need advice on ''shopping around'' for rings!

[sammyj]

My BF and I met with a jeweller yesterday. We sat down with him for 1.5 hours, looked at stones and went over the details of my setting. He told us that he could have a mold made in a few days and we set up another appointment to meet with him next week to review the mold and to select our stone. He asked my BF to bring a $1000 deposit to hold the stone. We were extremely satisfied with our meeting and we were both excited to be ''taking the next step.'' We also decided that we wanted to compare prices to ensure we were getting a decent deal.

So, when we got home I decided to do a diamond search on PS and found stones that were less expensive with the same parameters (although the stone we had our eye on at the jewellers was not exactly what we were looking for). My BF started to get all panicky and this completely stressed him out. He was concerned about the finances obviously, but he was also very concerned about having the jeweller start something for us that we may not actually go through with. I suggested to my BF that we contact a local jeweller that Martin Sheffield from USAcerted Diamonds recommended to us as soon as possible (like, today!) and set up an appt right away so that we can either cancel with the 1st jeweller or be assured that we''ve made the right decision (with the 1st jeweller).

Everyone who already has their ring, did you ''shop around'' for designers/jewellers? Did you meet with more than one jeweller or did you stick with the first person you met with? How terrible is it that we''ve met with this guy, agreed to have him make the mold, and then we may not follow through?

We''ve already decided that we are not going to buy the stone from one place then have someone else set it. We''d like to work with one person and one person only. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

(I know this should probably be in rockytalky but my BF lurks there a little and I''d rather him not see the post!)

TIA!

 

[gwendolyn]

If you''re getting something custom made (which it sounds like you are from your mention of a mold), then I guess it will come down to whether or not you like the majority of his work that you''ve seen and whether or not you think he will reliably create your ring. Have you looked at the work of other custom jewelers that do similar work to what you want? Is this jeweler the best? Or just the first one you''ve talked to?

I too am planning on going with a custom jeweler and have decided on him (Mark Morrell) based on many, many examples I''ve seen of his work. If you''ve looked around and feel you are going with the best match for your needs, then go ahead with this jeweler! If not, call your jeweler ASAP and put the project on hold and shop around a bit to make sure you will be working with the best match for your design.

Let us know what you decide to do!

 

[brooklyngirl]

I think it''s important to shop around a bit before deciding on a jeweler -- especially a custom one. I''m not sure how many stones you''ve looked at, but if your current jeweler doesn''t have a stone that you want, and getting a stone and setting from the same jeweler is a non-negotiable, then perhaps you need to look at another jeweler.

FI and I shopped around quite a bit. We ended up finding our setting in Las Vegas, so when we got home, we contacted Pearlman''s and ended up getting the stone, and setting from them. It wasn''t the original plan, but I

my ring, and it''s truely the one for us!

Perhaps without shopping around as much as we did, I would have hesitated on this ring. It''s good to know that you''ve seen a lot -- it really helps to calm you down when making the decision.

 

[neatfreak]

It is really really important to shop around.

 

[sammyj]

Hi everyone,

Thanks a lot for your input. I agree that it is really important to shop around. We''ve been to several B&M stores to look at stones and make decisions about settings and we went to this jeweller upon the recommendation of a friend (which I know doesn''t necessarily produce the best outcomes). We have only met with this jeweller and he got the ball rolling faster than we were prepared for!

To be perfectly honest, the jeweller/designer that would make my dream ring the best would be Leon Mege! But, unfortunately, he''s not within our price range and as we are located in Canada, we are trying to keep things local to avoid issues with customs and the poor exchange rate. The designer who will be making my ring was voted the top jewelry designer in Canada last year and two of his pieces came in 2nd and 3rd this year. When I google his name (FYI it is Alfred Angelo) the rings that show up aren''t necessarily e-ring-ish but his workmanship is top-notch.

