pricescope
Ideal_Rock
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How the Internet affected your diamond buying process?
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Maxine
Brilliant_Rock
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- Dec 6, 2004
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I haven''t purchased a diamond over the Internet, but I definitely would in the future. The education is the most important thing, and the education here did influence my purchase....I would definitely buy a diamond over the Internet, as long as I got it appraised and there was a return policy, etc......
hoorray
Ideal_Rock
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- May 16, 2003
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First it educated us through all the tutorials. Then it offered us a wide selection of choice between vendors and stones. Then it helped us in the selection process (i.e. Pricescope experts giving opinions and advice), and in the buying process (PS advice on how to execute an expensive transaction online and protect ourselves.) It also helped us understand the market price for what we were looking for and enabled a little negotiating. It also enabled us to really shop and get educated from our home rather than having to do a lot of leg work by going to many stores.
I think it will continue to grow and morph as people try new things. I can see some vendors blending the traditional B&M model with Internet sales to enable local viewing without losing the benefits of the Internet breadth. IMO, Local viewing and side by side comparison is the biggest thing missing in the Internet sales today.
I think it will continue to grow and morph as people try new things. I can see some vendors blending the traditional B&M model with Internet sales to enable local viewing without losing the benefits of the Internet breadth. IMO, Local viewing and side by side comparison is the biggest thing missing in the Internet sales today.
The educational material on the internet is certainly very helpful. Venturing into a jewellery store and asking for this sort of information could be intimidating, and most often information would not be forthcoming and a hard sell would. In my area, jewellers do not really carry high quality stones, and inventories are small, making comparison shopping difficult. Asking a jeweller to bring a stone in for inspection is also difficult where I live. No one really knows about cut here either, and a lot of the stones don''t look like much when they are taken out of the store for inspection.
After doing a small amount of on-line research, it became easy to define what I was looking for in a diamond. Having made those decisions, it was a simple thing to find vendors that were willing to answer my questions, and were eager to help find a superior product. This was not the experience I had when going from store to store to store in town.
On-line vendor guarantees of satisfcation also really helped with the decision. No B&M offered me a 10 day inspection period. This was the minimum inspection period offered by an on-line vendor.
I know I could not have purchased a stone of the quality I wear on a daily basis locally. H&A are not readily available, and most jewellers around here said something along the lines of "What do you want that for?" when asked. In general, local vendors do not stock GIA or AGS certed stones. If a stone has a cert, it''s from GEMEX. Getting optical or geometric information is also not a possibility locally.
Things are a bit different in Toronto, an hour''s bus ride from here. There''s more to choose from and better quality stones can be found. But it is still not as easy as shopping for a diamond on-line. Which could be done in pyjamas at any time of the day.
After doing a small amount of on-line research, it became easy to define what I was looking for in a diamond. Having made those decisions, it was a simple thing to find vendors that were willing to answer my questions, and were eager to help find a superior product. This was not the experience I had when going from store to store to store in town.
On-line vendor guarantees of satisfcation also really helped with the decision. No B&M offered me a 10 day inspection period. This was the minimum inspection period offered by an on-line vendor.
I know I could not have purchased a stone of the quality I wear on a daily basis locally. H&A are not readily available, and most jewellers around here said something along the lines of "What do you want that for?" when asked. In general, local vendors do not stock GIA or AGS certed stones. If a stone has a cert, it''s from GEMEX. Getting optical or geometric information is also not a possibility locally.
Things are a bit different in Toronto, an hour''s bus ride from here. There''s more to choose from and better quality stones can be found. But it is still not as easy as shopping for a diamond on-line. Which could be done in pyjamas at any time of the day.
Hest88
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2003
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- 4,357
The Internet allows me to do an extensive amount of research as opposed to being at the mercy of my local jeweler and his knowledge (or lack thereof) and his possible hard-sell. It also exposes me to a much wider range of stones (both in shape and quality) than I''d otherwise be exposed to, AND more quickly as well. In addition, it puts me in touch with jewelers I otherwise would never had met and the Internet forums (such as Pricescope) with their customer testimonials allow me to collect enough references to make me comfortable with a jeweler before committing my hard-earned money.
Christy42
Shiny_Rock
- Joined
- Dec 11, 2004
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- 214
The internet and PS turned me into an educated monster. I now know more than most of my local jewelers and certainly more than they would like me or anyone else to know. However, I have been introduced to a whole new world of selection that has converted me from a person that used to know exactly what I wanted to a person so indecisive that my wants will never end. We''ll just see how much self-control I can muster.
