Need *HELP* with diamond necklace! *PLEASE*

[Hux]

I am leaving for the Army in January and I have decided I would like to invest in a diamond necklace for my girlfriend. This necklace is both for our anniversary of 1 year and something that I want to give to her before I leave. I had found a necklace that I really liked and that I thought she would really like, however, it is from Zales. I went in to the store and looked at the necklace for myself, but decided to sleep on it. Then, I came online and decided to do some research. I found my way here and I have read pretty much nothing but bad things about Zales. But I thought I would ask everyone''s opinion on this necklace anyway:

http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2940305&cp=2071132.2109139&pg=6&cp=2071132&fbn=Neck+Style%7CHeart&f=PAD%2FNeck+Style%2FHeart&fbc=1&categoryId=2109139&kpc=1&parentPage=search&searchId=19870217703

I was just wondering what people thought of it and if it would even be worth it to get it? It is certified by GLS and the salesmen in the store told me that the color was in the DEF range. Can I trust Zales and would this be an okay buy? Any and ALL help is appreciated. Thank you.

 

[jerseygrl]

I have this offset pendant form Macy''s. With the post-thanksgiving sales, you should be able to get an extra % off. It is a real sparkler and I get compliments on it all the time. The diamonds are IGL certified (a no-no around here) but they still sparkle...

http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2940305&cp=2071132.2109139&pg=6&cp=2071132&fbn=Neck+Style%7CHeart&f=PAD%2FNeck+Style%2FHeart&fbc=1&categoryId=2109139&kpc=1&parentPage=search&searchId=19870217703



This half journey pendant from blue nile is also nice:
http://www.bluenile.com/product_details.asp?oid=6951&catid=17&filter_id=0&nav1=necklace_channel.asp&page=1&col=1&row=8&pos=15&set_shape=

 

[tulip928]

I think you have chosen a beautiful style. You have very good taste! What a wonderful gift for your girlfriend.

I''ve read about the quality of many Zales items here and it''s not always what you think you''re getting.

It seems a lot of people are happy with their purchases from Blue Nile.

Here''s a pretty heart pendant:

http://www.bluenile.com/product_details.asp?oid=3459&catid=17&filter_id=0&nav1=necklace_channel.asp&page=1&col=1&row=4&pos=7&set_shape=


Thank you for your service to our great country!

 

[Hux]

I wasn't even aware that Macy's sold diamonds. And I was also looking at that half-pendant at Blue Nile that you posted a link to, Jerseygrl. But I was looking at it at the Helzberg website and it is cheaper over there...any idea why?

http://www.bluenile.com/product_details.asp?oid=6952&catid=17&filter_id=0&nav1=necklace_channel.asp&page=1&show_all_pages=1&col=2&row=12&pos=24&set_shape=

http://helzbergdiamonds.com/product/jewelry/necklaces/hearts/1-2ct+tw+heart-shaped+diamond+pendant+1666113.do?sortby=ourPicks

This is really frustrating for me because I really liked the necklace at Zales, but I've become disheartened after reading all the bad things about them here. I don't want to get bad quality diamonds for her.

I am planning on going back tomorrow. Anything specific I should ask the salesmen?

Thank you for your ladies' help so far.

 

[Deelight]

I have never been to a Zales considering we don't have them here but after hearing about all the comments I would not consider for a heartbeat to purchase anything

I really like the first Blue Nile Pendant and it is quite similar to the Zales one but looks to be a better quality

Thought I would add something else into the mix as well if you are looking for ideas

Essence of Heart Pendant only $295 not as diamondy as the other ones but with the extra money compared to the Zales product you could get your GF some beautiful Ready set go Studs as well like these ones I included the image as well
You may also like this one It is quite similar to Zales one in style

GL in your search

 

[jerseygrl]

https://secure.walterbauman.com/catalog/showitems.asp?page=6

The journey pendant with 1/4 TCW is on sale at my local jeweler for $198. They have excellent prices and I promise you they are legit. In addition to the holiday sale they are having free shipping on online orders until Dec 1st... (The website is not as sophisticated as many other sites because they just started posting their cataolg on the internet recently. My family has been shopping there for over 30 years.)

To qualify for free shipping "Simply mention this free shipping offer in the "Special Instructions" area of the order form"

If you like the journey pendant I say go for it and get her some earrings like the previous poster said!

GOOD LUCK!

 

[jerseygrl]

Hi Hux- I forgot to reply to your question. 1) I believe people have problems with Zales for items like engagment rings... buying a pendant with small diamonds in it should be OK from a quality point of view. 2) My only hesitation is that you are overpaying, but if that is truly the pendant you like the most, go for it...


A 3rd suggestion is to go with Whiteflash and Adwar (a casting company) someone on the site has had a pendant made from the two working together before...
You can get the Whiteflash "A cut above" Melee and whiteflash will use the adwar cast to make the metal portion of the pendant... I would call whiteflash ASAP if you''re interested in this option.

http://www.adwar.com/products/catalog20/page_1180/ ( a few hearts on this page)

http://www.adwar.com/products/catalog20/page_1172/ (a WHOLE PAGE of hearts!)

 

[Hux]

I really appreciate all your help. And Jerseygrl, I again liked that second pendant that you just posted. My only fear when shopping online is that I don''t get to see it in person. Also, did they have it in a 1/2 CT or does it only come in 1/4?

I am going back to the Zales today (again) to look at that necklace. I still have some reserve about it, but I feel that since I know more about it now that maybe I could pass better judgement on it. Is there anything that I should look for on the diamond when looking at it (with my eye and through a magnifier)? And also is there anything specific I should ask the salesman? Thank you again for everyone''s help.

 

[Hux]

Also, with my last post I was wondering what people consider a greater factor, Color or Clairty?