I hate Kay''s..please help

[SandraPaneczko]

Some of your are updated on my situation but to make a long story short. I went to Kays and bought the Leo diamond with the intent of upgrading to VS stones because I had my heart set on VS and they had none in the store. I was lied to about their policy on upgrading and exchanging. Well about a week go I was in the store and talking to the manager about getting a quote from LEO on my VS stones (thinking I am going to just pay the difference and trade in my stones) She asked when I bought them and I told her I didn't remember the date, she went into my account and clearly saw that I was about 5 days until my return policy was up. She never told me I could exchange within the next few days or it was going to cost me double. So I went in yesterday to talk to her and I learned about their policy and I also learned that I was 2 days past my return or exchange policy date. I told the lady that was there my situation and she felt bad for me. She was going to do it for me anyways but she clearly told me that I had to exchange today because she wasn't even suppose to do that for me. I ate lunch and when I went back she just acted like that conversation never happened and they told me there was nothing they could do for me. I tried to fight it but I lost. I felt very mislead and I told them that but they still would not help me. They told me that they wanted to but couldn't. Well my husband and I are not the type to spend that kind of money for nothing and some people would not care but it was important to me and I am going to spend a little more by taking a hit on the rings and getting something that I am going to be happy with for the rest of my life. Know I want to do this the right way this time. I want D,E,or F color and I will spend to get a VS,VVS or IF but would love to have a IF. I looked around a little yesterday and found a .74 IF, E color for just over 8,000. Is that too much for that stone. I only want anywhere from .70-.80 no more no less. WHERE DO I GO. Leo and hearts on fire are out. Where can I get a good quality stone? What about Tiffany? I am not going to make another mistake. Please help me. I want good quality. I got an estimate of 3,200 for trade in on my rings and will spend another 5,000 or maybe a little more if I found the perfect one and I don't mind a plan band. Am I doing the right thing? I have nice rings and more that what most people ever can have but its not what I wanted. I just feel like I should be happy.

 

[neatfreak]

Please don''t buy from them if you can''t trade, you can do much better online. Start looking at Whiteflash and Good Old Gold.

 

[SandraPaneczko]

your right. Where ever I get my new ring, I need to be able to trade in the ones I have. I am not sure about online diamonds. I thought they were risky?

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 10/16/2008 1:23:01 PM
Author: SandraPaneczko
your right. Where ever I get my new ring, I need to be able to trade in the ones I have. I am not sure about online diamonds. I thought they were risky?

You are on a forum where most of us bought online. As long as you stick with reputable vendors it isn''t risky. That being said though, they don''t take trades generally. Unfortunately you are very unlikely to get your $ back when reselling anywhere except with a trade-in policy...

 

[SandraPaneczko]

I don''t have a problem with getting my rings from somewhere that will take my Leo rings, I have to. I did mention that I got a trade in quote for 3,200 for mt Leo. I think that I already made a mistake and I don''t want to make another one. Should I go to a local place or Tiffany? any advice would be great

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 10/16/2008 1:34:03 PM
Author: SandraPaneczko
I don''t have a problem with getting my rings from somewhere that will take my Leo rings, I have to. I did mention that I got a trade in quote for 3,200 for mt Leo. I think that I already made a mistake and I don''t want to make another one. Should I go to a local place or Tiffany? any advice would be great

Huh? I don''t understand your post. You need to trade or not?

You will pay a lot at Tiffany, more than it''s worth, and they don''t take trades. I would go somewhere like WHiteflash or Good Old Gold as I mentioned before.

 

[SandraPaneczko]

Yes I need to trade in my Leo. Will Whiteflash take my trade?

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 10/16/2008 1:41:43 PM
Author: SandraPaneczko
Yes I need to trade in my Leo. Will Whiteflash take my trade?

No. As I said before, most places will NOT take trade ins. Your best bet is probably to try consigning the ring someplace like Pearlman's Jewelers, or selling it yourself. Unfortunately you won't get back what you paid for it.

 

[JSM]

I don''t think any of the online vendors will take a Leo diamond as a trade. If you really need to trade in your Leo, your best bet may be an independent jeweler. You won''t get as much as you paid for it anywhere you go except for Kays, though.

 

[SandraPaneczko]

THANKS!!! I really want to be done with Kays. I want something better and they don't have what I want anyways. I know I am loosing money on my ring but its either that or dish out at least 7,000 for rings I don't want at kays or trade in and only pay out 5,000 and have something I love. Am I doing the right thing

The Leos are not selling for much on ebay. I would get more with the trade in

 

[purrfectpear]

There are people on Pricescope who have purchased online diamonds valued around $30K and up. You keep asking for advice, then you seem to ignore the reality of what we are saying.

