Like most newcomers to this site, I am currently in the market for a diamond engagement ring. I’ve done a good deal of homework on buying diamonds, which included reading several online tutorials, studying the Cuellar buying guide (which seems to be poorly received by most in these forums), running countless searches on various diamond sites, and combing the posts of multiple recommended online discussion sites. That said, I have to admit that I’m still plagued by a nagging voice in my head that is telling me, “Just go to Tiffany’s.”
Now I’ve heard everything from “you can’t go wrong with the quality you get from a Tiffany diamond” to “Tiffany’s is ridiculous overpriced” and, as one poster put it, “SO middle-America.” While I do understand that there is a higher price tag associated with their product, I’ve yet to be convinced that buying online, or even from a local dealer for that matter, can offer the same sense of security and satisfaction as buying from a jeweler who has been in the business for as long as Tiffany’s, and who has their reputation for quality and service. If there’s one thing all of my research has done for me, it’s been to instill a sense of fear and apprehension towards purchasing diamonds. (I have to admit, Cuellar was a primary contributor to that.) I’m reluctant to even register for membership to forums such as this one for fear of being bombarded by “fellow posters” who have “just the diamond for me.” How am I to know that someone replying to this message isn’t just trying to push their own wares and lure me in to their operation? Basically, I’m not confident in finding a relationship of trust through online dealers, or even through local jewelers based on the recommendations of “strangers”. So where do I go from here? My instincts say to go with what you know to be safe and sure, knowing that you’re paying for that security and piece of mind in your transaction. Are there better diamonds out there than Tiffany diamonds? Undoubtedly. Am I going to pay a premium for Tiffany’s product? Absolutely. However, is this the purchase that I should be gambling with or entering into without a guarantee of trust and security? No question. With a purchase such as this one, I need to first of all feel comfortable with the reputation and the guarantee of the person on the other end of the bargaining table. Only then can I begin to concern myself with “value”.
That said, I wouldn’t be posting this if were a done deal in my mind, or if I was not interested in what the members of this forum had to say on it. I welcome any advice you all may have on my situation, and I appreciate the effort of anyone who has stayed with me thus far…
-Domer
PS – I am posting this message on both pricescope.com and diamondtalk.com in hopes of eliciting as many insightful replies as possible. I apologize to anyone who may have encountered the message on both boards…
Now I’ve heard everything from “you can’t go wrong with the quality you get from a Tiffany diamond” to “Tiffany’s is ridiculous overpriced” and, as one poster put it, “SO middle-America.” While I do understand that there is a higher price tag associated with their product, I’ve yet to be convinced that buying online, or even from a local dealer for that matter, can offer the same sense of security and satisfaction as buying from a jeweler who has been in the business for as long as Tiffany’s, and who has their reputation for quality and service. If there’s one thing all of my research has done for me, it’s been to instill a sense of fear and apprehension towards purchasing diamonds. (I have to admit, Cuellar was a primary contributor to that.) I’m reluctant to even register for membership to forums such as this one for fear of being bombarded by “fellow posters” who have “just the diamond for me.” How am I to know that someone replying to this message isn’t just trying to push their own wares and lure me in to their operation? Basically, I’m not confident in finding a relationship of trust through online dealers, or even through local jewelers based on the recommendations of “strangers”. So where do I go from here? My instincts say to go with what you know to be safe and sure, knowing that you’re paying for that security and piece of mind in your transaction. Are there better diamonds out there than Tiffany diamonds? Undoubtedly. Am I going to pay a premium for Tiffany’s product? Absolutely. However, is this the purchase that I should be gambling with or entering into without a guarantee of trust and security? No question. With a purchase such as this one, I need to first of all feel comfortable with the reputation and the guarantee of the person on the other end of the bargaining table. Only then can I begin to concern myself with “value”.
That said, I wouldn’t be posting this if were a done deal in my mind, or if I was not interested in what the members of this forum had to say on it. I welcome any advice you all may have on my situation, and I appreciate the effort of anyone who has stayed with me thus far…
-Domer
PS – I am posting this message on both pricescope.com and diamondtalk.com in hopes of eliciting as many insightful replies as possible. I apologize to anyone who may have encountered the message on both boards…