Newbie in tears...

[Fly Girl]

Date: 3/28/2008 10:24:43 PM
Author: Mrs.Hall(almost)
Wow, I didn''t know that this was all so funny. I don''t know the two of your intentions however I just had a question and you have been helpful however I don''t think this is the place to belittle those who decided to go to the mall to buy something, that''s what a mall is for. I don''t think that going to the mall is absurd; some people go to walmart to get all of their needs. Thanks for all of your help but this ''attitude'' isn''t appropriate here.

Mrs. Hall(almost) - Unfortunately, many mall jewelers offer inferior diamond products at high prices and they get away with it because most consumers know next to nothing about diamonds. That''s what PriceScope is all about...educating consumers about diamonds. Spend some time reading more posts, ask as many questions as you need to, and learn about diamonds. You will understand why we are recommending that you return the diamond ring from Kay''s and find out how to get a superior cut diamond at a fair price.

 

[Isabelle]

Date: 3/28/2008 10:24:43 PM
Author: Mrs.Hall(almost)
Wow, I didn''t know that this was all so funny. I don''t know the two of your intentions however I just had a question and you have been helpful however I don''t think this is the place to belittle those who decided to go to the mall to buy something, that''s what a mall is for. I don''t think that going to the mall is absurd; some people go to walmart to get all of their needs. Thanks for all of your help but this ''attitude'' isn''t appropriate here.

Mrs.Hall, you are absolutely right and I apologize to you. I did not in any way mean to insult you or your fiance who clearly had his heart in the right place when he bought your ring. I am very sorry for the "joke" between sna and myself. The history there is that we were discussing a few nights ago whether or not people are generally well educated about all of the rip-offs in the diamond trade. I said that most people do not know anything about diamonds, being that there is so much to learn and it is so easy to get ripped off. She felt that most people are very educated about the industry and take a lot of time to decide. I said that if that were the case, outfits in the mall selling something akin to "commercial grade" diamonds wouldn''t exist, and I noted there is more profit in selling large volumes of junk than there is small volumes of quality. She was simply acknowledging the truth of what I wrote in your thread. Again, I apologize for any offense and I wish you all the best in your search for your new, hopefully wonderful, diamond.

 

[FrekeChild]

Date: 3/28/2008 10:24:43 PM
Author: Mrs.Hall(almost)
Wow, I didn't know that this was all so funny. I don't know the two of your intentions however I just had a question and you have been helpful however I don't think this is the place to belittle those who decided to go to the mall to buy something, that's what a mall is for. I don't think that going to the mall is absurd; some people go to walmart to get all of their needs. Thanks for all of your help but this 'attitude' isn't appropriate here.

They aren't trying to be offensive. The mall stores (you might also see them referred to as 'maul' stores on here) prey on the uneducated consumer. I personally had no idea about diamonds before I came to pricescope-and now what I know could fill a small book (mostly because I'm a gemstone girl and stick with them) and I've only been around for 4 months now. They aren't making fun of you either. Personally I know that it makes me so sad when a newbie posts on here about how the diamond they bought from a mall store doesn't sparkle, has black flecks in it, etc. And then to hear that they paid a price that could buy a stunning sparkler if they had been educated?

I really really feel for the person. Luckily for you, you're still in the 90 day return phase-so you can still get out of it, and I hope that you do.

Mall stores really capitalize on the fact that they are convenient for the uneducated consumer. They jack their prices up, not only to make a profit but also to pay expensive mall rent. And the people who are selling these diamonds-often they are professional SALES people who know next to nothing about diamonds-only the 4c's that they "teach" you about. They seem to teach that color and clarity are the most important things about buying a diamond, when in fact it's all about cut (as I'm sure you've read about while lurking). But they don't know that because they themselves are uneducated. So by going to a mall store, you're not only paying through the nose for an inferior product, it's like the blind leading the blind. You see what I'm saying?

No one here is belittling you or your boyfriend for buying from Kays. That's what this site is all about-educating the consumer to get the best price possible for the best diamond possible. If you have any questions, many people here know almost TOO much about diamonds-and can practically tell you just from the numbers on a diamond if it'll be decent or not.

