Bailey Banks and Biddle?

[VuittonGal]

I know it''s a "maul store" and normally I''d run the other way, but I''m interested in the Ritani Endless Love setting for a one-carat princess cut diamond. BBB and another jeweler, Henne''s are the only two places that carry Ritani settings in Pittsburgh. I''m going to check out Henne''s this weekend. I''ve heard several suggestions to purchase from a few online dealers, but am nervous about purchasing a princess cut already in the setting without seeing the actual diamond I''d be getting. Have any of you dealt with BBB? If so, what was your experience? Do you consider them reputable? Thanks!

 

[Madam Bijoux]

Hi! I've been a BBB customer since the late 1960's. I always found them trustworthy, and I recommend them. Their diamonds have GIA certificates/full GIA reports. I got my canary from them this past November - it's on page 4 of the "Show Me Your Rings With Halos" thread. (The picture doesn't do it justice.) Some of the salespeople might not be too well-informed, but since you're from Pricescope, that shouldn't be a problem--just ask to deal with the onsite GG. If you have time for a trip to the Philadelphia area, BBB just opened a new store at the King of Prussia Mall that has an excellent selection of Ritani, Tacori, Gregg Ruth, Vera Wang, Jewels By Starr and lots of other designers. Each designer has a separate showcase. There are several 5-carat plus beautiesv there, too. Happy hunting!

 

[Demelza]

I can''t comment on their diamonds or prices, but I would say that BBB is quite a step above your average mall store. For one thing, they carry high end designers like Ritani and Vera Wang. If their prices are acceptable and they have what you want, I see no reason not to shop there simply because they''re in a mall. Hey, even Tiffany''s has locations in some upscale malls.

 

[Kaleigh]

Yes I like BBB and have bought from there before. I live near madame bijoux and can''t wait to see their new store.

 

[Madam Bijoux]

Kaleigh, I think it''s the most beautiful jewelry store in the mall. It''s nearly 3 times a large as the old one was. They''ve relocated to the first floor next to Nordstrom''s coffee bar. One of their Tanzanites has been calling my name....

 

[Gemklctr]

BBB carries some very nice high end jewelry and at least my local store will deal on their asking prices. For example, on recent visits they came down almost $20,000 on a $100,000+ diamond (fancy vivid yellow) and more than 10% on a sapphire and diamond ring. Unfortunately, I believe I could buy a comparable diamond for $60,000 or less and could probably duplicate the sapphire ring for about 75% of their asking price. On the other hand, they had an emerald three stone ring with side OECs that appeared to be very reasonably priced.

 

[Kaleigh]

I know it must be huge. Oh this will be my downfall. We should meet sometime and stalk all the fun jewelry stores there. I had a nice tanzanite but sold it.

 

[jellybean]

Well, I have had several not too nice experiences with BBB over the last 6 years or so. I got my 5 stone band from them and have had several issues about the workmanship of the ring. I have debated about having the ring redone in platinum (it is in 18kt gold) but haven''t done it yet. They were also quite rude to me on the phone when I inquired about a setting on their web site. They just kept saying I had to go to the store, but with it being 45 minutes away, I was not about to make the treck with two toddlers with me.

The store by me also would not budge on prices. I should have walked away but this was way before I discovered PS.

 

[onedrop]

Hi:

Just wanted to chime in here. BBB seems to have a lot of nice high end designer pieces, but from what I have seen and experienced personally, their customer service is maybe hit or miss. I rarely go into BBB now because of a bad experience that I had at the King of Prussia location a few years ago. So Kaleigh and Madame hopefully they have upgraded their service as well as their location in the mall.

 

[Blue824]

Well, my opinion of them is based on one thing: the RUDE RUDE RUDE sales people.
That will ruin any store for me.

They do have pretty things online at least, and from what I remember in the store, so hopefully you''ve had a more positive experience with the sales staff.

 

[MissAva]

I think part of it depends on your age/how[$$)] you look. When I have been in with my father things are fine, he bought me my first pair of diamond studs there. But twice recently I have been treated poorly. However a female friend of mine dragged me into to look at their Artic Ideal line. Though the sales woman knew only exactly what was on the tag she did eventually find a AGS report and they are cut 0. Which is great but is was 17,000$ for a 1.13 H/SI1

. Which is insane. I think you will pay a premium if you go with them.
That said I can see why you are nervous about making such a large purchase over the internet. However Ritani makes the ring if you but it from a local jeweler or from Bill Pearlman. I dont know what sort or return policy he has but perhaps it would be of comfort to you.
HTH.

 

[laney]

Well, all I found where higher priced pieces.

You don''t have to get the setting with the stone. And in fact - they will order the setting for the size stone.. and set it there. So - if you did choose to get a stone elsewhere - you could still order the ritani on line - with your finger size and the stone size to be set.

I went through this with a tacori setting from them. The "setting fee" and other misc fees that they were charging actually made it a bit prohibitive for me to buy there. I found a local "high end" store - not in a mall - that carried the setting. They set my stone with no hassle and no charge.