Union Diamond or from Jeweler? (loose stone)

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lolakitten

lolakitten

O.G.
Mar 11, 2007
7,401
5,707
#1
Has anyone ordered from Union Diamond? I've been researching loose stones & found my perfect stone at UD - the comparable stone (infact lower clarity & cut) at my local source is more than double the price. Why such a price difference?
Would you buy online (guaranteed & GIA certified) or pay the markup locally for something you can see & touch?
 
#2
Online from a reputable vendor from UD or GOG in a split second over Local. Always. Tangibility is one thing, but many local sources have higher overhead AND don't have the equipment to provide the buyer with things like a sarin or an idealscope image. Those sites do and will provide the extra info, and also have a great return policy if when you see it you're less than happy. The local source probably has way more overhead than an online source like Union Diamond or is just banking on customer ignorance and people wanting convenience over all. Sites like UD and GOG seem to get most of their business from "educated" shoppers.
 
#3
^^ thank you! If they are indeed reputable, I'm astonished! Some of the price differences are astronomical. Am I correct to assume that with GIA specs, there's shouldn't be any discernible difference on 2 almost identical (on paper) stones?
 
#4
I haven't ordered from them personally, but Union Diamond is reputable. I've found online dealers to be at least 30 percent cheaper and I've also found that many online dealers are more educated about diamonds. Perhaps the cut is what's making the local diamond even more?
 
#5
lolakitten said:
^^ thank you! If they are indeed reputable, I'm astonished! Some of the price differences are astronomical. Am I correct to assume that with GIA specs, there's shouldn't be any discernible difference on 2 almost identical (on paper) stones?
Click to expand...

Remember that GIA grading is done by humans, and humans may differ in their opinions. I have heard of diamonds being graded more than once by GIA, and getting different grading. For example, an E color may be graded an F by a different grader. It's all subjective.
 
#6
ahertz said:
I haven't ordered from them personally, but Union Diamond is reputable. I've found online dealers to be at least 30 percent cheaper and I've also found that many online dealers are more educated about diamonds. Perhaps the cut is what's making the local diamond even more?
Click to expand...

Actually the cut is alot better from UD. The only aspect of the local diamond that was better was colour, but that's the one thing I'm less picky about.
 
#8
lolakitten said:
^^ thank you! If they are indeed reputable, I'm astonished! Some of the price differences are astronomical. Am I correct to assume that with GIA specs, there's shouldn't be any discernible difference on 2 almost identical (on paper) stones?
Click to expand...
Not necessarily. Every diamond is different. On paper it could be a knockout. Specs might be the same but to your eye one might be cut differently or just not look as nice. But paying as much more to stay local...that local guy is gouging you for a lower quality cut at just a grade higher color!
 
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