I recommend you ask as many questions as you want, but it's the same in all internet forums, what would be said verbally one way, does not translate well written.

I really really hope that you find what you're looking for. And I hope that you feel comfortable asking us all for help.

 

[swingirl]

Mrs.Hall(almost), I can speak for myself and many others. A lot of us have bought stones that we overpaid for in our pre-PS days. Some folks are lucky to find PS before they purchase but I found out the hard way. A fun trip to the NY Diamond district and a fast talking salesman sold me an F engagement stone that tuned out to be an H or lower. Lousy cut, enormous girdle, hug feather and carbon dots galore. I wasn''t lucky enough to be able to return it.

So yes, people buy diamonds at all kinds of places because we don''t know better. You are fortunate enough to have been caught in time!!!

And I might add at the mall I shop at they have a Tiffany & Co. and Cartier. So there are some pretty expensive purchases being made at malls!

 

[Imdanny]

Is there such a thing as a starter ring? We are young and one day we will upgrade so right now I don''''t need all the glitz and glamour. I am not really a solitaire person I usually like setting with diamond accents. I have searched and searched but can you guys recommend any?

I''m sorry if this has been mentioned but I think there are vendors (I think Whiteflash is one of them) who have upgrade policies- so that you can trade in your ring for its value in the future. I''m sure someone here can give you more details.

 

[sna77]

Date: 3/28/2008 11:54:31 PM
Author: Isabelle

Date: 3/28/2008 10:24:43 PM
Author: Mrs.Hall(almost)
Wow, I didn't know that this was all so funny. I don't know the two of your intentions however I just had a question and you have been helpful however I don't think this is the place to belittle those who decided to go to the mall to buy something, that's what a mall is for. I don't think that going to the mall is absurd; some people go to walmart to get all of their needs. Thanks for all of your help but this 'attitude' isn't appropriate here.

Mrs.Hall, you are absolutely right and I apologize to you. I did not in any way mean to insult you or your fiance who clearly had his heart in the right place when he bought your ring. I am very sorry for the 'joke' between sna and myself. The history there is that we were discussing a few nights ago whether or not people are generally well educated about all of the rip-offs in the diamond trade. I said that most people do not know anything about diamonds, being that there is so much to learn and it is so easy to get ripped off. She felt that most people are very educated about the industry and take a lot of time to decide. I said that if that were the case, outfits in the mall selling something akin to 'commercial grade' diamonds wouldn't exist, and I noted there is more profit in selling large volumes of junk than there is small volumes of quality. She was simply acknowledging the truth of what I wrote in your thread. Again, I apologize for any offense and I wish you all the best in your search for your new, hopefully wonderful, diamond.

yes, sorry if that came out wrong... what Isabelle said above is correct...

Oh, and Isabelle, I'm a "he"

 

[Mrs.Hall(almost)]

Thanks again for all the advice and the clarifications. I am fortunate to have found this site and still be within the return policy. Now that I have been slightly educated (still a noob) I won''t have my fiance make this mistake again. It''s just something about shopping, you walk past the Gap and then there is Helzberg and Kays and you just feel inclined to stop by and purchase something.

When I say that I am thankful to you all, I truly truly mean it. Besides a home this is probably one of the most expensive and important decisions in a couple''s life and I am grateful to have this community. On that note I must go, I have an appointment soon with GENUINE jeweler that of course you all recommend. Thanks so so very much.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 3/29/2008 9:40:25 AM
Author: Mrs.Hall(almost)
Thanks again for all the advice and the clarifications. I am fortunate to have found this site and still be within the return policy. Now that I have been slightly educated (still a noob) I won''t have my fiance make this mistake again. It''s just something about shopping, you walk past the Gap and then there is Helzberg and Kays and you just feel inclined to stop by and purchase something.

When I say that I am thankful to you all, I truly truly mean it. Besides a home this is probably one of the most expensive and important decisions in a couple''s life and I am grateful to have this community. On that note I must go, I have an appointment soon with GENUINE jeweler that of course you all recommend. Thanks so so very much.

Of course we understand! I wish you TONS of luck with your appointment this afternoon!

