Hawaii Jewellry Prices (Engagement Rings)

[runnerb400]

Guys, help is needed!

I''m coming from Ireland to Hawaii in about four weeks, my girlfriend is over there at the minute. the plan is to propose while there (what better place?). My question is how do Hawaiian prices compare to the rest of the US (mainly New York, I know how those prices compare to Irish).

On another note I was wondering what peoples thoughts were on Hearts on Fire. they have some spectacular rings and diamonds. Just wondering how they compare to what else is on Hawaii price wise (i''m not cheap, I just want to get the best ring I can for the love of my life) and styles.

Thanks for any advice you can give me,

Barry

 

[surfgirl]

Everything in Hawaii is more expensive than on the mainland because everything needs to be shipped over.

 

[runnerb400]

hi surfgirl, thanks for your answer. i thought as much, but would there be a significant mark up? or is it just to cover shipping costs?

 

[whatmeworry]

I''m gonna disagree a little. The pricing on some goods in Hawaii are the same as the mainland. The big retail stores tend to keep the same pricing as with the mainland. So with jewelry, let''s say you were searching for an engagement ring at Tiffany''s or Cartier in Hawaii and they didn''t have what you wanted. Then they would open up their database to the nationwide stores and have a ring that you were interested in flown in to Hawaii at no charge to you or added markup. That''s been my experience. If you wanted to buy something off the Tiffany website, the pricing in the stores is exactly the same. Now if you''re talking food and gasoline, that''s another story.

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 7/21/2008 6:40:56 PM
Author: whatmeworry
I'm gonna disagree a little. The pricing on some goods in Hawaii are the same as the mainland. The big retail stores tend to keep the same pricing as with the mainland. So with jewelry, let's say you were searching for an engagement ring at Tiffany's or Cartier in Hawaii and they didn't have what you wanted. Then they would open up their database to the nationwide stores and have a ring that you were interested in flown in to Hawaii at no charge to you or added markup. That's been my experience. If you wanted to buy something off the Tiffany website, the pricing in the stores is exactly the same. Now if you're talking food and gasoline, that's another story.

I agree with Whatmeworry too, I walked into Cartier and checked prices on the rolling ring, and they were the same as the mainland.

eta: if you are looking for a diamond I would use this tool for price comparison; I think the Pricescope online vendors will be less expensive than HOF. IF you want a H&A's like HOF, I would check out Whiteflash's a Cut Above or other PS vendors with H&A. https://www.pricescope.com/sift.aspx

 

[surfgirl]

I''m sure T&C and Cartier have the same prices but I wasn''t thinking he was talking about buying at those type of places.

 

[swingirl]

Just a suggestion, you could have something beautiful made up at Whiteflash using ACA stones and shipped to Hawaii in time. They ship directly to a FedEx office where it waits to be picked up by you, ID required. Check out their website and give them a call. Of course, if you want the go shopping with your girlfriend, you''ll find upscale jewelers but try to stay clear of anything too touristy where things might be marked up. Tiffany and Cartier are going to priced consistently in all their stores.

 

[jewelerman]

when ive shopped in Hawii ive noticed that the prices are consistant with Cartier and Tiffany or stores that have multiply locations...the independant jewelers and art gallaries are high and geared toward tourism.

 

[runnerb400]

thanks for the help and ideas. id be a bit wary about buying without seeing the ring myself. i know exactly what i want for her and there are some rings on HOF that fit the bill, but i wouldnt een buy from there without seeing the ring! i have to be sure of this!!!!

Lets just hope for my sake the Euro stays nice and strong on the dollar!!!