If you could go anywhere in the world to buy some jewellery.

[sparks1007]

Where would you go?

I'm particularly interested in antique/vintage and leaning towards diamonds. I have the opportunity to go anywhere so all ideas would be greatly welcomed. I'm looking for a ring that I can love forever - or for the foreseeable. I do like the look of some of the Van Craeynest stuff but know they've changed hands so not sure what the deal is now.

I also looked at attending the NYC antique fair next summer. I don't have a big budget though (up to $2,500 for stones and setting - although I could live with a less than perfect setting for a bit) so need some help.

Thanks!

 

[kenny]

Re: If you could go anywhere in the world to buy some jewell

I'm there.
I'm sitting at my desk with a computer and an Internet connection.

IMO that is the best way to buy diamonds.
If you do your homework you'll get the best-cut diamonds at the lowest prices from vendors with superior policies, and no plane tickets or hotel rooms to pay for.

Internet vendors have much lower costs than brick and mortar stores.

The world's famous diamond districts are where the sharks eat you alive and you are likely to pay too much for lower quality diamonds, have no return period, no trade up policy, no cut-evaluation tools etc. etc.

 

[sparks1007]

Re: If you could go anywhere in the world to buy some jewell

I agree but sadly where I am sitting customs are a pain, the postman is corrupt (including courrier services) and returns would be difficult/costly. And that's assuming people agree to post me the item and, more importantly, that I actually receive the item.

I also recently had issues wanting to buy online and have the item posted to a friend who lives in the UK who could bring the item with her when she comes to visit. Buying online for me is not an option unless I can have it posted to the UK and I know 100% that I do not want to return the item.

So, sadly I have to stick to face to face purchasing. Am I better off going to NYC? SF? Somewhere else? Any advice would be gratefully received.

 

[kenny]

Re: If you could go anywhere in the world to buy some jewell

In that case get the best of both shopping methods.
Search for your diamond and compare vendors online.
When you have picked your vendor and stone fly there to pick it up.

Whiteflash is in Houston TX.
Good Old Gold and James Allen are in NY.

Please describe the diamond you are considering, shape, carat weight, color, clarity and budget.
Perhaps we can narrow it down to one or a few diamonds at one of the vendors we know to be reliable.

Another reason I love dealing with vendors with a PS presence is if there was ever an issue (not likely) you could post your issue here and the world will watch as the vendor and you work it out.
IMO, that is valuable protection and a huge incentive for using these vendors.

 

[Confection10]

Re: If you could go anywhere in the world to buy some jewell

I live in Finland and we have high taxes too. VAT 24% and custom 2% for jewelry. I have order four times from USA this year(even more expensive than Yours) and Fedex has been very liable. All my order have been fully insured by seller and everything has gone very smoothly. DHL and UPS doesn't carry jewelriers to Finland.

 

[AprilBaby]

Re: If you could go anywhere in the world to buy some jewell

If money were no object, Monte Carlo. I was drooling all over the windows. Every high end you can think of.

 

[sparks1007]

Re: If you could go anywhere in the world to buy some jewell

Thanks All.

Kenny - I'm not totally sure. My budget isn't massive but it could be fairly flexible. Say $2-4K. Ideally I'd like something a little unusual (not a plain solitaire) with OEC or OMC or actually I am quite partial to antique cushions. Not a fan of bright white stones - I prefer ivory or even more yellow as long as it's warm rather sickly.

I'd like the centre stone to face up about 5mm or more. I want something I can wear every day as I'd be unlikely to go to the safe to get stuff out. Ideally it would be a true antique. I have a five stone so wanted something different to that - I had an interest in a 3 stone but the Ebayer refused to deal with me due to where I live. I think she thought I might be a bit dodgy or something.

The majority of my current rings (worn every day) are Victorian so something that ties in (although not necessarily of the same era - I also wear a nice Art Nouveau floral ring) would be good. For example, I've seen some more 1940s styles that would suit. I wear yellow and rose gold as I think it suits my olive skin better.

I have been looking online but not feeling very inspired so far.

 

[sparks1007]

Re: If you could go anywhere in the world to buy some jewell

AprilBaby - that would be a fun trip.

 

[isaku5]

Re: If you could go anywhere in the world to buy some jewell

A few years ago, DH and I drooled our way around the jewellery stores in Switzerland. The diamonds were like none I had ever seen anywhere else - drop dead gorgeous!

The vendors spoke several languages and were extremely polite and knowledgeable.

I was just browsing (and drooling) because most of the diamonds cost more than our house

This is not very practical if you're in NA, but on vacation...It was a dream come true.

 

[Circe]

Re: If you could go anywhere in the world to buy some jewell

I'm at the other end of the spectrum on this one. I think online shopping is a blessing when it comes to precision cuts, which you can order up by the numbers. I even think it can be great for second-hand mass produced objects which you *know* you love but can find cheaper in the global marketplace (contemporary Tiffany, Van Craeynest, etc.). But when it comes to fancy cuts and the kind of workmanship that tends to be handled by old-world types who don't necessarily have the best handle on modern technology ...?

