shape
carat
color
clarity

Upgrading diamond - worth it to shop in NYC?

Honeybasil

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Aug 26, 2019
Messages
421
After much back and forth on resetting my current diamond, I finally decided with my husband’s blessing to upgrade my center stone. I don’t know exactly what I want, but I am interested in emerald or cushion cut from 1.75-2 carats in a halo setting, and my budget is around $15,000 (maybe a little more). I know I can buy online, but I don’t have a ton of exposure to those diamonds in person, so I would really like to see some in person before deciding what I want. I am traveling to NYC in January and wondering if it would be worth my time to visit some places there. Obviously, I want the best diamond for the best price, but I don’t live in a very urban area with many choices, so I’m wondering if shopping in NYC would be beneficial for me? If you wanted to get the best bang for your buck (and without a ton of time to look around), where would be the best place(s) to go? Or can I just get the best deal online?
 
  • Like
Reactions: AV_

Asscherhalo_lover

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Aug 16, 2007
Messages
5,703
I can generally recommend that if you know you will be in town and want to see specific ranges of stones/settings it's best to make an appointment ahead of time. It gives the jewelers a chance to pull and have ready what you actually want to see and not waste your time with what you don't.
 

Honeybasil

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Aug 26, 2019
Messages
421
I can generally recommend that if you know you will be in town and want to see specific ranges of stones/settings it's best to make an appointment ahead of time. It gives the jewelers a chance to pull and have ready what you actually want to see and not waste your time with what you don't.

Yes I definitely want to make appointments because I want to make the most of my time and theirs. I've already talked to IDJ, but I'm wondering if there are other places I should be going.
 

AV_

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 5, 2018
Messages
3,889
This might be of interest www
 

MollyMalone

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jun 2, 2013
Messages
3,413
Another suggestion:
Brilliantly Engaged at 580 5th Avenue (in the World Diamond Tower at 47th Street & 5th). They used to be Engagement Rings Direct, a longtime PS favorite & one of the 2-3 jewelers my late father-in-law, who was in the diamond wholesale trade, would recommend to friends and neighbors who wanted a custom-fabricated ring but didn't want to spend what, e.g., Leon Mege was charging (my FIL never wanted to be any consumer's source for diamonds or jewelry).

We've seen some exquisite rings from BE here on PS; you'd have the choice of hand-forged or cast; and Mark Turnowski,the founder and president, has a special fondness (and good eye) for cushions.
 

Honeybasil

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Aug 26, 2019
Messages
421
Another suggestion:
Brilliantly Engaged at 580 5th Avenue (in the World Diamond Tower at 47th Street & 5th). They used to be Engagement Rings Direct, a longtime PS favorite & one of the 2-3 jewelers my late father-in-law, who was in the diamond wholesale trade, would recommend to friends and neighbors who wanted a custom-fabricated ring but didn't want to spend what, e.g., Leon Mege was charging (my FIL never wanted to be any consumer's source for diamonds or jewelry).

We've seen some exquisite rings from BE here on PS; you'd have the choice of hand-forged or cast; and Mark Turnowski,the founder and president, has a special fondness (and good eye) for cushions.

Thanks so much! I’ll try them also!
 

distracts

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Oct 11, 2011
Messages
6,131
Diamonds by Lauren is good at picking step cuts and cushions. If you look at their website for emerald cuts and their instagram to see videos you can see if their taste meshes with yours:

IDJ is beloved by PSers as well but I don't know how they are at picking step cuts or cushions.

If you're interested in antique-style cushions, August Vintage has them. Not sure if you can visit or where they are located? But wouldn't hurt to call and check.
 

sledge

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 23, 2018
Messages
5,791
Definitely check out @Rockdiamond. Be sure to give him crap about fluorescence too, lol. :P2:lol-2:

Also, while in NYC I'd have to check out Old World Diamonds.

 

Honeybasil

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Aug 26, 2019
Messages
421
Definitely check out @Rockdiamond. Be sure to give him crap about fluorescence too, lol. :P2:lol-2:

Also, while in NYC I'd have to check out Old World Diamonds.


I’ve already emailed him! And I’ll check out Old World Diamonds also. I may need more than a weekend, lol!
 
Be a part of the community Get 3 HCA Results
Top