My BF actually came up to me this afternoon and said that he wants to stick with our first jeweller. I think we both feel that he''s earned our trust and our business. Ultimately, I left it in the hands of my BF. He needs to be the one comfortable with the financial aspect of the ring...I''ve already given as much input as possible for my setting and I''ve passed on my diamond knowledge (acquired on PS of course) to the best of my ability.


brooklyngirl, your ring is stunning! I love the rose gold!!!

neatfreak, I''ve always been a fan of your bezel as well!

 

[neatfreak]

Thanks Sammy! If you guys have been to other stores and are comfortable with this guy, by all means go for it. It just sounded like this was the first jeweler you had been to, which is worrisome. But if you''ve seen what else is out there locally and like this guy, then he sounds like a good choice for you.

 

[vita*dolce]

my bf and i have shopped around quite a bit. i think that''s pretty customary... he feels a little guilty having someone work with us if we may not end up buying from them but i think it''s important to work with the person with whom you''re the most comfortable and with whom you''ll get the best deal.

good luck! can''t wait to see the final product!

 

[sammyj]

Date: 11/16/2008 6:22:49 PM
Author: sammyj
Hi everyone,

Thanks a lot for your input. I agree that it is really important to shop around. We''ve been to several B&M stores to look at stones and make decisions about settings and we went to this jeweller upon the recommendation of a friend (which I know doesn''t necessarily produce the best outcomes). We have only met with this jeweller and he got the ball rolling faster than we were prepared for!

To be perfectly honest, the jeweller/designer that would make my dream ring the best would be Leon Mege! But, unfortunately, he''s not within our price range and as we are located in Canada, we are trying to keep things local to avoid issues with customs and the poor exchange rate. The designer who will be making my ring was voted the top jewelry designer in Canada last year and two of his pieces came in 2nd and 3rd this year. When I google his name (FYI it is Alfred Angelo) the rings that show up aren''t necessarily e-ring-ish but his workmanship is top-notch.

My BF actually came up to me this afternoon and said that he wants to stick with our first jeweller. I think we both feel that he''s earned our trust and our business. Ultimately, I left it in the hands of my BF. He needs to be the one comfortable with the financial aspect of the ring...I''ve already given as much input as possible for my setting and I''ve passed on my diamond knowledge (acquired on PS of course) to the best of my ability.


brooklyngirl, your ring is stunning! I love the rose gold!!!

neatfreak, I''ve always been a fan of your bezel as well!

Ooops...the designer''s name is Alfredo Alvarez NOT Alfred Angelo (the wedding dress designer!). duhhhh.

I can''t seem to edit my posts anymore...the button is gone!

 

[sunnyd]

Date: 11/16/2008 9:21:04 PM
Author: sammyj

I can''t seem to edit my posts anymore...the button is gone!

Psst...it goes away after 5 minutes.

 

[sammyj]

so...a bit of news. My BF called Victor - the jeweller who was recommended to us by Martin Sheffield at USAcerted Diamonds!!! We gave Victor some specs and some quotes that were sent to us by Martin and we have a meeting on Saturday!!!!

I had initially suggested to my BF to call Victor and to continue shopping around but he was so hesitant to start working with one jeweller and to change our minds and feel as if we were making someone work for nothing. My BF talked to the first jeweller on the phone today and I guess it seemed as if he wasn''t finding the best diamonds within our budget. So, BF came home from work, told me the story and said he was going to call Victor. Then he proceeded to tell me that he should have listened to me when I made my suggestion initially and that I''m always right....

btw, sunnyd...the edit topic button only shows up once in awhile...i am so confused!!!

 

[American Girl]

Hi Sammy,



Jewelers in many cases can be worse than used car salesmen.

The one 'Red Flag' that caught my eye in your first post was this:

Deposit Scheme
They suggest you leave a deposit and take it for an appraisal
If you leave a deposit on a diamond, you should be very careful that the deposit is refundable. In many cases, this is just a way to steal your money, which later turns out to be non-refundable. You will only receive a credit toward another diamond.
Solution: Never leave a deposit on a diamond unless you have it in writing that the deposit is completely refundable if the appraisal is not favorable. And always insist that the store write down the exact measurements (WxWxD), shape, weight, color and clarity of the diamond on your agreement form.

