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Buying a diamond necklace for the first time - please help?

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RedEyeQCer

Rough_Rock
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Hey I am looking at a diamond necklace for my girlfriend for our 1 year anniversary. I have a good paying job, and I want to get a nice diamond necklace without going broke, but don''t want a 60 dollar "diamond necklace" from Target. I have found a few good deals (or what I believe to be good deals) on Khols, Zales, and Amazon.com. My ideal price range is 150.00 - 250.00. I am curious if anyone can help me tell if these are good deals, or good diamonds, or if anyone has suggestions of a better place to get diamonds in the Los Angels, CA area. I appreciate the help.

PS - I apologize for all the links.

- Links to Necklaces I was looking at -

http://www.amazon.com/Choice-Diamond-Solitaire-Pendant-Clarity/dp/B000VB6AV6/ref=amb_link_5620132_4?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-12&pf_rd_r=00ZRHXA2HC2XF8ZC6QGH&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=473190791&pf_rd_i=378257011

http://www.amazon.com/White-Diamond-Solitaire-Pendant-Clarity/dp/B000UUBXCO/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&s=jewelry&qid=1239064026&sr=1-16

http://www.amazon.com/White-Diamond-Solitaire-Pendant-Clarity/dp/B000UUBX5G/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=jewelry&qid=1239064026&sr=1-9

http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3299286&kpc=1

http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3436340&kpc=1

http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3236975&kpc=1

http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3298474&kpc=1
 

:)

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jul 25, 2006
Messages
1,864
Date: 4/6/2009 8:40:24 PM
Author:RedEyeQCer
Hey I am looking at a diamond necklace for my girlfriend for our 1 year anniversary. I have a good paying job, and I want to get a nice diamond necklace without going broke, but don''t want a 60 dollar ''diamond necklace'' from Target. I have found a few good deals (or what I believe to be good deals) on Khols, Zales, and Amazon.com. My ideal price range is 150.00 - 250.00. I am curious if anyone can help me tell if these are good deals, or good diamonds, or if anyone has suggestions of a better place to get diamonds in the Los Angels, CA area. I appreciate the help.

PS - I apologize for all the links.

- Links to Necklaces I was looking at -

http://www.amazon.com/Choice-Diamond-Solitaire-Pendant-Clarity/dp/B000VB6AV6/ref=amb_link_5620132_4?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-12&pf_rd_r=00ZRHXA2HC2XF8ZC6QGH&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=473190791&pf_rd_i=378257011

http://www.amazon.com/White-Diamond-Solitaire-Pendant-Clarity/dp/B000UUBXCO/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&s=jewelry&qid=1239064026&sr=1-16

http://www.amazon.com/White-Diamond-Solitaire-Pendant-Clarity/dp/B000UUBX5G/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=jewelry&qid=1239064026&sr=1-9

http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3299286&kpc=1
http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3436340&kpc=1

http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3236975&kpc=1
http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3298474&kpc=1
fixed links
 

RedEyeQCer

Rough_Rock
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Apr 6, 2009
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Thanks - first time using or lurking this site - still learning.
 

:)

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jul 25, 2006
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1,864
No worries!
I was just taking a quick look at them. Unfortunately it looks like most are of a clarity that will make the diamond look dead (I2 clarity which is industrial grade) - when they give a range it is never a promising thing. The sparkle will come from the cut.
 

:)

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jul 25, 2006
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1,864
Can you go look in person at the Zales necklaces to see if they are pleasing in person?
 

RedEyeQCer

Rough_Rock
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Apr 6, 2009
Messages
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I haven''t checked yet in person. Only looking around online so far. I am trying to find out which stores will have good deals before I go store to store in person. Then again, even when I do go in person...I really wont know what I am looking for. I have never purchased diamonds or really jewelry for that matter. I have always gotten my girlfriend cool stuff (mostly that I would use too) like an xbox or camping gear. This will be the first piece of jewelry.
 

