OT: Diamonds
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From: Melbourne
My experience from the one I bought at Tiffany about 12 months ago is that for the amount that you are thinking of spending, you will expect a step or two down on the Cs compared to the one you quoted in your original post, with the possible exception of cut. But whether you like it or not, most women, including my now wife who is as down-to-earth about this sort of thing as you can get, do put a great deal of emphasis on the cachet. Probably the same way that some would be more than willing to pay more for something with a stallion on the badge over one with a big H, even if the objective assessment may indicate otherwise.
"What is a cynic? A man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing."
"What is a cynic? A man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing."
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From: Brisbane
If you want an interesting story, research so-called 'champagne' diamonds and how de Beers got beat at their own game.
Everything Aus has said here is spot on. Diamonds are actually relatively common, but prices remain artificially stratospheric because de Beers manage the supply side of supply/demand so well. When you buy a diamond engagement ring, you're not buying a solid investment- you're buying peace from your betrothed. Nothing more.
More research- Google diamonds + 'sightings' or 'sightholders'. And then sit back in wonderment at the inspiring profitability and market power of cartels.
Everything Aus has said here is spot on. Diamonds are actually relatively common, but prices remain artificially stratospheric because de Beers manage the supply side of supply/demand so well. When you buy a diamond engagement ring, you're not buying a solid investment- you're buying peace from your betrothed. Nothing more.
More research- Google diamonds + 'sightings' or 'sightholders'. And then sit back in wonderment at the inspiring profitability and market power of cartels.
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Originally Posted by Blackie,Jan 11 2005, 04:06 PM
Well it's nearing that time in one's life where the cost of matrimony is not only upon one's emotional and mental self but also on the wallet. After taking a good sit down when hearing a decent sized rock could cost as much as a turbo kit, I became enlightened (thanks to a friend) on all the grades, clarity and carat, etc.
So here's the crunch. Apparently through an overseas source of a friend an F colour, 1.02 Carat, VVS-2 rock can be had for around A$9000. I have no idea on pricing so I just wanted a 2nd or 3rd opinion. I could go into a few jewellers and suss that out but I need to make a decision fairly quickly as the aforementioned rock is meant to be quite a good deal. What is the % difference between a comparable stone from Joe Bloe's jewellers (e.g. Prouds) and something from Tiffanys?
For the same money, would you say a bigger stone from your average retailer be preferable or a smaller stone from a reputable jeweller (e.g. Tiffanys) be a better bet?
So here's the crunch. Apparently through an overseas source of a friend an F colour, 1.02 Carat, VVS-2 rock can be had for around A$9000. I have no idea on pricing so I just wanted a 2nd or 3rd opinion. I could go into a few jewellers and suss that out but I need to make a decision fairly quickly as the aforementioned rock is meant to be quite a good deal. What is the % difference between a comparable stone from Joe Bloe's jewellers (e.g. Prouds) and something from Tiffanys?
For the same money, would you say a bigger stone from your average retailer be preferable or a smaller stone from a reputable jeweller (e.g. Tiffanys) be a better bet?
You can buy a very good quality 1 carat solitaire here in Australia from a reputable jeweller for 7-9K. (I know, I'm still recovering from my g/f's 40th b/day present).
Give the overseas source a wide berth unless it's coming from a reputable well known jeweller and you can be there yourself to see it. Fake and sub-par gemstones (with certificates of authenticity) are a big business overseas particularly in SE Asian countries. That doesn't mean you can't buy good rocks OS but how are you to know until you get it home and have it evaluated here?
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From: Sydney
Originally Posted by fisting dwarves,Jul 23 2006, 12:46 AM
If you want an interesting story, research so-called 'champagne' diamonds and how de Beers got beat at their own game.
Why couldn't you just give us a link? I s had to do the research myself and it felt too much like work.
So here it is everybody else.
http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/pri...1205906,00.html
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Originally Posted by cashout,Jul 22 2006, 11:45 PM
Fisty!
Why couldn't you just give us a link? I s had to do the research myself and it felt too much like work.
So here it is everybody else.
http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/pri...1205906,00.html
Why couldn't you just give us a link? I s had to do the research myself and it felt too much like work.
So here it is everybody else.
http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/pri...1205906,00.html
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From: Melbourne
Thanks everyone. Some interesting points there about De Beers and the whole industry.
Gran1, don't see you around here often but thanks for that informative post. And I couldn't agree more with Fisty, you ARE buying peace from your betrothed and her relatives/friends. A superficial world we live in we do. I will probably stick with a local seller, whether that be a generic jeweller/wholesaler or Tiffs.
Gran1, don't see you around here often but thanks for that informative post. And I couldn't agree more with Fisty, you ARE buying peace from your betrothed and her relatives/friends. A superficial world we live in we do. I will probably stick with a local seller, whether that be a generic jeweller/wholesaler or Tiffs.
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