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| HOME : FORUM : EDUCATION : DIAMONDS : "Keepsake" (tm) Diamond Engagment Ring |
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Should I buy? -- "Keepsake" (tm) Diamond Engagement Ring
Post#1 @
09-20-01
, 05:09 PM
This is my first time posting here. I went ring shopping/browsing with my girlfriend a couple of weeks ago, to get an idea of what she likes/doesn't like so that I will be able to buy her somthing that she will like. Anyway, she found "the ring" . It just so happens that it is a "Keepsake" diamond/setting Marquise Center and 2 baguettes in a two-tone setting . (http://www.keepsake.com/cgi-local/wishlist.cgi?uid=9920019) . Now on with my question. The keepsake diamonds do not come with GIA/EGL/AGS/etc certs, they come with a Keepsake certificate done by a "keepsake gemologist." They also allow you to order "Premier" or "Prestige" diamonds. I woud be getting the Premier (VS1-VS2 G-H). What are your experiences with Keepsake, and is it a good value? What about not having a GIA Cert? Thanks for the help! The above "Ask Diamond Talk" post was filled out online at http://www.diamondring.com/forums/n...amondq uestion |
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Post#2 @
09-20-01
, 05:45 PM
I have no direct experience with Keepsake but I have a hunch they're overpriced. I would prefer a GIA grading report since it is an industry standard executed by people who grade diamonds, not sell them. I would do a search for what stone you want using the 2 vendors on the Diamond Talk.com banner, as a starting point. There are many jewelers who frequent this site who can make you whatever setting you want, if they don't already have something you like. I think you will save money and have a better diamond. The Rodentman |
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Post#3 @
09-20-01
, 05:48 PM
I am not familiar with Keepsake tm however I would be weary of a company that issues their own certificates. The company is grading the stone they are selling (and want to make the most profit) therfore I wouldn't count on getting a truthful, unbiased report. Most people recommend a stone with an AGS or GIA cert. You did not mention the size, specs, and price of the stone so it would be hard to judge value. If you like the stone and it is a good price then you could get it providing they have a money back guarantee and take it to an independent appraiser (not one the store suggests). Good luck. |
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More info on the Ring I'm looking at - Keepsake
Post#4 @
09-20-01
, 05:59 PM
The thing is, she likes this ring (because of the setting). I checked and buying just the setting is not an option. The ring I am looking at is 14K gold/white gold, and has 3 stones. 2 smallish Baguettes, and the centerstone that I am considering is a .5ct Marquise cut. the diamond would fall into the range VS1-VS2 G-H. They do guarantee it to be rated by any certified gemologist as being of the quality that they rate it at, and no less than 1 notch below (ie SI1 or I-color). If it does they will replace the stone. They quoted me $4120 for that ring. Here is a link to a sample picture of it: http://www.keepsake.com/cgi-local/w...cgi?uid=9920019 It is the ring she likes, and since We will never be selling it anyway I don't mind paying a little too much. I do want to make sure that I am buying a stone that is as prescious as she is to me. Thanks for the help, Josh http://www.keepsake.com |
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MQ ring
Post#5 @
09-20-01
, 06:05 PM
Joshg, that looks like a common style setting take that pic and shop around. Click and brick & mortar both. Make your decision not only based on price. Most of the time you get what you pay for. bonzo |
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Post#6 @
09-20-01
, 06:07 PM
I think many of the other vendors can provide similar or even duplicate the ring. So that's some food for thought. You should get her what she wants. But you might be able the get the same visual effect without that brand.  Happy hunting.
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Post#7 @
09-20-01
, 06:28 PM
Woah...that is WAY too much for an uncertified, .5 carat G/H VS1/VS2 stone in a 14K setting with two small baguettes. Sure it is important for you to buy her something she will love and cherish forever but I bet you can get the same ring for less money and much higher quality. That is a common setting. There are a few warning signs that go off in my mind about Keepsake tm. First, the lack of indepent grading reports. Also, in defining the premier diamond they say nothing about the cut and that is what has the most impact on beauty and price. Knowing the color and clarity doesn't tell you all that much. You might want to check out http://www.pricescope.com They have an excellent tutorial. |
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Post#8 @
09-20-01
, 06:38 PM
Joshg-I hope you don't take these comments as "negative" since we are trying to help. IMHO the offer of replacement if the stone drops one grade is nice, as far as it goes, but getting into an I color SI1 .5 ct for the $ involved becomes not such a good deal. Even at the G/H VS1-2 you could do better. Someone asked what about the cut? Good question. It's an emotional purchase, but consider checking out pricescope.com as suggested. It taught me a lot as did http://www.goodoldgold.com The Rodentman |
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What a ripoff!!!
