1st Time Buyer needs help/So. Cal vendor recommendations

[michelangelo]

Hello everyone,

I am new to the jewelry purchasing experience.

I have been lurking on Pricescope for a few months and continue to be amazed by the help this community provides to one another. Luckily, I found this place just as my journey to find the perfect ring was coming to an uncertain close.

I am an extremely detailed young fellow, but I will share my dilemma in a nutshell. I apologize in advance if the story is too vague.

Here it is:

When I began my search for an engagement ring, I thought it best to have my girlfriend (who is an artist/painter/high school ceramics teacher) accompany me. The thrill of having my love with me during the browsing stages excited me. I wanted to give her the ring that would fit her simple, yet very elegant lifestyle, and wanted her to love it, of course. Unfortunately, our first episode wasn''t so pleasant. We walked into the Glenadale, CA Robbins Brothers (...need I say more?). We decided to try a second Robbins Brothers in Montclair, CA and had a decent experience. We made a favorites list, said we''d keep in touch and went on our marry way. Two weeks later, after a bit more searching and thinking, we decided to go back to the Montclair Robbins Brothers. After a process of elimination, we found THE RING; It was the Simon G ring (photo provided below) I loved from the start. My girlfriend felt secure with what Robbins Brothers was offering. The following day I decided to do more research...

I found this wonderful place.

I have read the many unfortunate stories involving PS members and B&Ms. It may be naive of me, but I still have some hope in finding a trustworthy vendor in my area. I will be visiting a AA Jewel Box in Tustin, CA on Saturday to view the ring below. The jeweler will also have diamonds for me to see.

Can you recommend other vendors in the southern California area that might carry Simon G and diamonds at reasonable prices?

Again, I apologize for my vagueness. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Best Regards,

Mike

 

[Cleo]

Hi Mike, and welcome!

To get the best value for money, is it possibe to buy that setting (you forgot the photo!) without a centre diamond in?

We could then help you find a great diamond online, which would potentially save you a lot of money, and maybe get you a far better cut diamond too.

x x x

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/22/2008 2:32:44 AM
Author: Cleo
Hi Mike, and welcome!

To get the best value for money, is it possibe to buy that setting (you forgot the photo!) without a centre diamond in?

We could then help you find a great diamond online, which would potentially save you a lot of money, and maybe get you a far better cut diamond too.

x x x

Hi Mike, welcome to Pricescope!

Ditto Cleo, we would be pleased to help you find a great diamond especially if you are open to buying online. If not then maybe some of the California PSers will have some recommendations for you.

 

[zebramoray]

michelangelo

I would highly recommend Howard Goodman at the number/address below. He is just south of Glendale. I have puchased 2 diamonds (2.5 carart range) from him recently. He has a great product, low pressure environment, and his prices are competitive or better than on-line prices. He pulled a dozen stones for me to look at. Give him a call and tell him what you are looking for.. He will find your stone either locally int he LA district, NY district, or in Israel right off the cutters. Do a pricescope search to check pricing.. He will beat anyone''s price. He is family jeweler who is honest and will shoot you straight.

Norman Goodman & Co
(213) 624-2331
611 Wilshire Blvd # 900
Los Angeles, CA 90017

 

[michelangelo]

My apologies, Cleo.

It was so late last night and had so many thoughts on my mind concerning the ring. I am currently in the office and do not have the photographs on my office computer. I will post them immediately once I get home.

Thank you, again!

 

[gracioso]

Check Wonderjewelers.com , the offer financing, 30 days returns, free shipping and you are not paying for the name like with big companies. I have really good experience with them, warmly recommended

 

[michelangelo]

Here is the photograph. Sorry for the delay.

The ring fits her perfectly - simple yet so elegant.

 

[michelangelo]

I will be going in to AA Jewel Box in Tustin, CA tomorrow. What are the most important things to consider and ask?

Best Regards,

Mike

 

[michelangelo]

 

[Ellen]

I can''t help you with jewlers, I''m out of CA. But I will offer you this bit of advice. If you are comparing stones/prices of retail jewelers in your area with specific stones at specific online vendors, please make sure you are comparing apples with apples.

i.e. If you are looking at a super ideal H&A cut online, make sure you''re looking at the same thing locally. What "may" appear as a better deal, may not be in reality.

 

[:)]

Servis and Taylor is at Westside Pavilion. They are very low pressure and knowledgable. THey don''t carry a large selection in house but can likely call something in if you discussed it with them. They have been in business for years, and I have a couple of friends that swear by them (mostly for custom pieces for their wives). I don''t think they are cheap though. (and I don''t know if they deal in Simon G)

Sarah Leonard is listed on Simon G''s website as an authorized dealer. They are at UCLA. They do (or did) offer a UCLA discount. THey weren''t very cheap either but have been around for a long time.

You know on the Simon G website they have a ''get your order shipped or pick it up at a local retailer'' - could you get the setting shipped to one of the usual PS vendors and go from there?