Your current rings have very little value in person to person resale, and even less in trade unless you deal with another mall store. Not recommended.

Put your rings on eBay, Craigslist, or contact Pearlmans and see if they will accept them on consignment. Expect to get very little. Forget what you "paid" as that has almost zero relevance to what you can sell them for.

Set your budget for a new diamond and we will indicate what you can purchase within your budget and specifications you desire.

 

[SandraPaneczko]

Thank you for your understanding and for all your posts. I understand the reality of my situation. I understand that I am going to loose a lot of money on my rings, I got that part but I am now asking for advise on where to go so I don't make the same mistake again.

I will only go to a place that will take me Leos, I already brought them to a local store in the mall and they are willing to give me 3,200. More than I thought I would get.

My new question is what is wrong with the mall stores? I really would like to know. A lot of people say stay out of the mall but why?
I was really considering buying from this local man because they had a large selection of VS,VVS and IF stones and he seems pretty good. He took a look at an antique set of rings for me. The ring in his store is beautiful but I want to know if its over priced. .74 IF,E for 8,300 and change. Is that about right.

I know what I want but I don't know much about the cuts and where I can go due to my situation. I am clueless on what to do.


Thanks

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 10/16/2008 2:10:49 PM
Author: SandraPaneczko
Thank you for your understanding and for all your posts. I understand the reality of my situation. I understand that I am going to loose a lot of money on my rings, I got that part but I am now asking for advise on where to go so I don't make the same mistake again.


I will only go to a place that will take me Leos, I already brought them to a local store in the mall and they are willing to give me 3,200. More than I thought I would get.


My new question is what is wrong with the mall stores? I really would like to know. A lot of people say stay out of the mall but why?

I was really considering buying from this local man because they had a large selection of VS,VVS and IF stones and he seems pretty good. He took a look at an antique set of rings for me. The ring in his store is beautiful but I want to know if its over priced. .74 IF,E for 8,300 and change. Is that about right.


I know what I want but I don't know much about the cuts and where I can do due to my situation



Thanks

Because #1, they are overpriced. just because he's giving you good $ for your trade doesn't mean you will pay less. #2, color and clarity aren't what designates a good diamond. A large part of it is CUT and maul stores generally have very poorly cut diamonds. #3, You say you want VVS or IF? Buying from a maul store will most likely guarantee that you actually DIDN'T get an IF or VVS stone even if you paid for it if you bring it to an appraiser.



You aren't really listening to us. You say you can spend $5,000? You can get an amazing diamond online for $5k WITHOUT TRADING IN YOUR LEO. Then you'd have two rings. So just because you CAN trade it, doesn't mean you should.

 

[MMT]

I just want to say I''m sorry for what you are going through. You should have a ring that you love. Good luck in your search

 

[AvusM5]

Sandra,
Do you have problems reading what others have posted? People have said the same thing 50 times over again about what you should do and you''re still not getting it. All the info you need has been posted.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I know what I want but I don't know much about the cuts and where I can go due to my situation. I am clueless on what to do.


Thanks

Read the PS tutorial at the top of the screen under "knowledge" so you know more about well-cut stones.

As Neatfreak mentioned, you can keep your LEO and buy another stone for $5K. Make the leo into a pendant

 

[rainydaze]

hi Sandra,

i''m sorry for the situation you are in. who is offering you the 3200 as a trade-in? another jeweler, or kays?

if it is another jeweler, do they have, or can they get, what it is you are looking for? if so, sounds like you have your answer. make sure you understand all their policies and are comfortable with what they are offering you (for me that would mean making sure my diamond has an AGS or GIA cert and if not, getting a independent appraisal to be sure the diamond is what it is being offered to be. also, i would do a quick search online to be sure they have not inflated the price on you to cover some of the trade in value they are giving you.)

if it is kays, i would definitely cut my losses and maybe try the following:
purchase a stone and ring from GOG or whiteflash with the 5k you have. in fact, a quick search for RBs .7 to .9 cartas, D/E/F color, IF/VVS1 & 2/VS1 & 2 at GOG brought up several diamonds withing a 5k budget (the link won''t post correctly. go to goodoldgold.com adn click on "diamond search" to the left. then enter information accordingly to bring up diamonds that meet your requirements). you could then list your rings on ebay or craigslist and though you will not get back what you paid and maybe not what you would have got with a trade-in, you will at least get something back and you will have the diamond you really wanted. you will just have to swallow a bit of a loss. personally, i would be most comfortable with this option.

search around until you find a local jeweler who will take your rings as a trade-in and can offer you what you really want. a little more effort and time, but if you are able to find someone you may get the most out of your situation. and it is nice to have a local jeweler to work with.

good luck!

