Originally Posted by
YOJiMBO20
It's been a while since I checked this thread and haven't read through the whole thing, so forgive me if this has been said before.
Check craigslist and eBay. I just bought a ~.50ct diamond ring (I just wanted the diamond, gonna sell the ring and set the rock in something nicer) for my girlfriend earlier today on CL. Only cost $500. Should be able to bring that down to ~$400 after I sell the ring. FWIW, it's around G SI2. Should have cost twice as much.
Buying a diamond on Craig's list? You forgot the most important of the four C's in your quality assessment. You have color, carat, and clarity...but what about cut? It could be a one carat, flawless, D color and have a totally out of proportion cut. It would not sparkle, which is what is desired.