Thoughts on Jewelry Exchanges?

[deraj090]

Hi all --

Apologies for the broad and opinion-based question, however I'm wondering what some thoughts are on buying a center stone from a Jewelry Exchange. Will I find a noticeable cost savings over the typical venues for purchasing a center stone? Or will I be sacrificing quality?

Thanks in advance!

J

 

[motownmama]

I would not do that. What are your thoughts on the suggested stones people posted on your other thread? I'll bump it to see if some others respond too.

 

[deraj090]

Thanks for your input!

I do like the stones that were posted in my other thread, however I will admit I'm a bit nervous about purchasing an item at that cost, that I can't physically touch/feel. If you can talk me out of that fear, please do!

A question, though -- why do you recommend against visiting a Jewelry Exchange?

Thanks!
J

 

[Dancing Fire]

Hi all --

Apologies for the broad and opinion-based question, however I'm wondering what some thoughts are on buying a center stone from a Jewelry Exchange. Will I find a noticeable cost savings over the typical venues for purchasing a center stone? Or will I be sacrificing quality?

Thanks in advance!

J

Yes, lower cut quality for more $$$ compared to buying online.

 

[deraj090]

Hi all --

Yes, lower cut quality for more $$$ compared to buying online.

Thank you! As I mention, I'm still nervous about purchasing online. My fear comes from the back and forth reviews of success stories vs absolute disasters.

 

[deraj090]

Also, in speaking with a jeweler my friend has used multiple times, I was quoted $6,000 for a 1.13 H SI1, 3x. I don't have the additional spec details, but it is GIA certified. Is this a good price?

 

[Dancing Fire]

Hi all --

Yes, lower cut quality for more $$$ compared to buying online.

Thank you! As I mention, I'm still nervous about purchasing online. My fear comes from the back and forth reviews of success stories vs absolute disasters.

Nothing to fear about most of the members buy online from PS vendors.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Also, in speaking with a jeweler my friend has used multiple times, I was quoted $6,000 for a 1.13 H SI1, 3x. I don't have the additional spec details, but it is GIA certified. Is this a good price?

Ask the jeweler for the GIA report #.

 

[deraj090]

Also, in speaking with a jeweler my friend has used multiple times, I was quoted $6,000 for a 1.13 H SI1, 3x. I don't have the additional spec details, but it is GIA certified. Is this a good price?

Ask the jeweler for the GIA report #.

Thanks -- I don't think it is necessary yet, as I will be visiting him in-person to view that stone, and a handful of others he quoted me on. I wouldn't leave without the GIA report, regardless. I'm just curious to hear thoughts on that price in comparison.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Also, in speaking with a jeweler my friend has used multiple times, I was quoted $6,000 for a 1.13 H SI1, 3x. I don't have the additional spec details, but it is GIA certified. Is this a good price?

Ask the jeweler for the GIA report #.

Thanks -- I don't think it is necessary yet, as I will be visiting him in-person to view that stone, and a handful of others he quoted me on. I wouldn't leave without the GIA report, regardless. I'm just curious to hear thoughts on that price in comparison.

$6K sound like a fair price if the stone is well cut

 

[arkieb1]

Ask for a copy of the certificate even when a vendor is calling in a stone (getting it from a diamond broker) they should be able to show you the certificate unless it has not been certified yet. Then run it through the HCA in the Tool tab above this is a rejection tool that will give anything you are considering a score.

 

[deraj090]

Oh cool. Didn't realize that tool was here.

I believe he already has the paperwork available, so I'll ask him to pass it along.

Thanks!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Just do NOT buy on this visit. Ask him if he has an unconditional return policy and how many days do you have to return? If he says no returns, then run. You want a return policy in writing on your receipt. Don't be pressured to purchase. We have seen far more dishonest vendors like this posted here than we ever have with the online vendors we have all used who have hundreds and hundreds of testimonials on this forum.

 

[motownmama]

I really really want to talk you out of your fears. Just for an ex. read reviews for Whiteflash both on the Internet and on here. They are just one example of a vendor that will want you to be very satisfied. They're not a flash in the pan. You can take the stone to an independent appraiser. Then, it's returnable. Please try to trust you can get the best for your $ by getting recommendations from experts here and using a trusted vendor.

 

[deraj090]

Just do NOT buy on this visit. Ask him if he has an unconditional return policy and how many days do you have to return? If he says no returns, then run. You want a return policy in writing on your receipt.

Thanks! Apologies if there is any confusion, as there was a slight topic change. As it relates to the 1.13 HSI1 stone, I'm not referring to a jeweler from a Jewelry Exchange. I'm referring to a jeweler that a close family friend has used for years and trusts. I definitely wouldn't go to just anybody to purchase a ring -- if that were the case, I live in Manhattan, I could easily hop over to 47th street to get ripped off

What kind of return policy should I expect? Also, can I ask why you mention not buying on that first visit? He hasn't remotely pressured me to purchase to-date -- I've been working with him over the phone and via email for weeks now.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[deraj090]

I really really want to talk you out of your fears. Just for an ex. read reviews for Whiteflash both on the Internet and on here. They are just one example of a vendor that will want you to be very satisfied. They're not a flash in the pan. You can take the stone to an independent appraiser. Then, it's returnable. Please try to trust you can get the best for your $ by getting recommendations from experts here and using a trusted vendor.

Great, thank you! I will definitely check out WhiteFlash and what they have to offer. Any other vendors (Brian Gavin, I'm assuming?) that'd you'd recommend as a great option?

Thanks!!

 

[luv2sparkle]

There are some good vendors in New York. Before you purchase you should go to see them and see what they can do for you! ID jewelry is a great place to start.

 

[deraj090]

ID jewelry is a great place to start.

Will do!

 

[deraj090]

run it through the HCA in the Tool tab above

Attached is what the HCA tool came back with -- looks pretty good!