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Heading to NYC and the Diamond District, any advice??

Dougsgirl

Dougsgirl

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Apr 18, 2012
Messages
318
Hi everyone!

This will be my first time visiting NYC and I am excited to explore the Diamond District. I have NO idea what to expect, and I don't know if I will get more than a few hours to spend there. I know it would be very easy for me to be overwhelmed, and then possibly not see the shops/stores/vendors that would really interest me.

I don't have any particular purchases in mind. (Well... maybe an antique pair of OEC earrings? Or an interesting silver bracelet to add to my collection, or possibly some Christmas gifts). But really, I just want to be sure to see the best things there are to see... even if I don't end up buying.

Any suggestions of where to go first? What not to miss?? What to expect??

Thanks so much!
 
The best advice I can give you is to not get carried away with all of the sparklies and end up buying from a less than reputable shop. It's fine to BROWSE at any shop you want to, but only PURCHASE from places you know have a good reputation.
 
I would suggest to not get impulsive about buying since you would be in Diamond District only for couple of hours, once you browse
through the Jewelry stores around, you would get many ideas and yes if you do buy something, ensure its a reputable store with
return guarantee Just like how online stores offer :)
 
You definitely don't want to wander into random shops. I'd go to Engagement Rings Direct and ID Jewelry. Those two would take me a few hours! I am not sure where Old World Diamonds is, but if it is nearby, I'd want to go there. I'd check and see if you need an appointment there because I don't know if they operate a retail shop.
 
I use to describe my experience at the NY diamond district as a tale of mermaids and sailors...salespeople (both inside and outside shops)
plying me to go in and buy fabulous jewels at fabulous prices...I was really disturbed by their pushy behaviour so my visit to the district took me less than half an hour.
 
Er ... I'm going to go completely against the grain here and tell you that the Jewelry District is one of the most maddening, enchanting, memorable places in the city, and a not-to-be-missed experience.

The storefronts you see are literally the tip of the iceberg: behind them is a warren of booths and stalls, on the ground floor, in the basements, and crammed cheek-by-jowel behind the windows above. You could spend a year exploring and still not see it all. Given that you have a few hours? Hit the high points.

Don't be intimidated by the carny-barker style front-men who ask if you're selling gold, buying an engagement ring, etc., etc. - they're generally nice guys, and they have no objection to being brushed off. They know it's part of the job.

Don't let anybody push you on a purchase: if they start asking how much they'd have to improve the price like they're opening negotiations and you're not interested, say so directly. Like, literally: "I just don't want it." One of the problems for most American customers, I think, is simple culture shock, since a majority of the dealers come from cultures where haggling is part of the fun, and Americans are a lot more conflict avoidant.

If you are interested in bargaining, have fun with it, and feel free to point out why you're bargaining (an inclusion, wear, whatever).

If you feel tempted to make a pricey purchase, check the list of PS appraisers - at least a few of them do walk-ins - and make your purchase contingent on a no-strings return policy.

For vintage at good prices, I love Stephen Herdemian, closet to the 6th Ave side: for amazing eye candy, I love M. Khordipour. The dude who has the stall across from ID Jewelry has a great display, and across the street from them is a place called Gray's with amazing antiques.

Will write more if I think of it, but bottom line? Have fun. Don't be intimidated. Think of it as the shiniest amusement park in the world. :mrgreen:
 
Hi Doug's Girl

I love to browse the Diamond District-shopping is another ballgame. As the previous poster said there are a lot of pushy people working there. Many of the stores have people that stand outside the shop and try to get you to come inside-just tell them no. Don't get sucked into a conversation-you can also just move to the next window. You will also find that when you are looking at the sparklies in a window sales people inside will try to get you to come in. Just shake your head no and most of them will leave you alone. IF not move to the next window. There are some antique shops and the people in them are very nice-Gray and Davis is my fav. the ladies that work in there are SUPER nice. They will let you try anything on! There is also another one on the opposite side of the street but I can't recall the name and they too will let you try on-and browse without being pushy there is an 11ct OEC in the window as well as several other gorgeous antiques-it is very close to ID jewelry, which by the way is just a booth. They are very nice as well but it is very cramped quarters in there. Old World Diamonds does not have a booth-they are in an office building and you need to make an apt. with Adam if there is a particular stone you want to see-it is not a browsing type of set up and Adam is super nice! I have never been to ERD but I am pretty sure it is by apt. only, same with DBL. Israel Rose has an incredible display of antique jewelery. I have never see any like it before-but again you need an apt. Well, one of the owners is really nice and will show you things-but the other guy is really rude and won't let you browse or show you anything unless you have an apt. (I guess he could tell I was just looking!)-but if you can find the booth it is worth seeing! Truly UNBELIEVABLE!!!! You can just stand there and look-and who knows, maybe you will get the nice owner!

