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| HOME : FORUM : Regional : United States : WA : Hello DT! |
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Post#1 @
04-29-03
, 02:22 PM
Hey all, New to the market. Not sure what is meant by a "certified" diamond. Any advice on where to purchase in the Seattle area? |
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Post#2 @
04-29-03
, 02:31 PM
It may be a twist of words, but the diamond isn't really "certified" in the sense of it being warranted or guaranteed to be of a certain color, clarity etc. The certificate is more like a grading report, respected in the industry from GIA or AGS as an accurate report of the stone, but the stone is not "certified." A semantic difference maybe, but think of it as a grading report not a certification even though to do get a "certificate." In the same vein, GIA does not "certify" gemologists so if you see someone purporting to be a "GIA Certified Gemologist" there is no such thing. The person may have a certificate from them, but that does not imply any type of certification. Hope this helps. |
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Post#3 @
04-29-03
, 11:18 PM
If any dealer tries to sell you a "certified" diamond, head for the door and don't look back since it is sign of misrepresentation, and there will be more to follow from that vendor. The respected gem labs such as GIA and AGS do NOT certify diamonds. They issue diamond grading reports which are respected OPINIONS, with disclaimers, regarding the attributes of the particular stone. A grading report, or "cert" as they are sometimes called in the trade, is no substitute for a proper and independent appraisal. By the way, the word "cert" referrs to the official certificate on which the grading report is written, NOT the fact that the diamond is in any way "certified". There was a guy on these forums who was banned for resorting to excessive self promotion under the guise of consumer "education", who, on his commercial website, claimed to sell both "certified" and "uncertified" diamonds. GIA and AGS are the gem labs who are most widely respected as to the accuracy of their grading. IGI reports are not worth much since they consistently will grade a stone higher than the more respected labs, and issue a more favorable report on an identical diamond. I hope this helps. 
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Post#4 @
04-30-03
, 05:15 PM
So what it means then is that someone from a industry-accepted group has inspected the diamond and listed its 3 C's, to the best of their opinion. Ok, that makes sense. Realistically, is it safe buying a diamond online as opposed to visiting Tom Shane down at the local mall? |
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Post#5 @
04-30-03
, 05:23 PM
Welcome Jolly! Yes it is safe, if not safer, to buy a diamond online as long as you are dealing with a reputable dealer. There are several who frequent DT that can be counted on! My preference is diamondbrokersoffl.com. This is where we got my diamond from and I couldn't be happier with the quality, service or price. I'm sure others will have recommendations as well. Check out the testimonials section for starters. |
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Last edited by msmithmomx2 : 04-30-03 at 05:23 PM.
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it's a bit complicated
Post#6 @
05-01-03
, 10:11 PM
Granted, i don't know the process of buying a diamond online. I was looking to "upgrade" my e/wedding rings towards a bigger ring set in white gold at Gordon's, where i bought it originally. After finding out about DT, it now seems as if i'd get a better deal buying the mounting from Gordon's and diamonds from here. Although, one thing worries me: What if i take it to Gordon's to have it set, and they'll change the diamond? I'll never know, and things like that have happend...no? 
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Post#7 @
05-01-03
, 10:21 PM
If you buy a GIA or AGS stone that has a certificate number inscribed on the girdle then you can have the store show you the number before you accept the ring back. You can make it known that the cert # is there and that you expect to inspect it under a scope when all is said and done. If they switch it then, you will have them by the ....well you know!  Edited to add, you can also send the mounting to the vendor that you buy the diamond from or you could use Dave Atlas or another appraiser who will set stones. This way, they could check the diamond for you and then set it. |
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Last edited by msmithmomx2 : 05-01-03 at 10:24 PM.
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aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh...
Post#8 @
05-01-03
, 11:31 PM
so that's the little piece that was missing in my "vast" knowledge of diamond buying! Thank you so much for your advice, now it makes perfect sence. I guess my next step would be to go to Gordon's and ask for the specs of the diamond. Interesting, what will the girl at the counter say? 
