Riviera / Tennis Necklace

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#106
Thingofbeauty said:
I don't mind paying for a quality piece. It's just that the piece that was recommended cost $18,000 and I honestly wasn't intending to spend THAT much for the necklace. I guess what I really was wondering was whether the specs I was looking at (SI1-2, H-I) were good enough for a piece like that and if not, how high should I go? I know generally those specs work for everyday studs but may not work for an engagement ring per say. I'm just trying to get a fair idea of what I should be looking at and what would be a fair price for what for me would be a significant purchase.
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Those specs would be fine assuming that's really what they are. Buying from a reputable seller and from someone who can "prove" to you that you're buying what they say you're buying is important. I don't think buying a brand is necessary to get quality.

Have you seen stones of that grade range in person to know your threshold? Some folks don't mind that, some can't handle it bec they know it's "that low in clarity". Some folks deliberately choose it bec "why pay for what you can't see"? Educate yourself on color, clarity and cut quality so you can identify what you're buying so you're not as reliant on the seller.
 
#107
My problem is that I'm based in the UK and jewellery is SO EXPENSIVE here plus I've found few places carry designs that I like. I hardly travel to the US so when I saw this on sale I got excited (I'm currently in Barbados btw). The UK has an excellent returns policy but a number of places don't give GIA certification.
 
#108
Thingofbeauty said:
My problem is that I'm based in the UK and jewellery is SO EXPENSIVE here plus I've found few places carry designs that I like. I hardly travel to the US so when I saw this on sale I got excited (I'm currently in Barbados btw). The UK has an excellent returns policy but a number of places don't give GIA certification.
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Yea that definitely changes the game. This vendor on the ship/port of call sounds like one of the many that prey on tourists, so it's probably a good idea to avoid them. It's not really a "deal" bec you'd get back home not knowing what you really got.

Blue Nile does online with a UK outpost and has a good return policy, and I know some other UK folks have used a few other online sellers that they've been happy with.

Don't rush this and take the time to learn a little more about diamonds and this necklace.
 
#110
Thingofbeauty said:
I will. Thanks so much for the help.
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Definitely educate yourself first, and its also trust the seller. They go hand in hand, once you are educated and you walk into a store you will immediately know if that is a place you will want to shop at. The store owners love customers that are not educated, and they can just tell them anything they want.

It's not always so important to purchase brand name, but if you're looking to resell or sell it for any reason chances are you're not losing any money (depending on the brand name). Cartier Love bangles used to be $2000 :laugh: and now they are $6800, All of the top brands incur price increases so you're always safe buying brand.
 
#111
The Cartier Love bracelet was actually my first choice of a graduation gift but I have so many bangles/bracelets I feel like I should get a different piece. I have lots of pendants some of which are good pieces but only two necklaces. I was also playing with the idea of a Rolex but undecided about this as I'm not too comfortable with the idea of wearing a watch everybody will know is expensive.
 
#112
Thingofbeauty said:
The Cartier Love bracelet was actually my first choice of a graduation gift but I have so many bangles/bracelets I feel like I should get a different piece. I have lots of pendants some of which are good pieces but only two necklaces. I was also playing with the idea of a Rolex but undecided about this as I'm not too comfortable with the idea of wearing a watch everybody will know is expensive.
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Take your time and see what really grabs you. A nice watch will serve you forever or maybe nice diamond studs.
 
#113
I think that's why I got all giddy with the necklace as it really made me hyperventilate when I tried it on. Clearly that's why the common sense left my head! :laugh:

The boyfriend is getting me the studs :graucho:. I already have a pair but they're for my second set of piercings and not big. I should correct what I said earlier - I have a fair amount of pendants, not lots. I have a Tag Heuer aqua racer with 18th gold and diamond markers which I love. I know a lot of members have lots of watches but I think if I got another one it would be a sportier watch I could treat badly!

It's wonderful when you have the opportunity to get a new piece of jewelry but exhausting too because of all the choice.
 
#114
Ok. Don't know if this makes a difference but they sent me their evaluation policy which states that in the event an approved independent gemological laboratory has a different evaluation from theirs, they will either refund the product or pay the difference. Just thought I'd share this last bit of info received.
 
