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re: Anybody use Blue Nile for diamonds?

Posted on 3/31/17 at 3:51 pm to
Posted by Box Geauxrilla
Member since Jun 2013
19221 posts
Posted on 3/31/17 at 3:51 pm to
quote:

I bought an engagement ring from them for $10K and I took it to a certified appraiser here in Houston and it appraised for $25K I was shocked.....needless to say the fiance' was happy




Were they offering to buy it?
Posted by MintBerry Crunch
Member since Nov 2010
6016 posts
Posted on 3/31/17 at 3:52 pm to
Use James Allen. Actual pictures of the diamond
Posted by Broke
AKA Buttercup
Member since Sep 2006
65493 posts
Posted on 3/31/17 at 3:57 pm to
quote:

Use James Allen. Actual pictures of the diamond


If I'm being completely honest, all I need to buy is the setting. I have the diamond all picked out and ready to go.
Posted by Mahootney
Lovin' My German Footprint
Member since Sep 2008
12175 posts
Posted on 3/31/17 at 3:57 pm to
Whiteflash is better. Blue Nile kinda over charges because it is paying more for marketing.
But both will be a better value than a local brick and mortar store.

Also, make sure that you consider the cut (ie light performance) of the stones.

I know a good bit about the topic. Kinda like you with watches. Let me know if you have any specific questions.
mahootney@hotmail.com
Posted by Broke
AKA Buttercup
Member since Sep 2006
65493 posts
Posted on 3/31/17 at 4:01 pm to
quote:

Also, make sure that you consider the cut (ie light performance) of the stones.


See above. I just need the setting.
Posted by Croacka
Denham Springs
Member since Dec 2008
61451 posts
Posted on 3/31/17 at 4:06 pm to
quote:

I bought an engagement ring from them for $10K and I took it to a certified appraiser here in Houston and it appraised for $25K


That's pretty standard

They usually appraise for at least double
Posted by Winston Cup
Dallas Cowboys Fan
Member since May 2016
66985 posts
Posted on 3/31/17 at 4:09 pm to
quote:

In the jewelry industry, most “insurance appraisals” are given values of approximately 100% above retail value. These appraisals are inflated, and do not reflect the true value of the diamond. You may go to a jewelry store and receive an appraisal at double the price you paid for the diamond.

For example, you purchase a diamond ring for $10,000 and the appraisal says the diamond is worth $20,000. What a great deal! (so it seems) So the question remains, if the value of the diamond was $20,000, why did they sell it to you for half the price? Who is benefiting from issuing high appraisal values?

The answer: Both the insurance company and the jewelry store.Insurance companies charge high insurance premiums on items that have a much lower replacement value, while simultaneously, the jewelry store uses these inflated insurance appraisals as a sale’s tactic-- one assumes they are getting a fantastic deal on the diamond. Additionally, most retail jewelry has a substantial mark-up as opposed to the wholesale value of the diamond.


but the wife is happy. guess that is important, and the joke will be on her in the d-vorce when she tries to sell it for $25k
This post was edited on 3/31/17 at 4:11 pm
Posted by Centinel
Idaho
Member since Sep 2016
46686 posts
Posted on 3/31/17 at 4:13 pm to
Bought my fiance's ring from them. She wanted an ethically-sourced sapphire as a center stone and they had the best selection.

Great service too.
Posted by Croacka
Denham Springs
Member since Dec 2008
61451 posts
Posted on 3/31/17 at 4:15 pm to
I chose to insure my wife's for closer to actual value than appraised value.


My stepmom actually lost her diamond and got the appraised value for her claim. She ended up with a bigger diamond and of course a bigger appraisal.
Posted by Jim Smith
Member since May 2016
2915 posts
Posted on 3/31/17 at 4:15 pm to
I only buy conflict diamonds.
This post was edited on 3/31/17 at 4:15 pm
Posted by shotcaller1
Member since Oct 2014
7501 posts
Posted on 3/31/17 at 4:18 pm to
heard good things about it. would have bought from here if I had more time. I suggest going to your local blue nile if you have one nearby for additional information.