When you go in a shop some are just a shop, and others are little mallls with many booths inside. There are many that have antiques as well-some will ignore you and others will ask if you need help. ANd of course you will get the pushy ones too.Just be firm with people and say no-or I am just looking if you feel they are being pushy. There are so many incredible diamonds in the windows-so much to look at! I just tune all the other nonsense out. The antique jewelry is also so incredible-so fun to look at! Your hubby might be bored-mine hates going there, so I just take my daughter with me and she and I have a great time gawking.

If you have any questions just let me know.
 
I say check out Jewelers on Fifth and MIchael C. Fina across the street. ID is down the street and they are great too.
If you want a quick lunch Sbarro is just across the street from MCFina.
Be prepared to hear simultaneous voices saying, "Can I help you? What are you looking for?" - :x You will say "Just looking" about 50 thousand times that day.

MY TIP: :read: BRING PICS OF WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR because in my experience this has thwarted these vendors who think they have what u r looking for. They look at something specific and they're like, nope, sorry don't have it.

If you are interested in something have them write the info on the back of their business card and take a pic if they let you and think about it during the day. Always negotiate and try to get a better deal.
 
I say check out Jewelers on Fifth and MIchael C. Fina across the street. ID is down the street and they are great too.
If you want a quick lunch Sbarro is just across the street from MCFina.
Be prepared to hear simultaneous voices saying, "Can I help you? What are you looking for?" - :x You will say "Just looking" about 50 thousand times that day.

MY TIP: :read: BRING PICS OF WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR because in my experience this has thwarted these vendors who think they have what u r looking for. They look at something specific and they're like, nope, sorry don't have it or they do and it saves you a lot of time because you can be there ALL DAY - in the diamond district - so you want to see as much as possible. This tip will save u a lot of time. Take pics if possible - that helps a ton.

If you are interested in something have them write the info on the back of their business card and take a pic if they let you and think about it during the day. Always negotiate and try to get a better deal.

http://nymag.com/listings/stores/jewelers_on_fifth/
 
Any more last minute suggestions, advice or Must-do's?? We are heading out tomorrow!!!
Thank you all so much for your wonderful contributions so far!!
 
Check email!!!

I can't wait till Diamond District Day on Oct 30!! come on ... TUESDAY!! :appl: :appl: :appl:
 
Two words-diamond huggies!!! And I'm soooo jealous that you & Enerchi are meeting there and I'm not! BOOOOO
Take loads of pics & plaster PS with them when you get back!
 
How are you doing Woofmama??? feeling any better? I am going to have to come to Chicago and look after you!! DH is already sold on a Chicago trip!

I promise I will post as many pics as I can - I'm sure Dougsgirl will do her part as well!!! We will think of you!
 
Hi Enerchi :wavey:
I'm feeling better. Saw the Dr today and we're trying some different meds. She gave me a referral to surgeon to see for a consultation. Very mixed feelings about that. Enough threadjack.
I would love to have you visit Chicago! Please give me plenty of notice so I can plan my schedule around us exploring all the bling hotspots downtown. The city is really fabulous & there is so much to see. I can drag hubby along & he can keep your DH company while we shop :naughty: Hubby always says I need a jewelry friend :)

Have a great time in NY!!!!
 
In NYC, you won't get much out of visiting with ERD, OWD, etc if you don't give them some specs in advance. They will have to pull things for you to see .. but don't suggest you waste their time / money if you aren't serious about buying. I visit with Mark at ERD whenever I am in NYC. We just chit chat for a bit .. I show him some pieces and he shows me some. There are two antique shops beside the building where Leon Mege and Steven Kirsch are - they have some pretty nice pieces! The sales people are so friendly too. They let me try on rings and go outside to look at it in daylight (out on the street).

Sorry to butt in on the side conversation. In Chicago, I have been here for the past year and I love their jewelry district. There are some great "old school" vendors at 5 S Wabash. I spent an afternoon visiting the shops and had a blast. They have such great watch makers there and cheap jewelry repair ($10 resizing, $10 rodium plating). I sure am going to miss this when I head back to Toronto. I have been bringing so many of my pieces here to change to my liking.

