Spence Diamonds (do your research and avoid)

[HappilyEngaged2014]

I believe that anyone in the market for a diamond(s), needs to do their part in researching/learning as much about diamonds before entering any diamond store. After they do this, they will realize how pompous and misinformed the staff at Spence really are.

Not only do they attempt to constantly let you know that they have a GIA certificate behind them (what does this cert even mean...GIA certified them as being a highly included, roughly cut salesperson?) they present overpriced diamonds low in colour with decent cuts. Did I also mention that they overprice their diamonds (the 1.5, I colour I was presented anyway) by ~$3,000? Furthermore, the 'GIA certified' salesperson looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language when I used the terms 'table' and 'depth'.

All in all, I would recommend everyone in the market for diamonds to avoid overpaying for an already expensive item by doing their research, remaining patient, in addition to not being treated like dirt in the process.

Cheers!

 

[heididdl]

don't know what spence is assuming its a B&M store. That is why most PSers purchase from reliable online vendors some of which do have B&M stores but they stand behind what hey sell.

 

[HappilyEngaged2014]

Thanks for your reply and I agree about PSers (who seem to be 'in the know').

Spence has several stores throughout southern Ontario. I know people who have purchased diamonds there, but only wish I knew prior - would have directed them here

 

[heididdl]

Yeah in the states is Jared......huh

 

[spicyitalian]

Most staff in jewelry stores are trained to sell and not on diamond knowledge. That's the sad part of the industry but other professions like insurance, car agents are guilty of it as well. When you are comparing prices, who are you comparing against? Are you doing an apple to apple comparison of other physical retailers or online retailers?

 

[pyramid]

The salesperson could not have been GIA certified as GIA do not certify anyone. Even a Graduate Gemologist
who has trained with GIA may have a certificate saying they passed their courses but GIA does not certify them.
Also ~GIA does not issue certificates for diamonds they issue reports, showing their opinion but not guaranteeing
the grade or certifying it either.

 

[Tekate]

Heidi.. I have seen many reviews of Jared that are full of anger and venom.. there is one here in Austin but after reading pages on pages of negative reviews I wouldn't even go in.. one is better off going to a local jeweler I think.. the only worse reviews I have ever seen was of Time Warner cablevision.

 

[HappilyEngaged2014]

Thanks you for feedback.

I have learned this about the GIA reports and diamond grading. Funny about what the salespeople were talking about then, with a diploma-like piece of paper on the wall regarding their own personal training.

As for price comparison, I was comparing the prices this store was quoting for 1.5 ct diamonds of G-I colour and a local jewellery store's quotes on diamonds with similar cuts and colour. Basically, the mark-up was large.

Anyway, I am a happy shopper with my online purchase from Diamonds on Web.

Cheers.