San Francisco/San Jose Bay Area B&M Stores

[beeh]

Hi Another Newbie...

I was wondering if anyone can provide feedback for the most competitive B&M stores in the San Francisco/San Jose bay area. I dont feel ready to pull the trigger on a heavy investment with an online store and was hoping there were some B&M stores that come close!

If you have worked with some folks at some B&M stores and if they are great let me know who you worked with!

Thanks in advance!

 

[KatSullivan]

A close friend of mine recently worked with Simayof in SF (union square location). They cut their stones in-house and have really excellent cuts available, but don''t seem to have H&A stones (I guess that''s just not their thing). Apparently the prices were reasonable and fairly competitive to online. My friend got a colorless, a little over a carat, eye-clean stone and was very happy with the price. They also have lots and lots of settings, many of which are designed and handmade there.

My friend got a beautiful handmade, split shank, micropave setting. I have never seen such a delicate setting in real life before! They worked with the actual designer of the setting in person to modify one of his designs. They put in a custom "surprise" sapphire for her (her birthstone) upside-down to the diamond, so the culets are almost touching - imagine an hourglass. They were really accommodating. However, I think they try to sell really hard tho, so be aware. Hope this helps! GL!

 

[mr_sloppysam]

I actually highly recommend The Diamond Broker in Los Altos. Their prices were great (very close to online prices) but more importantly the service I received from them was excellent. They have diamonds on hand, but if they don't have what you're looking for as far as the specs go, they can get it in for you to examine in person in a couple of days (which was what I did)

Sam

 

[Brilyant]

I can recommend Joe Escobar in Campbell. Good, accommodating service staff, pretty large selection, free parking (big plus), and competitive prices (they beat a very good online price for a setting I wanted, which is pretty rare I think).

 

[beeh]

Thanks for the joe escobar info... do you know if their diamond prices are competitive to internet retailers?

 

[Brilyant]

Date: 3/13/2008 1:20:23 PM
Author: beeh
Thanks for the joe escobar info... do you know if their diamond prices are competitive to internet retailers?

I think they are right there as far as competitiveness, but it may vary from stone to stone. Give them a call, everyone there is very helpful.