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Post#9 @
05-01-03
, 11:41 PM
I wish I had a "vast" knowledge of diamond buying but alas I only have my one experience from DBOF (other than an ebay purchase which while not a total loss, was definitely a "learning" experience). As I said earlier, I bought from DBOF, had them send me the diamond for the inspection period, had the cert# checked by a local appraiser, and then sent it back to DBOF to be set. Once I received it back in the setting, I went back to the appraiser to check the cert#. I was very satisfied and saved about half of what the stone would have cost me had I bought locally. I have had more than one store here tell me that there was no way that they could beat the price that I paid. Hehehe! So now, instead of a piece of icky carbon, I have a sparkly diamond that I love! I've had it for a few months and I still find myself gazing at it constantly. Here's a pic! |
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Post#10 @
05-01-03
, 11:43 PM
It an unbranded .73ct G VS2 hearts and arrows. Just look at those arrows! Jan was great, she sent me the brilliancescope and a sarin report which helped a lot. If you aren't familiar with these reports do a search and gather some info. They are a big help when purchasing online. |
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those are arrows and a half!
Post#11 @
05-02-03
, 12:10 AM
that is a pretty diamond! And nothing makes you feel better then knowing you got a good deal: at the end everyone wins - you save money, and the company got a ton of positive reviews and loads of new customers. Even i'm now thinking about turning to their services with that 1ct. marquis solitare. The longer the stone the bigger it looks!
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Post#12 @
05-02-03
, 12:15 AM
LOL and as most who post here will agree, bigger is better! 
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Post#13 @
05-02-03
, 02:10 AM
Jolly, I left you a couple emails with info about the stuff youre asking about... Inclduing the names of some great Seattle Jewlers, so check it!
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Post#14 @
05-06-03
, 01:05 AM
msmithmomx2, I emailed and spoke to Jan, and you're right -- she's great. What did you mean by "unbranded" in your previous post? Is it typical for the certificate number to be inscribed on the girdle? And when the diamond was mailed to you, did you feel the need to take it to an independent inspector to get a second opinion on the certificate? I've no doubts that Jan is a businesswoman of integrity -- but I'm wondering what's smart for me, the ignorant consumer, to do. |
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Post#15 @
05-06-03
, 01:18 AM
Hi Jolly, just wondering if you want to chat, or if you got my message in your email? Take care. |
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Post#16 @
05-06-03
, 01:27 AM
Hey jolly, if you have Yahoo Instant messenger, feel free to send me a message. My name on Yahoo IM is moosejaw1 and on AOL IM it is moosejaw1199 It'd be nice to chat with someone in the seattle area. take care, G |
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Post#17 @
05-06-03
, 08:25 AM
Hi Jolly, What I mean by unbranded is that the diamond isn't a "name brand" such as Hearts on Fire or Hearts for Eternity. Theses names are used for H&A diamonds sold by many b&m stores for a premium price. From what I understand, most diamonds that have GIA certificates usually have the certificate number inscribed on the girdle. I think AGS does the same but I'm not as sure about that one. When I received my diamond, I took it to a local appraiser to verify the cert number on the girdle, color and clarity. We also looked at it through a hearts and arrows viewer so that we could see for ourselves what everyone was talking about. I would suggest that you always have it independently evaluated. This has nothing to do with Jan and Brad as I think that they are very honest and forthcoming. It has more to do with seeing the diamond for yourself. Be careful that you go to a reputable dealer/appraiser. Some will tell you that you got ripped off just because they want you to buy from them instead of offline. If you can find an appraiser that has no affiliation with a jeweler then they would be more likely to give you an honest opinion. I couldn't find anyone in my area so I had to use a jeweler who was also an appraiser but he verified everything that Jan had told me. I suggest going out to the local stores and viewing diamonds of different cut, color and clarity. Figure out what you like best and then buy online. Good luck in your search! |
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Moosejaw - I did get your emails, and sent you a reply. Thanks, but it's out of my price range. And I'll check out the stores you recommended in my area. I appreciate the help! TH |
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Last edited by Jolly : 05-06-03 at 12:50 PM.
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