 

[vintagelover229]

Your FI should be proud of himself...he actually tired! You can't blame yourself if you think that someone is there to help you, and seeing that Kay's is a large store...I would have assumed the same thing before coming here.
I am so sorry you don't love your ring. You should try some place like goodoldgold.com or whiteflash, or jamesallen. First, I find it hard that ya'll get a carat for 2900.00 from a B&M, mostly because the mark-up is so high that its hard to see you get a good diamond for that price. In spot lighting though all diamond sparkle...I think it gives an inaccurate view of what the stone is really going to look like in sunlight. Also NEVER buy a dimaond w/o a cert. you need to know what you are paying your hard earned money for! The specs on the diamond but most of all the cut are going to make your diamond beautiful. If you have a round brillant and would like lots of sparkle, I'd go with an I color (unless your color sensitive) and and eyeclean SI1 or SI2 AGS0 or a H&A diamond. You can check prices out here, on the price search. Also GOG has some neat the princess of hearts, etc you may consider.

My advice to you is return it to Kay's and learn as much as you can about dimaonds and find a vendor you can trust and feel comfortable with that they have the same goal as you. Which is to find you a beautiful diamond ring that you will love and make the process as easy as possible for you. Enjoy your search!

 

[Isabelle]

Date: 3/29/2008 7:35:31 AM
Author: sna77

Date: 3/28/2008 11:54:31 PM

Date: 3/28/2008 10:24:43 PM



yes, sorry if that came out wrong... what Isabelle said above is correct...

Oh, and Isabelle, I''m a ''he''

Oh, gosh. I am sorry about that! Now I can see it. I am picturing a former alum of Choate or something like that. LOL I enjoy reading your posts, Sir.

 

[sna77]

Date: 3/29/2008 12:21:34 PM
Author: Isabelle

Date: 3/29/2008 7:35:31 AM
Author: sna77

Date: 3/28/2008 11:54:31 PM

Oh, gosh. I am sorry about that! Now I can see it. I am picturing a former alum of Choate or something like that. LOL I enjoy reading your posts, Sir.

No worries! I''m the "Homer" not "Marge" in my avitar. Hahah. And while I''m from New Englad (Boston suburbs originally), I was a public school boy. ha

 

[Diamond*Dana]

Welcom to PS! I am sorry that you are down about your ring, but just look at this as a small detour in finding your perfect diamond! There are so many people here that are more than happy to help with your search...good luck, and congratulatins on your engagement!

 

[sera]

Date: 3/29/2008 9:40:25 AM
Author: Mrs.Hall(almost)
Thanks again for all the advice and the clarifications. I am fortunate to have found this site and still be within the return policy. Now that I have been slightly educated (still a noob) I won''t have my fiance make this mistake again. It''s just something about shopping, you walk past the Gap and then there is Helzberg and Kays and you just feel inclined to stop by and purchase something.

When I say that I am thankful to you all, I truly truly mean it. Besides a home this is probably one of the most expensive and important decisions in a couple''s life and I am grateful to have this community. On that note I must go, I have an appointment soon with GENUINE jeweler that of course you all recommend. Thanks so so very much.

I can''t wait to hear how your appointment went! It''s so exciting to see someone saved from keeping a not-so-good diamond and getting what a diamond should be!

It is tempting when you pass by something sparkly... and those SA''s know to "get you" when you are in that look-at-the-sparkle-impulsiveness. The diamonds do sparkle in the store, but on closer inspection at home when it doesn''t sparkle like it did in the store or you notice the flaws or it looks dirty even after cleaning, etc. you realize it''s not so good. If you''re used to seeing average mall diamonds, then maybe some don''t seem as bad as they really are until you see a well cut diamond. When you see some REAL rocks today, you''re going to really see the difference cut makes!

Hurry home so we can hear about your appt!

 

[Mrs.Hall(almost)]

Oh My GOD!!! I just had the best experience at...

Good Old Gold!!!

Jonathan and Marie are sooo amazing! I selected a Princess of Hearts diamond with all the sparkle, hearts and arrows that anoyone could love. Jon and Marie are just great people (shoutouts to them) they took the time to really educate my fiance and myself on diamonds. One thing I found very impressive and surprising was the fact that they pointed out all the flaws of the prospective diamonds. They showed me why I was getting a certain price, it was amazing! I cannot stop gushing about the experience and my fiance has such a trained eye, he can spot feathers and inclusions with his naked eye.

