Question for jewelry buffs

[lykaon78]

The wife is hinting at wanting diamond stud earrings for Christmas. I haven't bought diamonds since the engagement ring so I'm looking for unbiased tips.

It would seem that I have three options:

1) Department store (Kohls, Macy, Penneys etc.) - Cheapest options, probably sacrificing quality with poor color and included diamonds

2) Chain jewelers (Kaye, Jared, etc.) - Seems to be just more expensive than above, with some of the same issues in diamond quality

3) Higher end jewelers (will lump online jewelers in here too) - Can pick GIA/AGSL certified diamonds. Highest cost, best quality

Any suggestions on the best route or alternatives to the above?

 

[shortylickens]

Forget the murders and rape associated with the diamond industry, just think about what a shitty, shady, abusive, crooked business it is.

Stop supporting lazy evil dirtbags. Forget diamonds. Get her a ruby or emerald or barrel of crude oil.

 

[highland145]

Forget the murders and rape associated with the diamond industry, just think about what a shitty, shady, abusive, crooked business it is.

Stop supporting lazy evil dirtbags. Forget diamonds. Get her a ruby or emerald or barrel of crude oil.

My sister owns a jewelry store, 400% markup. I, the loan shark, only charge 35% and get the dirty looks. Go figure.

OP if you're any where near a place like the Americas Mart in Atlanta, that is your best bet. The ones you've mentioned will rape you. There's another place that has been mentioned here in the past, Blue something maybe, that members have been happy with.

 

[Elganja]

something you may want to check out... costco/sams club

they vary greatly by location (the quality of the items they have), but they have a semi-decent selection ... they always list the color, cut, clarity, etc... of the diamonds

 

[Stopsignhank]

I would suggest you go to Pricescope and start reading all you can there. https://www.pricescope.com/

 

[bradly1101]

Forget the murders and rape associated with the diamond industry, just think about what a shitty, shady, abusive, crooked business it is.

Stop supporting lazy evil dirtbags. Forget diamonds. Get her a ruby or emerald or barrel of crude oil.

Yes, there are many reasons not to buy diamonds. Another bad thing is that their "preciousness" and "rarity" are completely made up by the industry to jack up prices.

 

[Darwin333]

My sister owns a jewelry store, 400% markup. I, the loan shark, only charge 35% and get the dirty looks. Go figure.

OP if you're any where near a place like the Americas Mart in Atlanta, that is your best bet. The ones you've mentioned will rape you. There's another place that has been mentioned here in the past, Blue something maybe, that members have been happy with.

I've always found it crazy that the public can't outright see that the jewelry industry, especially diamonds, are absurdly marked up. A few times a year during the big jewelry buying holidays you hear all kinds of commercials from jewelry stores that they are having 50%+ off sales. Anyone that can, during their busiest times, cut the prices of basically the only thing they are selling in half and still make good money is obviously ripping you off.

 

[Darwin333]

I would also highly suggest you consider diamond alternatives like moissanite. Hell even Tanzanite which is like 1,000 times rarer than diamonds is much cheaper.

 

[WaTaGuMp]

Pawn shops.

 

[highland145]

I've always found it crazy that the public can't outright see that the jewelry industry, especially diamonds, are absurdly marked up. A few times a year during the big jewelry buying holidays you hear all kinds of commercials from jewelry stores that they are having 50%+ off sales. Anyone that can, during their busiest times, cut the prices of basically the only thing they are selling in half and still make good money is obviously ripping you off.

"But if you love me...."

 

[cbrunny]

Your wife would much rather a good gift, like a case of busch light or some bitchin office supplies.

 

[MrSquished]

Etsy and go with Moissanite. I'm hunting for a Moissanite engagement ring now actually.

 

[Darwin333]

"But if you love me...."

Reason #96 that I prefer married women, they have husbands to buy them that shit.

 

[highland145]

Reason #96 that I prefer married women, they have husbands to buy them that shit.

Makes sense but it makes you a rotten bastard.

 

[SphinxnihpS]

How much do you want to spend?

 

[lykaon78]

How much do you want to spend?

1k-ish max.

 

[Darwin333]

Makes sense but it makes you a rotten bastard.

But look how happy your wife is when she gets back from her "sisters"!

 

[highland145]

But look how happy your wife is when she gets back from her "sisters"!

lol

 

[Darwin333]

lol

I keep trying to tell you bud, you owe me a debt of gratitude! Yes I may be diddling your wife, in oh so many ways, positions, and umm other ways, but I'm really just keeping her happy for you! Every smart man knows that a happy wife equals a happy life so you are welcome. And for that reason, I think you owe me at least a nice steak dinner.