From Towson Md going to NYC Diamond District worth it?
- Thread starter bogey123
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It would be very difficult to go to the NYC diamond district and get a high quality stone at a fair price without substantial education on the differences in cut (and other factors) that impact the "quality" of the stone. How would you know whether or not you were overpaying for a stone that looked beautiful to you, but for which you may have paid far more money than you needed to spend?
That being said, I would encourage you to spend some time hanging out here in this forum to learn from and chat with experienced diamond purchasers and tradespeople. That way, you can clarify exactly what you want in a stone, and gain a reasonable expectation of the price you will have to pay for it by researching stones from the very reputable vendors discussed here. Being an informed consumer is what this forum is all about!
If you want to go to NYC to purchase, that is certainly one choice. But here you will have numerous people, who have no vested financial interest in your decision, giving you valuable feedback on stones you are considering.
And as such, you are very likely to find the stone of your dreams at a fair price from the comfort of your own home.
Good luck!
That being said, I would encourage you to spend some time hanging out here in this forum to learn from and chat with experienced diamond purchasers and tradespeople. That way, you can clarify exactly what you want in a stone, and gain a reasonable expectation of the price you will have to pay for it by researching stones from the very reputable vendors discussed here. Being an informed consumer is what this forum is all about!
If you want to go to NYC to purchase, that is certainly one choice. But here you will have numerous people, who have no vested financial interest in your decision, giving you valuable feedback on stones you are considering.
And as such, you are very likely to find the stone of your dreams at a fair price from the comfort of your own home.
Good luck!
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Read reviews here on Good Old Gold, WhiteFlash, Brian Gavin...to start. Hundreds and maybe thousands of consumer reviews for top quality diamonds at below typical retail price. A lot of us came here to learn more about diamonds before purchasing, and I've bought diamonds from these vendors only ever since.
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CharmyPoo
Ideal_Rock
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Your best opportunity to fine tune what you believe you'd like to buy and to see what you might be able to afford will be found on-line right here. Once you have established your preferences and your budget, then shop locally to see if any store somewhat in your own area wants to be competitive, wants to make a sale, wants to have you for a customer, and makes the effort to be both accomodating and truthful. You may be surprised that some stores can do it all for you and you probably won't be surprised that many stores are working on borrowed time and have no real place in commerce as it exists in today's new reality.
Going to 47th St in NYC would be a real eye opening experience for a couple people who have not been living and working in the pressure cooker atmosphere of the NY DIamond District. There are huge choices there and many great sellers. You will not find many who want to educate you, but you will find lots of diamonds to examine. You need some fortitude and street smarts to avoid an impulsive purchase under expert pressure. Maybe you should consider taking the extra time to see the JA Allern operation in MD or NYC. Maybe you could fit in a road trip to GOG while you are visiting Manhattan. IDJ is another vendor on Pricescope who has had very fine reviews and they have a street-front operation on 47th St. It isn't where a store or seller is located, but how they treat customers which is of premier importance.
It does not matter so much where you shop, but it does matter what you know and understand before you decide to spend your money. The main goal should be to buy something you really love and find beautiful within the realm of your budget limits. You cannot do this effectively by just taking the advice of a seller although most people do exactly that. The more cautious shoppers educates themselves and then begin the process of looking at diamonds, on-line or in stores. They already know so much that they can go quickly to their target range of quality, shape, size and price. The seller can be helpful, but you learn how to rely on your own knowledge, too.
Have a good experience!!!
Going to 47th St in NYC would be a real eye opening experience for a couple people who have not been living and working in the pressure cooker atmosphere of the NY DIamond District. There are huge choices there and many great sellers. You will not find many who want to educate you, but you will find lots of diamonds to examine. You need some fortitude and street smarts to avoid an impulsive purchase under expert pressure. Maybe you should consider taking the extra time to see the JA Allern operation in MD or NYC. Maybe you could fit in a road trip to GOG while you are visiting Manhattan. IDJ is another vendor on Pricescope who has had very fine reviews and they have a street-front operation on 47th St. It isn't where a store or seller is located, but how they treat customers which is of premier importance.
It does not matter so much where you shop, but it does matter what you know and understand before you decide to spend your money. The main goal should be to buy something you really love and find beautiful within the realm of your budget limits. You cannot do this effectively by just taking the advice of a seller although most people do exactly that. The more cautious shoppers educates themselves and then begin the process of looking at diamonds, on-line or in stores. They already know so much that they can go quickly to their target range of quality, shape, size and price. The seller can be helpful, but you learn how to rely on your own knowledge, too.
Have a good experience!!!
My only advise is Call Mervis Diamond Importers or Diamond Cutters International (Ask for a copy of How to buy a diamond). Bermans in Ellicott City is great and he used to be in Baltimore. Smyth has quality stuff but you will pay for their overhead. Tiffany and Company is in a mall there but you will pay a premium because they have premium stones and high overhead. All of these places will let you walk outside with the guard and look at the stone with it on your finger in regular light. I have been to over 50 stores in that same area. Go to NYC with an open mind and learn. Don't go with your wallet the first time. I have found it depends on what size rock you are looking for some are bought up fast. The only way to really know what you are buying is to literally look at hundreds of stones. The sites mentioned here are good too but learn on someone elses stones then give them a try. Only get something shipped if you are a serious buyer and know what you want. You will be disapointed otherwise. I am just an average person who loves diamonds and have no certifications so take my comments into consideration. There are several people on this site that really know their stuff and will guide you down the correct path.
WoodChuck
WoodChuck
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