Need some advice

[southercal123]

Hello all. This is my first post and am looking for a little advice.

I am looking to buy an e-ring in the next 2 months. I have read pricescope for a few weeks and
have heard the debate over brand name vs internet vs neighborhood dealer.

I''ve decided to purchase the ring through either Harry Winston or Cartier. I am leaning towards Cartier
due to the fact there is one with a few miles of me and the HW is about 45 miles up in LA. Do the
experts(or non experts) on this site feel there is a difference between quality through either Cartier or HW or are they
basically the same. I realize I could get a bigger stone of same or better quality through neighborhood
or internet, and my future wife is not really into material possessions, however price is not a huge issue
and honestly I don''t feel comfortable with buying over the internet due to my lack of diamond knowledge.
I figure with a name like Cartier or HW I am assured a level of quality...whereas internet may be hit or miss.

Anyone have any experiences with the Cartier in South Coast Plaza in southern cal? I''ve been in Tiffany''s in
South Coast Plaza and the place seemed a little uncomfortable.

Thanks in advance!

 

[blodthecat]

Hello there, and let me be the first to welcome you.

Firstly, I completely understand why you feel more comfortable with a brand name, it makes you feel more confident that you are buying a quality item.

I know you say that 'money' isn't a major issue...but actually it is. No one on this site pays more than they have to, but make no bones about it, we all want to purchase the very best and to that end, we do our research.

I am not one of the experts, but if you give us a clue as to what you are after, there will be people on this site who will fall over themselves trying to help you.

You've decided to post on PS, so don't rush into a purchase before you have considered all options.

I look forward to watching this story unfold.

Love...Blod

 

[Lorelei]

I haven''t any experience with the names you mention ( regrettably!

) but I take it that buying from places such as Cartier or HW mean little risk to the consumer and you pay a premium for the name and the hard work and research being done for you. These places would hardly sell rubbish and I should imagine if you know exactly what you want you can walk into many of these showrooms and get it quite easily. It is up to the individual, as my pal Bloddie says, many of us are prepared to do the work and research to get the absolute best we can for our money, it is all part of the fun and the thrill of the hunt, however this approach may not work for everyone. If you aren''t comfortable buying online then that''s fine, you have choices of high end diamond houses, so if you don''t feel comfortable with the way your patronage is treated, vote with your feet and go elsewhere. I know people run into this occasionally,but I hope you can find what you want and that your choice of vendor treats your business with appreciation so you have a great experience. Good luck!