What''s considered a chain/mall jewelry store?

[Mingo]

So I''ve been searching for Ritani engagement settings (to fit a stone I already own) and am currently awaiting word regarding a price for the endless love halo setting. Here''s the question, the place I''ve visited is located in a mall but they sell Ritani, David Yurman and other fine jewelry. I''ve researched them and they are a family owned business located in two states only (but all or most of their locations are in malls.) Thus, my question is...do the same rules apply to avoiding mall stores even if the store doesn''t seem to be a chain per say but a family owned business?

Let me know your thoughts on this as I want to purchase the highest quality Ritani and i''m not sure if it''s even possible for one store to sell a lower grade or quality Ritani than another.

P.S.
I think this setting would end up being sent to Ritani to be made since I have my own diamond so I''m not sure how much this jeweler really has to do with the actual Ritani setting. Please help, I need guidance!

One other question, anyone know what price range I should expect for the endless love halo engagement ring to cost if I have a .5 (I know that''s small for you guys Old Miners cut diamond in the center? I can''t find the info online and don''t really know what''s considered overpriced. Again, much help needed.

 

[upgrading mama]

I don''t think it is considered a chain in the true sense of the word. Since it is family owned and carries some high end things. They may carry a mix of average mall things along with the finer pieces, since a large percentage of their market would be average consumers.
I would say as long as the people you are dealing with are knowledgable and the stuff is certified by reputable labs, then it''s all good.

my 2 cents.

 

[Mingo]

Good to know, okay here''s where I ask a stupid question. When you say to make sure their jewelry is certified by reputable labs, how do I find out if it is? If it''s a designer peice such as Ritani, would it have some sort of certificate with it? Gosh I know that sounds like a dumb question, but other than looking for certified diamonds and the 4 c''s I don''t really know what else to look for. Please, guidance before I make a costly mistake.

BTW, Thanks so much for your input!!!

 

[upgrading mama]

Mingo,

there are no stupid questions here, if you can ask them here, where can you ask them??

When you buy a loose stone (one that isn''t in a ring) it will come with a certification from a lab. GIA is recognized as the most accurate in general (I believe) and then there are several other labs, like UGL, AGS, AGSL and I am sure many others.

The setting from Ritani will have a little paper attached to it that tells you the quality of the side stones, but I don''t know if you buy your own center stone, or if you have to buy it through them.. I believe you have to get it from them, but I have never bought a ritani, so I don''t know, I am sure someone else will chime in with that answer.....



Just know that the chain stores, ie. Zales, kay''s etc, sell mounted rings that sell them with no certification, and the stones are in a ''range'' for color and clarity. Which basically means you are probably going to pay for more than you will get.

Whatever your question, ask it here, the ''experts'' will be able to help you, I know they helped me!!

 

[mrssalvo]

Ritani will let you set your stone. The ring will be stamped Ritani on the inside of the band. I seriously wouldn''t worry about any type of ring switch or scam. As for the price, Pearlman''s is a PS vendor who carries Ritani so you could always email them and ask for a quote just so you have something to compare with your local jeweler. I have found Pearlman''s prices to be better than any of the other Ritani dealers I looked at.

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 9/5/2006 10:17:27 PM
Author: mrssalvo
Ritani will let you set your stone. The ring will be stamped Ritani on the inside of the band. I seriously wouldn''t worry about any type of ring switch or scam. As for the price, Pearlman''s is a PS vendor who carries Ritani so you could always email them and ask for a quote just so you have something to compare with your local jeweler. I have found Pearlman''s prices to be better than any of the other Ritani dealers I looked at.

I agree, call or email Bill Pearlman for a quote, his prices are very competitive. Good luck!!!

 

[Mingo]

Thanks all! I feel a whole lot better knowing where I can start off.

I swear, buying a ring is ten times harder than buying a house. LOL. Thanks all for the help, as always it is very much appreciated. Trust me though, there will be more questions to come until I have this ring in my hand.

P.S.
The stone I plan on putting in the Ritani setting is an heirloom diamond (an old miners cut, but it actually looks round so it could be an Old European cut). I asked on this forum before if Ritani works with herilooms and I got a positive response. Here's hoping...!

 

[~*Alexis*~]

Good Luck!! Sounds like it is going to be gorgeous!! Can''t wait to see pics!