Diamond Dealer Customer Etiquette

[atiaofthejulii]

Hi all. I have finally decided on the shape, ct size and other parameters for the diamond I want. I had a few friends that I trust recommend different jewelers in NYC.
I've reached out to a few of them to make appointments and most told me that due to the fancy shape and ct size I am looking for they would have to call in diamonds. I went to see them over the weekend but didn't find "the one". two of the four places we visited were a particularly enjoyable experience. They also were both eager to have us come back to see more options in a few weeks. is it OK so work with two or more jewelers at the same time? From my understanding, they all have access to the same "bank". It would be more productive for me since I'm about a 3 hour drive from NYC, so seeing as much as I can each visit is best.

Thanks!

 

[Octo2005]

I am not sure what the proper etiquette would be. But I would feel bad if I didn't make it clear upfront that I was considering other options. I believe that there is often cost attached to bring in stones.

Maybe some of our trade members can chime in with general ideas of best way to approach this.

 

[OoohShiny]

Before buying anything from a vendor, you should research online what you might be able to get for your money, so that you can ensure you don't get ripped off.

If you are happy to post your budget and your desired size/colour/clarity/shape, we can help find you some options to consider

 

[Rockdiamond]

This is a great discussion.
I can see this from both sides.
As a consumer, I always want to make sure that I explore more than one option on any major purchase.
As a seller, I understand folks feeling the same way- but there's another side as a seller.
Sometimes when someone doesn't make it clear they're shopping around, it's frustrating when they buy elsewhere after we've put a lot of work into the search.
On the other hand, we're (vendors) are only human. If a seller knows someone is shopping around there's less motivation to find as many options than if they feel the consumer is not shopping around.
But the truth is, any vendor worth their salt needs to make sure to do their best regardless if a consumer is shopping around.
Kind of strange, but a lot of the best sellers in a given field won't take on a job if you tell them you're shopping it around.
At the same time, some of the worst sellers run away once they find out someone is shopping around.

Going back to me as a consumer- once I have done my shopping- I prefer to choose my seller. At that point, I stop shopping around and let them do their thing. I find I do better developing long-term relationships with sellers I trust on major purchases.

 

[atiaofthejulii]

Thanks for your replies. We aren't too fond of buying online due to the high value.

 

[daneshpastry]

As far as I'm concerned, business is business and a wide business person should assume you have other options. I don't feel you need to make any statements.

 

[flyingpig]

Working with multiple diamond vendors is like working with multiple realtors. Some do. But it is not recommended. Do some research ahead and work with one at a time. You can switch. But one at a time.

 

[SimoneDi]

Thanks for your replies. We aren't too fond of buying online due to the high value.

Can we know what the expected value is? Maybe we can recommend vendors in NYC.