I would definitely buy from an internet vendor in the future and I can now educate myself on anything from the comforts of my own home. My only dilemma is not being able to see mounted shapes on my hand before I decide what I like, or really, what likes me. Sometimes what I think I like looks better in the picture than it does on my hand. The jewelers in my town don''t stock shapes like asschers and such, and if they do, the diamonds are small and sold before I can get there to see it.
All in all though, the internet and PS escpecially, have been a wonderful resource. The fifth diamond I ended up choosing is far better than the first one I thought I wanted. Being a lover of diamonds far above any other gems, I am the better for it as well. There is nothing worse than buying something expensive and having to force yourself to believe and trust the person selling it to you without reassurance.
I feel empowered! Woohoo!!!!!!! Thanks PS!
I would definitely buy from an internet vendor in the future and I can now educate myself on anything from the comforts of my own home. My only dilemma is not being able to see mounted shapes on my hand before I decide what I like, or really, what likes me. Sometimes what I think I like looks better in the picture than it does on my hand. The jewelers in my town don''t stock shapes like asschers and such, and if they do, the diamonds are small and sold before I can get there to see it.
All in all though, the internet and PS escpecially, have been a wonderful resource. The fifth diamond I ended up choosing is far better than the first one I thought I wanted. Being a lover of diamonds far above any other gems, I am the better for it as well. There is nothing worse than buying something expensive and having to force yourself to believe and trust the person selling it to you without reassurance.
I feel empowered! Woohoo!!!!!!! Thanks PS!
bar01
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2004
- Messages
- 622
I started with locals and ended up on the net.
Let me through something out to the anti-internet groups - which may shock them…as they use these issues against buying on the net.
I found my net based diamond and gem buying experience to be more personal, more romantic, and more human than a local B&M only store. Also more custom tailored, more informative/educational, and a better chance to see my gems in person (10 day risk free evaluation period at home) before purchasing. Also upgrades, certificates and other comfort factors.
I have posted this before(kind of a joke) on PS - but here is how I describe my internet experience to people who might have pre conceived notions about buying jewelry on the net.
A better discription of my internet expereince than – “I went to www.pricescope.com then got diamonds and ring from www.whiteflash.com and sapphire from www.cherrypicked.com.
Let me through something out to the anti-internet groups - which may shock them…as they use these issues against buying on the net.
I found my net based diamond and gem buying experience to be more personal, more romantic, and more human than a local B&M only store. Also more custom tailored, more informative/educational, and a better chance to see my gems in person (10 day risk free evaluation period at home) before purchasing. Also upgrades, certificates and other comfort factors.
I have posted this before(kind of a joke) on PS - but here is how I describe my internet experience to people who might have pre conceived notions about buying jewelry on the net.
"I consulted with leading experts from around the world before making a move. I spent months learning from the best.The Sapphire was personally selected by me with the help of Graduate Gemologist Richard Orbach from the private reserves of Reginald C Miller in New York. The diamonds were chosen from the personal creations of South African born and trained cutter, Brian Gavin. The setting was custom made to my specifications from the world renowned design studios in Texas. The diamonds were evaluated for maximum brilliance and fire with the help of diamond experts - Garry Holloway from Australia and Dave Atlas of Philadelphia. Finally the entire ring was evaluated and appraised by a state of the art mobile laboratory in Sarasota Florida. You would not believe the effort in visiting these places and talking with these people – but nothing less will do for my future wife!"
A better discription of my internet expereince than – “I went to www.pricescope.com then got diamonds and ring from www.whiteflash.com and sapphire from www.cherrypicked.com.
Maxine
Brilliant_Rock
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- Dec 6, 2004
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moremoremore
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Mar 15, 2004
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#1 Education. Charts and tables are great, but unless you know how they apply and how they are intended to be used, you know nothing. I got educated.
#2 I saved money and bought a larger stone
#3 I had access to a MUCH greater selection. Before, I was stuck looking at a local vendor''s 81 table princess stones LOL
#4 Might have prevented me from getting a larger stone that to most, would be equally beautiful. I got really caught up in "perfect" and quality...a great thing...but not when I get hung up on it. I got hung up on them here...but then I un-hung myself LOL
#2 I saved money and bought a larger stone
#3 I had access to a MUCH greater selection. Before, I was stuck looking at a local vendor''s 81 table princess stones LOL
#4 Might have prevented me from getting a larger stone that to most, would be equally beautiful. I got really caught up in "perfect" and quality...a great thing...but not when I get hung up on it. I got hung up on them here...but then I un-hung myself LOL
mrssalvo
Super_Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2005
- Messages
- 19,132
well, I found Pricescope while doing a google search for a local B & M. I wanted to get a new setting for my e-ring. I quicky realized how little I actually knew. I lurked for quite a while. I was exposed to so many different ring ideas I never would have seen in person. I found an awesome appraiser (Rich Sherwood.) I also decided to have a eternity ring made by Whiteflash based on all the positve feedback they received here. I am now in the process of upgrading my stone, which I will by online. The customer service and prices just can't be beat.
strmrdr
Super_Ideal_Rock
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- Nov 1, 2003
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- 23,295
Regular Guy
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2004
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The internet speeded up my process, and made it better.