I'm sure you're just as anxious as any other LIW... but, make sure that you shop around and get the most for your money.

Another REALLY common thing that is done with diamonds is 'Laser Drilling' & 'Fracture Filling'. These are very very good reasons to actually see and pick out your diamond in person. Examine it from every angle in every light (not just on black felt in pretty light - but on white paper in harsh light).

Please pass on the info!

Can't wait to hear the engagement story!!!

 

[laurel25]

Date: 11/20/2008 2:45:05 PM
Author: American Girl


Hi Sammy,

Jewelers in many cases can be worse than used car salesmen.

The one 'Red Flag' that caught my eye in your first post was this:

Deposit Scheme
They suggest you leave a deposit and take it for an appraisal
If you leave a deposit on a diamond, you should be very careful that the deposit is refundable. In many cases, this is just a way to steal your money, which later turns out to be non-refundable. You will only receive a credit toward another diamond.
Solution: Never leave a deposit on a diamond unless you have it in writing that the deposit is completely refundable if the appraisal is not favorable. And always insist that the store write down the exact measurements (WxWxD), shape, weight, color and clarity of the diamond on your agreement form.

I'm sure you're just as anxious as any other LIW... but, make sure that you shop around and get the most for your money.

Another REALLY common thing that is done with diamonds is 'Laser Drilling' & 'Fracture Filling'. These are very very good reasons to actually see and pick out your diamond in person. Examine it from every angle in every light (not just on black felt in pretty light - but on white paper in harsh light).

Please pass on the info!

Can't wait to hear the engagement story!!!

It is ENTIRELY possible to purchase a diamond without having seen it first as long as you 1) use a well repected reputable vendor (such as the Pricescope approved vendors), 2) do your research so you are informed and educated about all aspects of a diamond (4 c's good angles, etc), 3) request as many images/photos you can get (Idealscope, ASET, magnified photos, etc.), and 4) make sure you are very knowledgeable about the policies of the company you are buying from (return policy, payment policies, trade-up policies, etc.).

 

[American Girl]

To clairfy - I'm not saying that it's not possible to get a great quality diamond for a great price without first seeing it in person and examining it... just simply educate yourself so that you know what you're getting, be it online or from someone local.
For example, I wasn't aware that most local jewelers will replace your diamond if it falls out if you keep up your warranty (have it cleaned and examined by them regularly), or that Robins Bros for example will replace your ring (no questions asked) if you lose it within the first year and they have a lifetime warranty on the ring/diamond - not your lifetime, but the RING's lifetime as it's passed down through generations.

Many don't realize that there is so so much more to a diamond than just the 4 c's (not to say that you don't all know our best friends inside and out

). But I was surprised to find that there was so much more to know about diamonds than I had previously known or imagined.

 

[sammyj]

Date: 11/20/2008 3:50:54 PM
Author: laurel25

Date: 11/20/2008 2:45:05 PM
Author: American Girl



Hi Sammy,

Jewelers in many cases can be worse than used car salesmen.

The one 'Red Flag' that caught my eye in your first post was this:

Deposit Scheme
They suggest you leave a deposit and take it for an appraisal
If you leave a deposit on a diamond, you should be very careful that the deposit is refundable. In many cases, this is just a way to steal your money, which later turns out to be non-refundable. You will only receive a credit toward another diamond.
Solution: Never leave a deposit on a diamond unless you have it in writing that the deposit is completely refundable if the appraisal is not favorable. And always insist that the store write down the exact measurements (WxWxD), shape, weight, color and clarity of the diamond on your agreement form.

I'm sure you're just as anxious as any other LIW... but, make sure that you shop around and get the most for your money.

Another REALLY common thing that is done with diamonds is 'Laser Drilling' & 'Fracture Filling'. These are very very good reasons to actually see and pick out your diamond in person. Examine it from every angle in every light (not just on black felt in pretty light - but on white paper in harsh light).

Please pass on the info!

Can't wait to hear the engagement story!!!

