2 weeks ago I had no clue about diamonds, last week I found this site and have learned so much but still have a lot more research as i prepare to purchase an engagement ring. Through all my research, I'm getting more and more comfortable with the idea of buying a loose diamond online provided i find something I like but still would prefer to have it set locally. Of course, almost every friend i talk to "has a guy" they refer me to whether it be a someone at a jewelry exchange that gave them "an amazing deal" or the old Italian lady that sells out of her house (no joke). I've narrowed it down to 2 places-either a family friend of my girlfriend or a family friend of another very close friend of mine.
Thing is, as much as I like the idea of buying online and potentially saving a lot, I know that there are a lot of drawbacks to doing to not purchasing from the same person that sets it. I guess my question is what's the etiquette? I don't want to walk into the shop and essentially tell them, i'm sure you can never get the deal i think i can get online so can you just set my diamond for me? But I also don't want to go through the motions only to find out it's going to cost me a substantial amount more to purchase a diamond through them especially given the ties and then feel guilty. Ideally, I can work with them and they'll be able to find me the diamond i'm looking for at a reasonable price but in case that isn't the case, what's the best way to suggest the alternate route without offending or burning bridges?
Thing is, as much as I like the idea of buying online and potentially saving a lot, I know that there are a lot of drawbacks to doing to not purchasing from the same person that sets it. I guess my question is what's the etiquette? I don't want to walk into the shop and essentially tell them, i'm sure you can never get the deal i think i can get online so can you just set my diamond for me? But I also don't want to go through the motions only to find out it's going to cost me a substantial amount more to purchase a diamond through them especially given the ties and then feel guilty. Ideally, I can work with them and they'll be able to find me the diamond i'm looking for at a reasonable price but in case that isn't the case, what's the best way to suggest the alternate route without offending or burning bridges?