOT in regards to finding THAT ring. I thought it was easy, but knowing myself, I want the breakdown on what I'm getting.

Just out of curiosity, how much did you guys spend on your engagement ring?

Less than a grand as we both decided that we didn't want to pay a lot for an artificially price inflated piece of aged carbon with some very clever marketing attached and rather spend the extra on a big vacation.

[thelefteyeguy]

This post educated me a LOT in regards to finding THAT ring. I thought it was easy, but knowing myself, I want the breakdown on what I'm getting.

Just out of curiosity, how much did you guys spend on your engagement ring?

your question is going to turn this thread to a pissing contest

does matter what you spend...it's what you can afford

stick with your budget.

[dog_mumu]

Less than a grand as we both decided that we didn't want to pay a lot for an artificially price inflated piece of aged carbon with some very clever marketing attached and rather spend the extra on a big vacation.

does matter what you spend...it's what you can afford

stick with your budget.

+1. People worry too much about how they will be perceived if they spend too little on an engagement ring. Diamonds are a luxury, not a necessity. If you are not obscenely rich, do not own a Ferrari or the likes, do not buy the latest hyper-expensive TV sets, and do not take a month long first class vacation around the world every year, there is no reason why you should spend more than you can comfortably afford on a diamond.

The dollar amount spent on a ring means nothing without knowing the person's taste, income level, and what was the actual ring bought for that amount.

An more expensive diamond does not mean you love her more. In fact, you should make sure she actually likes expensive jewellery and would not prefer to spend the money elsewhere, such as the above mentioned vacation. If a one time experience is worth more to both of you than a sparkling diamond that she will wear and enjoy every day, by all means, spend money on what makes you happier.

[matkun]

I would second www.bluenile.ca, had a very good experience with them for the engagement ring and my wife's wedding band.. There's a 10% off if you use Visa too from Visa Perks, however it doesn't work for the diamonds or build your own jewelery thing (which I used for her engagement ring), it only applies the 10% off to the setting, which if you pick Platinum can be pricey.

There's also a place in NY that I bought my wedding band from, www.signedpieces.com, they don't have the flashy website of Blue Nile but have very good service and cheaper prices.

Check out www.pricescope.com before buying and read the guides. Cut is one of the most important determinants of how good a stone looks. GIA certs also show you a map of the inclusions in a Diamond, so you can determine whether an SI1 or 2 is good enough for you. You can save a lot of money from going SI instead of VS without any noticeable difference unless you stick the diamond under a microscope.

[JC69]

You should also know that when you buy a diamond you are purchasing an item with a highly artificially inflated price. The price you pay is supposed to reflect the rarity of the item but this is not so. De Beers closely controls the supply of these items and actually keeps stocks of diamonds in central warehouses to keep the prices high. This is why we have decided not to buy diamonds again. If we want them we'll buy artificial ones not controlled by De Beers which look identical in many cases to mined diamonds. You can check all this information for yourselves, this is fact and not opinion. Diamond advertising plays upon many emotions and is a large part of the De Beers strategy.

[gheart008]

+1. People worry too much about how they will be perceived if they spend too little on an engagement ring. Diamonds are a luxury, not a necessity. If you are not obscenely rich, do not own a Ferrari or the likes, do not buy the latest hyper-expensive TV sets, and do not take a month long first class vacation around the world every year, there is no reason why you should spend more than you can comfortably afford on a diamond.

The dollar amount spent on a ring means nothing without knowing the person's taste, income level, and what was the actual ring bought for that amount.

An more expensive diamond does not mean you love her more. In fact, you should make sure she actually likes expensive jewellery and would not prefer to spend the money elsewhere, such as the above mentioned vacation. If a one time experience is worth more to both of you than a sparkling diamond that she will wear and enjoy every day, by all means, spend money on what makes you happier.

your question is going to turn this thread to a pissing contest

does matter what you spend...it's what you can afford

stick with your budget.

+100

Some people have asked me through PM how much I spent, and this is the exact reason why I didn't tell them.

[dog_mumu]

Some people have asked me through PM how much I spent, and this is the exact reason why I didn't tell them.

I am not disagreeing with anything said here before, but here is an idea for a survey that almost talks about how much people spent:


Did you keep the cost in the "two months income" range? If yes, was it conscious, or did you just find something you liked that happened to fit that range?

[DLFB]

sorry to resurrect the thread...but...

Where are the jewelry stores @ Dundas Square? I don't frequent in this area so I wouldn't know really.

Thanks guys.