On the other hand, do you find Chicago really dangerous? A member of my team got robbed at gun point in River North last night. A few months ago, they almost got beat up because they didn't have change to spare. Then outside our office building in the past 3 months - someone got shot and someone else got stabbed (this is in the financial district!).
 
dougsgirl and Enerchi...have a wonderful, wonderful time! Take pictures if you can and come back and tell us about your adventures!!!
 
Sorry to hear about the scary experiences in Chicago. I have lived in the area for 31 years and luckily, have always felt safe when I go into the city. Love, love, love Jewelers Row!

BTW, long time lurker, first time poster. Took "My Kind Of Town" to bring me out of hiding!
 
Thanks everyone!!
I am SO excited to check all of this out! Unfortunately, I am not sure how much time I am really going to get in the DD. We are going with friends, and I'm sure my girlfriend will come along with me, but I'm not sure if she will be content to stay for hours. I am, for sure, going to at least meet up with Enerchi so we can hug and gawk and ogle each-others' bling in person! :love:

If it was just me and DH, I'm sure I could spend as much time as I want. But, I have to be considerate. So we'll see how it goes.

I'm going to have to write down and print out all of your wonderful suggestions. I'm glad you guys are giving me a tentative game-plan. Do you think it's possible to buy a fun trinket for $100-200... or is everything going to be super spendy?? Since I JUST got my new e-ring and wedding band, I think our diamond "fund" is pretty tapped out. But I'd love to find a fun pair of earrings, or a cool antique ring, or a silver bracelet to add to my collection. Is there jewelry in all price ranges??

Thanks again!
 
I met with Leon, McTeigue and McClelland, Saturn and an auction house when I went last time-everyone by appointment. The next day, also Kwiat, then wanderered into Harry Winston for a spell. I would save Michael C. Fina on a different day for an hour or so. Just immerse yourself in the diamond bazaar madness and enjoy wandering. It's fun to combine antique shop type browsing with high end dealers and high end stores. You're so educated and so discerning, you'll know what you like and should take pics of your faves (aaannnd post them). Pleeeassse go to the Single Stone Trunk Show for me! Trying things on is a good idea too. I was surprised when I tried on McTeigue and McClelland's diamond flora pave ring with an emerald cut (and had wanted an Asscher) and would up with an American cut round. Course you just got a monster so you are probably on jewelry probation :$$):

I'd like to go to ID and ERD too. We are all going on this trip with you vicariously 8-)
 
Update to the officially awesome DIAMOND DISTRICT DAY - Oct 30 ! I've contacted IDJ for a 930am visit and have around 11am set up for Leigh Jay Nacht to look at setting in both for my OEC! Added bonus --- VERY EXCITED about this --- I've sent an email to David at DBL letting him know he's going to be bombarded by a PS visit that day! I'm hoping to spend a little of our precious DDD learning about yellow diamonds and enjoying some of the GORGEOUS treasures on his site!!! *major drool*

I'm sure DBL will be thrilled with the onslaught of some diamond crazed ladies invading their office!!! Please - don't run for the hills when we mention we are PSers David!!! :shock: But as a way to calm the frenzy - we can be soothed with jewel laden treasures to try on -- just sayin' :Up_to_something:

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Oh my ... counting the days and they are way too far from right now...
 
Yes, woofmama, I'm watching that storm with interest... as in "interested it just peeters out!!

Dougsgirl is there now, not sure of her departure date. DH & I fly in on monday and home on friday. Watching the Weather Network, looks like they are predicting 50mm of rain on Tuesday!!! So... a slicker and Wellies may be the attire of the trip! Argh! I'm hoping there are no serious travel delays on Monday. We are flying out of Toronto to Newark. My little "ray of hope" is that on Tuesday, at least if we can get into the buildings, we will be dry! Even bought a tiny compact brolly for the trip - haha!

Fingers crossed that the storm does fizzle out and there will be no more further damage or threatened harm to the entire NE coastal area.
 