The diamond itself is just absolutely amazing, i don''t remember all the specs but I bet I can look them up on gog.com but it''s gorgeous. I believe its a .88 Princess of Hearts E I1(eye clean to me). It took us a while to find a setting. With a stone so beatiful I just wanted to get a nice flushfit solatire but we decided upon a "stuller", I beleive. I saw all the Tacori''s up close and boy are those nice! I am really debating whether or not I should just get a plain and inexpensive Tiffany band for the time being and then maybe in a year or so get a proper setting. I dunno.

Thank you all for being so amazing and insightful and for referring me to GOG.

This Kay ring is going back ASAP!!!!

THANKS!!!!

 

[sera]

Date: 3/29/2008 4:47:29 PM
Author: Mrs.Hall(almost)
Oh My GOD!!! I just had the best experience at...

Good Old Gold!!!

Jonathan and Marie are sooo amazing! I selected a Princess of Hearts diamond with all the sparkle, hearts and arrows that anoyone could love. Jon and Marie are just great people (shoutouts to them) they took the time to really educate my fiance and myself on diamonds. One thing I found very impressive and surprising was the fact that they pointed out all the flaws of the prospective diamonds. They showed me why I was getting a certain price, it was amazing! I cannot stop gushing about the experience and my fiance has such a trained eye, he can spot feathers and inclusions with his naked eye.

The diamond itself is just absolutely amazing, i don't remember all the specs but I bet I can look them up on gog.com but it's gorgeous. I believe its a .88 Princess of Hearts E I1(eye clean to me). It took us a while to find a setting. With a stone so beatiful I just wanted to get a nice flushfit solatire but we decided upon a 'stuller', I beleive. I saw all the Tacori's up close and boy are those nice! I am really debating whether or not I should just get a plain and inexpensive Tiffany band for the time being and then maybe in a year or so get a proper setting. I dunno.

Thank you all for being so amazing and insightful and for referring me to GOG.

This Kay ring is going back ASAP!!!!

THANKS!!!!

WOOHOO! I have a PoH from GOG too!!! Aren't they A.MAZING in person?!?! I'm so excited you got a fabulous diamond!!!

I worked with Jon and he's awesome! Yay Jon!

A lot of people get a temp setting (I had one for 4 months... now my PoH is with Maytal Hannah for a new setting). Temps are great to have the diamond now but give you the time to find/save up for the setting.

 

[mrssalvo]

Mrs.hall(almost) that is just WONDERFUL news. You are so lucky you actually got to go to GOG in person. I hope to visit there someday myself. i''m glad you were able to find what sounds like an amazing stone. we''d love to see pics if you get a chance.

 

[Lorelei]

FABULOUS NEWS!!! I so love it when things come together, I am so happy for you!!!

YIPPEE!!!!

 

[pixley]

YIPPEE SKIPPEE!!! I love a happy ending!!! The PoH stones from GOG are AMAZING!!! So glad you were able to get your dream diamond ~ Jon saves the day!

 

[swingirl]

Sounds like a real happy ending. This is how everyone should feel about their ering!! At PS we don''t believe in settling!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Mrs.Hall(almost) I am so happy for you! That is great, now you get to love your ring!! Aren''t you glad you found pricescope?? So many of us have been in your shoes, it''s great to see another person get what they really want by taking the time to seek some information.

Can you tell us whether you took your Kays ring with you and whether you saw a big difference between your Kay''s stone and your ne one? Just wondering how obvius it was to your eyes.

Let us know how the return goes, and come bck with pictures, specs, etc etc etc...

Oh, and I would vote for getting a simple gold solitaire. Your taste in settings will change and become solidified over the next year as you get used to your ring and spend more time on PS (

), and you may like the flexibility of choosing a final setting later when you have time to really think about it.

DD

 

[NewEnglandLady]

woohoo!! I''ve been reading your thread and was so, so happy to read about your PoH from GOG! That''s fantastic! I''m glad you found PS when you did and hope that you have the new ring on your finger soon...so you can take pics. Lots of pics. And post them!

