Ring shopping is the devil''s work...help

[ringdummy]

Hi,

We are shopping for wedding bands and I seriously want to kill myself. Every jeweller we have seen has a different story and each one makes me want to poke my eyes out. Here are my questions if anyone is kind enough to help me, even if it''s only to answer one.

1.Is the jeweller who says ''''no problem!!'''' to anything you request (i.e. modifications to their models) a liar? Do I trust the ''''no problem dude'''' - is he the same ''''no problem'''' dude at the car rental counter?


2. Is the snotty jeweller who works at the poshest of the posh jewellery store here in Canada, yet wears yellow gold used car salesman rings to be trusted? Am I just buying the name of the store? Is the work really that much better that it is worth the 4X price difference from the other guys?

3. The posh jeweller also said that he can detect platinum by smelling a ring - this sounds very dubious to me....true or false?

4.One guy says that full eternity bands are totally safe and secure.
Another guy says full eternity bands are a nightmare and will not sell them.
Yet another guy says if I buy the very very very expensive full eternity, the superior craftsmanship will never be a problem.

Who is right?

5.I am looking for a very very skinny full eternity - I have been advised against doing so - is this because he has none in stock or because it really is fragile?

6. Does anybody actually enjoy shopping for jewellery?

7. Should I go to the jewellery building and just pay one of those guys to make me a ring? Has anyone done this?



I am a total ring idiot. I don''t know how to negociate, I don''t even know what anything is really worth. I found the most perfect ring today at another store but the people who worked there were obnoxiously rude so I just couldn''t bring myself to buy it. I want to punch myself in the face. Please help! Thanks!

 

[Mrs W]

I''ve heard pretty much everything you''ve heard when I went shopping for an eternity...if you want a good place to look for a good quality eternity I would look here:
http://thefacetscollection.com/home.cfm

 

[Circe]

I, uh ... WOW. Sounds like you''ve found some real winners in the jewelry-store sweepstakes. S, in order:

1) Yes. On all counts.

2) No. On all counts.

3) Bwahahahahaha.

4) They all are, sort of - it depends on what you''re planning to do while wearing the ring, as well as the specific ring in question, and the kind of support you can expect from the company.

5) Again, it depends ... if you mean a micropave ring, they do need to be babied, but a lot of people think they''re worth it. Me, I''m happy with 2.5 mm and up, just because I know I''m hard on my hands, but if you know you''ll, a) never love anything else as much, and b) have the patience to take it off before doing anything arduous and check it and take it in for repairs periodically, go for it! Also, not that guy''s place to judge: he''s the jeweler, not the hall-moniter.

6) Oh yeah, baby.

7) Not without doing some research and figuring out if what you want is already out there, what their craftsmanship is like, etc.

That said, welcome to PriceScope! We''re a bunch of jewelry-loving freaks who''ll walk you through the process. Breann''s suggestion is spot on - the rings at the Facets collection are gorgeous. If you want something skinnier/fancier, we can make more suggestions: in the meantime, maybe do a search for eternity bands (I know there are a couple of "Show Me Your ____" threads that should help), see what you like, and maybe ... tell us your budget?

 

[tallchickbarbara]

style="WIDTH: 100.2%; HEIGHT: 484px">Date: 8/5/2009 10:55:12 PM
Author:ringdummy
Hi,

We are shopping for wedding bands and I seriously want to kill myself. Every jeweller we have seen has a different story and each one makes me want to poke my eyes out. Here are my questions if anyone is kind enough to help me, even if it's only to answer one.

1.Is the jeweller who says 'no problem!!' to anything you request (i.e. modifications to their models) a liar? Do I trust the 'no problem dude' - is he the same 'no problem' dude at the car rental counter? It really will depend. If modifications aren't severe and can be done in either CAD or while it's a wax, your jeweler may actually not having a problem making them. Ask if they do their work in-house so that you can come in and see the changes as they occur, or if it's outsourced. Sometimes it really is 'not a problem', but I think that other circumstances surrounding your situation will be the telltale signs.


2. Is the snotty jeweller who works at the poshest of the posh jewellery store here in Canada, yet wears yellow gold used car salesman rings to be trusted? Am I just buying the name of the store? Is the work really that much better that it is worth the 4X price difference from the other guys? RD! Ha! Careful not to judge someone on the jewelry they wear... however you have absolutely every right to judge them if they have an attitude. The fact remains that he is a service provider, as is every one of us in this industry - he is only in business because of consumers like you, so if he's giving you grief PLUS overcharging you, then yes, I'd probably suggest taking your business elsewhere (even the "No problem!" guy was at least polite, yes?).

