Where to buy in LA or NY...

[realtanu]

I am in the market for an engagement ring. I moved to Orange County, California and a perusal of this board confirms there are not a lot of great engagement ring shopping options in the OC.

What am I better off doing, buying a ring in NY or LA? I will be flying into NY for a day in May. I would like to spend a few hours checking out 1, 2 or 3 different purveyors. My budget is ~$10-15K. I figure it for a ~1.5ct (+/-) asscher or cushion (more rectangular cushion cut) on a simple (e.g. classic) setting. Recipient is very petite and very classic/understated in terms of style. Does''t want to be flashy, but will appreciate a good ring. I originaly thought 1.3ct might be best for her, but think I can go a little larger (1.5-1.75ct). as you can tell, I don''t have the exact cut/size in mind yet and require a decent selection of diamonds to figure that out. Went to Tiffany''s in OC and not a large selection unfortuantely (albeit larger than other stores). I figure benefit from buying in NY is also avoiding sales tax by getting diamond/ring shipped to CA.

Assuming I am right to shop in NY.. which 3 purveyors should I search out? Should I schedule a visit with the Leon characther (although am I leery of pushy/arrogant folks who may push me to get something I do not want, as i am not 100% sure yet).

Thank you for any suggestions!

 

[yssie]

Haha I would not suggest meeting with Leon if you're calling him "the Leon character" in your head. His work truly has no parallel though.



That said, have you considered purchasing online? You'll likely save quite a bit on a diamond of fantastic quality.

 

[CharmyPoo]

In LA, good options are SingleStone and 23rd Street Jewelers. I visited with both of them and were pleased. There is also the custom jeweler, Maytal Hannah, who does good work.

If you decide to purchase in NYC, visit ERD and GOG. Leon won''t work with you unless you already have a diamond or perhaps plan to buy a diamond from him.

 

[Bosie]

GOG is on Long Island
check out www.secureideals.com, ask for megan

 

[realtanu]

Thanks for the suggestions. I have gone on BlueNile and that is pretty much the only online I have used. I am open to whatever. I guess I am early in my search since I do not yet have an exact diamond (shape, carat, ratio) picked out yet.

I''m nervous of visiting a guy like Leon in that condition. Years ago when I knew nothing about suits I was "bullied" by a tailor at Barneys to buy a suit that I felt did not suit me well (I was right). It wasn''t they were mean spirited, they knew more than me and felt they knew what was best for me. Per messages on this board it sound like Leon does great work, but he can be difficult to work with because he is particular. I am particular as well, and since I do not know exactly what I want, I am fearful that he would hate a customer like me. I am OK with him sourcing a diamond since he apparently can do that well (I would get a 2nd opinion on a diamond as well, assuming that wouldn''t offend him) - or is there a large fee here for the service? Is my price range within his normal working range?

I will definiltely hit up 23rd Street jewelers and singlestone. I like the idea of vintage adding some more romance to the stone. Similarly having someon elike Leon do a ring as well is pretty great for a new ring for the long-term. I am fearful that 23rd Street jewelers may be a bit gaudy in terms of their designs, but they are the most "local" to me so I will check them out. I was planning on checking out their satellite showroom but perhaps that is a bad idea as it will have less inventory.

I appreciate all the help folks.

Unfortunately won''t have time to hit up Long Island.

 

[realtanu]

ERD looks like another great option. Thanks

 

[Gypsy]

I would call ahead and ask the vendors for appointments and ask them if they have anything that fits your criteria. But GOG is one I would visit. And I would visit Leon, if he had anything that fit my criteria. And I''d call Mark at Engagement Rings Direct.

In LA... Singlestone and 23rd Street Jewelers (though the later is more for browsing, than for buying).

 

[realtanu]

Thanks again. When you said phone ahead and ask what fits criteria, are you referring to stone, setting or both? I figured an appointment with Leon should be for both stone and setting.. and I still need to spend some time establishing what I want.

Just too many things going on right now.. moved and started a new job, trying to get apartment settled in.. and need to get this engagement ring taken care of!

Thanks!

 

[luvmyhalo]

ID Jewelry is in NY as well. Give Yekutiel a call, he''s great to work with!

http://idjewelryonline.com/

 

[Gypsy]

Both. Let them know exactly what you want to see. There is no "over communicating" just be polite and clear about what you are looking for and want to see, or else it will just be a waste of time and an exercise in frustration for you and for them. Good luck!