I’m so glad I found your site! The information you provide are incredibly helpful!
First off, thank you for taking time to answer my questions. Any recommendations/suggestions will be greatly appreciated!
During the process of engagement ring hunting, I came across this dilemma: I found (2) rings that I like, one is from a jeweler & the other one is from Costco. Now the one from the jeweler will come w/ Lifetime Guarantee Service (costs about $200) and the one from Costco comes w/ nothing, so basically if anything happens to it, I’m on my own. Despite the fact that Costco is a wholesaler, many people talks about how Costco diamonds have incredibly good value, but not having the Lifetime Guarantee thing is one of the cons (the other one being they can’t resize it for you). So my question is, how important is it to have the Lifetime Guarantee & Service/Protection Plan?
When we buy diamonds, many people must have the diamond certificates from GIA or the appraisal from IGI, how important is it to have these paperwork? If the ring doesn’t come w/ an appraisal report, is it necessary to get one for insurance purposes?
Another deciding factor of course it’s the price. The ring I like from the jeweler is advertised as 50% off its regular price, so seems like it’s a deal that can’t be passed up. However, Costco diamonds will never go on sale but they seem to be known to have great values as well. Here are some specs on the two rings:
Ring #1 from jewelers: 1.75 ctw, radiant cut .60 ct stone w/ halo settings, I color, I1 clarity $3,400 (reg price $6,800), does not come w/ any paperwork about the diamond
Ring #2 from Costco: 1.34 ctw, round cut .90 ct stone w/ halo settings, I color, VS2 clarity $5,500, comes w/ a GIA certificate
Unfortunately I do not have pictures of these 2 rings, but can you give me some advice on which of these factors are the most important? Of course it would be best if you can tell me which ring is a better value!
Thank you so much!
I’m sorry, but I think you should take a step back from this situation. It seems like you are falling for a lot of marketing gimmicks that the jeweler is throwing at you.
1) The fact that a jeweler says its 50% off does not mean its a good deal. It just means they made up a stupid price so they can say its on sale. If I told you I had an apple that normally costs $1,000 but I’ll sell it to you for $5 does that make it a good deal? Its more than 99% off, but $5 is still a terrible price for one apple.
2) You absolutely must get a GIA certified diamond. Without the certification, how are you supposed to know the quality of the diamond? All other certificates are less consistent.
3) In general, the lifetime guarantees are a load of garbage. We have had countless readers message us about how they tried to get something fixed a year or two later, or that they lost it and the insurance didn’t cover it.
Bottom line, go for the best value now. Insure it through your homeowners/renters insurance and that is the best bet you can get.
As for those two diamonds, the first one is an absolute rip-off. You have no idea what the quality is, but it certainly isn’t an I I1 (if it was, they would get it certified).
The costco one seems like an ok value. Is it an excellent cut? Check this out:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1542864.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-039ct-diamond-halo-pave-engagement-ring-11028w14.html
If the costco diamond is an excellent cut, its a good deal. Otherwise, go with these.
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free International Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisals
- One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
- Free ring inscriptions
- Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Best-in-class packaging
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
- 24/7 Customer Service
- 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
- Best in class fulfillment
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