High quality discounted diamonds + mileage run

[trippin_the_rift]

So the long term GF is soon going to receive a "token" from me in the coming weeks, and as always I'm after a way to maximize the moment...

Does anyone have experience where the best place to buy diamonds/engagement rings outside of AU?

I figure everywhere is cheaper than AU, and I'm happy to make an (expensive) milage run out of the experience

 

[Mal]

Have you thought about the U.S ? There's a thread or two over at FT about it, and I believe Costco (!) sells some pretty good diamonds over there at cheap prices. (Just don't tell her you bought the diamond at Costco!).

Can't say I'm a diamond shopping type of guy, so can't give much more information- except that you need to research Diamonds carefully and know exactly what you want and what you're willing to compromise on and I would also suggest avoiding some countries where gem scams are rife.

Are you planning on swallowing it to avoid Customs? Or just throw it in a box with various other cufflinks etc

 

[mvjs]

Have you thought about the U.S ? There's a thread or two over at FT about it, and I believe Costco (!) sells some pretty good diamonds over there at cheap prices. (Just don't tell her you bought the diamond at Costco!).

Can't say I'm a diamond shopping type of guy, so can't give much more information- except that you need to research Diamonds carefully and know exactly what you want and what you're willing to compromise on and I would also suggest avoiding some countries where gem scams are rife.

Are you planning on swallowing it to avoid Customs? Or just throw it in a box with various other cufflinks etc

Costco has a store in Melbourne that might be worth a look (if they stock them).

 

[NM]

can't help with the question at hand, but let me insert my congratulations and wish you well for your future together.

 

[straitman]

can't help with the question at hand, but let me insert my congratulations and wish you well for your future together.

Congratulations also from me.

 

[jamesD]

Does anyone have experience where the best place to buy diamonds/engagement rings outside of AU?

Would suggest South Africa since Africa is where most of the diamonds come from - no personal experience just from what I have heard.

My wife is always talking about going to SA to get a diamond (from a licensed dealer) and then having it set in a ring in Aust.

 

[Bundy Bear]

So the long term GF is soon going to receive a "token" from me in the coming weeks, and as always I'm after a way to maximize the moment...

Does anyone have experience where the best place to buy diamonds/engagement rings outside of AU?

I figure everywhere is cheaper than AU, and I'm happy to make an (expensive) mileage run out of the experience

And congratulations from me as well, as to buying no idea.

 

[benhadi]

i would highly recommend buying online from a reputable US site. All you pay is GST. Due to AUSFTA you don't pay duties if it's originating or made in USA. WIth the current exchange rate i think you'll be able to find yourself a bargain. Definitely cheaper than buying from anywhere here.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Would suggest South Africa since Africa is where most of the diamonds come from - no personal experience just from what I have heard.

My wife is always talking about going to SA to get a diamond (from a licensed dealer) and then having it set in a ring in Aust.

Check out the movie 'blood diamond' :!:

 

[straitman]

Would suggest South Africa since Africa is where most of the diamonds come from - no personal experience just from what I have heard.

.... a lot come from the Kimberleys also.

 

[jamesD]

Check out the movie 'blood diamond' :!:

Hence purchasing from a licensed dealer as they don't sell conflict (blood) diamonds.

 

[winfred]

So the long term GF is soon going to receive a "token" from me in the coming weeks, and as always I'm after a way to maximize the moment...

Does anyone have experience where the best place to buy diamonds/engagement rings outside of AU?

I figure everywhere is cheaper than AU, and I'm happy to make an (expensive) milage run out of the experience

Hong Kong will be the best place. Go to one of the large chain (I recommend Chow Tai Fok). If you are after a simple style, they would have plenty for you to choose from. If you want more fancy style, then just get a diamond and get a jeweller in Aus to do the ring.

As an indication, A$3500 would get you a 1 carat G colour VS2 diamond.

 

[drron]

Just be careful buying diamonds.Always remember the 4 C's-colour,Clarity,Carat and Cut.For diamonds say 0.4 carats and below this is not quite as important but certainly from about 0.5 carats and up it becomes important to get a reputable certificate with your diamond-this will add to the cost but protects your investment(in more ways than one).
A reasonable site to learn-and they do sell discount diamonds-
How to Choose a Diamond Ring, Necklace, Bracelet, Pendant or Earrings

 

[drewbles]

I know it doesn't fit in with the travel-jaunt and SC run, but there's a mob here that advertises a lot on the radio called Empress Diamonds (::: Empress Diamonds - for the unique you :::). No idea if they're any good, but they harp on about 'most places will charge you $xxk for 1 Karat and we charge $y.zk how do we do it? how do the others get away with it!' kinda thing.

As others have said, Hong Kong is also good if venturing internationally (and for Gold too iirc).

 

[Alanslegal]

Good luck with the whole 'find the rock' process trippin_the_rift

I anticipate that I will be in a similar position at year end, which could be a or thing. So I'm thinking of heading to HKG to find that special thing.

 

[Flashback]

Congratulations on the news!

My best mate's father has been in the industry for 30+ years, he's based in Perth so you could still work a MR into it if that way inclined ; Dean Knoote Diamonds Polished Diamond & Rough Diamond Assessment in perth

If you do speak to him, mention you know me and he will look after you

 

[Alanslegal]

If you do speak to him, mention you know me and he will look after you

Daniel, diamonds are about the 4 C's, so what's your Cut / Commisson / Charge / Compensation for sending work your best mate's father's way?

 

[Flashback]

Daniel, diamonds are about the 4 C's, so what's your Cut / Commisson / Charge / Compensation for sending work your best mate's father's way?

Well, considering it's my best mate's father ; there's not anything in it for me. He looks out for me with my business, and puts customers my way ; I do the same for him

I'd love a C though! :mrgreen:

Edit: the last diamond I bought for myself ..... let's just say, "very nice"

 

[04diamond]

Price of diamonds all depends on what source you buy from (wholesale, retail, etc.)

I am not sure where you are located or if you have made a purchase already, but I am a diamond Importer (sell to the wholesalers, who sell on to retailers who sell to public). I deal direct with the public at wholesale prices.

Buying overseas is not always the best options. The aussie dollar is so high now, its better to buy the diamond here than overseas as diamonds are purchased in US dollars all around the world.There is alot to learn about diamonds prior to purchasing. Feel free to contact me if you want a hand.

 

[Febs]

Congratulations!

With the AUD/USD exchange rate, have you considered NYC? I bought my fiancee's ring there, and had it valued here at 3x what I paid for it. That's when the AUD was around 98c too.

Even the name brand jewelers are significantly cheaper (I proposed with a small token ring from Tiffany before we shopped for the proper ring together, and it was almost 1/2 what it cost in Australia).

Cheers,
- Febs.