Harry Winston "Appraised Value"

[drew23]

After a several months of searching, I believe I found the e-ring at Harry Winston this weekend. The price attached to the ring was the "appraised" value. As such, I realize that there some room to negotiate the purchase price (I''ve also read prior posts on this subject). In terms of a purchase price, I''m interested in getting a better idea of a realistic price below HW''s appraised value (on a percentage basis). 5%? 10%? 20% off HW''s outrageously high prices? Has anyone recently traveled down this road with Mr. Winston?

I certainly realize that I would be paying a high premium for the HW name, but the ring is perfect. Thanks.

 

[webz]

Appraised values are almost literally numbers that someone plucks out of thin air so they are not indicative of realistic/competitive market pricing by any stretch of the imagination.

Why don't you do some comparison shopping here on PS for diamonds of similar quality and size to the one that you saw at HW.
The prices offered through PS vendors are extremely competitive so it would be unrealistic to expect HW [with their massive overhead] to match an e-tail price but at least you'll know how much of a premium you will eventually be paying for the "perfect ring".

Good luck.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

First off...did you actually ask the sales girl/guy what the price was? Or did they tell you that the appraised price is the purchase price as well??

I am not totally sure what flexibility Harry Winston has...but I''m thinking that they generally don''t "negotiate" much since they are an upscale jeweller who has patrons willing to just plop down considerable sums of money without batting an eyelash at the figure.

I think a reasonable expectation would be around 10% off -- which, when you''re talking a purchase well into the thousands is still a substainal discount. I would find it hard to believe that you''d get 20%, but you can always jump off the conversation with requesting it. However, just like any negotiation, I''d play it exceptionally cool and not allow your emotions to get the better of you...similar to when you buy a car...you need to be prepared to just walk out if you''re not making any head way. But, with that said, if this is really really really the ring you may want to just get to the bottom line price and be happy that you found a piece meeting and exceeding your expectations!

 

[Modified Brilliant]

Date: 1/29/2008 3:33:57 PM
Author: IceStore, Inc.
Appraised values are almost literally numbers that someone plucks out of thin air so they are not indicative of realistic/competitive market pricing by any stretch of the imagination.

Why don''t you do some comparison shopping here on PS for diamonds of similar quality and size to the one that you saw at HW.
The prices offered through PS vendors are extremely competitive so it would be unrealistic to expect HW [with their massive overhead] to match an e-tail price but at least you''ll know how much of a premium you will eventually be paying for the ''perfect ring''.

Good luck.

Hi Ariel,

The statement that you made about "plucking numbers" is totally inaccurate, especially with regards to
professional independent credentialed appraisers who spend time, money, and research on "getting the values right."

I am a member/subscriber of NY Diamond Dealers Club, IDEX, Polygon, The Guide and Rappaport.

I spend thousands of dollars on "information" that provides accuracy to my appraisals.

I''m sure that you are referring to the many "unprofessional" appraisers that really do exist.

Just don''t make a blanket statements.

Jeff Averbook,GG
Graduate Gemologist since 1986

www.metrojewelryappraisers.com

 

[webz]

Hi Jeff,

You are correct, I was not referring to the appraisals performed by real valuators, the Accredited Appraisers that I work with do indeed know their trade.
My statement was geared toward the in-house "appraisal" numbers that are used as sales tools which seems to be the situation at hand.

Frankly, I am a bit surprised to hear that a super high end retailer like Harry Winston employs this type of sales tactic....

 

[Kaleigh]

From what I have read here, Harry Winston does negotiate. I''d like to know what the actual price tag said.... Appraised values are so inflated and not what you want to insure it for. So what was their price on said ring?

 

[Modified Brilliant]

Thanks for responding, Ariel. I''m very familiar with so called "appraisals" used as sales tools.

It''s great to see your participation here!


Jeff Averbook,GG
Graduate Gemologist since 1986

www.metrojewelryappraisers.com

 

[Beacon]

I think you better have the discussion with the Sales Associate. First off find out if that ''appraised value'' is the retail price. If not, establish the retail price. Then ask the SA if there is room in the price and how much room there is. You can use that as a point of departure for your negotiation.

Obviously on line prices for non designer items will be much less than HW. So if you have decided you want to go the branded/designer route, you should comparison price those type of rings against your HW selection.

Good luck with your shopping!

 

[coatimundi_org]

here is a related thread. A pricescoper's experience with a discount at Harry Winston.

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 1/29/2008 11:41:38 PM
Author: coatimundi
here is a related thread. A pricescoper''s experience with a discount at Harry Winston.

Thanks coatimundi!

 

[coatimundi_org]

You''re welcome!

 

[LoveMyRing]

I am new to Pricescope but have been browsing here for a few months. PS has been extremely helpful in my search for a diamond ring. I ended up buying the classic round brilliant ring with side baguettes at Harry Winston last November, so I thought I would like to share my experiences with you.

I am not aware of what the "appraised value" of my ring is, but I did manage to get approximately 12% off the purchase price. I have read a few posts here on PS that Harry Winston does negotiate, so we gave it a try. They easily took nearly 9% off the price tag at the beginning; then afterwards before we made a final decision to buy it from them, we were successfully able to negotiate a further 3% discount.

Also, a noteworthy point: The prices in the US seem to be slightly different depending on the location. For example, the price for a paricular ring in the Hawaii salon was more expensive than in New York. We know this because we called both places for quotes, and different prices were quoted for the same ring with the same serial number.

Good luck in the negotiations. You'll love your ring!!

 

[Imdanny]

drew23, I would find out what Angela in Japan got and ask for that. HW's designs are exquisite! Good for you!