:)

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
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Messages
1,864
Date: 4/6/2009 9:02:22 PM
Author: RedEyeQCer
I haven't checked yet in person. Only looking around online so far. I am trying to find out which stores will have good deals before I go store to store in person. Then again, even when I do go in person...I really wont know what I am looking for. I have never purchased diamonds or really jewelry for that matter. I have always gotten my girlfriend cool stuff (mostly that I would use too) like an xbox or camping gear. This will be the first piece of jewelry.
LOL! Spoken like a true man!

I think some of the Zales items have potential. Since you are in LA, and feel that you do not know what you are looking at, you could drive out to the Galleria - they have a ton of jewelry stores in all price ranges - just to walk through each one of them to get an idea of what you find pretty and get an idea of pricing. Your budget is going to be a little bit limiting, so you are going to need to look in person to make sure you get a nice item. Wandering through each of the stores will help you, I think. If I were you I would get something with multiple small diamonds instead of aiming for a single diamond (maybe at a future celebration! :)

You could also go downtown, but if you don't know what you are doing it can be kind of
954900aklo76s52q.gif



ETA: When you are shopping, look for sparkle - move the item around, and look at it outside of the direct jewelry store lights - place it under the edge of the counter, cupped under your hand, etc to block a little of the direct light to see if you still find it pleasing. If they let you take it outside that is great, but in a mall store, they are highly unlikely to allow you to do this for this type of item.
 

RedEyeQCer

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 6, 2009
Messages
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Date: 4/6/2009 9:13:10 PM
Author: :)
Date: 4/6/2009 9:02:22 PM

Author: RedEyeQCer

I haven''t checked yet in person. Only looking around online so far. I am trying to find out which stores will have good deals before I go store to store in person. Then again, even when I do go in person...I really wont know what I am looking for. I have never purchased diamonds or really jewelry for that matter. I have always gotten my girlfriend cool stuff (mostly that I would use too) like an xbox or camping gear. This will be the first piece of jewelry.
LOL! Spoken like a true man!


I think some of the Zales items have potential. Since you are in LA, and feel that you do not know what you are looking at, you could drive out to the Galleria - they have a ton of jewelry stores in all price ranges - just to walk through each one of them to get an idea of what you find pretty and get an idea of pricing. Your budget is going to be a little bit limiting, so you are going to need to look in person to make sure you get a nice item. Wandering through each of the stores will help you, I think. If I were you I would get something with multiple small diamonds instead of aiming for a single diamond (maybe at a future celebration! :)


You could also go downtown, but if you don''t know what you are doing it can be kind of
954900aklo76s52q.gif


HAHA yeah she likes the ''cool stuff'' too. She is a cool chick who likes ''guy-toys'' but I do want to get her you know a traditional type gift (ie diamond necklace). And yes in all of the deals I was noticing the majority would be several small stones equaling roughly about 0.25 carats - which I am fine with. I don''t need it to be big, just something nice. Oh and you mentioned the ''Galleria''? How would I go about finding out where this is located? Sorry for being clueless but I have never been. PS thanks for the help I do appreciate it.
 

:)

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jul 25, 2006
Messages
1,864
Haha, that is right, you are definitely a guy and I should not have expected you to know what the Galleria was :) - the Galleria is a mall out in Glendale. I am not sure where in LA you are, so it might be a bit of a drive, but it is located conveniently off the interstate.

http://www.glendalegalleria.com/html/index7.asp

This is a listing of their stores listed in the directory under jewelry.

