Just spent the last 2 days looking at e-rings

[ksig113]

(sorry for long first post)

First off, this is my first time so please excuse the rookie-like terms. So my gf and I have started to look at erings and I''ve gotta say, I just don''t know how everyone here can keep up with everything! For the past 2 days, it''s been pretty interesting and quite alot to take in. We''re in the early stages of looking, and I don''t plan on asking her until next year so this is one of those "let''s see what''s out there" type of experiences. I''d ask her earlier, but we have a trip planned to go to Australia in January for a wedding that financially needs attending to first.


Customer Service Experience:

It is pretty interesting to see the level of service as you visit one store from another. To learn about what''s out there, we''ve been to Jared, Robbins Bros, Bailey Banks (which we found out is closing all stores!!! ), Tiffanys, DeBeers, and Cartier. We were sorely dissappointed that the person we talked to at Tiffany''s didn''t seem like he really wasn''t interested in showing us anything or giving us advice... We were very impressed with Cartier, the guy even printed me the GIA cert of the ring we looked at and emailed me a list of the other stones that they carry in their vault to look at..plus offering us wine wasn''t bad either.


The Robbins Bros was, of course way over done, although it the girl helping us seemed like she was too nice and laughed way too much (we swore she had a lunchtime drink or something) and at one point, even dropped the diamond on the sales floor! As usually, the experience was fine until they separate you from the other. They sent my gf to see someone about something with what she wanted in the wedding, proposal, or whatever and my supposedly proposal setup meeting was more of a hard sales pitch as to why I need to by that stone at that moment.


Anyways, I need some advice, just like all first time buyers.

Here is what we''ve discussed as to what she''s looking for (after trying on rings for 2 days in a row):

emerald cut
~1.00 - 1.25 ct
D-G color
VS1 - VS2

Here are the prices that we got so far (of course, these prices are ridiculous bc of markup):

Jared :
1.00 ct Peerless (whatever the hell that really means)
G
SI1
AGS
$7200

Robbins:
1.00 ct
G
VS2
GIA
$5595

Tiffanys:
None in stock

DeBeers:
1.01 ct
G
VS2
Already set in a plain platinum setting
GIA
$11,500


Cartier:
1.59 ct
H
VS1
Already set in a plain platinum setting but the setting on it was the best that we''ve seen
GIA
$23,550


Ok, so obviously, the prices vary depending on where we went, but we definitely saw the difference between the stones (we tried to find similar stones at each location). A majority of people here go online, but then I read of stories where it is difficult to find a local person to do the setting once you''ve bought online.

Here is what I''ve been looking at online so far:
http://www.whiteflash.com/emerald/Emerald-cut-diamond-2119178.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/emerald/Emerald-cut-diamond-2198236.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/emerald/Emerald-cut-diamond-2140523.htm


My question is this. We kinda feel like it''s really hard to judge the quality of the stone without looking at it, and I know I will find better value online from vendors such as WF and James Allen, how can I really know what I buy? Being in Dallas, I know WF is located in Houston so my gf and I are making it a point to do the 4 hour drive to check them out within the next month, but besides that, have any of you had the thought of just buying in store knowing that online pricing is better, just to have that doubt go away?

 

[exoticisabella]

quick question - the peerless (unless they''ve added on new shapes recently) only comes in princess and round. Also, d-g color is a spread of colors and very different ones at that! I

my local Jareds and they treat me VERY well, but I know that their diamonds are going to be more expensive. The nice thing about them - and I may get many who disagree and maybe I''ve just been lucky with my local store - but if you buy both stone and setting with them plus the warrenty (which isn''t too bad honestly if you buy white gold as I get mine dipped on a monthly basis) they cover ANY diamond that falls out including the big one (and I have lost diamonds before that they replaced at no charge). Just my .02

 

[ksig113]

oops, you''re right. I think we looked at it because at that time, my gf was still a little bit into the round cut before she decided that she really wanted emerald cut.

 

[Regular Guy]

Helpful reporting.

Just remember that for WF options, if it says "call for availability, they are most likely virtual stones, not in house...so plan accordingly...reaching them in advance of driving over, so that they can get something in for you to look at.

They should have this one, though.

Regards,

 

[bgray]

i like the second two stones (on paper). yes I got so much more for my money and so much information up front and saw so much great information on whiteflash (and other PS vendors) that I had no issue......a few years later and still 100% pleased

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/4/2009 11:44:21 PM
Author: Regular Guy
Helpful reporting.

Just remember that for WF options, if it says 'call for availability, they are most likely virtual stones, not in house...so plan accordingly...reaching them in advance of driving over, so that they can get something in for you to look at.

They should have this one, though.

Regards,

Ditto Ira, can't tell much by numbers with EC's, images are essential. As you can get to Houston, definitely give WF the heads up on what you are looking for, then they can call in some suitable EC's for you to view.

 

[ksig113]

Thanks for the heads up on the availlability. I too agree that although it looks good on paper, the true judgement lies in viewing it in person. I must have overlooked it as I was doing some searches on which stones to filter out. I''ve also heard of the Diamond Doctor advertise on the radio, which I''ve read on a few older posts here that could be another viable option. I checked out their website and this is what I found so far:

http://www.diamonddoctor.com/viewitem.asp?idProduct=123385

http://www.diamonddoctor.com/viewitem.asp?idProduct=73985

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/5/2009 9:17:25 AM
Author: ksig113
Thanks for the heads up on the availlability. I too agree that although it looks good on paper, the true judgement lies in viewing it in person. I must have overlooked it as I was doing some searches on which stones to filter out. I''ve also heard of the Diamond Doctor advertise on the radio, which I''ve read on a few older posts here that could be another viable option. I checked out their website and this is what I found so far:

http://www.diamonddoctor.com/viewitem.asp?idProduct=123385

http://www.diamonddoctor.com/viewitem.asp?idProduct=73985

I don''t know much about this vendor, also these look like virtual diamonds to me. Also if you can get to DFW you could contact John Pollard at www.craftedbyinfinity.com Although Infinity normally specialize in round and Princess it is possible John might be able to advise you on EC''s.

Alternatively www.briangavindiamonds.com are in Houston, I don''t know if they are selling much in the way of fancy shapes at this time but you could certainly contact Lesley and ask.