Had to lookup brolly-very cute word for umbrella. I'll keep my fingers & toes crossed for you both that your trip isn't impacted by Frankenstorm!
Enerchi said:
Update to the officially awesome DIAMOND DISTRICT DAY - Oct 30 ! I've contacted IDJ for a 930am visit and have around 11am set up for Leigh Jay Nacht to look at setting in both for my OEC! Added bonus --- VERY EXCITED about this --- I've sent an email to David at DBL letting him know he's going to be bombarded by a PS visit that day! I'm hoping to spend a little of our precious DDD learning about yellow diamonds and enjoying some of the GORGEOUS treasures on his site!!! *major drool*

I'm sure DBL will be thrilled with the onslaught of some diamond crazed ladies invading their office!!! Please - don't run for the hills when we mention we are PSers David!!! :shock: But as a way to calm the frenzy - we can be soothed with jewel laden treasures to try on -- just sayin' :Up_to_something:

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Oh my ... counting the days and they are way too far from right now...
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All of these plans sound FABULOUS!!!! I hope you find your dream setting for that gorgeous OEC!
 
Enerchi and Dougsgirl,

May I suggest recommend vintage jewelry stores?

http://www.pippinvintage.com/

Many pieces are very affordable. You might be able to score a nice vintage ring with a colored stone under $300.

http://www.doyledoyle.com

Overpriced in my opinion, but they have many pretty vintage pieces.

http://www.eriebasin.com

It's kind if hard to get to the store from Manhattan, but they have many affordable and high-end pieces.


Hope you have a wonderful trip! I live in NYC, so please feel free to ask me if you need recommendations for restaurants and other things.
 
Due to the pending arrival of "Frankenstorm" / Hurricane Sandy, we impulsively decided to be proactive and rebooked flights to depart at 7am via connecting cities and will now be in NYC by noon on Sunday! Booked an extra hotel night as well. So I lost a prep day at home, but gained an NYC day - WOO HOO!

Still hoping 47th street doesn't shut down when the storm hits on Tuesday. :shock:

Where would you go for an awesome slice of New York cheesecake, sakuracherry? Staying in Times Square for Sunday night. Oh! Maybe we can get a broadway show in!
 
Yay, Enerchi, I'm so excited for you!! I would SO be joining you ( inviting myself) if I didn't have a newborn at home!!! I can't wait to hear all about your day!!! Stay safe!!!
 
Dani|1351336188|3293413 said:
Yay, Enerchi, I'm so excited for you!! I would SO be joining you ( inviting myself) if I didn't have a newborn at home!!! I can't wait to hear all about your day!!! Stay safe!!!
Click to expand...


COME ON ALONG - the more the merrier!!! :appl: :appl: :appl: Any chance baby would want an initiation into the wonderful world of 47th Street, at an early and impressionable age?? Start young!! :wink2: If not, a short term baby sitter so mom can "party hard" at IDJ, LJN and DBL??

If you are able to make it, we would LOVE to meet you (and little baby Dani!), if the weather conditions are decent enough to risk going out! Looks as though the Monday is now going to be the 50mm of rain day with winds gusting up to 50km/hour. That's Canadian-speak for "torrential winds and biblical flooding - watch for pairs of animals roaming the streets, led by a man with a long white beard and a staff!" :lol:
 
Cheesecake anyone????http://www.juniorscheesecake.com/our_restaurants/times_square/



There are probably really good cheesecakes to be had all over NYC, but if you want the Famous Juniors Cheesecake go to Brooklyn, however that being a no go head to Times Square!! The cheesecake is huge and delicious!!!!!

Have fun be safe and if the winds are what are predicted,just tuck that cute little brolly away and just cover your head and run!
So wish I could be there;(
 
(trying to control my salivary glands from over working themselves into a drooling frenzy!)

OMG!!! I'm sold on the carrot cake cheesecake --- DOUBLE YUM!!!! :lickout: :lickout: :lickout: :lickout:

screen_shot_2012-10-27_at_9.png
 
Elisateach|1351338554|3293422 said:
Cheesecake anyone????http://www.juniorscheesecake.com/our_restaurants/times_square/



There are probably really good cheesecakes to be had all over NYC, but if you want the Famous Juniors Cheesecake go to Brooklyn, however that being a no go head to Times Square!! The cheesecake is huge and delicious!!!!!

Have fun be safe and if the winds are what are predicted,just tuck that cute little brolly away and just cover your head and run!
So wish I could be there;(
Click to expand...

Yes, we had juniors cheesecake in Times Square! It was great!

Enerchi, I hope the storm changes course because a major storm week is not going to be a good time to enjoy walking around NYC. I'd hate to be in your position, but I might lean toward rescheduling. I really hope you have a safe and fun trip!!!
 
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