Does anyone ever shop at mall stores...the reason I ask...

[MRS2004]

King''s just e-mailed me saying that all products are " All are certified for value and guaranteed best price or your money back."

I guess I''m looking for the best price, best quality, and easiest access. Any experience with the company? Input?

Thanks.

 

[valeria101]

GIA, AGS and EGL reports do not give an estimated value. If the evaluation is done in house... well, it is up to you to judge it's value.

In absence of a clear standard the respective appraised value can be just anything - regardless of market or replacement value. Actually, the quote does not do much to reassure me

Hope someone knows this company. There is always a chance to have a second opinion on the merchandise during the return period though... as you know.

 

[Diamondsbybree]

There is a local Kings in Findlay. I have browsed there store on an occasion. I wasn't at all impressed with there diamonds... Or there settings. Very lightweight.

 

[yowahking]

You will not find value at King's. First the is no such thing as a value certificate. Certificates have grading only. Appraisals have values, although most appraisals are written by any flunky in the store with no credentials. Most certificates in those stores will be IGI certificates which have very little information other than a hollogram sticker which looks pretty. The value is inflated to make you feel good. Try a web site called findmyjeweler.com to see if they have researched your zip code area for the best prices for you. Jewelers in their data base are well shopped, have great prices and educated. If not that web site will help you learn what to avoid wherever you shop.
Scott

 

[denverappraiser]

MRS2004,

"All are certified for value and guaranteed best price or your money back."

This doesn't actually say much to me. All stones have a some sort of documentation that they are calling a certificate, all stones have a value, and they will give you your money back if you're unhappy about the price. I like the money back guarantee but the rest doesn't seem to be adding much of value. I would also check the fine print on that money back offer. Does it allow you to return if your unhappiness is based on reasons other than price? What about better prices offered at non-local vendors? Advertisements say things like this all the time so I can't say I would hold it against them either. I'm just not impressed. At least not yet.

Easiest access is one of the strong points for a local retailer. They will surely score well in this area. They may also offer excellent service, financing, or other additional services that are of value to you. Best price and best quality require a bit of shopping but it's not really all that hard. Spend an hour or two with the pricescope tutorials so you can learn the language and what the variables are. Then go shopping. Each dealer should be happy to explain to you why you should buy from them instead of their competitors. It's often helpful to play with the search feature on the pricescope front page for a little while before you get serious. Change just one variable and see what it does to the price and repeat this a few times. This will help to get a feel for how the various quality elements relate to each other and to the price. This will help you to establish what you should expect to get for the amount that you're willing to pay. You will probably have to pay a little more for the convenient access and services offered at the mall. This will also enable you to decide on your own just how much more is required and exactly what you are getting for your money.

Neil Beaty, GG ISA
Independent Appraisals in Denver

 

[ame]

Other than maybe a basic cheapy pair of earrings or necklaces, I would never buy a diamond or real jewelery from a mall store.