Re: Affinity diamonds: no documentation? UPDATE

BirkiLady · ‎02-22-2015

@CalminHeart Most of QVC's Affinity diamonds are H, SI2 at best. I'd stay far, far away from their stones. There are no grading certificates to prove even those statements are accurate. I'd stay far, far away from purchasing any stones on TV or without viewing in person by a reputable local GIA jeweler. You will learn so much from a trusted jeweler prior to making a decision.

Wouldn't trust a chain "jewelry store" as far as I could throw them, either! None of their sales associates have GIA degrees and their stones aren't top quality . . . or if they are, they are far too pricey and a GIA appraisal (showing all inclusions, feathers, mm, girdle size, table size, etc. of your own stone) and color would differ considerably from whatever the chain store so-called "appraisal" would be. It's unique to each stone.

Money screams; wealth whispers.

Marypc · ‎03-26-2010

Update: Had appraisal done, jeweler was impressed overall with this bracelet. Said the stats were correct, both in carat weight and color, and said the cut, which was never mentioned on line, is excellent! I'm very relieved. He said the mountings were very good quality, and the double safety latch was also a good sign and done very well. He appraised it to be worth $5950, which is nice since it sold for $2999 at QVC. It is a very extravagant purchase for me, and I am relieved that it is what it was purported to be. He also said he could not match the price and that I should "hang on to it, insure it, and enjoy it." So glad I had it appraised! Thanks for all the advice everyone!

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

@Marypc wrote:
Thank you. It's certainly lovely to look at, eye clean and sparkly. I just wish it had the documentation because it was (for me anyway) so expensive. I'm just suspicious whenever the facts aren't included, you know?

@Marypc IF you love it, I'd keep it until you can compare prices with local stores. Buy yourself a loup and look at the stones and see what you see, then go shop and compare.

Look through the side of the stone against white paper to assess color. If it has a yellow cast, the lower the color grade. Does it sparkle? Is it not chipped or cracked? Is the "stuff" cracked ice looking or small black dots? All things to consider.

If the bracelet satisfies you, you may want to keep it and not worry about the grade and such. It may be that much cheaper for the eye appeal and look. But look around and make an informed decision. And have fun doing it!

Trinity11 · ‎11-16-2014

@Marypc wrote:
Update: Had appraisal done, jeweler was impressed overall with this bracelet. Said the stats were correct, both in carat weight and color, and said the cut, which was never mentioned on line, is excellent! I'm very relieved. He said the mountings were very good quality, and the double safety latch was also a good sign and done very well. He appraised it to be worth $5950, which is nice since it sold for $2999 at QVC. It is a very extravagant purchase for me, and I am relieved that it is what it was purported to be. He also said he could not match the price and that I should "hang on to it, insure it, and enjoy it." So glad I had it appraised! Thanks for all the advice everyone!

@Marypc, I am so happy for you. I knew that QVC would never misrepresent their diamonds. They do adhere to strict industry standards.

Enjoy your beautiful bracelet and wear it in good health!!

Marypc · ‎03-26-2010

For the price I dont think it could be graded any better! VS2, H color, excellent cut in 3.4 carats suits me fine. I used his loupe, he showed me what he looks for and they are beautiful. Saw another jeweler this afternoon and while he didnt appraise it he said it was a good deal and I'm not likely to find anything better for the price. I'm satisfied

BirkiLady · ‎02-22-2015

@Marypc So pleased for you! That turned out to be a fabulous purchase. Delighted your jeweler took time to "tour" your bracelet and give you a brief education on diamonds. He/she sounds like a jeweler worth returning to for additional items, repairs and batteries!

Great to know QVC's quality is actually what they are saying on air. Thank you for confirming QVC's statements to be true and honest. Honestly, I didn't believe anyone could/should purchase diamonds sight unseen. You have proven me wrong. In the future, I will also watch the Affinity shows along with you! Although I'm no longer purchasing jewelry, it beautiful to view!

Your jeweler is so correct about the double safety latches . . . they are so important! I've had to have safety chains added to less expensive bracelets. Those become caught on desk drawers and break.

Thanks for sharing your update with us. It is great to know "the rest of the story" . . . especially when it is such great news! Wear that gorgeous bracelet in good health!

Money screams; wealth whispers.

Marypc · ‎03-26-2010

Birkilady you helped me know what to ask for! So thank you for that! I did an online survey on Facebook asking for the best jeweler in town and this guy came up as the clear winner. He took his time with me and pointed out what to look for and when I asked him why this would come without documentation he said "most of the time the docs you get from big box retailers are not worth the paper it's written on if you're not GIA certified" so they just don't bother because if the name is good, and the price is good, it will get sold anyway.

I also think Affinity has changed, I was not impressed with their older stuff, the sterling/chips pieces. The jeweler said this might be a fluke, and I should still buy in person but feels this was a lucky break and I feel that way too. He had beautiful things and with all the good reviews I got for him, I'll shop there more often. He treats repeat customers well so I think it's a good idea to establish a relationship there for future purchases. I'll still look at Affinity of course! My sister has a few really beautiful rings from them that she loves. He agreed with you on safety chains too, said it's fine for a less expensive bracelet but they often break and don't provide any real safety. Thanks for your advice and good wishes!

tammysu · ‎10-02-2012

I'm so happy for you! Enjoy! I have few Affinity diamond pieces and they are all beautiful.

BirkiLady · ‎02-22-2015

@Marypc Oh, now you've found your own jeweler! You will become hooked, Mary. Trust me. You'll find yourself stopping in his store to "browse" and learn more. When you least expect it, you'll find another piece that "speaks" to you!

My husband brought back a gorgeous pink sapphire pendant from Thailand. I was hooked on colored stones! Couldn't go past my favorite jewelers without stopped and visiting and learning more. Soon, I was taking classes on colored gems. Yes, I am fascinated by the world of gemstones . . . all of them!

So pleased you found such a thoughtful, intelligent, trusted GIA jeweler. Wise way to find him (on Facebook). Word-of-mouth is the best advertising. You are in much better hands with such a jeweler than if you walked into a chain "jewely" store. <shudder>

So pleased you now have someone who knows you and whom you are comfortable dealing with and trust. Have fun wearing the diamond bracelet . . . it is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase! Merry Christmas to YOU!

Money screams; wealth whispers.