CBPearllover
Shiny_Rock
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2019
- Messages
- 104
Good evening! I'm a long-time Pricescope lurker, and recently new to join and contribute. I want to start by thanking the multitude of experts and gem lovers who have contributed their knowledge to this forum. It's an invaluable resource, I'm grateful!
So I'm in the process of helping my future sister-in-law (YEA!!) begin the engagement ring selection process. She sent me a myriad of Google images with 6 types of diamond cut, and almost as many setting styles. So she basically admitted she kind of liked EVERYTHING
Well, my brother would love to get her everything, but she really needs to thin out the list. In a failed attempt to help her, I went into a local Jared store thinking we might have a great time trying on rings and getting information. It's been over 10 years since I've been into a jewelry store, because of babies, and sleep deprivation, and stuff. And I feed my pearl addiction exclusively online
Well..... I guess it could have been worse. But it wasn't great, or even good. I'm still a little confused about my experience. Our first sales associate was reluctant to even help us, and the store was dead. I know my SIL is young, and I didn't realize until later I had marker or some other B.S. on my white shirt (stupid kids). But hey, we have CASH MONEY. That's all that matters right? She gave us incorrect information, saying Cushion was one of the more expensive cuts. She didn't want my SIL to try Emerald cut, saying "they look to small for the cut, she won't like it." ??? How can you know if you like something unless you see it in person? And one of her worst flubs, I asked to see their best cut of round brilliant. I'm not sure if they're called Leo or what, but she really REALLY didn't want us to go to that case in the store. She immediately started looking around, seemed uncomfortable, and muttered something about those are "too expensive." And keep in mind, I hadn't given a dollar amount regarding our budget. Do they make a higher mark-up on the poorly cut stones? Why wouldn't they want to show us their best stuff? I told them cut was very important to us. After we looked at a underwhelming 2ct diamond, she passed us off to another guy who patiently let us try on settings.
So question: Are brick and mortar chain stores like this now? I remember in the 90's and early 2000's, I had GREAT experiences in Jared and Zales stores. What happened?
Another question: We live in the Dallas area. We have a private jeweler, Kazlows, who I've used for 2 engagement rings and a wedding band. I'm the kind of person who knows quickly what they're looking for, but my SIL needs variety. Our jeweler pulls a variety of stones and settings based on your requests, and at the appointment you make your selection. I feel like we need a larger store in this situation, but I'm not going into another chain. My SIL took the whole thing in stride, but I'm disappointed. Should I just plan a road trip and drive her to Whiteflash?? It's about a 4 hour drive, if traffic is kind. I've never been, but these rave reviews have me intrigued. I possibly have her down to round and cushion, but she hasn't seen every cut yet. I think there's a Crafted by Infinity dealer in town as well, if I sell her on round cut. Thanks for your time, I wrote a lot, didn't I?
So I'm in the process of helping my future sister-in-law (YEA!!) begin the engagement ring selection process. She sent me a myriad of Google images with 6 types of diamond cut, and almost as many setting styles. So she basically admitted she kind of liked EVERYTHING
Well, my brother would love to get her everything, but she really needs to thin out the list. In a failed attempt to help her, I went into a local Jared store thinking we might have a great time trying on rings and getting information. It's been over 10 years since I've been into a jewelry store, because of babies, and sleep deprivation, and stuff. And I feed my pearl addiction exclusively online Well..... I guess it could have been worse. But it wasn't great, or even good. I'm still a little confused about my experience. Our first sales associate was reluctant to even help us, and the store was dead. I know my SIL is young, and I didn't realize until later I had marker or some other B.S. on my white shirt (stupid kids). But hey, we have CASH MONEY. That's all that matters right? She gave us incorrect information, saying Cushion was one of the more expensive cuts. She didn't want my SIL to try Emerald cut, saying "they look to small for the cut, she won't like it." ??? How can you know if you like something unless you see it in person? And one of her worst flubs, I asked to see their best cut of round brilliant. I'm not sure if they're called Leo or what, but she really REALLY didn't want us to go to that case in the store. She immediately started looking around, seemed uncomfortable, and muttered something about those are "too expensive." And keep in mind, I hadn't given a dollar amount regarding our budget. Do they make a higher mark-up on the poorly cut stones? Why wouldn't they want to show us their best stuff? I told them cut was very important to us. After we looked at a underwhelming 2ct diamond, she passed us off to another guy who patiently let us try on settings.
So question: Are brick and mortar chain stores like this now? I remember in the 90's and early 2000's, I had GREAT experiences in Jared and Zales stores. What happened?
Another question: We live in the Dallas area. We have a private jeweler, Kazlows, who I've used for 2 engagement rings and a wedding band. I'm the kind of person who knows quickly what they're looking for, but my SIL needs variety. Our jeweler pulls a variety of stones and settings based on your requests, and at the appointment you make your selection. I feel like we need a larger store in this situation, but I'm not going into another chain. My SIL took the whole thing in stride, but I'm disappointed. Should I just plan a road trip and drive her to Whiteflash?? It's about a 4 hour drive, if traffic is kind. I've never been, but these rave reviews have me intrigued. I possibly have her down to round and cushion, but she hasn't seen every cut yet. I think there's a Crafted by Infinity dealer in town as well, if I sell her on round cut. Thanks for your time, I wrote a lot, didn't I?
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