Same stone different site and price

[gongular]

Hello PS forum!!! I've been lurking on this awesome site for a while, and greatly appreciate the information shared! I am planning on asking my sweetie to marry me in a couple of months, and therefore I am finalizing my ring shopping. My question: When anyone made their ring purchase, was there an instance where two or more vendors were selling the exact same diamond for a different price? When I say exact, I mean EXACT! The "stones" have the same GIA certificate number (of course I know "stones" are one in the same), and if so, did you use this knowledge to your benefit to either get a price match or order the stone and setting separate? (I realize I have done entirely too much research; however, it is just my nature! I want the best for my sweetie!) I thank you for any information!

 

[hawk25]

I don't have any personal experience, but I do know that multiple vendors have access to the same virtual stone. They then individually set the prices based on their markup rate. Some companies can survive with a lower markup than others.

 

[gongular]

Thanks for the reply Hawk25! I'll check and see what the vendor says; however, as you stated some can afford a lower markup.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Yes, it is simply because some vendors just list stones held by diamond suppliers and the stones really are not in their possession. Buying virtual stones is difficult because you generally can't access pictures of them and other info without a vendor calling in the stone. I prefer to stick with vendors who have stones in-house and provide pictures, idealscope images, etc. I'd look at Good Old Gold, WhiteFlash, and James Allen for starters.

 

[sakari_8]

IMO none of the online stores own the stones, the diamonds on the store online are owned by the wholesalers, the wholesalers
display there inventory on different online sites, in the scenario as such, some aggressive online store shows price which is
cheaper than the other, I think this is good news for the buyers and can take the advantage of low price, however what you need
to check while buying online, if company is legit & have the policies in place.

I would encourage buyers to take the advantage of the low price store as long as the company is good

 

[denverappraiser]

Most of the big internet houses and even some B&M stores will match the lowest advertised price found on a particular 'virtual' stone they're selling. Pick your dealer on the merits of the dealer but if you see a better price elsewhere, ask about it.

 

[Niel]

^ that's whay I was thinking. If you'd prefer to work with one vendor but you find the stone cheaper at other, ask if the first will price match.

 

[gongular]

Thanks for the answers everyone!

 

[diamond_concierge]

Virtual inventory is common and actually always has been. Back in the "good ol' days" before internet selling, we jewelers called this practice "memo." Diamond wholesalers would essentially lend diamonds to retailers to show to customers before the customer (or the store) committed to buy (remember memorandom goods, all you dinosaurs out there?). Today, some wholesalers are selling directly to the customer, which is great for the customer. Happy diamond shopping, and enjoy! Virtual inventory? Nothing weird about it. We just used to call it something else.