I probably would have bit the bullet for $5 K + at Charles Schwartz and Sons, and it would have taken some more time. But the quality may not have been as good, and I wouldn''t have been as empowered in the decision making process. After discovering the internet, I found the goods I was seeking at just over $3 K, making me feel like I could simply go forward, and I also felt like I had a tool (an HCA grading standard, learned here), that could guide me.
I probably would have bit the bullet for $5 K + at Charles Schwartz and Sons, and it would have taken some more time. But the quality may not have been as good, and I wouldn''t have been as empowered in the decision making process. After discovering the internet, I found the goods I was seeking at just over $3 K, making me feel like I could simply go forward, and I also felt like I had a tool (an HCA grading standard, learned here), that could guide me.
Mara
Super_Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2002
- Messages
- 31,003
The internet helped me originally primarily as a tool for research. Who knew that there was all this information to learn about DIAMONDS, aka faceted pieces of carbon! Once I learned a bit, it was like a drug.
Without the internet, I would have walked into a store and blindly trusted the jeweler, who knows I may have even bought at the maul. The internet breeds better educated consumers, not just in diamonds or jewelry but in EVERY industry. It also breeds a more demanding customer as a result of that education, and a slightly more cynical one. Less apt to blindly trust and rely on what one person says, but rather interested in what many people have to say, especially others in the industry and/or those who have been where that newbie consumer is to begin with.
Internet and eCommerce as a whole has grown leaps and bounds in the last 5 years and that will not stop. There are more consumers shopping online than ever before and the more they begin to feel comfortable with the small purchases such as clothes and books and lower cost items..the more they will eventually begin to feel comfortable with larger purchases, aka cars, diamonds, jewelry, etc. Having been a consumer shopping online for about 4-5 years now...it was natural for me to turn to the internet to get information on diamonds and it was not unnatural for me to *consider* purchasing online.
It took one purchase offline and more information learned over time to realize now that I will almost ever only purchase online for items like diamonds and jewelry...my story may not be the norm but I do not see eComm slowing down for any industry, and that includes jewelry and diamonds...though the growth may be slightly slower than other arenas.
Without the internet, I would have walked into a store and blindly trusted the jeweler, who knows I may have even bought at the maul. The internet breeds better educated consumers, not just in diamonds or jewelry but in EVERY industry. It also breeds a more demanding customer as a result of that education, and a slightly more cynical one. Less apt to blindly trust and rely on what one person says, but rather interested in what many people have to say, especially others in the industry and/or those who have been where that newbie consumer is to begin with.
Internet and eCommerce as a whole has grown leaps and bounds in the last 5 years and that will not stop. There are more consumers shopping online than ever before and the more they begin to feel comfortable with the small purchases such as clothes and books and lower cost items..the more they will eventually begin to feel comfortable with larger purchases, aka cars, diamonds, jewelry, etc. Having been a consumer shopping online for about 4-5 years now...it was natural for me to turn to the internet to get information on diamonds and it was not unnatural for me to *consider* purchasing online.
It took one purchase offline and more information learned over time to realize now that I will almost ever only purchase online for items like diamonds and jewelry...my story may not be the norm but I do not see eComm slowing down for any industry, and that includes jewelry and diamonds...though the growth may be slightly slower than other arenas.
aljdewey
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2002
- Messages
- 9,170
How the Internet affected your diamond buying process?
1. It allowed me to educate myself on diamonds so I could make a well-informed and CONFIDENT purchase.
2. It introduced me to world-class vendors that I otherwise wouldn''t have any exposure to (WF, GOG, DI, etc.) because they are so far from my hometown.
3. What started out as "get enough information to make a smart purchase" evolved into a passion for the beauty of diamonds. The result: instead of making one diamond purchase, the internet has created a repeat customer with a passion for diamonds instead of a one-time consumer. Great for the industry.
What impact is the internet having on the buying process of diamonds and where is it heading?
I think it''s given folks a way to familiarize themselves with a product that has otherwise been a total mystery to them.
It''s empowered people by giving them standards by which to evaluate their diamonds.
It''s opened the door for consumers and given them infinite choices in vendors instead of limiting them to local resources.
It''s created possibility for any local vendor to do business on a national or global level by offering selection, service, information and a competitive price.
Where it is heading? More of the above, I believe.
