Found Online Stone in Local Shop

[decodelighted]

Date: 6/22/2006 5:22:25 PM
Author: lumpkin
I don''t think stores base their profit on actual dollars, but by percentages. The mark up for a $2000 stone is not going to be the same amount of dollars for a $11,000 one.

I understand that''s the STORE''s point of view, and why they do what they do (it''s to their advantage

) ... I''m just saying, sometimes you have to be an aggressive consumer to get the best deal possible. I''ve heard of people (on here actually) who offer $500 more than INVOICE price on a CAR (not "sticker" price ... dealer actual COST price, as found online) ... & see which dealer will go for it. If people do that for 20-30K CARS, why not diamonds?

 

[swingirl]

It sounds like you are hoping to get the benefits of

1. A local jeweler who is close by for repairs, cleaning, viewing, salesman treatment.

2. The internet price given by internet vendors who survive without huge mark-ups.

3. Someone willing to do the not-so-ethical sales tax thing.

4. Someone else''s opinion about which diamond is best.

It would seem if you are paying a local jeweler for his services, why wouldn''t you value his opinioin on what is a good stone, especially if he is honest, easy to work with, and knowledgeable? Or could the original price and the sales tax thing possible be some red flags???

 

[MBA]

Date: 6/22/2006 6:12:14 PM
Author: swingirl
It sounds like you are hoping to get the benefits of

1. A local jeweler who is close by for repairs, cleaning, viewing, salesman treatment.

2. The internet price given by internet vendors who survive without huge mark-ups.

3. Someone willing to do the not-so-ethical sales tax thing.

4. Someone else''s opinion about which diamond is best.

It would seem if you are paying a local jeweler for his services, why wouldn''t you value his opinioin on what is a good stone, especially if he is honest, easy to work with, and knowledgeable? Or could the original price and the sales tax thing possible be some red flags???

Wow, you sound pretty harsh...perhaps it is just the internet making it sound harsh.


1. yes I am looking for a jeweler for repairs, cleaning, viewing, treatment, and the relationship for future purchases...

2. As I stated, I am willing to pay a premium for what he offers over the internet price...and I do not expect the internet price. I am just seeking advice on the size of the premium.

3. I am not seeking someone willing to do "the not so ethical sales tax thing." Just something he mentioned and I was relaying information, again for advice. I am not a resident of the state in which this jeweler is operating.

4. I would like as many opinions as possible on the quality and price of a diamond. The more opinions and information the better.

I do value his opinion on what is a good stone, but that does not mean that I should not seek other opinions.

 

[MBA]

Date: 6/22/2006 5:30:41 PM
Author: decodelighted
HA HA HA ... MBA, the pix you linked to is my all time fave Asscher!!! Well ... you''ve got GREAT taste we know now!!

I didn''t like the #s on the 2nd stone either ... that''s why I started looking around online. I think the GOG stone is just over 17K (according to the Pricscope search engine ... it says ''call for price'' on the site)

I helped pick out my own Asscher (who are we kidding - I PICKED, picked it!) It doesn''t have ''ideal'' #s across the board but I loved it in person and it was in budget. I wanted Very Good or above on Polish & Sym. I wanted ''H'' color or better. I wanted VS2 or better clarity (because flaws are so visible) ... ended up with VVs1. I compromised on table size (67%) and length/width ratio.

I think it might be hard to find ''ideal'' stats in a 2 ct stone for 12K online, or off ... but I would keep looking, beyond the two you saw in person. UNLESS you fell in love & would be heartbroken to let one go. I''ll put it this way - neither are ''bargains'' if that was the primary draw.


ETA: I did a Pricescope search and if you''re comfortable with ''I'' color you have some 12Kish options w/ better stats than the two you''ve seen .... including this one from Whiteflash that''s also currently listed with other vendors including Mondera for 14,440K!!

... whiteflash price with p-scope discount $12,969.

I love the ring in that picture, glad to know someone else has found the same ring and feels the same way! Does anyone have an idea on how much the ring w/ baggets (sp?) would cost to have custom made in platinum?

These two stones were the first he brought in (along with another 2ct w/ a 46% depth that I didnt like)...so you think I should have him keep looking?

I do not necessarily need a 2ct stone, I was thinking 1.75 to 2 would be ok.

Thank you very much for helping me through this! This is definitely the largest cash purchase I have made thus far.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 6/21/2006 7:57:44 PM
Author: MBA

He is still $3.5k higher than the online price. His price includes setting the stone and all those issues, as well as lifetime of free cleaning and a few other things. He will also have the ring shipped out of state for me to avoid taxes.

I think a $3.5k premium is still a little high, what do you all think?

for $3500 bucks...you can hire Bill Gates to clean your ring.