[nalababe]

+1. People worry too much about how they will be perceived if they spend too little on an engagement ring. Diamonds are a luxury, not a necessity. If you are not obscenely rich, do not own a Ferrari or the likes, do not buy the latest hyper-expensive TV sets, and do not take a month long first class vacation around the world every year, there is no reason why you should spend more than you can comfortably afford on a diamond.

The dollar amount spent on a ring means nothing without knowing the person's taste, income level, and what was the actual ring bought for that amount.

An more expensive diamond does not mean you love her more. In fact, you should make sure she actually likes expensive jewellery and would not prefer to spend the money elsewhere, such as the above mentioned vacation. If a one time experience is worth more to both of you than a sparkling diamond that she will wear and enjoy every day, by all means, spend money on what makes you happier.

Bang on....

There are many factors that one should consider....one that is often overlooked is the shape and size of the hand and fingers. For long and slender fingers a marquise or pear actually will create more elegant look (despite not being the "perfect" cut.

The other mistake people make with larger diamonds is that they can become very impractical.

Funny, that while many recently engaged love larger rings, many married 5 or 10 years will often wish it was smaller.

[Coke355mL]

Another thing to consider is how long your fiance plans to wear the ring and also... the cost to insure the ring. If the ring is very very expensive, the costs can be a lot to insure it since your own home insurance policy only covers a small amount (something in the $6000 range, depending on your policy).

So if you plan on spending a lot of money for a ring and your fiance is only going to wear 1 or 2 years, that's something to think about. Or if she plans to wear it for many many years, then you'll need to insure it for many many years... the costs can add up. So these are some things you have to consider.

[soleprovider]

A friend of mine used:

http://www.jamesallen.com/


He said it was cheaper than bluenile.

[CharmyPoo]

The only thing is the James Allen is purely US based. BlueNile has a Canadian operation. I guess the prices will depend on the exchange rate.

[DLFB]

I actually spoke to JamesAllen, Goodoldgold and dbof.com...and I felt none of them wanted to help or simply ditched a planned deal which was a horrible experience.

Although Bluenile doesn't have their diamonds in-house, they were still willing to communicate with me no matter what. Their CS is superb that's why I went with them.

Also, I need to find someone in Toronto who can do the setting for me. Are those stores infront of Eaton Centre (beside Champs) safe? I've read elsewhere that they're ok and actually cheaper than usual stores (who pay large overheads, hence the arm-and-a-leg price).

PS
for those who are planning to get an engagement ring/diamond soon, go to pricescope.com first and educate yourselves

[21will03]

Also, I need to find someone in Toronto who can do the setting for me. Are those stores infront of Eaton Centre (beside Champs) safe? I've read elsewhere that they're ok and actually cheaper than usual stores (who pay large overheads, hence the arm-and-a-leg price).



hey just picked up on this thread. I'm also looking for a trustworthy jeweller as well because we need to resize an engagement ring. preferrably a jeweller that does the resizing there and doesn't have to ship it off to get it resized.

[DLFB]

Usually a re-size doesn't even take a day. If I were you I'd go to a store who'd do it same day. Maybe try those people beside Champs?

I got my GF's "promise ring" resized a year ago and it only took an hour - then again, this was back home (Philippines).

[CharmyPoo]

Try ..

Bandiera Jewellers
200 Marycroft Ave. Suite 18 & 19
Woodbridge, ON L4L 5X5
Tel: 905 856.8860
http://www.bandierajewellers.com

[Aggy]

Just reviving this thread as I came back from my 5th purchase from my jeweler at Yonge/Dundas square...well the purchase was for a buddy in another province...so far for myself I've bought an engagement ring, 2 wedding bands, 4 pairs of diamond earrings, a tahitian pearl and an engagement ring for my buddy that he of course paid for...all at great prices.

Where are the jewelry stores @ Dundas Square?

There's a ton of jewelery stores on the east side of yonge south of dundas, but those places can be pretty overpriced. My jeweler is in the high rise just east of Hard Rock Cafe and anyone wants his contact info please PM me. For those of you who dealt with USAcerted know who I'm talking about. Just as an example ( I don't really like to talk about price like others on this thread) my buddy asked me to price this ring...

http://canadadiamonds.com/product_details.php?id=18KW5105&
customer=CAD

The website price was $3272.54 for 0.74 ct.tw, but my jeweler priced it at $2000 with similar specs. Instead I managed to get my buddy a center diamond 0.79 ct with 6 diamonds per side channel setting for 1.02 ct.tw for $2500. Center diamond was G Color, VS2, good cut. He may or may not have gotten a better price elsewhere, but it was within his budget and that's all that matters!

[setell]

Sorry to bring back a old thread but does anybody have any personal experiences with James Allen? I know they ship via Fed Ex International but do they charge brokerage fees?