How does one go know what the going rate for diamonds are?

[zmatrix]

Any ideas? he wants to get like a 1.4-1.6karat rock for his girl. He doesn't know what he can get for 7-8K. Any of you recently bought rings and can share how much you paid, the quality, size, color of it and where you got it from?

 

[helloedchen]

diamond purchasing should be done with research. make sure your friend doesnt jump at the first diamond he sees.

if he is just getting a diamond for 7-8K, he will most likely be able to get a very nice 1.25Karat F-H, SI1/2 diamond. round cut is the most expensive, so it depends on the shape too.

if he wants a 1.4, he can settle for a lower color rating as well as clarity rating. this does not factor in the mounting prices, which will depend on whether it is a solitaire or if it comes with baguettes on the sides and whatnot.

lots to think about, but diamonds are probably the most marked up items on this planet. if he can find a friend who works in the business, he can get a significant discount as compared to the raping the stores want to give him.

got anymore questions just let me know, i've been looking at diamonds for my GF for the past 6 months. not easy finding a good deal, so take your time.

 

[Howard]

Not diamonds!

 

[hevnsnt]

Research, Research, Research..

Then buy the stone from Diamonds.com or Bluenile.com and have the stone appraised. Then have it set at a jewler in town. That way if anything goes wrong, you deal with someone local..

Trust me, this is the BEST way.

 

[DanJ]

De Beers is the devil.

There's no reason diamonds should be so expensive.

 

[psydancerqt]

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond_search.asp?filter_id=1&set_shape=

build your own ring for an estimate of prices... plenty of sites with this feature. my engagement ring came from www.jared.com

 

[alent1234]

Dirt Cheap Diamonds

they can't be beat. if anyone wants, i can give you the name of a jeweler in NYC that does great work for unbeatable prices.

 

[alkemyst]

diamondtalk.com first and learn

then buy...

you can get a 1 carat rock for a grand, if you are just buying size.

For a good stone the proportions are very important and not part of the 4 c's.

Color you'd want to be I or better on that size....perhaps a J/K would be acceptable for you.

Clarity is more important on the bigger ones too...SI2 is sometimes showing visible flaws.....however they can be a good deal also.

what shape?