Diamonds, are the expensive ones worth it?

[Scoboblio]

Would be grateful for any opinions or experiences, since we know everything on here.

 

Something's struck me whilst browsing jeweller's web sites..... a few high street names seem to limit their selection to P1 clarity diamonds, which I'm lead to believe are flawed to an extent which is usually visible to the naked eye.

 

Most web sites on the other hand, say that anything with an 'I' rating or below probably isn't worth buying because it'll look crap.

 

I know i'll have to actually get myself into a jewellers to take a look for myself, but is it actually worth paying out £££'s more for say a VS1 or VS2 diamond as opposed to a P1? (say a small diamond in a ring or necklace).

[Chiefgroover]

Thats my game.

 

P1 is crap, best used for drill bits or any other mining use.

 

Value for money, H Si1, Ideal or premium cut.

 

Dealers choice, G, VS2, which is flawless from the top, premium cut. (will cost a bit more)

 

Diamond Grading is NOT an exact science, so if someone says a grade its an opinion, has no legal standing worth talking about.

Certs, all state they are an opinion at the bottom.

 

Buy from someone you trust. Thats the best you can get. Online is a risky business.

 

IN a small diamond, whether its G Vs 1 or H Si2, the difference isnt that massive, just stay H or above and Si or better and your fine. If you cant see it dont buy it, as cut will show itself to the naked eye. If it doesnt sparkle stay clear regards of colour or clatiry.

 

Myths........."XXXXXXXXX" country is cheap for diamonds. LMAO........you think? Any major dealer can be there is a matter of hours and buy up the supply IF that was true. I have been in R.S.A. and all sorts of "rumoured" cheap places, yet to see a bargain.

Amsterdam airport was charging more than the high street mounted price for 1.00ct H Si ideal cut good symmetry, great finish, medium girlde, with good fire and dispersion, solitaire 15 years ago.

 

Small stones.......H SI is fine if its well cut.

[Scoboblio]

Thanks very much, that's great

 

Having had a better look about there are a couple of high street jewellers who mainly use VS1 of about a G or and H colour, so I guess that's my target.

[Chiefgroover]

Use your eyes, cut is always the number one consideration, if it isnt cut nicely, stop there, its not worth buying.

Better with a well cut H Si2 than a G VS 1 thats badly cut every time.

Dont trust certs, I recently nearly got caught on a Inferno cut that sells £4.5K on a HRD cert that stated H, VVS1. IMO it was "I" colour all day long, I showed it to the staff, they all agreed. Took my money back and bought a proper H without cert for considerably less.

ON smaller stones Si 1 is fine, G or H, if it has that well cut sparkle, its a wise buy.

[Guest tony8]

so how much can you supply a decent 1/2 carat with good cutting and clarity ?

[scooby_doo_do]

A good freind of mine owns a high end jewerly shop in Ilford. I could give you his number if you like? He's good on prices.

 

Craig.

[Chiefgroover]

so how much can you supply a decent 1/2 carat with good cutting and clarity ?

 

 

Sorry mate I dont do net or distance selling.

[Dave Haggas]

Not very helpful, but I bought the wifes diamond ring and necklace whilst in South Africa on business,soooooo much cheaper and fantastic quality.

[Scoboblio]

A good freind of mine owns a high end jewerly shop in Ilford. I could give you his number if you like? He's good on prices.

 

Craig.

 

That would be useful mate, thanks

[ChrisSZ]

Scobiblio,

 

Pop into Swag at Bluewater - they do some quality stuff (wife works there on the diamond side of things). As previously stated, as the stones get bigger, the quality does indeed become more important as the inclusions etc. become more visible. It also depends on the cut of the stone and it's setting.

[Scoboblio]

ON smaller stones Si 1 is fine, G or H, if it has that well cut sparkle, its a wise buy.

 

Thanks again. That's simplified it perfectly for me. There's so much banded around about diamonds that it all gets rather confusing.

 

All this for a natural resource that there's enough of in the world to give every man woman and child a cupful

 

Why oh why couldn't cubic zirconia be a girl's best friend instead.

[Scoboblio]

Scobiblio,

 

Pop into Swag at Bluewater - they do some quality stuff (wife works there on the diamond side of things). As previously stated, as the stones get bigger, the quality does indeed become more important as the inclusions etc. become more visible. It also depends on the cut of the stone and it's setting.

 

Thanks, bluewater's not far from me so I'll take a look next week

[ChrisSZ]

Hi, wife of chrisSZ here. otherwise known as ballast, (who let a women on eh?).

 

Been selling diamonds for about 9 years now so hope i can help. work in swag bluewater but on maternity at mo (so not on commission and will tell you the truth!).

 

If you're looking for anything bigger than quarter carat, quality is definately important. Swag don't sell much lower than H SI even with no cert. certs are always worth looking at. And always ask to see the stone under a 10x magnification. Anything above SI you're unlikely to be able to see inclusions.

 

Cut is vague on certs as proportions are a complicated area. Ask too see a perfect cut 'hearts on fire' (a brand) as a comparison if you're looking at round stones. Once you've seen and understood stones with a cert it's easier to know what you're looking at with non certs. personally for something really special i'd go for G VS but it depends what you're after. Graeme's a good guy. Deputy manager. Give him a shout. SWAG 01322 427829.

[Scoboblio]

Hi, wife of chrisSZ here. otherwise known as ballast, (who let a women on eh?).

 

Been selling diamonds for about 9 years now so hope i can help. work in swag bluewater but on maternity at mo (so not on commission and will tell you the truth!).

 

If you're looking for anything bigger than quarter carat, quality is definately important. Swag don't sell much lower than H SI even with no cert. certs are always worth looking at. And always ask to see the stone under a 10x magnification. Anything above SI you're unlikely to be able to see inclusions.

 

Cut is vague on certs as proportions are a complicated area. Ask too see a perfect cut 'hearts on fire' (a brand) as a comparison if you're looking at round stones. Once you've seen and understood stones with a cert it's easier to know what you're looking at with non certs. personally for something really special i'd go for G VS but it depends what you're after. Graeme's a good guy. Deputy manager. Give him a shout. SWAG 01322 427829.

 

Woooo you're a star, thankyou!

 

When you've got this site, who needs the rest of the web eh!

 

At least with the advice I've been given I've got a budget in mind now, so think I'll drop by and have a proper sit down and browse so I know what I'm doing.

[Chiefgroover]

so how much can you supply a decent 1/2 carat with good cutting and clarity ?

 

 

..

[razza]

get yourself to the US, you'll get a hell of a lot more for your money, a friend;) of mine recently just did that and have a hell of a rock on the lady's finger. Had it valued over here and was worth 2-3 times what was paid for it.

[Supragal]

Here's the simple answer... YES.

[DaveK]

Here's the simple answer... YES.

 

For some bizarre reason - when a girl says expensive diamonds are worth it, I don't take it as an entirely factual unbiased view.

[Ark]

I'm happy - my missus likes sparkly things, and though I'm sure she'd love a huge diamond, she would be just as happy with cubic zirconia and the money spent elsewhere, like holidays (or cars )