How to manage an inquiry when you have an diamond with an upgrade policy

[piapetunia]

I've been struggling with a decision to replace a beautiful but delicate antique ring for years. It's time as I've been told my ring should not be worn daily. My husband gave me a pair of earrings many years ago purchased from a jewelry store (not online) that I do not wear. These are cushion cut, 1 carat each, G, SI. He paid $9500. Yikes. The store has an upgrade policy (50% more) and I would like to buy a ring there if possible. How do I go about this? Do I find the ring first, then ask about the upgrade and show them the receipts. Or, do I negotiate a ring price, then tell them. I don't want to be dishonest, but also want to get the best price before they know they have a trade-in. This jewelry store has a strong reputation in the Bay area but has no online presence so I cannot be sure what they have in stock. The policy only covers in-stock pieces. Thanks for any advice.

 

[MissGotRocks]

The store will only give you credit for what you paid for the earrings using either your receipt or their records. Will they take two diamonds in trade for one?
I would go in and take a look at what they have in stock. You may or may not like what they have at the moment. If you find something, you can then ask about the trade. Some stores negotiate - some don’t. You can always make an offer to them if you find something you want and see what they say. Do you know what size of a diamond you are looking for? Are you well versed in diamond cut and what to look for in terms of performance?

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

I do not think it is dishonest not to talk about your trade in right away. First of all, it is a business, and when your husband bought the earrings, the jeweler essentially said you would get the price in trade. Second, you seem to know a little about how this jeweler operates — If this jeweler negotiates, then the first quoted price probably is not their bottom line and all you are doing is bringing up more information as you negotiate. Are you also going with the jeweler for the setting? There are all different kinds of ways to work within budget even without a back-and-forth in price. Last but not least, you may find something within budget that does not require the trade-in, or you may change your new selection if, after thinking about it, you don’t want to part with the earrings. So you are essentially leaving your options open.