Buying from Holloway Diamonds vs PS Vendors

[rlay1]

Hi all,

I am in the market for a nice diamond and have spent a considerable amount of time reading these forums.

I know that Garry Holloway is a well respected and long standing member of these forums and he has a number of stores in Melbourne, Australia.

As I am from Melbourne myself, it would make sense to buy local.
A quick call to Holloway Diamonds and this is what they have in house that meets my requirements:
1.10 G VS2 $16,170 AUD
1.11 E VS2 $17,950 AUD
These prices seem to be on the high side to me compared to other PS Vendors.
What do other members think?
Anyone purchased from Holloway Diamonds before?
Any advice or info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[kenny]

I thought diamonds in Austrailia were more expensive than in the US.

Is there an import duty, customs, tax you will have to pay if you order it from the US?
If so be sure to add that before comparing prices.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Good lord, those prices are high

Many PSers have imported from the Us and been happy, perhaps they will chime in.

 

[yssie]

16k AUD works out to.. 14.8k USD? For a 1.1 G VS2?



It would be a whole lot cheaper to buy a plane ticket to the US and purchase here. Those quotes are

 

[Kaleigh]

Those prices are really High!!!!

 

[arjunajane]

As others have mentioned, diamonds costs in AU are really quite high across the board - why, I don''t know.
Holloway''s is also a premium store, so I would expect them to be slightly more expensive than "average retail".

rlay1, I strongly recommend buying your diamond and setting from one of the recommended PS vendors in the US, such as BGD, GOG or WF.
At the end of the day, you will simply get better value for your buck - plus the exchange rate is very good at the moment. To be honest, I just don''t see an advantage to buying locally in my opinion and experience.

If you do decide to purchase from US, make sure you read this thread on the Free Trade Agreement - it can save you potentially thousands in income tax duty, making the purchase from the US even more attractive

 

[JulieN]

Diamonds cost more in AU, and they are a brick and mortar store. Internet sales are not their focus.

 

[rlay1]

Wow, thanks for the Free Trade Agreement info arjunajane, I wasn’t even aware that such an agreement existed! Looks like I now have a bit of reading ahead of me…

I was floored when I heard the quote! So it looks like I’ll just stick to PS vendors. Unless of course Mr. Holloway can do me an amazing quote on it!

Anyhow, I’m looking for a round brilliant around 1.11ct G and eye clean, super ideal H&A and a competitive price. (and yes, there is a reason why I am after 1.11!!)

So suggestions welcomed!

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 4/22/2010 6:47:56 PM
Author: rlay1

Wow, thanks for the Free Trade Agreement info arjunajane, I wasn’t even aware that such an agreement existed! Looks like I now have a bit of reading ahead of me…

I was floored when I heard the quote! So it looks like I’ll just stick to PS vendors. Unless of course Mr. Holloway can do me an amazing quote on it!

Anyhow, I’m looking for a round brilliant around 1.11ct G and eye clean, super ideal H&A and a competitive price. (and yes, there is a reason why I am after 1.11!!)

So suggestions welcomed!

If you don''t want to import you can try Jogia diamonds their prices seem more inline with some ps vendors http://www.jogiadiamonds.com.au/ after you consider the exchange rate and import duties.
Their crossfire diamonds are particularly attractive and some are comparable to other brands seen here.

 

[tonym]

I don''t think diamonds are that much more expensive compared to elsewhere. If you look at prices of retail stores, particularly premium retail, anywhere around the world - it''s going to get pricey!
I''m certain the quality of diamonds that Garry carries would be great.

As Garry runs a retail store, I wouldn''t expect prices as low as the PS vendors. Someone else mentioned you need to factor in additional costs such as GST and duty when you buy from overseas though.

It would be worth checking the local diamond options, but also see what prices similar diamonds are going out there from PS vendors. Being a retail store, I would assume there would be at least some wiggle room in the price (obviously not as low as PS vendors though).

 

[stone-cold11]

Or you can check Jogiadiamonds, based in Perth.

For example this one.

http://www.jogiadiamonds.com.au/diamonds/diamonditem.php?code=CXF1149

 

[arjunajane]

tonym, I can assure you after doing a whole lot of research, speaking to retailers and various appraisers, diamonds are more expensive in Au. Not sure if its as bad in eastern states but I know that we are talking at least average ~20% in perth. If you go to tiffany in Au the same piece will be priced higher than in US (taking exchange etc into the equation).
The ideal cut trend is only just taking off here too, hence they carry a higher premium. And we are still stuck in the "D IF is the best" marketing mentality. Try finding a J SI1 and not getting laughed at!
On top of all that, for whatever reasons precious metals and creating jewellery/settings also tends to be higher than the US esp. For custom work.
So, with all these factors combined we simply are more expensive and have less variety/choice than the US when it comes to diamond rings. Trust me if it weren''t true I wouldnt go to the bother of importing multiple pieces!

I have no idea why this is the case and have often wondered-I''m not sure if it is too complex for someone to quickly explain..

Rlay1 - all that said, I second the recommendation for Jogia. As far as I can tell they are the closest in comparable price , variety and cut quality to one of the PS internet vendors. It also depends though on what type of setting your girl likes- if it is more involved than a classic solitaire, you will have more choice and better prices from a US vendor.
You are welcome on the FTA info - do ask any questions you need when the time comes as it is def. worth pursuing