Online vs B&M?

[sapphic]

I''m looking around for a 1.5-2.5 carat well cut diamond (H-J, SI1-SI2) and am not having good luck with B&M chains in the bay area (Derco, Joe Escobar, ShaneCo, etc). It seems like they all have like 1-2 diamonds in the specs I''m looking at. There were some stores that said they can match internet prices including no-sales tax. I just had to tell them what diamond to bring in.

It seems like I should just buy something online (anything but DCD, as I can''t tell my gf or friends I got my diamond at "DirtCheapDiamonds.com").

Have people had success in asking B&M to match internet prices?

Thanks!

 

[s95]

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It seems like I should just buy something online (anything but DCD, as I can't tell my gf or friends I got my diamond at 'DirtCheapDiamonds.com').

As a happy DCD customer, I have to tell you to not count them out. I got a beautiful 1.245 carat h vs2 AGS 0 cut diamond for $7500 which I was unable to match anywhere else. It appraised out at almost double that when we went to our independent appraiser.

I looked at other online vendors and just couldn't find anything for less than that. I just purchased the diamond earlier this month. I think your girlfriend could get over it if you got her a beautiful stone for a great price.

I'm also currently working with Whiteflash for my setting and they have beautiful stones as well. Also, the online vendors seem to have better documentation for their stones (i.e. GIA or AGS certs) so that you have confidence in your purchase.

Both these vendors have great reputations and great stones. With the right research, I think you can do very well online!

 

[Kaleigh]

There are many people here that have got amazing stones from DCD. Don''t overlook them because of their name. Good luck.

 

[mrssalvo]

I have a B & M who''s come close to internet prices but not quite as low. For some, they like getting the internet price, others don''t mind paying a little more to support a local business and build a local relationship for future needs, i.e. checking the prongs, cleaning the rings, etc. You have to figure out what works best for you

 

[phoenixgirl]

I respect you if you don''t want to buy a diamond from DCD. I wouldn''t have a problem doing it (I think it''s cute, especially the "You''ll love everything but our name" tag line), but I certainly would not expect to see it as the name of a high end jewelry store. Vendors should consider that their names are part of their marketing strategy, and hopefully for DCD the name has attracted more consumers than it has turned off. If not, they should change it.

Use the Search by Cut feature here. 26 diamonds with your specs come up (and only three are at DCD). They range from about 7K to 20K so you should be able to find something that fits the bill depending on your budget and preferences. Good luck!

Showing a B&M store internet prices may cause them to lower (I doubt match) the price, but at the same time, you may find the response condescending and critical of internet vendors.

 

[MissAva]

Personally as a female I wouldnt care if the stone came from DCD if it was a quality stone. It isnt like she is going to have it tattoed on her forehead. Besides perhaps she would rather a larger nicer stone for the same money. Strmdr or Lenoid (I honestly cant remember which) posted an article written by a B&M jewler about how they feel being asked to match internet prices....If I can find it I will post it.