Jewlery at dept stores....

[Gibson486]

Buying an engagement ring at Macy's or JCPenny or maybe even Costco...yeah or nay? Cost is about 1/2 the price. I am guessing that they are not GIA diamonds or anything like that? Are they lower quality?

 

[moshquerade]

I don't think jewelry at jewelry stores is all that high quality either or at least no different than the likes of Macy's, JCpenney, etc. Chain jewelry stores are marketing lower quality diamonds just the same and selling a huge quantity at a higher mark up than the likes of JCPenney.

A custom jeweler will give you the best quality. Of course, you will pay for that.

Conclusion: I don't think there is much difference, except price, between stores like Macy's, JCPenney, Costco and chain jewelry stores like Kays - except Kays charges more.

 

[ponyo]

Costco, yes.

Macy or JC Penny, Heck No!

Costco has some really nice stuff at reasonable prices. Probably one of the best places to buy jewelry.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I got my wife's engagement ring at Shane Co. and I've been happy. It was more expensive but it has a lifetime guarantee, free cleanings, etc. They'll even replace the diamond if you lose it as part of their warranty. I mention that because we ALMOST had to use it once -- my wife knocked the diamond out of her ring and I almost crapped myself. Fortunately, however, we found it and they fixed the ring for free.

I'd just compare between the various stores and get what she likes. I don't know much about Costco, so I can't comment on them.

For my ring, I wanted to get a $25 cheapie at Wal Mart but my wife threw a fit.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Hey Gibson, I did a little research and found a ring for you:

 

[funboy6942]

If it looks good is all that should matter, IMO. Youre not buying the ring with intentions of ever selling it, and if she should break it off on you and goes and sells the ring off, if its lower quality it can be one more poke in the ribs from you. I also highly doubt she is going to pull out a glass piece and throw it back at you because its not GIA quality.

 

[PingSpike]

As long as you get assurances that some African kid probably had his arm chopped off during the procurement of the diamond used and its not one of those classless man made diamonds you should be good.

 

[Gibson486]

Hey Gibson, I did a little research and found a ring for you:

3 for you, because I am nice.....

http://www.givememyremote.com/remote/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/patriots_superbowl.jpg

 

[Gibson486]

I don't think jewelry at jewelry stores is all that high quality either or at least no different than the likes of Macy's, JCpenney, etc. Chain jewelry stores are marketing lower quality diamonds just the same and selling a huge quantity at a higher mark up than the likes of JCPenney.

A custom jeweler will give you the best quality. Of course, you will pay for that.

Conclusion: I don't think there is much difference, except price, between stores like Macy's, JCPenney, Costco and chain jewelry stores like Kays - except Kays charges more.

I pretty much ignore mall jewelry stores. Everytime I go there, I always get the impression i am getting ripped off and they are letting me know that that are ripping me off.

 

[Numenorean]

3 for you, because i am nice.....

http://www.givememyremote.com/remote/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/patriots_superbowl.jpg

xlii goes here???


Hahahahahahahahahahaha

 

[IndyColtsFan]

xlii goes here???


Hahahahahahahahahahaha

LOL!

 

[krunchykrome]

Buying an engagement ring at Macy's or JCPenny or maybe even Costco...yeah or nay? Cost is about 1/2 the price. I am guessing that they are not GIA diamonds or anything like that? Are they lower quality?

Nay; most likely, they are not GIA certified and their quality is not that great. Order from a website like Bluenile instead.

 

[Gibson486]

Nay; most likely, they are not GIA certified and their quality is not that great. Order from a website like Bluenile instead.

i looked at Blue Nile. It's actually more expensive than the jewelers.

 

[Gibson486]

LOL!

http://media.nola.com/tpphotos/photo/-f1af22632d650724.JPG

 

[IndyColtsFan]

http://media.nola.com/tpphotos/photo/-f1af22632d650724.JPG

hehehe

Seriously though, just compare different outlets and pick something she'd like. If you have to choose between color and having some slight inclusions, I'd go for the better color as long as the inclusions aren't noticeable.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

i looked at Blue Nile. It's actually more expensive than the jewelers.

It is. I was looking for some diamond earrings for my wife and was shocked at Blue Nile's prices.

 

[JEDI]

Buying an engagement ring at Macy's or JCPenny or maybe even Costco...yeah or nay? Cost is about 1/2 the price. I am guessing that they are not GIA diamonds or anything like that? Are they lower quality?

buy man made diamonds

$3k for 1 caret D color, flawless

 

[Gibson486]

buy man made diamonds

$3k for 1 caret D color, flawless

Where do you buy them? I was looking and all I founds was an iffy website.....

 

[highland145]

Atlanta has a gift mart where wholesalers sell to retailers in the south east, jewelery included. Sis owns 2 jewelry stores, in Thompson, GA and Mexico Beach, Fl. She buys there and direct from the suppliers.

At the mart are jewelry sellers. We bought the wife's engagement ring for $1300, appraised for $3500. Loose diamonds to choose from, ring settings, etc. Typically, you have to have a business with a valid license to get in. But you can call the jewelers directly and they will come to the front and get you.

There should be a similar place near you. 3 hrs from here, in my case.

I would say no on the 3 choices in your op. If JEDI is right, I would consider man made.

 

[amdskip]

It is. I was looking for some diamond earrings for my wife and was shocked at Blue Nile's prices.

Maybe so but were you comparing apples to apples? I purchased a diamond ring and nothing would compare to the value I received, very pleased with Bluenile.

 

[Gibson486]

Maybe so but were you comparing apples to apples? I purchased a diamond ring and nothing would compare to the value I received, very pleased with Bluenile.

I was. I just put down the specs of a diamond that the jeweler showed me. The jeweler had the diamond 1K cheaper and the setting was $500 cheaper.

 

[dainthomas]

LOL @ diamonds. All you people are getting ripped off no matter where you go.

 

[Gunslinger08]

I bought from Blue Nile. You can definitely tell the difference between the guys that bought the cheaper diamonds from mall jewelry stores and the ones who bought higher quality diamonds from specialty stores. Not saying it's worth it, but you can tell the difference.

 

[ponyo]

Atlanta has a gift mart where wholesalers sell to retailers in the south east, jewelery included. Sis owns 2 jewelry stores, in Thompson, GA and Mexico Beach, Fl. She buys there and direct from the suppliers.

At the mart are jewelry sellers. We bought the wife's engagement ring for $1300, appraised for $3500. Loose diamonds to choose from, ring settings, etc. Typically, you have to have a business with a valid license to get in. But you can call the jewelers directly and they will come to the front and get you.

There should be a similar place near you. 3 hrs from here, in my case.

I would say no on the 3 choices in your op. If JEDI is right, I would consider man made.

I bought from that wholesale mart place in downtown Atlanta couple of times. I found the prices pretty good but not much different from Costco online website. You have to really have good connection there to get the best prices and even then it's confusing.

 

[brainhulk]

I think diamond prices might tank

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/10/031017073950.htm

go with moissanite instead