Jewelry Bailey Banks & Biddle B 2 (818) 242-8800
Ben Bridge Jewelers B 2 (818) 240-4955
Claire''s Accessories D 3 (818) 243-6309
Classic Designs Fine Jewelers D 2 (818) 546-2919
Daniel''s Jewelers E 2 (818) 247-5050
Galleria''s Jewelry & Watch Repairs E 3 (818) 240-3067
Helzberg Diamonds B 1 (818) 246-8241
Icing By Claires C 1 (818) 240-6293
Keeping Time B 1 (818) 551-9978
Kevin Jewelers A 1 (818) 549-0856
Michael''s Jewelers A 1 (818) 507-8000
Montblanc C 2 (818) 553-3750
NA HOKU B 1 (818) 291-9869
Romano''s Jewelers A 1 (818) 547-0879
Something Silver C 2 (818) 241-1012
Swarovski B 2 (818) 244-9866
SWATCH C 2 (818) 247-9870
Tic Time D 3 (818) 545-1321
WatchStation International formerly Modern Watch Company B 2 (818) 550-1464
Zales B 1 (818) 241-5184
 

RedEyeQCer

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 6, 2009
Messages
8
Date: 4/6/2009 9:26:44 PM
Author: :)
Haha, that is right, you are definitely a guy and I should not have expected you to know what the Galleria was :) - the Galleria is a mall out in Glendale. I am not sure where in LA you are, so it might be a bit of a drive, but it is located conveniently off the interstate.


http://www.glendalegalleria.com/html/index7.asp


This is a listing of their stores listed in the directory under jewelry.


Jewelry Bailey Banks & Biddle B 2 (818) 242-8800

Ben Bridge Jewelers B 2 (818) 240-4955

Claire''s Accessories D 3 (818) 243-6309

Classic Designs Fine Jewelers D 2 (818) 546-2919

Daniel''s Jewelers E 2 (818) 247-5050

Galleria''s Jewelry & Watch Repairs E 3 (818) 240-3067

Helzberg Diamonds B 1 (818) 246-8241

Icing By Claires C 1 (818) 240-6293

Keeping Time B 1 (818) 551-9978

Kevin Jewelers A 1 (818) 549-0856

Michael''s Jewelers A 1 (818) 507-8000

Montblanc C 2 (818) 553-3750

NA HOKU B 1 (818) 291-9869

Romano''s Jewelers A 1 (818) 547-0879

Something Silver C 2 (818) 241-1012

Swarovski B 2 (818) 244-9866

SWATCH C 2 (818) 247-9870

Tic Time D 3 (818) 545-1321

WatchStation International formerly Modern Watch Company B 2 (818) 550-1464

Zales B 1 (818) 241-5184


OH im a goof haha. Yeah I live right near that. The ''Galleria'' threw me off, I always refer to it as the mall. Sorry about that. I will go there and check out the stores, thanks again.
 

whitby_2773

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Jan 5, 2009
Messages
2,655
hi redeyeqcer :)

here''s a blue nile necklace i''ve always really liked the look of. in fact, i''d buy this one for myself:

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-pendant-heart_5753?show_all_pages=1

here''s something a little different but probably better quality than some of the other things you''ve been looking at:

http://www.bluenile.com/product_9576

both things are very romantic, which might do this trick :)

good luck!
 

RedEyeQCer

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 6, 2009
Messages
8
Date: 4/6/2009 10:45:01 PM
Author: whitby_2773
hi redeyeqcer :)


here''s a blue nile necklace i''ve always really liked the look of. in fact, i''d buy this one for myself:


http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-pendant-heart_5753?show_all_pages=1


here''s something a little different but probably better quality than some of the other things you''ve been looking at:


http://www.bluenile.com/product_9576


both things are very romantic, which might do this trick :)


good luck!

Wow those are both very nice, I really like the first one. I think I may go with that. Do you think it would be okay to purchase one online, or should I only go into the store to be able to see it and buy it?
 

RedEyeQCer

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 6, 2009
Messages
8
Thanks again for the help folks! I realize (after looking around a bit) that people usually don''t ask too many questions about diamonds that would be considered "discount" or "budget" diamonds as I am looking for. Sorry for being a newby, but thanks for the help and over-looking the fact that I am going for a cheaper diamond haha.
 
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