Vancouver Canada Jewellers?

[tosti]

Hello all. It's time for me to start considering an engagement ring. Rare is it for one to feel excited about spending thousands on something that doesn't let you live in it, make loud noises or scratch the hobby itch!

Unlike many people on these forums I don't yet have a good idea of what I want yet, and so I am very interested in opinions/suggestions that you can offer.

1) First, I'm in Vancouver, Canada. I see a number of posts from people also in Vancouver, but I have not seen many recommendations on local jewellers that I should visit. I saw one vote for http://www.canadian-diamonds-wholesale.com/. Are there any other shops that are recommended for me to visit for good deals, selection and experience?

1a) I see recommendations about online stores, but how do you know what you are getting? What if the ring needs to be changed (size changes?) How do you have confidence in your purchase if you don't see it before you pay for it?

2) My budget is about CAD $8000 (~ USD $7700) for the full setup, diamond and setting. What can I reasonably expect for this?

Thanks for all your help.

 

[CdnBlingGal]

Hello all. It's time for me to start considering an engagement ring. Rare is it for one to feel excited about spending thousands on something that doesn't let you live in it, make loud noises or scratch the hobby itch!
Hi! Welcome to PS! It's good to see anothe Vancouverite here. Congratulations on taking this BIG step. It is definately a big investment but it's worth every penny for your girl.

Unlike many people on these forums I don't yet have a good idea of what I want yet, and so I am very interested in opinions/suggestions that you can offer.

1) First, I'm in Vancouver, Canada. I see a number of posts from people also in Vancouver, but I have not seen many recommendations on local jewellers that I should visit. I saw one vote for http://www.canadian-diamonds-wholesale.com/. Are there any other shops that are recommended for me to visit for good deals, selection and experience?
If you are wanting to see quality loose stones, I would recommend Britton Diamonds. They are located at 300-736 Granville Street. 604-687-3344. They also have many styles of engagement rings that you can view.
1a) I see recommendations about online stores, but how do you know what you are getting? What if the ring needs to be changed (size changes?) How do you have confidence in your purchase if you don't see it before you pay for it?
There are a lot of reputable online vendors. You have to put your trust in the vendor. Since you live in Canada and most of the recommended vendors here are in the US, you can always either ship it back or you can find a reputable jeweller here and have them size it, but I believe you will void any warranties from the original vendor if something goes wrong with the ring after you have it sized.
I purchased diamond studs from an online vendor. I gave them my full trust that they would be beautiful. I relied on their feedback and reputation. - BTW, I was thrilled with the diamond studs. Always check each vendors return policy, that way if you do have issues with the purchase, you can always return it.

2) My budget is about CAD $8000 (~ USD $7700) for the full setup, diamond and setting. What can I reasonably expect for this?
You can get a beauty for that price. But it all depends on what you want. Do you want a setting with or without melee diamonds? Do you want white gold, yellow gold, platinum? Color? Carat? Clarity? The shape of diamond? Some things you need to think about.

I would steer you away from mall jewellers. Good luck!


Thanks for all your help.

 

[tosti]

1) First, I'm in Vancouver, Canada. I see a number of posts from people also in Vancouver, but I have not seen many recommendations on local jewellers that I should visit. I saw one vote for http://www.canadian-diamonds-wholesale.com/. Are there any other shops that are recommended for me to visit for good deals, selection and experience?
If you are wanting to see quality loose stones, I would recommend Britton Diamonds. They are located at 300-736 Granville Street. 604-687-3344. They also have many styles of engagement rings that you can view.

Hello. Thanks for the recommendation. I'm wanting to see anything that might affect my purchase at this point, so not just loose diamonds. I've seen the suggestion to avoid mall stores, but can you name a couple other ones that I can go to with confidence? What is the difference between them?

 

[CdnBlingGal]

No, they have more than just loose stones.They've go the entire shabang. If you want to see some spectacular ideal cut, H & A diamonds though loupes and scopes, then Britton is a good start. Britton Diamond and Canadian diamonds wholesale (appointment only, West Van) are very similar. Both sells diamonds at wholesale costs. I can't recommend any other places as I have no experience with anyone else but Britton. You can always go to Tiffany's or Birks, they have quality pieces and diamonds but they have premium prices. Sorry, i can't be more helpful.