 

[rainydaze]

Date: 10/16/2008 2:10:49 PM
Author: SandraPaneczko
Thank you for your understanding and for all your posts. I understand the reality of my situation. I understand that I am going to loose a lot of money on my rings, I got that part but I am now asking for advise on where to go so I don''t make the same mistake again.

I will only go to a place that will take me Leos, I already brought them to a local store in the mall and they are willing to give me 3,200. More than I thought I would get.

My new question is what is wrong with the mall stores? I really would like to know. A lot of people say stay out of the mall but why?
I was really considering buying from this local man because they had a large selection of VS,VVS and IF stones and he seems pretty good. He took a look at an antique set of rings for me. The ring in his store is beautiful but I want to know if its over priced. .74 IF,E for 8,300 and change. Is that about right.

I know what I want but I don''t know much about the cuts and where I can go due to my situation. I am clueless on what to do.


Thanks

sorry, my previous post became redundant as it took me too long to post it! others said it better.

does he have AGS or GIA certs to back up the quality of his stones? jewelry stores can claim pretty much whatever they want about the color and clarity of a stone if it doesn''t have a reliable cert to go along with it. and forget about cut... the most important C that determines the beauty of the stone.

again, you can get everything you want from GOG - a trusted online vendor whose diamonds are AGS or GIA certed - for the 5k you have to spend. i would let go of the idea that you MUST trade in your leos.

 

[swingirl]

Kay's is sticking to their return policy (90 days) and their lifetime trade-up policy. I think 90 days is quite a generous return policy. If you do find something from an online vendor evaluate your purchase ASAP as none of them give you 90 days. 10 day to 30 days is more the norm.

Regarding mall stores--you answered your own question. You said they didn't have any VS stones and had to settle for an SI and it would take them 6 months for them to get in any stones with higher clarity. It's that enough reason to stay clear?

 

[SandraPaneczko]

Thank you so much for your advice. Your right I really want to be done with Kay Jewlers. I went to a store in the mall which is not Kay's and not a chain store, he is a local man who own a couple stores here. He offered me the 3,200 trade in. I looked at his selection and I found a beautiful .74 round E,IF GIA certified for 8,300. Whith my trade in, I would spend about 5,000. I just took a look at Whiteflash and there is about that same for a little over 5,000. How much do settings usually cost? and whats the different between the one step above H&A? or a plain round? If I didn't like the stone, could I return it?

I thank all of you have been patient with me. I know nothing about this and was trying to get an idea and I keep coming up with new questions so sorry if it seem as if I am not getting what your saying. I do, I have so much I need to think about.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 10/16/2008 2:50:26 PM
Author: SandraPaneczko
Thank you so much for your advice. Your right I really want to be done with Kay Jewlers. I went to a store in the mall which is not Kay''s and not a chain store, he is a local man who own a couple stores here. He offered me the 3,200 trade in. I looked at his selection and I found a beautiful .74 round E,IF GIA certified for 8,300. Whith my trade in, I would spend about 5,000. I just took a look at Whiteflash and there is about that same for a little over 5,000. How much do settings usually cost? and whats the different between the one step above H&A? or a plain round? If I didn''t like the stone, could I return it?


I thank all of you have been patient with me. I know nothing about this and was trying to get an idea and I keep coming up with new questions so sorry if it seem as if I am not getting what your saying. I do, I have so much I need to think about.

You can return it to WF and that way you don''t even have to trade in your current stone. See how that situation is better?

 

[rainydaze]

Date: 10/16/2008 2:50:26 PM
Author: SandraPaneczko
Thank you so much for your advice. Your right I really want to be done with Kay Jewlers. I went to a store in the mall which is not Kay''s and not a chain store, he is a local man who own a couple stores here. He offered me the 3,200 trade in. I looked at his selection and I found a beautiful .74 round E,IF GIA certified for 8,300. Whith my trade in, I would spend about 5,000. I just took a look at Whiteflash and there is about that same for a little over 5,000. How much do settings usually cost? and whats the different between the one step above H&A? or a plain round? If I didn''t like the stone, could I return it?

I thank all of you have been patient with me. I know nothing about this and was trying to get an idea and I keep coming up with new questions so sorry if it seem as if I am not getting what your saying. I do, I have so much I need to think about.

3200 is a lot for a setting IMO. we can''t tell you if the setting that comes with this stone you are considering is worth that without more information and even then, we could only guess if it is worth it - an idependent appraiser would be the one to give you a viable opinion if it is worth that or not. can you describe the setting?

there are a lot of threads and information regarding A Cut Above H&A - a search should bring up a lot to help you understand this. also check out ''Knowledge'' up above on this site. oh, and GOG has some great videos on their site comparing H&A rounds with AGS000 grading vs. the average round, amoungst others. it is great fun going through these!

i believe whiteflash gives you 10 days to return the stone - check their site for this policy. they also have a great tradeup policy so even if you passed your return period you would not be entirely stuck.