#115
Thingofbeauty said:
Ok. Don't know if this makes a difference but they sent me their evaluation policy which states that in the event an approved independent gemological laboratory has a different evaluation from theirs, they will either refund the product or pay the difference. Just thought I'd share this last bit of info received.
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Still no. Which lab and approved by whom? I'd be the one making the choice there, not them. There are SO many nightmare stories with sellers like this that prey on the tourists that go into them.
 
#117
ame said:
Still no. Which lab and approved by whom? I'd be the one making the choice there, not them. There are SO many nightmare stories with sellers like this that prey on the tourists that go into them.
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LOL. Gotcha. Was just sharing last bit of info I got. I'm looking at other options, including Bluenile. I've searched the forum and people seem generally pleased with them.

I know I'm coming across as horribly naive. I feel comfortable with my jewelers but they carry nothing of the sort and like I said, I have little diamond experience. But working on it!

I appreciate everybody's feedback. Thanks.
 
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#118
Thingofbeauty said:
LOL. Gotcha. Was just sharing last bit of info I got. I'm looking at other options, including Bluenile. I've searched the forum and people seem generally pleased with them.

I know I'm coming across as horribly naive. I feel comfortable with my jewelers but they carry nothing of the sort and like I said, I have little diamond experience. But working on it!

I appreciate everybody's feedback. Thanks.
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Now I got the story...this is a cruise ship jewelry store?
Personally I can't buy diamonds I haven't seen but that's just me. Do you or trusted friends have a jeweler in the UK that could help you?
The cut makes the diamond, so you can fudge on the color/clarity a bit. My necklace has the G, VS2 diamonds in the front with the H, SI1 graduated stones in the back. None of the stones are all that big but you want the better stones in the front, where they'll be seen. Excellent cut.....................
Also if you want to sell or upgrade you'd need GIA (or equal cert) to show the specs.
 
#119
Hi Skyqueen. It's not a cruise ship jewelry store but my understanding is that they have branches at the popular ports of call and may be one of their recommended stores - you know that arrangement some of the stores have with the cruise ships? I checked out the store because a friend bought a diamond ring there and had a very good appraisal when she got back to London. They were quite knowledgable - in fact, out of all the stores I visited here there were the most professional and knowledgeable. However, the SA being unable to tell me about the cut was disconcerting. In truth, few places in the Caribbean carry GIA certification in my experience. In Trinidad I've bought a couple of pieces where they had no idea what were the specs on the diamonds (they were small though) and when I had them appraised they turned out to be quite good and worth a lot more than I paid. So the appraisal/certification thing didn't automatically jump out at me to be honest, as well as UK appraisals can come from different sources . BUT I've never bought a piece like this so yes, I appreciate what everybody is saying.

I really love the experience of walking into a store and trying on and buying so I'm not a big fan of online shopping (unless it's groceries!) and I've never bought jewelry online. I really like your idea about the different grades of stones. I think it's marvelous. From the photo you showed me I couldn't see any difference at all. The manager emailed me to discuss my having the piece individually appraised. I may see what he has to say. They make a great cup of coffee so it wouldn't be a total waste. As well my boyfriend may be going to Houston in a couple of months and depending on his schedule he might look over there. Any recommendations as to stores in the US? I LOVE your pieces. Where do you generally shop, if you don't mind me asking?
 
#120
In a photo you likely won't see the difference between colors and clarities til the diamonds are well magnified (like 40x.) I fully understand wanting to see the items in person, but don't be afraid of online buying if there's a good return policy. Other vendors besides Blue Nile work with you from afar, and there are many that sell REALLY nice diamonds of superior cut and quality, and you can see the reports and images of the actual diamond you're buying.

But if you're/he's going to Houston, talk to Brian Gavin, seriously, have him make an appointment to meet with them. The cut quality on the stones will be fantastic and worth the money on the project. They're IN Houston, and he can sit and meet with them. Another vendor in Houston is Whiteflash, but I don't care for their workmanship. Their diamonds are spectacular as well--Brian Gavin developed their cutting as well, he used to be a partner there, and left to start his own.
 
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