 

[coatimundi_org]

Date: 3/29/2008 6:31:36 PM
Author: NewEnglandLady
woohoo!! I''ve been reading your thread and was so, so happy to read about your PoH from GOG! That''s fantastic! I''m glad you found PS when you did and hope that you have the new ring on your finger soon...so you can take pics. Lots of pics. And post them!

Ditto! Can''t wait to see!
And I''m so very happy for you!

 

[FrekeChild]

YAY!

Alls well that ends well!!!

 

[cinnamon013]

Congrats! Can''t wait to see your finished ring. And I''m jealous that you got to go to GOG!

 

[Deelight]

Date: 3/29/2008 4:54:35 PM
Author: sera

Date: 3/29/2008 4:47:29 PM

Author: Mrs.Hall(almost)

Oh My GOD!!! I just had the best experience at...


Good Old Gold!!!


Jonathan and Marie are sooo amazing! I selected a Princess of Hearts diamond with all the sparkle, hearts and arrows that anoyone could love. Jon and Marie are just great people (shoutouts to them) they took the time to really educate my fiance and myself on diamonds. One thing I found very impressive and surprising was the fact that they pointed out all the flaws of the prospective diamonds. They showed me why I was getting a certain price, it was amazing! I cannot stop gushing about the experience and my fiance has such a trained eye, he can spot feathers and inclusions with his naked eye.


The diamond itself is just absolutely amazing, i don''t remember all the specs but I bet I can look them up on gog.com but it''s gorgeous. I believe its a .88 Princess of Hearts E I1(eye clean to me). It took us a while to find a setting. With a stone so beatiful I just wanted to get a nice flushfit solatire but we decided upon a ''stuller'', I beleive. I saw all the Tacori''s up close and boy are those nice! I am really debating whether or not I should just get a plain and inexpensive Tiffany band for the time being and then maybe in a year or so get a proper setting. I dunno.


Thank you all for being so amazing and insightful and for referring me to GOG.

This Kay ring is going back ASAP!!!!


THANKS!!!!

WOOHOO! I have a PoH from GOG too!!! Aren''t they A.MAZING in person?!?! I''m so excited you got a fabulous diamond!!!

I worked with Jon and he''s awesome! Yay Jon!

A lot of people get a temp setting (I had one for 4 months... now my PoH is with Maytal Hannah for a new setting). Temps are great to have the diamond now but give you the time to find/save up for the setting.

YAY *happy dance* I am so glad to hear it all turned out great I have been following this thread for a bit I also vote for a simple solitaire I am all for a beautiful centre diamond being the STAR

Congrats please post some shots of your new beauty we would love to see them

 

[Isabelle]

What a wonderful, happy ending. And a wonderful, happy beginning! I can''t wait to see the ring finished. PLEASE post pics for us when it is ready. Did they tell you how long it will take?

 

[Isabelle]

What a wonderful, happy ending. And a wonderful, happy beginning! I can''t wait to see the ring finished. PLEASE post pics for us when it is ready. Did they tell you how long it will take?

 

[kcoursolle]

Woohoo, I am so glad to hear all of this!!! GOG is amazing and a fresh start is just what you need, congrats on returning the Kay''s ring!

 

[sna77]

congrats. Are you going to hold onto the Kay ind until the other one is ready? I would send it back ASAP.

btw, I was thiinking about my Kay comment, and everyone''s responses with the pushy mall sales people etc... Obviously I can see how people get suckered into buying stuff they dont want and or need... Happened to me at Best Buy the other day... For some unknown reason I left with a $90 TV connector cable thingy... I assume that yoru fiance wasn''t just at the mall one day, buying jeans at the Gap, walked by a Kay jewlers, and decided that he wanted to get married... So.. clearly he must have had had a plan etc... Are you guys the frst ones of yoru friends to get married? For my group of friends, the first guy that got engaged became the first person everyone else talked to when then they were ready...

Anyhow, congrats anyhow. I wish the best for you guys and am happy you got a great stone... I''m just trying as always to make sense of the universe...

 

[fabcrab]

I am soooo incredibly happy for you!!!!!!!!! Please keep us updated on your setting decisions k? Also, pictures!