Diamond dilemma between two vendors

[McPherson]

Hey all-

So in my continued dilemma, my jeweler whom I love, had shown me a few diamonds for the engagement ring that I'm creating. Early in my search, I did find one in particular that I liked visually when I visited his store. He didn't have ASET images or videos, however, so I was only able to take pictures of it. The diamond was not scored well by other PSers.

I then received advice from a couple of PSers stating that with asscher cuts, I really need ASET and videos, and to go with an online vendor. Now, I've changed my mind about the original asscher from my jeweler and I am going with the online vendor. I have to deliver this bad news to the jeweler and I don't know how to word it appropriately. I know it's technically just business, but I also know that behind every business transaction is a real person, too. We haven't put any money down at this point, but I feel like he has sort of reserved this diamond for us. I still want my jeweler to design the ring, too. Just not with his diamond.

Has anyone ever been in this boat? How have you chosen to deal with it?

Thanks.

 

[AprilBaby]

I have and I took the chicken way out. I didn't go back to the first vendor.

 

[nowicanseethemoon]

I haven't had to deal with the situation, but in my mind honesty is the way to go. You appreciate him giving some diamond options, but in the end found one online that met all of your requirements. You are really impressed with his design skills and would still like him to design the setting, and you're really excited to see how his amazing setting compliments the diamond.

Or something like that...

 

[GoSounders]

Definitely honesty. Tell him you're sorry, but you found the perfect stone elsewhere (maybe keep the fact you got it online secret). However, you still want him to design your ring. Most designers are fine with this and have their terms for setting outside stones.

 

[sarahb]

I went through this same type of thing. Only we purchased a ring on a Friday, took it back the next Monday. Said I just did not feel right about the diamonds. Wanted some time to procees my thoughts. They were gracious, the entire process took 10 minutes, I was in & out that morning.

After dropping off the purchase, I felt so relieved, as I knew something was just not right with the diamonds. (It was an eternity ring). At the time, I didn't know what I didn't know!

Decided to have them provide a ring quote with certed stones. They did, & it was thousands more $ than WF, & lesser quality. I told them so. At this point, we then let the ring communication cease.

Many months later, we bought the ring from Whiteflash--it night & day out performed the ring we originally bought at the BM.

Have been in 2x since this returned ring transaction for repairs etc. Reception was/is sorta chilly. I do wear my ring, & they've never asked about it.

They're entitled to their 'feelings' I guess. It's also a free world, I'm entirely within my rights to return the ring--they have a 30 day return policy. They had an opportunity for the business. They simply could not meet the best bid.

I won't stop going there for repairs etc, but the whole thing has left a sour taste in my mouth--I mean knowing what we know now, & what we paid for items with them in the past, makes me feel somewhat angry. In reality, have no one to blame but myself. Should have been more educated back when we began purchasing jewelry. Just wished they had been more accurate in their representation of peices. Or should I say honest. Can't decide if they would actually be Dishonest with a capital D. It's hard to wrap my mind around it at times.

My best advice is to be true to yourself, & honest with them. I had to go & return the ring & confront the issue head on. How they internalize or react to it is their business. As long as you are truthful in your needs/feelings, & let them know your concerns/decisions, you can sleep at night.

Best of luck--if they are good 'citizens' they will respect your decision!! & I would hope, be gracious & nice about it!!
sarahb

 

[diamondseeker2006]

If you have to tell them something now, I would just say you want to take a little more time to look. Do not obligate yourself to a stone or setting at this point. Focus on finding the diamond and then tell us what setting you are looking for and weigh those options as well. We know of master ring makers, and I wouldn't trust most local jewelers to meet the quality level we see here.

 

[BlingObsession]

While I am a huge fan of online shopping for gemstones and diamonds, and know we get the best price this way, it's important to remember that the mall jewellers do have overheads that they have to include in their pricing, i.e. insurance, staff, electricity, rent, stock, etc. etc. So while us lucky few have found Pricescope and are comfortable with remote purchases, the mall stores are for the remaining many who are not aware/not comfortable with purchasing online. The mall stores are not ripping anyone off, they are doing business and many, many people are happy with purchasing that way.

 

[McPherson]

Hi diamondseeker-

From what I do know, this jeweler has quite a reputation in my city, although I am curious to hear who the master designers are and what I should be looking for in a designer to begin with.

The price I was quoted was lower than the a jaffe designer ring I liked, and to me, he has done a thorough job using CAD to design my ring.

I did send him the email, still pending his response. I hope he would still like to design this for us...sigh I'm quite nervous.