3. The posh jeweller also said that he can detect platinum by smelling a ring - this sounds very dubious to me....true or false? Wow. I can't honestly say I've ever heard that before, but I can also honestly say that I never went around smelling metals. Of course, I'm curious now. I'll let you know in ten minutes...

Platinum will often get a bad rap by jewelers who don't buy the metal for stock because of it's price. It's easy to say that white gold looks just like platinum. What it's not easy to do is educate the customer on all of the metals and let them decide for themselves which of the attributes of each appeals most to them as individuals. Platinum is softer, indeed, and purer, indeed, that 14K white gold, and quite a few people do prefer white gold's luster because they're not as fond of platinum's 'patina' once it wears. However platinum is an incredible metal for durability over time, though if the ring is made well enough, you really should have no issues with either metal. Ask about palladium as well. You may find that you like it's characteristics the best.

4.One guy says that full eternity bands are totally safe and secure. They can be, and often are if made correctly.

Another guy says full eternity bands are a nightmare and will not sell them. He should have explained that they're only a "nightmare" if an inexperienced metalsmith has to resize them. Resizing an eternity band is not impossible, but does take precision and is often done with a laser if the band is platinum.

Yet another guy says if I buy the very very very expensive full eternity, the superior craftsmanship will never be a problem. Superior craftsmanship should not be limited to only the "very very very expensive" anything, and it's sad that it is this way. Any product that you receive, that you are spending hundreds or thousands for, should be of high quality.

Who is right? You are, because you're the customer looking to purchase something important. You want a quality product, at a good price. You want good service and you want the truth. Find a company that will give you those things before you commit to spending those Canadian dollars. They exist, so dont pull your hair out just yet.

5.I am looking for a very very skinny full eternity - I have been advised against doing so - is this because he has none in stock or because it really is fragile? If you post an image of what you've found similar online, I believe that quite a few people on this forum will be able to guide you in the right direction.

6. Does anybody actually enjoy shopping for jewellery? I do, but I'm bias

7. Should I go to the jewellery building and just pay one of those guys to make me a ring? Has anyone done this? It may be worth a visit if you can't find the product or service that you're looking for at your local retailers. Price a custom piece out - what have you got to lose?



I am a total ring idiot. No you're not. I don't know how to negociate, I don't even know what anything is really worth. I found the most perfect ring today at another store but the people who worked there were obnoxiously rude so I just couldn't bring myself to buy it. Did you ask to talk to their immediate superior? A manager? If you go a little higher up you may find that you'll get the service you deserve. I want to punch myself in the face. Okay... you're really making me laugh now. Please help! Thanks!

Hello RD,

I've commented above in red. I hope my comments help a bit and shed a little light.

 

[litebrite]

I will say one nice thing about shopping for jewelry online is that you don''t have to listen to all the ridiculous stories that jewelry building/ diamond district/ maul sellers have to share. It''s just you and the computer, and no droning or nagging voice.

I don''t have a full eternity band and will probably never get one because I don''t want to deal with resizing and I want the bling where I can see it on the top of my hand. Hence a half eternity or 3/4th eternity will do the trick if she needs to resize easily.

Jewelry shopping can be very anxious but it can also be lots of fun.

Now excuse me while I go sniff my rings.

 

[jet2ks]

Date: 8/5/2009 10:55:12 PM
Author:ringdummy

3. The posh jeweller also said that he can detect platinum by smelling a ring - this sounds very dubious to me....true or false?

Maybe this explains all the wacko stories and sales pitches from stores--They are high from sniffing platinum!!!

 

[Lynn B]

Your post cracked me up!

And believe me, I understand (and well remember!) the stress of buying my first diamond... but, um... dude, you gotta chill out a little!!!

 

[CharmyPoo]

Easiest way - go with a recommended PS vendor. They will look after you and take the worries of the sleezy salesmen away. I have experiences with EngagementRingsDirect and Good Old Gold. Both are wonderful.

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 8/5/2009 10:55:12 PM
Author:ringdummy
Hi,

We are shopping for wedding bands and I seriously want to kill myself. Every jeweller we have seen has a different story and each one makes me want to poke my eyes out. Here are my questions if anyone is kind enough to help me, even if it''s only to answer one.

