B&M Recs for Looking? DC/MD/VA

[caribari]

My SO and I have decided to go look at rings for the first time, and I am having trouble figuring out what to do. I am 90% sure that I want an antique looking cushion/AVC or similar, but I have never tried any rings on and would like to try several different shapes to see what looks nice on my hand (cushions, ovals, and emeralds in particular). The problem is that I’ve called several jewelry stores to inquire about making appointments, and all they have in stock are rounds and princess cuts! I asked one store if they would be willing to bring in a couple cushions for me to see, but due to shipping costs they are unwilling until we have made a firmer commitment to buy.

Is it normal for stores to have so little in stock? I’m not opposed to buying online when we actually buy, but I really want to try some different options to see what I like! Does anyone have recommendations for B&Ms in the DC/VA/MD area that might have a bunch of different shapes available for me to look at? Am I going about this the wrong way? Thanks!

 

[stone-cold11]

Why not just go for a day trip to GOG? They are only about 4 hrs away in Long Island?

 

[caribari]

Thanks for the response. We will undoubtedly visit GOG when we are closer to buying, but right now I’d prefer to look locally to try and discern my preferences in terms of shape, color, clarity, etc. I would just hate to drive 5 hours to find out that I actually don’t even like cushions

, but from the sound of things, it might be the only option!

Are there any Washingtonians who have had success at any local B&Ms?

 

[Regular Guy]

Charleston Alexander might be good. I didn''t used to like them when I was shopping, but I think they''ve gotten even bigger, and could be a good resource...in Bethesda & Virginia.

James Allen has offices in Frederick, an hour away. I bought there in another time. If you''ll spend over $100 K (and maybe even less!), he''s certainly consider bending his usual rule of no visitors...but he is not a natural...in terms of having a bunch of stock locally around to his MD location.

 

[brellymom]

I''ve used Mervis, but I don''t know how they are stocked for something other than princess/RB stones. I did find their SAs knowledgeable and helpful and never felt pressured to buy, though I think they tend to assume you are ready to do so if you make an appointment (I don''t know if they are a "drop in" shop) - the one in Tyson''s Corner doesn''t seem like it is. I''ve been to Charleston Alexander and Jareds - both had a reasonable size inventory (though I was looking for RBs) - wouldn''t by from either of those, but I do look for sizing/color/etc so I can buy online! Sorry, I don''t know about cushions since I wasn''t looking for them!

 

[LRISR]

We started shopping in September and went to Charleston Alexander in Falls Church. I''m not sure how they are on different cuts we were mainly looking at rounds. I was torn between rounds and cushions for a while and we did make a trip to ERD in NY since we were going to be in the area.

After that we decided to stay local and go with a round cut. We visited Protea Diamonds also in VA. I spoke to Anthony on the phone and told him in advance what I was looking for. He''s very knowledgeable. I can also recommend Chas Schwartz & Son in the Mazza Gallerie from a previous experience. A few people I work with used May Jewelers in Tysons. My newest coworker got his fiancee''s ring at the Jewelry Exchange in Bethesda. They may have a lot in stock (judging by their commercial, lol), but I never went. I''ve read some good things about I Gorman in Dupont and Tiny Jewel Box in DC also, but I never went to either place. A really good friend of mine got her oval from Tiny Jewel Box I believe. We ended up going with Quest Jewelers in VA.

Sorry I couldn''t be of more help in regards to cuts just local vendors. Good luck!!

LR

 

[caribari]

Thanks to everyone for recommendations. I called Charleston Alexander in Bethesda who claimed to have many different shapes in the store, so I’ve made an appointment there. I’m also going to check out Quest, as I’ve heard great things. I’ll let you know how it goes for any other DC-ers who are beginning their searches!

Thanks again!

 

[february2003bride]

Quest Jewelers (fairfax)
Dominion Jewelers (falls church)
Jared''s Galleria (they have almost every shape)
Mervis Diamond Importers (Tysons)
White & Ivory (Leesburg and the owner''s wedding set is to die for!)
Aspen Jewelers (Herndon)
Maya Caroleena (Ashburn)
Velasquez Jewelers (Sterling)
M. Beem (Reston)

Hope that helps!

 

[LadyJane83]

Go to Smyth Jewelers. They should definitely have cushion cuts. They have locations in Annapolis, Timonium and Ellicott City, Md.