Service Plans: Online vs. In-store

[mpb2000]

I''ve been doing my diamond research, and I''ve noticed that most people here favor online shopping. The only nice thing I can see about getting a diamond in an actual store is the possibility for extended service plans. Being able to bring the ring in for pretty much any repair (including rhodium plating) seems to be a nice perk. Since this doesn''t seem to come up often in the discussions I''ve seen, I''m wondering if I''m missing something. If you buy your diamond online, do you just take it somewhere and pay to have it worked on if something happens? Do the stores just offer these types of plans to make it seem like you''ll always have to be in getting something done, thereby making the service plan seem like a good idea? With white gold, it seems rhodium plating has to be done fairly frequently, so these service plans seem like they are well worth the money for that alone. But, I''m always suspicious, so I want to see what people think about this subject.

 

[JulieN]

the amount you save by buying online and paying for any maintenance work at your local B&M surpasses whatever it would cost for the diamond, setting, and service plan.

 

[justjulia]

Rhodium plating is a fairly inexpensive process. What you save by shopping online might allow you to get platinum, which would never need to be replated. I bought at a b and m, and have enjoyed my upgrade policy, without paying shipping, etc..but I''m one of those people who have traded a lot. I also enjoy going in person to look.

 

[aw45]

Date: 11/6/2006 1:28:52 AM
Author:mpb2000
I''ve been doing my diamond research, and I''ve noticed that most people here favor online shopping. The only nice thing I can see about getting a diamond in an actual store is the possibility for extended service plans. Being able to bring the ring in for pretty much any repair (including rhodium plating) seems to be a nice perk. Since this doesn''t seem to come up often in the discussions I''ve seen, I''m wondering if I''m missing something. If you buy your diamond online, do you just take it somewhere and pay to have it worked on if something happens? Do the stores just offer these types of plans to make it seem like you''ll always have to be in getting something done, thereby making the service plan seem like a good idea? With white gold, it seems rhodium plating has to be done fairly frequently, so these service plans seem like they are well worth the money for that alone. But, I''m always suspicious, so I want to see what people think about this subject.

That''s exactly what I thought regarding the extended service etc... you may save yourself some trobules from getting the pieces from different places. BUT.... after visiting many local stores, I quickly find out buying the stone online is the way to go. Better quailty with a lower price. When I was looking for my setting, local stores alway try to match what I have but they can''t offer anything close. Well i guess it is a total different business model so local stores are hard to compete with... Also, each store can only show me 2 stones at most... You should still go to the stores to check out the stones though. Just to get a feel of what you are looking for. Plus, the place where you bought your setting is very likely to give you the rhodium plating for free. Good luck.