GO IN PERSON.

Now, definitely do your research first so you know some vendors to contact beforehand, have a rough idea of what like items are going for and insist on certification, a decent return period, and possibly make the sale contingent on a qualified appraiser eyeballing it and placing it in the same ballpark as what it was sold as. But given all that ... go in person, see the cut for yourself, and give yourself access to the biggest selection possible.

I'm from NY so I might be biased, but I'd say 47th St. has the best selection (and being kind of a nut about vintage jewelry, I've visited the equivalent areas in basically every cosmopolitan area I've visited - so most of the European capitals and most of the major US cities). Unfortunately, of the great NY dealers, most of them have absolute crap websites. Half the booths on 47th are being run by gentlemen in their 60s and 70s who still think the internet is kinda a scam. Which I can understand: it must seem bizarre that, being a specialist in your field, all of a sudden in the fullness of your years you have to understand coding and SEO to be a success.

And not to mention that the current exchange rate makes US shopping a pretty good deal ....

If you do decide to come here, some places I'd recommend checking out online first off the top of my head are: Old World Diamonds, Grey and Davis, M. Khordipour, Doyle & Doyle. A lot of the others don't have big online presences, but I'd be happy to list some of my faves if you do decide to visit.

 

[chrono]

Re: If you could go anywhere in the world to buy some jewell

Van Craeynest is very expensive with prices starting at around $2K and upwards for the setting alone. Their settings are still die-struck as of today.

 

[GreenBling]

Re: If you could go anywhere in the world to buy some jewell

Dubai - One shop I passed by had literally hundreds of big rocks of different shapes, settings, and styles displayed. It felt a bit like grocery shopping.

But OP, where are you? If you don't want to disclose, can you tell which continent you are in and where you can travel to so people here can recommend locations that are feasible?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: If you could go anywhere in the world to buy some jewell

It doesn't make a lot of sense to me to have a budget of $2-4k and take a trip to the US to shop for the item when you could put the thousands spent on the trip toward the piece of jewelry. You really aren't going to touch Van Craeynest at that price point unless you find a rare good deal second hand. Mydiamondzone on ebay is a Chicago jeweler that has a nice selection of antique rings in your price range:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/mydiamondzone/m.html?_adv=1&_dmd=1&_in_kw=1&_ipg=50&_sop=16&_rdc=1&_trksid=m194&ssPageName=STRK:MEFSRCHX:SRCH

Brilliant Earth also has a lot of antique rings:

http://www.brilliantearth.com/antique-engagement-rings/

 

[kenny]

Re: If you could go anywhere in the world to buy some jewell

Yeah, $2-4K can be instantly gobbled up in a plane ticket if shopping the entire world is your goal.
But it's also possible you are a billionaire, but have just decided you'll pay only that for this piece.

Have you seen Jewels by Ericagrace?
They have some cool old jewelry.

http://jewelsbyericagrace.com/loose_antique_and_vintage_diamonds_-_under_1_carat

 

[junebug17]

Re: If you could go anywhere in the world to buy some jewell

Yeah, $2-4K can be instantly gobbled up in a plane ticket if shopping the entire world is your goal.

I agree - I'm wondering if the OP is a flight attendant, don't they fly for free?

Ruby Lane might have some options:
http://www.rubylane.com

 

[Enerchi]

Re: If you could go anywhere in the world to buy some jewell

Another vote for checking out DiamondZone in Chicago - DS linked their eBay store above - and I have visited their actual store twice in person this past year, along w a few other PSers. They do have beautiful pieces and incredibly reasonable prices. Well worth looking into, IMO.

Otherwise, I'm w Circe in checking out the list of NYC 47st diamond district dealers she mentioned, if you are going somewhere in person.

 

[junebug17]

Re: If you could go anywhere in the world to buy some jewell

Just realized my suggestion is not very helpful if online shopping is out of the question (still good to look though to get an idea of what you like)- NYC seems like a good choice - Leigh Jay Nacht Inc. is a place you could visit as well -

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/

 

[sparks1007]

Re: If you could go anywhere in the world to buy some jewell

Circe - thanks very much. Really useful info. I'm also with you on the "seeing it in person". Unless it's an incredible deal online (ridiculously cheap) then I would want to see pieces in person I'm afraid as once it gets to me, I'm stuck with it. Also, while I can look at things online and make some sort of judgment call, my husband cannot (he's a real see it in person person) and I wouldn't want to make a purchase of this nature without his backing. Will check out some of the vendors you suggested. NYC would be a good stop over too. We're thinking of a holiday in South America so that would work.

Junebug - thanks for the recommendation for Leigh Jay Nacht Inc. Have had a look and there are a few pieces I like.

