Diamonds?

Octavian · #1 03-29-2011, 02:11 PM

Since there are a lot of smart people here, I figured I might luck out on somebody who knows something about diamonds.

Long story short, I owe my wife of many years a diamond ring. If I show up with another bass before that ring arrives, I'm toast.

I can't swing the rock and the setting at the same time and want to make the rock a surprise gift and then we can go together to the jewelry store to get the setting picked and the ring built.

I appreciate the retail jewelry stores will rape my pocketbook. That's why I figure I can at least get the rock separately.

Any suggestions on the best way of getting that rock? I'm looking to spend between $1,000-$1,500 on the rock.

iamlowsound · #2 03-29-2011, 02:15 PM

Where are you? There are plenty of diamond wholesalers that will sell to the general public if you know where to find them. The problem is, they don't advertise. There is a fantastic one in Toronto and I just got an amazing deal a little over a month ago on my fiancee's engagement ring.

lowsound

Octavian · #3 03-29-2011, 02:15 PM

I'm in Las Vegas.

Jim Nazium · #4 03-29-2011, 02:20 PM

One thing I'd suggest is getting a diamond with a GIA certification. They will certify the weight, color, and clarity, and put it in a sealed, tamper-resistant package. Takes some of the uncertainty out of it, IMHO.

UncleFluffy · #5 03-29-2011, 02:22 PM

Surprisingly enough, Amazon has fairly good prices. Stick with VS2 or above if you can, unless there's a really good deal on SI1.
Amazon.com: Diamond - Rings: Jewelry

Octavian · #6 03-29-2011, 02:28 PM

Thanks. Looking at VS2 in the $1K-$1.5K range on Amazon:
Amazon.com: VS2 diamond, $1,000-$1,200 Gemstones

How do those prices fair? Good? Bad? In-between?

UncleFluffy · #7 03-29-2011, 02:31 PM

Try a comparison shop at Blue Nile ... they seem roughly similar to me.

Octavian · #8 03-29-2011, 02:32 PM

Thanks! Forgot about them.

iamlowsound · #9 03-29-2011, 03:56 PM

Those diamonds are rather low on the colour scale, but other than that they seem decent. If you look for a diamond wholesaler, you should be able to find a better diamond for the same price. Also, if you design the setting correctly, you can make a diamond look much bigger.

lowsound

Octavian · #10 03-29-2011, 03:58 PM

After comparing to those on Blue Nile, I could see the color scale values were indeed of lesser quality. This is a great start and at least gives me something to start working from so I don't have my thumb up my arse (too much!) when I get ready to plunk down the equivalent of what could be a new Carvin SB5000!

I kid. I kid.

Mostly.

iamlowsound · #11 03-29-2011, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Octavian

After comparing to those on Blue Nile, I could see the color scale values were indeed of lesser quality. This is a great start and at least gives me something to start working from so I don't have my thumb up my arse (too much!) when I get ready to plunk down the equivalent of what could be a new Carvin SB5000!

I kid. I kid.

Mostly.

I was much happier the drop the money on my fiancée's ring than I have ever been on buying a bass.

lowsound

Octavian · #12 03-29-2011, 04:12 PM

I have a whole issue of buying love that's a rather sensitive subject my wife and I have disagreed upon for several years. I did not have the money at the time to buy more than a "token" ring and having THE ring is apparently something that is hard-wired into the genetic makeup of the fairer species as being indicative of love. I disagree but realize it is more important to her than it is to me, so I'm conceding defeat on this one.

I also get that she (among many others) would feel the same way about me wanting to have a nice bass guitar.

For the money, there are plenty of other things I would rather buy for her than a rock. But, again, it's just something I don't pretend to understand.

Thanks for the help everyone!

UncleFluffy · #13 03-29-2011, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Octavian

For the money, there are plenty of other things I would rather buy for her than a rock. But, again, it's just something I don't pretend to understand.

Don't try. It's like shoes x 1000. It's one of those things that makes no sense to guys. That said, once you've done it it will mean a hell of a lot to you as well.

MatticusMania · #14 03-29-2011, 04:36 PM

I think it has something to do with diamonds representing permanence, since it is one of the hardesr substances on Earth. Like a marriage, they are supposed to withstand the tests of time. Or something. Whats the ad say, "A diamond is forever".

HEIST · #15 03-29-2011, 05:42 PM

I stalk pricescope.com (where men and women who are obsessed with wedding/engagement rings gather and talk) and it seems like The Ultimate Diamond Information Site - GoodOldGold.com is held in high regards to helping you find the perfect diamond for you within your budget. Haven't heard a bad review yet.

Jazz Ad · #16 03-29-2011, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatticusMania

I think it has something to do with diamonds representing permanence, since it is one of the hardesr substances on Earth. Like a marriage, they are supposed to withstand the tests of time.

And just like a marriage, they are highly flameable and burn to ashes very easily.

IconBasser · #17 03-29-2011, 06:03 PM

ahh, human fascination with shiny rocks. It never ceases to confuse me. It's the same thing with the absurd obsession some have with returning to the gold standard. The argument that it makes money more stable is still just based upon the fact that humans value it because it's shiny.

KillerNeuron · #18 03-29-2011, 06:14 PM

I just had to state how impressed I am with you guys...

I have never been concerned with diamonds so much(I'm a bigger fan of the colorful gems myself), but have never seen men so... Diamond-knowledgable! :P

Your women must be proud.

UncleFluffy · #19 03-29-2011, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KillerNeuron

I just had to state how impressed I am with you guys...

I have never been concerned with diamonds so much(I'm a bigger fan of the colorful gems myself), but have never seen men so... Diamond-knowledgable! :P

Your women must be proud.

I've only ever bought one "big" one. But when you're spending two month's salary you spend a bit of time shopping around and doing your research.

iamlowsound · #20 03-29-2011, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UncleFluffy

I've only ever bought one "big" one. But when you're spending two month's salary you spend a bit of time shopping around and doing your research.

I did lots of both when I was buying the ring for my fiancée. I also spent a good chunk of time designing the ring and setting. The setting is just as important as the diamond.

lowsound