Buying jewelry in Hong Kong vs US

[itzme]

Hey all, I'm not sure if this is the appropriate place to ask this but I can't figure out where I can.

I'll be going to Hong Kong tomorrow and will be there for 9 days. I am really curious about potentially buying jewelry pieces there. I am particularly interested in stacking rings and maybe a diamond bangle if I find one I absolutely love. Can anyone chime in their insights and input about buying gold jewelry or diamond pieces there? How are prices compared to here in the US? What kind of diamond quality would I be expecting to find in terms of pave/melee or small stones (less than .3 ct)? How is the value vs quality? Thanks!

 

[Dancing Fire]

you'll get better prices here in the US. I bought this 3 ctw bangle from WF.

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-bracelets/shared-prong-diamond-bangle-755.htm

 

[misskittycat]

It can be a bit hit and miss, to be honest. Styles are different in Hong Kong than they are in other western countries, so sometimes it can be difficult to find things you like. Quality is like anywhere - you will find good jewellers and not so good ones. You pay for good quality. It's such a hard thing to quantify - it's like asking if you can buy good jewellery in New York - yes, but there is also bad stuff as well.

If you want to go for a wander, there are loads of jewellery stores on Modys Road. But before you start negotiating you really need to know the prices and what you are willing to spend. Personally I would buy from a US jeweller if it's something significant.

 

[GreenBling]

I'm from Hong Kong. Retail chains offer GIA certed stones ranging from D IF to J SI in general. Usually only 1ct and up stones have certs. However price is much higher than online since rent here is among highest in the world. Simple solitaire settings are inclusive in diamond price in most cases so that's something you can factor in when comparing prices. I buy from independent jewelers who would source stones based on my specs, a bit like hybrid of online+retail. That said, the process takes time and trust so don't think that route is possible for you unless you are here for several weeks. Chow Sang Sang, Chow Tai Fook and Emperor Jewelry are safe to buy from.

 

[GreenBling]

If you are into gold, then you MUST check out designs here. Very different from the West.

 

[MarionC]

you'll get better prices here in the US. I bought this 3 ctw bangle from WF.

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-bracelets/shared-prong-diamond-bangle-755.htm

Dancing, please don't post things like this! Now, suddenly, I feel a diamond bracelet is a must have
It's beautiful!
[sorry for thread hijack]

 

[SB621]

When we were in Asia and visited HK I did do some jewelry buying. most of it was inexpensive and with colored gemstones which were NOT good quality at all but I didn't know that as it was pre pricescope. In general I would look around but wouldn't buy anything that was expensive as prices I found were higher, but if you want to buy something smaller as a momento of your trip I think that would be great!

 

[itzme]

Wow that is gorgeous, DancingFire! I don't think I have the budget for that but I'll definitely keep WF in mind when I'm ready.

 

[itzme]

I'm from Hong Kong. Retail chains offer GIA certed stones ranging from D IF to J SI in general. Usually only 1ct and up stones have certs. However price is much higher than online since rent here is among highest in the world. Simple solitaire settings are inclusive in diamond price in most cases so that's something you can factor in when comparing prices. I buy from independent jewelers who would source stones based on my specs, a bit like hybrid of online+retail. That said, the process takes time and trust so don't think that route is possible for you unless you are here for several weeks. Chow Sang Sang, Chow Tai Fook and Emperor Jewelry are safe to buy from.

Thanks GB, this is definitely helpful to help me gauge my expectations about buying from there. This is definitely good information to know so I don't walk into the store expecting high quality and end up blowing away all my money for items I can get at better prices here. I heard about those three big jewelers in Hk, but heard mixed things in terms of affordability. My first intention was to just look at the gold pieces, but then of course I began to think about adding more small diamond pieces since I'm already jewelry shopping. I'm still an amateur when it comes to buying diamonds so I guess I'd steer away from that since I'm not armed with train eyes to decider bad from good, especially with those lights in the shops.

I also heard the gold designs are very elegant and intricate, so I will definitely be taking a look. Overall for gold piece alone, are the prices any better or is it still higher due to the costly rent? Generally, are the prices negotiable?

 

[itzme]

It can be a bit hit and miss, to be honest. Styles are different in Hong Kong than they are in other western countries, so sometimes it can be difficult to find things you like. Quality is like anywhere - you will find good jewellers and not so good ones. You pay for good quality. It's such a hard thing to quantify - it's like asking if you can buy good jewellery in New York - yes, but there is also bad stuff as well.

If you want to go for a wander, there are loads of jewellery stores on Modys Road. But before you start negotiating you really need to know the prices and what you are willing to spend. Personally I would buy from a US jeweller if it's something significant.

Missy, you brought up a very good point. I most likely wouldn't be getting the diamond bangle there after reading from here, but other than that I don't foresee any other significant purchases. I am intrigued about things like dainty eternity rings for stacking. Am I getting more bang for my buck from places like IDJ or the best quality for my buck from WF and BGD?

 

[GreenBling]

I'm from Hong Kong. Retail chains offer GIA certed stones ranging from D IF to J SI in general. Usually only 1ct and up stones have certs. However price is much higher than online since rent here is among highest in the world. Simple solitaire settings are inclusive in diamond price in most cases so that's something you can factor in when comparing prices. I buy from independent jewelers who would source stones based on my specs, a bit like hybrid of online+retail. That said, the process takes time and trust so don't think that route is possible for you unless you are here for several weeks. Chow Sang Sang, Chow Tai Fook and Emperor Jewelry are safe to buy from.

Thanks GB, this is definitely helpful to help me gauge my expectations about buying from there. This is definitely good information to know so I don't walk into the store expecting high quality and end up blowing away all my money for items I can get at better prices here. I heard about those three big jewelers in Hk, but heard mixed things in terms of affordability. My first intention was to just look at the gold pieces, but then of course I began to think about adding more small diamond pieces since I'm already jewelry shopping. I'm still an amateur when it comes to buying diamonds so I guess I'd steer away from that since I'm not armed with train eyes to decider bad from good, especially with those lights in the shops.

I also heard the gold designs are very elegant and intricate, so I will definitely be taking a look. Overall for gold piece alone, are the prices any better or is it still higher due to the costly rent? Generally, are the prices negotiable?

Glad you find the info useful. Gold jewelry prices are transparent. There's cost of the gold (by weight) according to market rate plus cost of labour and design which isn't much IMO. I am not sure about bargaining, think price is fixed.

BTW, you can sell your gold jewelry at current buy back price. Big chains usually buy back their own products only. But smaller independent ones take anything. Buying gold jewelry from big chains is very safe and in fact, traditionally a way of investment.

Have fun shopping, and post your wins!

 

[Dancing Fire]

It can be a bit hit and miss, to be honest. Styles are different in Hong Kong than they are in other western countries, so sometimes it can be difficult to find things you like. Quality is like anywhere - you will find good jewellers and not so good ones. You pay for good quality. It's such a hard thing to quantify - it's like asking if you can buy good jewellery in New York - yes, but there is also bad stuff as well.

If you want to go for a wander, there are loads of jewellery stores on Modys Road. But before you start negotiating you really need to know the prices and what you are willing to spend. Personally I would buy from a US jeweller if it's something significant.

Missy, you brought up a very good point. I most likely wouldn't be getting the diamond bangle there after reading from here, but other than that I don't foresee any other significant purchases. I am intrigued about things like dainty eternity rings for stacking. Am I getting more bang for my buck from places like IDJ or the best quality for my buck from WF and BGD?

I have had bought bangle bracelets from both of these vendors...