| Author | Topic: stuart moore |
|
stephsl rough rock Posts: 4 |
posted 07-30-2001 05:47 PM
I am in the market for a diamond ring. I live in New York and have been looking around. I feel that Tiffany's is way over priced for what it is. I went into Stuart Moore and they had beautiful settings. They do not sell their settings w/o diamonds. Have you heard anything about them? They advertise that they sell 20% below retail. Does anyone know how true this is? |
 | |
| |
| |
|
leonid Moderator Posts: 724 |
posted 07-30-2001 06:02 PM
Hi Stephsl, Ask them to quote you a loose diamond with known carat, color, clarity and proportions. Then we'll be able to say whether their prices are reasonable. Don't forget to ask whether their diamonds are certifyed. |
| |
| |
| |
|
stephsl rough rock Posts: 4 |
posted 08-02-2001 11:05 AM
I went to see the diamonds yesterday. Here is the info I wrote down (I hope I got the right stuff) #1 #2 #3 #4 The deal is they say they do a straight 20% mark-up on the cost of the diamond (which they get directly from a site holder). They were all beautiful stone (to my untrained eye). So how fair do these prices seem? |
| |
| |
| |
|
leonid Moderator Posts: 724 |
posted 08-02-2001 12:03 PM
Stephsl, In order to compare prices more accurately it is also important to know the cut of the diamonds (proportions, girdle, culet, polish and symmetry) and whether they have a grading report from major lab like GIA or AGS. Since they didn't mention it I assume the diamonds are not ideal cut. 1.53-F-SI1 GIA certified non-ideal cut diamond would cost about $11,500 in the Internet. Almost $4k difference with what you've been quoted! Same with 1.48 carat diamond - the internet price will be about $2.5k less. The third diamond, 1.53-F-VS2 for $16,300... you can get ideal Hearts and Arrows stone for less than $14k with this carat color and clarity. Obviously the prices above are rather high. However, the store might provide some special services that worth the difference... It's up to you to decide. As for 20% markup, it might be reasonable for brick-and-mortar store. Internet dealers are working for 5%-8% markups. |
| |
| |
| |
|
stephsl rough rock Posts: 4 |
posted 08-02-2001 12:05 PM
thanks for your speedy reply. |
| |
| |
| |
|
lawmax cut rock Posts: 333 |
posted 08-02-2001 01:15 PM
Remember to figure in that NY sales tax too. It can really add up. |
| |
| |
| |
|
leonid Moderator Posts: 724 |
posted 08-02-2001 03:59 PM
Good point Lawmax. Although many people don't want buying sight unseen and rather pay more for the comfort of seeing the diamonds and talking to the life person, which is rather understandable. |
| |
| |
| |
|
stephsl rough rock Posts: 4 |
posted 08-02-2001 04:41 PM
Are there more reputable internet dealers? Who is the "best"? What are the return policies? Ie: I receive the stone and don't like it? What if you feel you have not received what you have paid for? |
| |
| |
| |
|
leonid Moderator Posts: 724 |
posted 08-02-2001 05:10 PM
There are many reliable internet sources big and small. All of them offer money back period from 7 to 30 days. So if you don't like the diamond you ship it back within this period that can be different for each vendor. Check vendors, which we confident to recommend here: www.pricescope.com/isitsafe.asp Some of them will send a diamond to an independent appraiser for checkup before you pay for it. |
| |
| |
| |