Online diamond rings- 77 Diamonds or Samara James- experiences?

[JinglingHellsBells]

Am browsing to replace a small engagement ring.

Bought from S James before and was pleased with the service including a silver mock- up of the ring and I had to have it resized (mock up) a few times.

But looking at 77 Diamonds and there is almost £2K difference in the ring I want! Exactly same quality and size of stone and setting.

I could get to 77 Diamonds show room.

Anyone used them?

See if the diamonds are certified by the same bodies. GIA is the strictest often by a couple of grades. Have you also compared the types of inclusions or the fluorescence etc?
It's also worth seeing the diamonds in person as they might have the same grading but not be equally as sparkly.

Hi and thanks! The diamonds are listed as the same colour, carat and clarity but the sites do say they are certified by 'one' of the main bodies so I guess that's a question I need to ask.

With 77, it is possible to see the diamond 'by appointment' but their return policy is only 30 days whereas SJames is 60 days.

‘One of the main bodies’ won’t be GIA as they would be shouting about it from the rooftops. And tbh, that sounds a little unprofessional that they aren’t more specific.

I think there are some other websites that will show you videos of magnified diamonds and their certificates so those might be better.

Or have a look in Hatton Garden for comparison. Some of the shops are very professional and good value for money.

Highly recommend purely diamonds. Look on their site. I went to have a look in person and was very pleased with experience.

I have a ring from 77 Diamonds so can give you my experience. Can’t fault their service. The diamond is GIA certified but they use other certificates as well (there are several reputable ones). If you look online they have hundreds of good reviews (4.7/5 on google). A prong of my ring had some minor damage and they fixed it for me quickly and cheaply (cheaper than the local jeweller had quoted). The ring cost £7k but was independently valued (for insurance) at 10k. They are genuinely cheaper than high street stores.

Oh and yes you can go and look at the diamonds so you can choose one.

Why not get second hand..the mark up on new diamond jewelry can be often 800% ..!!..

Always buy secondhand. There are far better bargains! Quite a few family jewellers have secondhand but I can give you some decent on line sellers if you pm me.

A lot of 77 diamonds stock are poor quality. Colour and cut especially. I’ve just had a look. The prices rocket up for something decent in colour and cut. Also the prices exclude VAT. Did you notice that?

@BubblesBuddy I think it’s just that 77 Diamonds have a massive selection. They range from lower quality diamonds to the highest quality. Of course the prices increase dramatically for a larger size, better clarity or colour! That’ll be the same wherever you buy a diamond.

OP, it’s absolutely worth looking at the diamonds in person. Like I say, there will be a massive range and only by looking at them you can decide what’s most important for you - you might prefer a larger size and compromise on the colour for example, or go for a smaller size with excellent colour or clarity.

Second hand will be cheaper, vintage will also be cheaper but often the cut isn’t as good (depending on the age) so it will sparkle less. I would say either go for a non-branded ring or second hand for value for money. Worst value is from brands - get a Tiffany ring and it will depreciate massively as soon as you wear it, because a lot of what you’re paying for is the brand rather than the stone itself.

Thanks for the tips.

I won't buy 2nd hand- sorry but for something so personal I want it to be new for me :) Bit eurgh about wearing another woman's ring.

I haven’t used either of those two but have used Blue Nile and was very happy

I found Blue Nile's site hard to navigate and you are also stuck with their settings.