"Family Friends" vs. Purchasing online

[AtlanticAve]

I imagine nearly everyone has a family friend (or a friend of a friend) who supposedly can get you a bargain on jewelry. For example, a co-worker recently got engaged and swears that his "diamond guy" only charged him 1/2 of what it would cost in a store.

Generally speaking, should I even follow up on these leads - or are they a waste of time and a waste of a favor? I understand that there are tons of variables and considerations, but I''d love to hear some feedback either way.

 

[chrono]

Well, from reading PS for a few years, it seems that "family friends" don''t quite give the deal most are expecting - either the stone isn''t great or the price isn''t as compareable to online prices or both.

 

[diagem]

I am sure you can get some specific Diamonds at half price from on-line vendors vs. High end jewelers as for example (Tiffany's, HW, VC&A, Graff etc...etc...)

BUT..., it does not mean only on-line!!!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 9/24/2007 9:12:04 AM
Author: Chrono
Well, from reading PS for a few years, it seems that ''family friends'' don''t quite give the deal most are expecting - either the stone isn''t great or the price isn''t as compareable to online prices or both.

Ditto, also if anything goes wrong you can have an awkward situation on your hands. Buying online seems to give the best mix of quality and price.

Welcome also!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 9/24/2007 9:12:04 AM
Author: Chrono
Well, from reading PS for a few years, it seems that ''family friends'' don''t quite give the deal most are expecting - either the stone isn''t great or the price isn''t as compareable to online prices or both.

Agreed.

When I hear "family friend", I think, oh no. I honestly don''t know if I''ve ever heard someone rave about a stone and the deal they got. (meaning not only a great price, but a killer stone)

And the thing is, if you go to look, and don''t like what you see, then you are put in somewhat of an awkward position.

My advice would be refrain.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 9/24/2007 9:16:29 AM
Author: Lorelei

Ditto, also if anything goes wrong you can have an awkward situation on your hands. Buying online seems to give the best mix of quality and price.

Welcome also!

I typed without seeing your post. Great minds.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 9/24/2007 9:20:08 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 9/24/2007 9:16:29 AM
Author: Lorelei

Ditto, also if anything goes wrong you can have an awkward situation on your hands. Buying online seems to give the best mix of quality and price.

Welcome also!

I typed without seeing your post. Great minds.

We share a connection for sure El !!

 

[chrono]

Don''t forget that some online stores DO have a real brick and mortar location that you can visit.

Whiteflash is by appointment in Houston
Good Old Gold is a real store in Long Island
Wink has an office in Boise
Mark has an office in the NYC diamond district
and more....

 

[Ellen]

Date: 9/24/2007 9:24:43 AM
Author: Lorelei

We share a connection for sure El !!

Nice emotie.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 9/24/2007 9:33:01 AM
Author: Chrono
Don''t forget that some online stores DO have a real brick and mortar location that you can visit.

Whiteflash is by appointment in Houston
Good Old Gold is a real store in Long Island
Wink has an office in Boise
Mark has an office in the NYC diamond district
and more....

Good point!

AA, where are you located?

 

[AtlanticAve]

Thanks for confirming my suspicions ladies, I think I''ll use my own "diamond guy" that I found here on PS! My office is 2 blocks from ERD, and I was planning on getting in touch with them this week.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 9/24/2007 10:02:26 AM
Author: AtlanticAve
Thanks for confirming my suspicions ladies, I think I''ll use my own ''diamond guy'' that I found here on PS! My office is 2 blocks from ERD, and I was planning on getting in touch with them this week.

You can''t go wrong with ERD, let us know what you get!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 9/24/2007 10:04:10 AM
Author: Lorelei

You can''t go wrong with ERD, let us know what you get!

Ditto!!

 

[johngalt2004]

Only go with your own family friend Diamond Guy if you have no problem getting tough with him when it comes down to it.

I went with the "friend of a friend" Diamond Guy and most definitely came to regret it. I am not tough enough, shrewd enough etc to really get mixed up with a pro and try to get the best deal.....even though the pro is a nice gregarious guy who comes recommended from a sweet sincere lady. It is like playing 3 card monte... and very stressful.

If I were starting over, I would go with Whiteflash without a second thought that I was for sure doing the prudent thing. Those guys are top drawer (I''m sure the other vendors here have their merits but the WF people are the ones who knocked me over with service, time and advice - for free and for fun).

 

[esumsea]

I have had no less than 5 "friends" tell me they could save me money. All of the gasped when they heard the prices I was getting. THe son of the owner of a big NE B$M told me traight out that I was slightly lower than his prices from vendors and laughed in disbelief when I told him the services you receive. This morning I got quotes form a diamond trader that some pricescope vendors buy from and her prices were on par, but I would be in "favor" mode and could not be as demanding. If your friends can save you money it might be worth it, but if the prices are virtually the same, keep family/friends and business seperate.

Hope this helps and good luck!
Regards,
Mario

 

[decodelighted]

Yeah ... in a couple years on Pricescope I don''t ever recall a "happy" Family Friend story.

I do know of several "incredibly lucky finds" at brick & mortar stores stories (hello NewEnglandLady''s fiance, Surfgirl & some others) but that''s not something you can really count on if you have a timetable & aren''t kind of recreationally shopping ...

If you''re in the city (or Brooklyn -- "Atlantic Ave"??) you might wanna check out The Clay Pot in Park Slope ... more for bands or settings rather than diamonds. They have some lovely, creative, funkier type designs -- if that''s what you''re looking for. The also carry the FABULOUS "antique style'' line: VanCraynest -- which, if you''re shopping for a CUSHION at ERD, could be a great fit.

 

[AtlanticAve]

Date: 9/24/2007 11:55:58 AM
Author: decodelighted
If you''re in the city (or Brooklyn -- ''Atlantic Ave''??) you might wanna check out The Clay Pot in Park Slope ... more for bands or settings rather than diamonds. They have some lovely, creative, funkier type designs -- if that''s what you''re looking for. The also carry the FABULOUS ''antique style'' line: VanCraynest -- which, if you''re shopping for a CUSHION at ERD, could be a great fit.

So much for my poor attempt at remaining anonymous.

I am indeed in Brooklyn, and will definitely check out the Clay Pot, thx for the recommendation!