 

[MissGotRocks]

In order to get back every dime you paid on the first stones, you would have to do a trade-in with Kay''s. Why won''t they let you trade in for VS stones? I believe their policy is that you must trade for something that is 50% more than what you paid. We don''t know what you paid for the first rings so we can''t know if the $3200.00 you have been offered by another jeweler is a fair trade or not. You would be looking to spend another $5,000.00 with that jeweler. If your first purchase with Kay''s was around $5,000.00, you could add the same additional $5,000.00 and have $10,000.00 worth of Leo diamonds. Kay Jewelers can call you in anything you want - you don''t have to only buy the merchandise they have in the case. However, you are probably going to pay top dollar for ideal cut stones.

If I were you, I would start at Kay''s. Write down what they are offering you so that you could then go to other jewelers and compare prices and products in an apples to apples kind of way. An E, IF stone is probably overkill to alot of us. If you dropped down in color and clarity, you could get a bigger stone. I would not pay his price for a .74 stone. Way too much money IMO for that size stone. None of the online vendors that I am aware of will take those stones in trade. Only option with them is to sell your current stones outright and then purchase from one of these vendors.

You are in a quandry and I am sorry for your dilemma. While they may not have been thorough in telling you about their return and trade-in policies, it is all in the literature that accompanies your purchase. You can never really take a random salesperson''s word on something like that unless it is in writing and signed by the manager.

Good luck to you - it is difficult but not impossible to find other stones. Please let us know what you decide!

 

[AprilBaby]

You can go to your local Jareds and trade your Kay ring for a loose diamond you pick at the Jareds store. If you study the forums you can go in educated and look for a GIA diamond they can call in that fits your specs. You will get 100% trade in and you have to spend double, so you will pay more than pricescope, BUT you will get 100% on YOUR diamond. Just KNOW what you are looking for! Sterling owns both stores so Jared WILL take your trade. And when you are done, NEVER shop there again cause they don''t really uphold their part of the bargain. sigh....

 

[amyjokerette]

Date: 10/16/2008 6:47:51 PM
Author: AprilBaby
You can go to your local Jareds and trade your Kay ring for a loose diamond you pick at the Jareds store. If you study the forums you can go in educated and look for a GIA diamond they can call in that fits your specs. You will get 100% trade in and you have to spend double, so you will pay more than pricescope, BUT you will get 100% on YOUR diamond. Just KNOW what you are looking for! Sterling owns both stores so Jared WILL take your trade. And when you are done, NEVER shop there again cause they don''t really uphold their part of the bargain. sigh....

Thats what I was going to suggest as well... either Jared''s or Kay''s to get your 100% trade up value. This time you don''t have to choose a Leo diamond if you don''t want it.

 

[Love2Travel]

I am no help to how to return/exhcange etc. But I just did a quick search on whiteflash.com and they have:

.711 F VVS2 ACA (A cut above) Hearts and Arrows $4324.00
.732 E VVS2 ACA Hearts and Arrows $4829.00

Just wanted to give you an idea of pricing.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 10/16/2008 8:00:15 PM
Author: Love2Travel
I am now help to how to return/exhcange etc. But I just did a quick search on whiteflash.com and they have:


.711 F VVS2 ACA (A cut above) H&A $4324.00

.732 E VVS2 ACA H&A $4829.00


Just wanted to give you an idea of pricing.

Yes and then she wouldn''t even have to trade her Leo...she could make it into a pendant or something...

 

[MissGotRocks]

Date: 10/16/2008 8:00:15 PM
Author: Love2Travel
I am now help to how to return/exhcange etc. But I just did a quick search on whiteflash.com and they have:

.711 F VVS2 ACA (A cut above) H&A $4324.00
.732 E VVS2 ACA H&A $4829.00

Just wanted to give you an idea of pricing.

Based on these prices, the jeweler is actually not giving you anything for the ring you would be trading in. If you take 3200 away from the price he is charging, the balance is right in line with these WF stones. You''d be better off keeping what you have and just buying one of these beauties outright!

 

[marcy]

I was going to suggest Jared''s too. They have colorless and ideal cut diamonds and will take in trades from Kays.

 

[amyjokerette]

Date: 10/16/2008 8:03:52 PM
Author: neatfreak

...... Yes and then she wouldn't even have to trade her Leo...she could make it into a pendant or something...

Ooh! a pendant! What a great idea!