1.Is the jeweller who says ''no problem!!'' to anything you request (i.e. modifications to their models) a liar? Do I trust the ''no problem dude'' - is he the same ''no problem'' dude at the car rental counter?


2. Is the snotty jeweller who works at the poshest of the posh jewellery store here in Canada, yet wears yellow gold used car salesman rings to be trusted? Am I just buying the name of the store? Is the work really that much better that it is worth the 4X price difference from the other guys?

3. The posh jeweller also said that he can detect platinum by smelling a ring - this sounds very dubious to me....true or false?

4.One guy says that full eternity bands are totally safe and secure.
Another guy says full eternity bands are a nightmare and will not sell them.
Yet another guy says if I buy the very very very expensive full eternity, the superior craftsmanship will never be a problem.

Who is right?

5.I am looking for a very very skinny full eternity - I have been advised against doing so - is this because he has none in stock or because it really is fragile?

6. Does anybody actually enjoy shopping for jewellery?

7. Should I go to the jewellery building and just pay one of those guys to make me a ring? Has anyone done this?



I am a total ring idiot. I don''t know how to negociate, I don''t even know what anything is really worth. I found the most perfect ring today at another store but the people who worked there were obnoxiously rude so I just couldn''t bring myself to buy it. I want to punch myself in the face. Please help! Thanks!

1. Prices in Canada suck period. The price of just importing is GST + PST(well not in all provinces) (you will have to pay this anyway when you shop online though) and for whatever reason prices on luxury goods are never good in Canada. Watches and Jewelry can be as much as 3X - 5X times as much.
2. I don''t know where you are in Canada but my experience is prety much the same regarding salespeople. Just as a hint ask to speak to the jeweler or the gemologist in the store and avoid the $10 an hour counter salespeople as they are totally clueless.
3. Diamonds in Canada especially Canadian diamonds often come with Gemscan not GIA reports. Gemscan is not as consistent and is more lenient than GIA.

Overall If you are fed up with the whole thing tell us what you want and we''ll direct you to a couple of choices of great vendors and you can do a comparison.
I have access to wholesalers in Montreal and I''m not even using them for the engagement ring, that just tells you how good the online experience can be.

 

[ringdummy]

Wow!

Thanks to all for your great adivce and helpful commentary. You don''t know how helpful it is!

I''m very glad I listened to you guys and eliminted both the not-so-posh posh guy and the ''''no problem'''' guy.

I found a ring I loved loved loved, but the people in the store treated us like garbage.

Perhaps we made a mistake in never having thought about budget. We just decided that when we find something we love we''ll buy it. Without much in mind, we casually looked at the jewellery store in our hotel and magically found two rings yesterday. We didn''t even really negociate. We bought one very thin full eternity in platinum (size 6.5), I don''t what what the setting is called, but each diamond has four prongs around it. For his ring we bought a 4mm platinum band (size 7), just plain and traditional. The whole thing cost $2700 Canadian (taxes included, which is an unholy 15% here) which is about $2400 USD.

Again, you guys are great, I am still a ring dummy but feel a little less idiotic having read your advice...and if you ever want any legal adivce send me a note - that''s about the only thing I''m good at!

 

[D&T]

Date: 8/7/2009 11:25:22 PM
Author: ringdummy
Wow!

Thanks to all for your great adivce and helpful commentary. You don''t know how helpful it is!

I''m very glad I listened to you guys and eliminted both the not-so-posh posh guy and the ''no problem'' guy.

I found a ring I loved loved loved, but the people in the store treated us like garbage.

Perhaps we made a mistake in never having thought about budget. We just decided that when we find something we love we''ll buy it. Without much in mind, we casually looked at the jewellery store in our hotel and magically found two rings yesterday. We didn''t even really negociate. We bought one very thin full eternity in platinum (size 6.5), I don''t what what the setting is called, but each diamond has four prongs around it. For his ring we bought a 4mm platinum band (size 7), just plain and traditional. The whole thing cost $2700 Canadian (taxes included, which is an unholy 15% here) which is about $2400 USD.

Again, you guys are great, I am still a ring dummy but feel a little less idiotic having read your advice...and if you ever want any legal adivce send me a note - that''s about the only thing I''m good at!

Congratulations on your findings

I hope you have a little less stressful time with the wedding plans now