Does it have to be a diamond?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone bought an engagement ring from Costco? How does the quality compare to others? My understanding is that it comes with a GIA or IGI certificate for the diamond. I just don't really understand when they say "I" or better for the color. Why wouldn't it just state what the color really is?

I think I am looking for a diamond that is higher than "I" but I'm not totally sure. I have seen the internet flow charts for gradation of the color scale. Doesn't help me that much.

The rumor is Costco diamonds are much nicer than the stated grading. I think they use new or student gemologists, and they tend to be very conservative in how they apply the color, cut, etc. So, the listed attributes are the very minimum you receive. They only real negative I can think of, is with sizing. Most Costco rings can only be sized a certain amount.

look at Blue Nile to get an idea of pricing and compare to Costco.

I always understood that to be that GIA is GIA certification for the diamond so it's not in-house like say Tiffany's own gemologists. So how would the fact that they are new or student gemologists make a difference in grading quality or overall value of the diamond?

I need a size 4-4.5 ring which according to Costco sizing it doesn't seem like they sell much smaller than size 5 woman's.

I wish I knew of a cheaper place to get quality loose stones around the DC/MD/VA area. Any recommendations from someone who has actually dealt business with a local vendor?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone bought an engagement ring from Costco? How does the quality compare to others? My understanding is that it comes with a GIA or IGI certificate for the diamond. I just don't really understand when they say "I" or better for the color. Why wouldn't it just state what the color really is?

I think I am looking for a diamond that is higher than "I" but I'm not totally sure. I have seen the internet flow charts for gradation of the color scale. Doesn't help me that much.

The rumor is Costco diamonds are much nicer than the stated grading. I think they use new or student gemologists, and they tend to be very conservative in how they apply the color, cut, etc. So, the listed attributes are the very minimum you receive. They only real negative I can think of, is with sizing. Most Costco rings can only be sized a certain amount.

look at Blue Nile to get an idea of pricing and compare to Costco.

I always understood that to be that GIA is GIA certification for the diamond so it's not in-house like say Tiffany's own gemologists. So how would the fact that they are new or student gemologists make a difference in grading quality or overall value of the diamond?

I need a size 4-4.5 ring which according to Costco sizing it doesn't seem like they sell much smaller than size 5 woman's.

I wish I knew of a cheaper place to get quality loose stones around the DC/MD/VA area. Any recommendations from someone who has actually dealt business with a local vendor?

Not all of Costco's diamonds are GIA certified. Only the higher priced diamonds come with an outside certification.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone bought an engagement ring from Costco? How does the quality compare to others? My understanding is that it comes with a GIA or IGI certificate for the diamond. I just don't really understand when they say "I" or better for the color. Why wouldn't it just state what the color really is?

I think I am looking for a diamond that is higher than "I" but I'm not totally sure. I have seen the internet flow charts for gradation of the color scale. Doesn't help me that much.

The rumor is Costco diamonds are much nicer than the stated grading. I think they use new or student gemologists, and they tend to be very conservative in how they apply the color, cut, etc. So, the listed attributes are the very minimum you receive. They only real negative I can think of, is with sizing. Most Costco rings can only be sized a certain amount.

look at Blue Nile to get an idea of pricing and compare to Costco.

I always understood that to be that GIA is GIA certification for the diamond so it's not in-house like say Tiffany's own gemologists. So how would the fact that they are new or student gemologists make a difference in grading quality or overall value of the diamond?

I need a size 4-4.5 ring which according to Costco sizing it doesn't seem like they sell much smaller than size 5 woman's.

I wish I knew of a cheaper place to get quality loose stones around the DC/MD/VA area. Any recommendations from someone who has actually dealt business with a local vendor?

Not all of Costco's diamonds are GIA certified. Only the higher priced diamonds come with an outside certification.

Maybe this can help you understand:
http://www.costco.com/wcsstore/CostcoUSBCCatalogAssetStore/jewelry/Additional-Jewelry-Information.pdf

[Anonymous]

What is more important to look for, cut or clarity?

[Anonymous]

I have a sapphire in an antique platinum setting with side baquettes. The sapphire is new, but the diamonds and setting is 1930s.
I would also do lab created diamond, but I like having color.

[Anonymous]

I have a 1 carat equivalent sapphire (the weight is different than diamonds, but it's about the same size as my sister's 1 carat diamond). It's my birth stone and it's gorgeous. It's not the traditional bright blue, so it's unique.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So you're saying with other stones it generally can't take the wear and tear of diamonds for everyday wear? Do you regret the sapphire choice and wish you had gone for diamond instead? Any intention to replace with diamond ring in the nearby future, or no longer important?

Is the right hand ring a religious tradition, or personal preference?

I'm very surprised by PP's sapphire issue because sapphires are the second hardest stone in the world. I've had mine for a very long time and it has most definitely NOT chipped. That is very unusual and I would question the quality of PP's stone, or maybe question what on earth she's doing with it

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is more important to look for, cut or clarity?

A good cut can hide flaws. The cut will also determine the sparkle of the ring. You want clarity if you're getting a cut without a lot of facets, like an emerald cut.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a sapphire with two small diamond side stones. I love it--so much prettier to me than a diamond, and more flattering on my hand.

I haven't had any issues with it chipping, and I wear it every day. I get compliments on it from random strangers every once in a while. I figure if it's good enough for British royalty, it's good enough for a commoner like me!

Also, I would totally get a ring from Costco. They have great buying power and I bet you get more for your money.

+1. I was going to say the same thing but you beat me to it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is more important to look for, cut or clarity?

A good cut can hide flaws. The cut will also determine the sparkle of the ring. You want clarity if you're getting a cut without a lot of facets, like an emerald cut.

What about when it's a round brilliant diamond?

[Anonymous]

Would never in a million years marry a woman who gave a damn about engagement rings. Thankfully, most hipster girls today don't. But the Beckys of the world still persist for some reason...

[Anonymous]

I would love my birthstone (peridot) as an engagement ring.

Too bad I'm already married, LOL

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is more important to look for, cut or clarity?

A good cut can hide flaws. The cut will also determine the sparkle of the ring. You want clarity if you're getting a cut without a lot of facets, like an emerald cut.

What about when it's a round brilliant diamond?

Cut. Buy what you can comfortably afford in a setting you like.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is more important to look for, cut or clarity?

A good cut can hide flaws. The cut will also determine the sparkle of the ring. You want clarity if you're getting a cut without a lot of facets, like an emerald cut.

What about when it's a round brilliant diamond?

Cut. Buy what you can comfortably afford in a setting you like.

Even though she's the one who has to wear it? Should I save up for what she wants, or honestly buy what I can afford? The difference is about waiting 6 months vs. doing this over Christmas .....

[Anonymous]

I know it's not romantic but you should talk to your intended. I chose a yellow sapphire with a diamond on each side and I love it, but I knew my BF was cash strapped at that age and I am not the type to upgrade later. If your GF expects and wants a big diamond then she will wait or upgrade. You should know this about her before you marry as it can indicate a lot of other values in advance. Sort of the same way your bargain hunting does.