They don't actually sell the diamonds in those physical stores, but from my anecdotal experience, the reps are knowledgeable and helpful. Good luck!
Posted by Hopeful Doc
Member since Sep 2010
15388 posts
Posted on 3/31/17 at 4:18 pm to
I bought a ring from there. Good service. It was a custom job, so it took about six weeks. Shipped overnight. Quality was as I expected.
Posted by TigeRoots
Member since Oct 2008
8556 posts
Posted on 3/31/17 at 4:40 pm to
Used them for the wife's engagement ring and wedding band thereafter. Seamless process, product as stated and would highly recommend. I typically try to avoid salesmen if I can, so that is why I went the online route in the first place.
Posted by BigPerm30
Member since Aug 2011
32432 posts
Posted on 3/31/17 at 4:45 pm to
Don't forget to get some for your boyfriend too. He may get bitchy.
Posted by Puffoluffagus
Savannah, GA
Member since Feb 2009
6504 posts
Posted on 3/31/17 at 4:47 pm to
I bought the diamond from them and then bought the setting locally and had the jeweler set the diamond in it. I thought the setting selection that blue nile had was weak. That was 4 years ago. Not sure if changed.

I've also bought pearl earrings and necklaces from them. Decent prices. In general there are better places than bluenile for pearls though
Posted by WG_Dawg
Member since Jun 2004
91100 posts
Posted on 3/31/17 at 4:50 pm to
I've considered using them, I just can't get over the fact that I can't actually physically see the thing in person. That's kind of a big deal from my perspective.
Posted by AbitaFan08
Boston, MA
Member since Apr 2008
27902 posts
Posted on 3/31/17 at 4:55 pm to
quote:


I've considered using them, I just can't get over the fact that I can't actually physically see the thing in person. That's kind of a big deal from my perspective.


This is exactly why I didn't order from them. It was great for research, but I just couldn't spend the amount of money I did on an engagement ring without seeing it in person.
Posted by Puffoluffagus
Savannah, GA
Member since Feb 2009
6504 posts
Posted on 3/31/17 at 4:55 pm to
Eh the gia documentation should be available. That'll let you look at the inclusions and defects and the placement of those defects. In general unless you're using jeweler loupes I doubt you would notice difference in person . There are certain cuts where the blemishes don't matter nearly as much.

If you're buying an emerald cut or similar it may matter more. Though I'm completely happy with the emerald cut that I bought without looking at it.
Posted by Puffoluffagus
Savannah, GA
Member since Feb 2009
6504 posts
Posted on 3/31/17 at 4:59 pm to
But I understand. Something about seeing in person is helpful. ESpecially if you're going to drop a few thousand on a rock would be nice to see what it looks like right away instead of having to wait for it in the mail and hoping for the best.
Posted by lsuconnman
Baton rouge
Member since Feb 2007
5560 posts
Posted on 3/31/17 at 5:16 pm to
quote:

quote:
In the jewelry industry, most “insurance appraisals” are given values of approximately 100% above retail value. These appraisals are inflated, and do not reflect the true value of the diamond. You may go to a jewelry store and receive an appraisal at double the price you paid for the diamond.

For example, you purchase a diamond ring for $10,000 and the appraisal says the diamond is worth $20,000. What a great deal! (so it seems) So the question remains, if the value of the diamond was $20,000, why did they sell it to you for half the price? Who is benefiting from issuing high appraisal values?

The answer: Both the insurance company and the jewelry store.Insurance companies charge high insurance premiums on items that have a much lower replacement value, while simultaneously, the jewelry store uses these inflated insurance appraisals as a sale’s tactic-- one assumes they are getting a fantastic deal on the diamond. Additionally, most retail jewelry has a substantial mark-up as opposed to the wholesale value of the diamond.



This sounds like a jaded opinion. I suspect that due to the sentimental value of a diamond insurers have minimal claims, and consequently, nobody cares about an appraisal. You effectively insure for the amount of sentimentality, no differently than you would with agreed upon value insurance for an antique car.
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