Has anyone bought an ER in the LA diamond district?

[jojolh]

I was wondering if anyone has had any experience shopping in the LA diamond district? We are going up there next month to look for rings and would love some feedback on recommendations.

Thanks!

 

[kcoursolle]

There have been a few here who have purchased from singlestone and been very happy with their purchase. Singlestone specializes in antique diamonds, settings, etc. I''ve been there and was very impressed!

 

[Hera]

My husband and I bought my first engagement ring there. The LA jewelry district is really overwhelming, and there''s a lot of people that come on waaaay too strong. I would rather buy online. That being said, maybe someone will have a name for you here.

If you go, I would suggest going well equipped with diamond knowledge such as the suggested crown and pavilion angles and such (for a round stone) and compare the prices from here so you can be sure you don''t pay too much. I think I remember that you could talk them down in price too.

 

[Hera]

Oooooh, yes. Singlestone.....

 

[jojolh]

That''s what I am afraid of...of being overwhelmed! So it would not be rude to "haggle" with the price a bit? I take there are alot of stores to choose from? I have no idea of what to expect.

 

[pmpkn42]

I went about a month ago, spent 2 days, but you could honestly spend weeks and not see all the different stores. And yes, some people are SUPER aggressive, rude, or just plain weird. I''d recommend staying off the main strip and going to the international jewelery building/tower, which has over 600 suites...all have diamonds and/or settings. That is on Hill Street. They just seem more professional. As long as you''re educated and somewhat knowledgeable about diamonds I think you''ll do fine. Good luck!

 

[purrfectpear]

I wouldn''t hesitate as long as I had a laptop with a mobile broadband connection to access HCA and pricescope for comparisons, a loupe, and balls of steel.

 

[ChargerGrrl]

I second, wait... THIRD Singlestone! Their selection is to die for. Do a search for PS L.A GTG- we had one in January this year that included a stop there.

I can also recommend Eli''s Jewelry. it''s a family-run place with nice folks. It just happens to be on the same floor as Singlestone.
Enjoy!

 

[kcoursolle]

I think another good idea besides stocking up on knowledge before you go is to purchase an ideal scope. This tool will let you see light leakage in stones and is perfect for looking at many stones in person and ruling out dogs: https://www.pricescope.com/idealscope_indx.asp

ETA: the beginner scope will work just fine and is only $25.

 

[marchswallowbird]

I went to Oscar''s in the jewelry district and have to say I was not impressed. Then again, I did not work with Oscar, I worked with whoever his assistant was. I had done my homework, and asked for very specific stones; approximately 1 ct princess cuts with a GIA or AGS cert, G or H color, ideal cut. He came back with stones that were EGL certed, less than 1 ct., and nothing that was G or H color. He had never heard of an Aset scope (Oscar had though). And when Oscar finished with his customer he made no effort to come over and help out his assistant, who admitted to me that he was not a diamond expert.

I bought my setting in a local B&M store, and my stone online.

 

[LtlFirecracker]

Well, with internet on cell phones now (I have an iphone), using the cut advior is possible without a laptop!