Buying Diamond & Setting From Two Different Online Sites

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LVOELouis828

LVOELouis828

O.G.
Feb 16, 2010
278
1
#1
Hi everyone! My apologies if this is not the right place to ask this question; I almost never venture out of the LV forum, but I realize that TPF is just a wealth of knowledge! :smile1:

My boyfriend and I are shopping for an engagement ring. Here's the thing: we are also saving up for a house, so we don't want to spend too much $$$. We've looked in various stores around us, and despite all the research, online sites such as Blue Nile still have the best prices (especially since there is no tax).

My question to you lovely ladies: is it possible to buy a diamond from one website and the setting from another website, and then bring the two items to an actual jeweler to put together? I found a great setting on James Allen (basically a replica of the Tiffany Novo ring) and a lovely cushion cut diamond on Blue Nile. I've been to soo many stores, but none seem to have the white gold setting I desire except for JA (BN has something similar, but in platinum), and no local jeweler can beat Blue Nile's stone prices. I just feel like a fool asking an actual local jeweler in fear that they would try to persuade me into buying from them and refusing service when I insist on buying elsewhere! Thank you!
 
#2
Welcome! Of course you can buy the stone and the setting from two different places and have them set at a jeweler of your choice. There could be a cost charged for setting the diamond. Also, if it's not at a trusted jeweler, they could easily switch your stone out for one of theirs, so make sure the jeweler sets your stone in front of you - don't let him/her take it to the back! Also, if your stone is laser inscribed, memorize that number so that after the stone is set, you can check to make sure it's really your stone and not one of theirs.

If the jeweler refuses to do the job, then just find another jeweler that will - I don't think they would refuse just because you didn't buy a stone/setting from them!

Good luck!
 
#3
You will need to see if the ring you're looking at has a cast head or 'peg' head (ie, easily removable by a jeweler). If it is a cast head then you would need to be sure that the diamond you purchase will actually fit the head in the ring (just a reminder) you purchase. A jeweler will set it for you, at least they should, but there will most definitely be a fee involved. Good luck.
 
#5
I think James Allen would set the stone for you, you might have to pay a small fee, but they will likely do so.

Also check and see if that diamond isn't a virtual stone and if it is James Allen may be able to get the same stone that Blue Nile is showing. If it's virtual that means Blue Nile doesn't have it in house.
 
#6
I had my 1.25 round reset last year in a HOF setting. The jeweler did take it to the back and did not do it in front of me. However I thought they were quite reputable (Bernie Robbins). Should I really be concerned that they might have switched my stone? Does that happen frequently?
 
#7
Not typically. But you should have louped and learned your inclusion plot to ID it prior to them setting it. Is your stone inscribed on the girdle? Does it look or sparkle very differently than you remember?
 
#8
No it does not look any different. However sometimes czs look real to me! I will just have to trust them. They did give me a new appraial for the ring when they switched the setting. So, hopefully I'm fine.
 
#9
The switch happened to my grandma's ring. And it was done at a jeweler that we had been going to for years. My grandma also knew the owner very well. Anyway, needless to say, that experience has scarred me and I am very suspicious and paranoid about jewelers and that is probably one of the main reasons why I tend to buy fine jewelry from places like Tiffany, Cartier, etc. - for peace of mind. The price hike I pay is worth it to me to not worry and fret over being ripped off haha.
 
#10
Due to the fact that the head/prongs will not be custom fitted to your stone I wouldn't bother trying.
I'd show the pic of the setting you like to you local jeweler and ask him to custom make you one. Or send it to JA for setting.
 
#11
Sorry it's been a few days since I first posted...a little crazy at work and the New Years!

Anyway, THANK YOU for all the tips and advice! I originally thought I was going to buy the diamond from Blue Nile and the setting on James Allen, but then I saw a 1.20 Carat D Color SI2 Ideal Cut in James Allen, so I may just end up buying the entire ring there! I love how JA has the Virtual Loupe...it makes buying a diamond online a little less nerve-wracking because you can see it. But we'll see...the BF and I are going to buy it on Monday and see if we like it. Wish us luck!! :)

By the way, very sad to hear about people switching out diamonds. Very smart to know to look out for that!
 
#12
And have James Allen's people look at it to confirm that it's eye clean. Define what is eye clean TO YOU, so you aren't relying on THEIR definition.
 
#13
ame said:
And have James Allen's people look at it to confirm that it's eye clean. Define what is eye clean TO YOU, so you aren't relying on THEIR definition.
Click to expand...

Great to know! I will be calling them tomorrow since that is when the hold on the diamond (I put a hold on the diamond to be safe in case it got snatched up over the weekend!) and will definitely ask to confirm!
 
#14
You were wise to do that. The 1ct-1.5 ct area seems to be the sweet spot for a lot of buyers. My sweet spot is about 1.25 G/H and VS1-VS2. As with apparently half of the world.

Decide at what distance you don't want to see inclusions in the diamond. That's your idea of eye clean and tell them that.
 
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