Is buying at street level in NY really a no no????

[Florida Phil]

As the days tick buy and I can not find what I want I am tempted to go to NY and browse 47th Street etc. I have read that these dealers make used car salesmen look credible. Is there a way of getting to the real dealers not at street level?

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 12/17/2007 10:42:53 PM
Author:Florida Phil
As the days tick buy and I can not find what I want I am tempted to go to NY and browse 47th Street etc. I have read that these dealers make used car salesmen look credible. Is there a way of getting to the real dealers not at street level?

Florida Phil - I don''t know much about shopping for jewelry in NY, however, Pricescope does have a "local jewelers" section under the Resources tab. Click Here to find some reputable jewelers or Pricescope approved jewelers in your area.

Good luck!

 

[neatfreak]

Mark at Engagement Rings Direct is in the diamond district and is a real gem. Just do a search for him on here and you'll see. We bought from him and would do so again in a heartbeat.

But you need to make an appointment, as he's in a building not on the street.

Otherwise I personally would stay away unless you really know what you're doing.

 

[dani13]

Its just really uncomfortable even walking through the DD, let alone actually going into stores....The salespeople are really high pressure...you cant even go window shopping without being bullied. I dont know about you, but that's not how I like to shop for anything....

I am not saying all the stores in the DD are like this, but I would vouch to say that that is the general vibe of the place....

What exactly are you looking for? Maybe we can help you?

eta: I second Neatfreak's reccomendation for Mark T. He is located in the DD and is awesome....Email him first and make an appt to meet with him. You wont be disappointed.

 

[Loves Vintage]

Hmmm. We actually went this weekend without any real plan. Several places that I wanted to see required appointments, so they were out. There was one "shop" that I really wanted to see a particular setting at, and we did. I didn''t expect it, but many (most?) of these shops share space, and they actually just have booths, and I''m talking the size of an ATM machine sized booth!! It is a little uncomfortable to go from one shop to the next because you''d literally be taking two steps to the right or left. I saw my setting at the first place, and then got right out of there. They were not high pressure at all. After that, we roamed into another shop and were greeted by about 4 sales people, 2 different business in one store front. The person there also was not high pressure at all and was very accommodating. Whatever I wanted, they could get or make for me. Ultimately, I knew I was not going to purchase a diamond from that shop. I know I can get a better diamond on-line. My point - if you do go to NYC, you should definitely have a specific plan re: where you want to go.

I am having a terrible time deciding too. What are you looking for?

 

[starryeyed]

Hi Florida Phil.

Signed Pieces is in the diamond district - they are definitely worth a look.

I had a good experience with "Bruce Fabrikant" on 47th.

With both vendors, you should call ahead, let them know what you are looking for, and when you are coming. That way, they can call in some stones that might be of interest to you.

 

[Lorelei]

Ditto the above advice, there are some great vendors there such as Mark at ERD, Michael Jay on 47th St, but it can be a minefield for the unwary with some of the vendors I have heard, so proceed with caution. You could try Good Old Gold as they are in Long Island, you could call and make an appointment also if that idea appeals?

 

[solange]

I have bought from Norman Landsberg at 66 West 47th Street. I got an eternity band from him at a good price and some other pieces. He is reliable and his prices are good but his booth is always mobbed and it would probably be difficult to shop there during Christmas.

Once I found Pricescope I found it easier to shop on line where you don't need an appointment and there is less of a hassle. Many of the Pricescope vendors will send a stone or stones to an appraiser in the diamond district so you can see what you are getting before you make a commitment.

 

[Kaleigh]

All the suggestions are good ones. Making an appointment is key. I''d definitely see Mark Turnowsky at ERD if I were you. Good luck!!

 

[togal]

I was strongly warned about the merchants on street level of 47th, but seriously, I spent many an hour there while on a recent trip to NY and met many very credible vendors. If you walk in with some knowledge about diamonds and diamond prices, you''ll do fine. The selection there is vast. I found the majority of the vendors to actually be fairly low-key. The vendors on 6th avenue were the more aggressive ones with lower quality merchandise. I purchased a piece at R & R jewellers, located at 20 W 47th. It was owned by a lovely couple who had a wonderful selection of diamonds and diamond jewellery. I also found many of the vendors at Jewelers on Fifth to be a pleasurel to deal with. It''s worth a trip. You''ll definately find what you''re looking for. Firenze Jewels at 15 W 47th is also great.

 

[jfus]

Florida Phil.. Please please please call Mark at ERD...

I had worked in NYC for about 4 years.. never went through the diamond district until we were on our way to visit with Mark.. they are vultures on that street.. waiting to drag you into their storefronts.. It reminded me of the time I went to Playa Del carmen.. I went to their "Fifth Avenue" there.. it was a shopping district.. the first few store fronts were pricey and really seemed to cater to tourists.. as you walked further and further away from the taxi stands you found better and better deals.. where they you were actually getting a decent product..


In NYc.. you need to take the elevator up and up and up...to get away from those street level vendors..

Mark is fantastic.. he knows his stuff... although I am partial to him because he created me the most beautiful ring! (no offense to to other ERD ring owners!)

 

[surfgirl]

Yes, you have to take an elevator to the good people...

Seriously though, I went into a couple of street level places where they were very nice and had wonderful stones/rings. I think it has more to do with YOU, and your level of knowledge than where the seller is located. If YOU know what you''re looking at, that''s all that really matters.

 

[togal]

I guess it all depends on what your expectations are and where you''re from. Here in Toronto, the vendors in the jewellery district are way more aggressive, with far less selection. I found the people in NY to be warm and friendly (that''s right...warm and friendly)...everyone in Toronto is so cold. I think people are exaggerating about all the "hungry vulture" stuff. If you have some sort of clue and look half intelligent, the vendors will deal with you respectfully and in a non-agressive manner. While I know that many tout the same, singular vendor over and over, there are many good vendors who will sell you a quality diamond at a fair price, with an opportunity to have the diamond independtly appraised along with a 30 day guarantee. No different than buying from the internet really, except you get to actually see the stone in person. Ensure that the stone has a AGS or GIA certification....figure out what you think a fair price is, based on your internet research, then get the stone indepently appraised. How wrong can you go, really?