1. It allowed me to educate myself on diamonds so I could make a well-informed and CONFIDENT purchase.
2. It introduced me to world-class vendors that I otherwise wouldn''t have any exposure to (WF, GOG, DI, etc.) because they are so far from my hometown.
3. What started out as "get enough information to make a smart purchase" evolved into a passion for the beauty of diamonds. The result: instead of making one diamond purchase, the internet has created a repeat customer with a passion for diamonds instead of a one-time consumer. Great for the industry.
What impact is the internet having on the buying process of diamonds and where is it heading?
I think it''s given folks a way to familiarize themselves with a product that has otherwise been a total mystery to them.
It''s empowered people by giving them standards by which to evaluate their diamonds.
It''s opened the door for consumers and given them infinite choices in vendors instead of limiting them to local resources.
It''s created possibility for any local vendor to do business on a national or global level by offering selection, service, information and a competitive price.
Where it is heading? More of the above, I believe.
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2000
- Messages
- 18,900
Lord Summerisle
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2004
- Messages
- 866
To the origonal question:
Part 1
#1 Eduaction... and Appriciation and with that demystifiying...
#2 More likely to buy again because of that appreciation.
#3 Given enjoyment in the process
Part 2
#1 Personally - a less stressful, less pressured buying process - theres no sales person pushing the finance deals.. browse at leisure - look up as many as you want with a ''can i help you''
#2 Becomes focused on the important aspect of the diamond... how it looks... rather than its price or the ring...
#3 Choice - the ability to view many stones together
#4 Easier to speak to someone who knows what they are talking about
To Garry''s question:
I''m likely to spend again to get another rock... whereas before my education... i had no feelings towards these lifeless stones i was seeing... would haven been 1 rock bought for a purpose... now i can see stones that speak to me... and i want more to give my love.
but I have a limited budget... so i will spend the same... but get better value as i see it.
Part 1
#1 Eduaction... and Appriciation and with that demystifiying...
#2 More likely to buy again because of that appreciation.
#3 Given enjoyment in the process
Part 2
#1 Personally - a less stressful, less pressured buying process - theres no sales person pushing the finance deals.. browse at leisure - look up as many as you want with a ''can i help you''
#2 Becomes focused on the important aspect of the diamond... how it looks... rather than its price or the ring...
#3 Choice - the ability to view many stones together
#4 Easier to speak to someone who knows what they are talking about
To Garry''s question:
I''m likely to spend again to get another rock... whereas before my education... i had no feelings towards these lifeless stones i was seeing... would haven been 1 rock bought for a purpose... now i can see stones that speak to me... and i want more to give my love.
but I have a limited budget... so i will spend the same... but get better value as i see it.
Maxine
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Dec 6, 2004
- Messages
- 1,400
I would probably spend about the same (apples to apples comparison), because I had checked prices online before buying.....In other words, thanks to the internet, I got what I paid for.
BUT, now I would be willing to buy more diamonds or a bigger diamond online.....same basic relative price (per carat, quality)....I would be willing to buy more, since it''s not as big of a hassle to shop online....had I realized about buying, appraising, returning, I would have done this a long time ago....
orbaya
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Nov 2, 2004
- Messages
- 1,630
I haven''t purchased a diamond online yet but I will definitely use a vendor here when I am ready to buy. Before I found PS, I thought that there was no chance EVER that I would buy a diamond online! I was afraid of getting "screwed." But after reading PS and all the positive things about internet buying, I feel 100% confident to do so.
Jennifer5973
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2003
- Messages
- 4,107
I hope I am not too late!
The internet has taught me everything I know about diamonds (which is a drop in the ocean of course, but as a consumer, it has been invaluable). I never new anything about cut and its impact on the beauty of a stone until I found Pricescope.
I am lucky to have a local jeweler I love and trust. Up until finding Pricescope, I had only bought smaller items but my search for an upgrade for my ering brought me here and helped me work more effectively with my jeweler to get a fabulous new stone.
I haven''t bought from an online vendor because my local jewleer has always been able to get me what i want at a very good price, but I definitely would consider an online purchase if an online vendor had something I wanted.
The internet has taught me everything I know about diamonds (which is a drop in the ocean of course, but as a consumer, it has been invaluable). I never new anything about cut and its impact on the beauty of a stone until I found Pricescope.
I am lucky to have a local jeweler I love and trust. Up until finding Pricescope, I had only bought smaller items but my search for an upgrade for my ering brought me here and helped me work more effectively with my jeweler to get a fabulous new stone.
I haven''t bought from an online vendor because my local jewleer has always been able to get me what i want at a very good price, but I definitely would consider an online purchase if an online vendor had something I wanted.
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Past, Present, Future: The Meaning of Three-Stone Engagement Rings
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