Just to clarify. I have a fair amount of experience with vintage and antique jewellery. I own several pieces and have spent a long time in the antique markets and jewellery quarters of London where I lived for years. I found them to be good in terms of quality and price (and a 2-4K budget would go a really long way there) but I'd rather not spend my holiday back there. I fancy somewhere different. I've already looked at most of the sites suggested but not seen anything I particularly like - most US stuff online seems to be platinum/white gold which I don't love. That said, Leigh Jay Nacht Inc. looks promising and I have found one or two pieces on Ruby Lane that I like. I do want to see things face to face though.

I don't feel I should have to explain myself but I will in the interests of transparency and because I don't want people making assumptions. I live in a low income country. I don't feel comfortable wearing a massive piece of expensive jewellery here - it's not always the safest place. That said, if I take a fancy to a full price/custom made piece of Van Craeynest that isn't too obnoxious then I'd seriously consider it. I use the 2-4K budget as an approximation for the "in your faceness" of the piece I want. Plus, I don't think you have to spend a tonne to get a nice piece that's attractive to you and of value. I spent under $1K once on a German antique snake ring with OECs, emeralds and almost 5g of 14k yg. I've seen less attractive examples for well over that amount.

As for the flights... My husband and I have two free flights to anywhere in the world that we need to use by end of summer 2014. I don't think I want to go into the whys and wherefores but I'm definitely not a trolley dolly. He has suggested that if we can work in a stop over/destination where we could buy a new piece of jewellery for me then we should. There are no antique markets or anything here and it used to be one of our joys walking around them on a Sunday when we were in the UK. I'm on here exploring options. We live in Asia. I know there are some great gem stops here but we can do many of those trips in a week long holiday and I was looking to go a little further afield while the going is free. Plus, the antique market here is dubious. I want somewhere more reliable.

Thanks again for the help. 47th Street is sounding promising and we love NYC. This question was also meant to be a bit of fun.

 

[heididdl]

Re: If you could go anywhere in the world to buy some jewell

Well if you decide NY is your place you can certainly take a train out to gOG and James Allen. as well as 47th street. My friend Harvey Nagin owns Nagin Jewelery which has about 40 booths. at 66 west 47th. He knows everyone there and he he made my 5 carat maquis wedding band plus several pairs of studs. He is a good resource for the 47th street vendors ...But GOG and James Allen are safer bets

 

[gemmyblond]

Re: If you could go anywhere in the world to buy some jewell

Hi - I, too, am a longtime antique/vintage jewelry enthusiast and collector; I seek it out wherever I go, it seems...use my downtime to train my eye, learn about new (to me) old designers/jewelers/techniques etc.
One thought if you do come to the States is to time your trip around a major antique/vintage jewelry show. The biggest one of them all that's open to the public is the annual "Original" Miami Beach Antique Jewelry show in late Jan/early Feb at the MB Convention Center. It is a MONSTER! Seriously. If you're truly interested, I'm happy to expand on my visits there. You could conceivably go there, see dozens of reputable, well-established dealers of all sorts of antique/estate/vintage jewelry (and some non-reputable ones, too, imho) and have a couple of days to consider your purchases perhaps (it starts on Thurs and goes thru the weekend). There are usually some independent appraisers who attend also, so you could perhaps get in touch w/ them in advance and arrange to meet up there if you found something you loved and wanted it checked out. Most of the NY dealers seem to attend this show, as well as most of those from other parts of the USA and some from UK/Russia/elsewhere.
If you just can't wait til Jan/Feb, there's another Miami Beach show (albeit much smaller) that happens next month, in mid-October. Not as big a deal by any means but still garners a lot of the major dealers. This one is called the Miami Beach Antique Jewelry & Watch Show; this year it's Oct 25-27.
Anyway, just a thought. I agree wholeheartedly w you about seeing pieces in person; going to a show like these lets you see dozens and dozens of dealers and literally thousands of pieces of merchandise. The challenge is to stay organized, keep your eyes from getting tired, and stay hydrated! Good luck and pls let us know how your journey unfolds.

 

[VRBeauty]

Re: If you could go anywhere in the world to buy some jewell

Sparks1007 - thank you for posting your question! I haven't chimed in earlier because I had absolutely no clue as to where one might go to find a large inventory of antique rings but at fair prices - but I do now! I also like vintage pieces, and I agree with you and Circe that it's best to see them in person if at all possible. Thanks to your question, I now have some ideas for future trips!

I hope your trip, wherever you end up going, is successful. Do come back and share your experiences with us!

BDW if you end up going to the New York area, you might want to check out some of the awesome PS vendors. They mostly sell new rather than vintage so you might not find your ring there, but who doesn't love "window shopping" for jewelry? Just to give you some ideas -

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/enerchis-awesome-dbl-adventure-yummy-fcds.181397/
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/idj-bands-enerchis-spring-nyc-visit.188219/
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/enerchis-spring-nyc-dbl-visit-part-2.188168/