The Rolls Royce of online jewelry shopping
Written: Mar 28 '06 (Updated May 26 '06)
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There is so much to learn, when purchasing a diamond. You want value for your money, and like the impending marriage, you'd like it to last.
Late last summer, my fiance and I decided to get engaged. I began to do homework, as did he. We shopped independently and together. I told him, this is an emotional purchase, and I want to do it right. (This is the second time for both of us.)
After researching on the web and the local jewelers, we went to Mondera.com. I had never heard of them before, but their credentialing, selection, GIA certifications and return guarantees convinced us. They accept major credit cards and wire transfers and offer a 30 day return policy, from the day the item is shipped.
The ease of this site is comparable to some others. You have a bar and you slide it toward the area of color, clarity, carat, cut and price. Mondera also does provide you with educational information in helping you make your choice.
Mondera gives you a number of stones in that range, then you have the opportunity to view the specifications of those stones individually. They do not photograph the actual stone that you are looking at, but they do give you the GIA certificate to view and some have GIA drawings of the flaws in the stone.
Lets face it, you can fall in love with any stone, just like a puppy, especially when you are in love. You really need not be there to make the purchase.
GIA certifies that 8 of their experts agree to the specifications of the stone. They are the Bible of the diamond industry. No one disputes their certification, not even independent appraisers.
Please take note to several things when viewing the report, flourescence is fine, when purchasing an included stone, but it is not good, when purchasing a clear stone. Also, inclusions do matter. They are not very visible, when worn, but they are weaknesses in the stone. (Pinpoint is preferable over feather or cloud). Also, try to chose a stone with a close range in the size of the girdle, this is the aspect of the stone, that attaches to the prongs of the ring.
My beloved and I chose a D IF 1.02ct Premium Emerald cut stone, and chose a plain platinum setting. Mondera shows you a drawing of what the stone would look like in the setting, but it is not really to scale. We had a coupon, and they honored it. Ordering was a breeze and customer service was superb. The price we paid was lower than for a G VS1 .99ct good cut stone at a local jeweler.
Upon receipt of this ring, I was amazed how much more beautiful and larger the stone was in person than I expected. It is incomparable to any other stone I had ever seen in person.
Being this was an internet purchase, we brought this ring to a very reputable, highly credentialed, independent appraiser, who was extremely impressed with the stone we purchased, and had verified this is the stone on the GIA certificate. He appraised it for about $5,000 more than was paid. Independent appraisers do not give overinflated values, they give the actual value of the stone.
Mondera reps did make follow up calls to ensure our satisfaction with the purchase. Fed Ex did mess up terribly on our delivery, our 8:30 AM delivery was delayed and delayed. My fiance asked Fed Ex to hold the package when it arrived at a local depot, but they shipped it out anyway and lied about it. Our delivery finally showed up at 6:15 PM, after frustrating calls, lies and missing work. Mondera was notified of this and made some financial compensation.
Making the purchase through Mondera was simple and sweat free (except for the Fed Ex event).
Experience and knowledge are your best assets. Buying an engagement ring over the internet is not as romantic as going to the jeweler together. Then again, they don't have people lying, pressuring or misleading you into a purchase.
Update 5/26/06: We decided to look at wedding bands. With the price of gas and oil going up, so are precious metals. We had shopped at the local mall and found some lovely platinum bands. Due to our previous purchase, we came home and shopped at Mondera. We purchased two platinum bands, at least double the weight of what we had been shown at the mall, for the same price. They honored a 10% off coupon. It took 3 days for delivery, as the purchase was made over the weekend. Once again, we're very impressed with Mondera, to us, they are the Rolls Royce of online jewelry shopping.
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? Engagement ring and wedding bands
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About the Author
Member: Irene
Location: Long Island, NY
Reviews written: 199
Trusted by: 76 members
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Mondera.com