It is ENTIRELY possible to purchase a diamond without having seen it first as long as you 1) use a well repected reputable vendor (such as the Pricescope approved vendors), 2) do your research so you are informed and educated about all aspects of a diamond (4 c's good angles, etc), 3) request as many images/photos you can get (Idealscope, ASET, magnified photos, etc.), and 4) make sure you are very knowledgeable about the policies of the company you are buying from (return policy, payment policies, trade-up policies, etc.).

Thanks American Girl for the info. The diamondhelpers website looks familiar...I think my BF may have been reading and printing info from it but I'm not sure. Sooo good to know about the deposit though. It gave us a bit of a shock when we were told to bring a $1000 deposit to hold the stone. I will DEFINITELY pass that info on to BF and take a good look through that website.

We are also not buying on the internet and we will definitely be looking at stones in person. I've tried my best to educate my BF on the different images and I've taken him to Whiteflash and James Allen to show him what to look at. He knows how concerned I am about getting a well cut stone and he's much more of a researcher than I am!!

Thanks again for all the info! I am hoping we do well with Victor this Saturday...although he's not a PS-approved vendor, he came highly recommended BY a PS-approved vendor!

 

[laurel25]

Date: 11/20/2008 4:12:54 PM
Author: American Girl
To clairfy - I''m not saying that it''s not possible to get a great quality diamond for a great price without first seeing it in person and examining it... just simply educate yourself so that you know what you''re getting, be it online or from someone local.
For example, I wasn''t aware that most local jewelers will replace your diamond if it falls out if you keep up your warranty (have it cleaned and examined by them regularly), or that Robins Bros for example will replace your ring (no questions asked) if you lose it within the first year and they have a lifetime warranty on the ring/diamond - not your lifetime, but the RING''s lifetime as it''s passed down through generations.

Many don''t realize that there is so so much more to a diamond than just the 4 c''s (not to say that you don''t all know our best friends inside and out

). But I was surprised to find that there was so much more to know about diamonds than I had previously known or imagined.

That''s fine! It just sounded like you were saying that a person really needs to see the diamond in person first in order to be sure that they are getting a quality stone and around here most people kind of go the opposite route - do all your homework so you know what you''re getting and then make the purchase online (which can save a LOT of money).

 

[sammyj]

Date: 11/20/2008 5:08:33 PM
Author: laurel25

Date: 11/20/2008 4:12:54 PM
Author: American Girl
To clairfy - I''m not saying that it''s not possible to get a great quality diamond for a great price without first seeing it in person and examining it... just simply educate yourself so that you know what you''re getting, be it online or from someone local.
For example, I wasn''t aware that most local jewelers will replace your diamond if it falls out if you keep up your warranty (have it cleaned and examined by them regularly), or that Robins Bros for example will replace your ring (no questions asked) if you lose it within the first year and they have a lifetime warranty on the ring/diamond - not your lifetime, but the RING''s lifetime as it''s passed down through generations.

Many don''t realize that there is so so much more to a diamond than just the 4 c''s (not to say that you don''t all know our best friends inside and out

). But I was surprised to find that there was so much more to know about diamonds than I had previously known or imagined.

That''s fine! It just sounded like you were saying that a person really needs to see the diamond in person first in order to be sure that they are getting a quality stone and around here most people kind of go the opposite route - do all your homework so you know what you''re getting and then make the purchase online (which can save a LOT of money).

thanks laurel25...We have definitely considered buying online but since we''re in Canada (just outside of Toronto), the addition of taxes and the current exchange rate don''t save us a signficant amount of money. If only we lived in the US it''d be so much easier!

I know a lot of Canadians do buy their diamonds from WF, GOG, etc., but my BF likes to be very hands-on with things and while I''d be ok with buying online, him, not so much! I told him I''d let him make the major decisions from now on but I''ll always put my 2 cents in...cuz I''m always right!!! (see above post

)

 

[Rhea]

We didn''t shop around in real life, just looked on the internet. I wish we''d looked more. It''s a lot of money, you should feel comfortable with your purchase.