Post#9 @
09-20-01
, 06:40 PM
You can have that setting made, or find it through someone else, and put a certified stone in the center for much less! Check around, don't just buy that one because she likes the setting. You can find another setting like that, and get a much better center stone. |
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Way too much!
Post#10 @
09-20-01
, 06:42 PM
Josh- I have to agree with what DiaGirl said. I'm no expert (unlike others on this forum!), but I *love* jewelry and spend lots of free time just browsing in stores and online. That's wayyyy too much money to pay for that ring. It's the brand name that brings the price so high. You could save money and get her the same quality ring at a lesser price. Several people on here could offer great suggestions about where you could get an identical setting made. Or, if you're prepared to spend the 4000+, you could get the same setting, but with better quality stones. As it is, you could potentially get a SI1, I color ring, and not be able to do anything about it (thanks to their "we-can-be-one-grade-off policy"- unacceptable!) And you don't even know any information about the cut quality of the center stone. If you see the ring in person and *love* it, and can take it out of the "sparkly" jewelry store lights, and still love it, *and* they have a nice return policy, then go for it. If the ring isn't something you'd love to look at for many years to come, then do the extra legwork and get a gorgeous center stone in the same setting. Sorry this was so long, I just feel passionately about helping you get "a stone that is as prescious as she is to me" |
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Ok, where do I look for the same setting
Post#11 @
09-20-01
, 06:57 PM
Your replies definately reflect what I was thinking. I tried to leave my opinion out of my origional questions so as not to slant responses, but I thought it was 1. to expensive, and 2. I could get a better deal for my money (bigger, or better diamond). Where do I start to try to find an identical setting? She expecially liked the decorative work below the bagettes. Can a jeweler custom make something like that from a picture? Any info both on brick-n-morter jewelers and ones on the web that could potentially create something like this, or point me in the direction of someone who could would be much appreciated. Thanks again for all of the valuable help, Josh
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Hi again
Post#12 @
09-20-01
, 07:09 PM
Ray at Tradeshop.com apparently does some wonderful custom work. I'm sure he could take your picture and replicate it almost exactly, not to mention helping you find a great little sparkler! I'm not sure about his prices (others on here have worked with him- maybe they can tell you), but he's definitely a great resource to check out. http://www.tradeshop.com |
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Quick Search
Post#13 @
09-20-01
, 07:19 PM
A quick search on marquise diamond prices reveals that you could get a diamond of G-VS1 or VS2 quality for about 1500.00 in the .50 size range, and stones in the .66 range for 22-2300.00 I have to think that with the remaining 2000.00 you would have, you could get the setting made for you, with the baguettes. |
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Post#14 @
09-20-01
, 07:24 PM
I suspect that she likes it because she hasn't seen many like it. However, there are tons. Definitely check out http://www.tradeshop.com and also look at http://www.tacori.com for some examples of that style. Shelby
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Re: Quick Search
Post#15 @
09-20-01
, 07:43 PM
Quote:
Yes, and probably in platinum, for those kind of bucks.
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Post#16 @
09-20-01
, 09:22 PM
Dear joshg, Please do yourself a favor and do as suggested shop around! You sound as if she will be keeping this forever. If she can get an identical setting with a better certified diamond that would be a good thing, don't you agree? I think I have seen a setting almost identical to that somewhere else online. Are those tiny hearts underneath the baguettes? I will check to see if I can find where I saw that setting. Best of luck. 3forMe
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Here is a link to a sketch someone sent in to Ray at Tradeshop.com. http://www.tradeshop.com/idea/temp-...source/179.html Judging from his site he can do just about anything you can dream/draw up. I even saw a couple's rings that had the same pattern as their tattoos. You should e-mail/ call him and see what he can do. I'll keep looking for the other site. 3forMe
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