Your first reaction to this ring.....? [Costcp]

[Andrew8527]

Well it seems that I have helper ring shoppers....I've just been informed of what might be a good deal, at Costco, mind you. I realize the info I have is not even close to "complete"....but what's your gut reaction when I give you these specs?

- 3 stone platinum setting
- 1.4 ctw (1.0 ct center stone, GIA and IGI cert)
- VS1, I color center stone
- $3999

I would imagine it looks something like this one, which is the 2.0ctw version...(I didn't see the actual ring myself).

So the big mystery questions here are.....cut of the center stone? sidestone specs? What else?

Even without that info, if you had assume worst case about the unknowns, what do you think of this ring for the money?

Hot deal?
Nothing special?

I'll likely go ahead and snag it, so long as it can be returned after further inspection. Just curious if anyone has any thoughts....about this ring or about Costco jewelry in general.

Thanks in advance..

Andy

 

[lindsal]

Well, first off, I think it's pretty. But you are right, no way to tell WHAT and HOW it actually is with the information provided.

However, there is a ton of old threads about Costco jewelry purchase on Pricescope, use search above to wade through them for information. And if the return policy is iron-clad, I'd say go for it, and if you don't find that it is what you want after having it looked at by a knowledgable independent source, promptly return it and keep on looking.

 

[reena]

my honest first reaction is that the ring is very pretty but that i personally would not purchase a diamond from costco. maybe give one of the pricescope vendors (or a trusted local vendor) a shot.

 

[Diamondsbybree]

It is a pretty ring.

 

[Andrew8527]

my honest first reaction is that the ring is very pretty but that i personally would not purchase a diamond from costco. maybe give one of the pricescope vendors (or a trusted local vendor) a shot

You know early on in this process, I must admit that I never even thought I'd consider Costco. I'm actually not even a member there--my SO and her family are big on Costco. But I've done quite a bit of reading of old posts in the archives, and I've realized it's worth at least including them as one of my options. I was moreso considering them for just a diamond--not a complete ring. If they don't end up being competitive ($) or if there's too much mystery about the stone....I won't buy there.

I've got nothing against any of the PS vendors, but like most people, I'm out to get the best deal I can.....and if that turns out to be at Costco then so be it. Like so many people will reiterate here--a diamond is a diamond. So long as it comes with AGS or GIA cert, or if I can verify those facts by an independent party--I'm fine if it comes from Costco.

 

[reena]

yes i agree--IF you can verify what you're getting and IF they have the best price, then go for it. (for example, are the stones in the ring you posted certified?)

i myself would just be more comfortable purchasing from a vendor that is actually in the business and that actually knows something about diamonds. that's all. good luck!

 

[z78gml]

I BOUGHT MY RING AT COSTCO AS WELL. I'M VERY HAPPY WITH IT. I FOUND IT TO BE A LEAST 1 THOUSAND DOLLARS CHEAPER THAN EVERYONE ELSE. I SEACHED THE WEB AS WELL AS THE LOS ANGELES JEWELRY MART. WITH COSTCO YOU GET A GIA CERT AS WELL AS A IGI CERT ( FOR DIAMONDS 10,000 OR MORE????)

 

[lmurden]

I think is the is very pretty and I too have looked into diamond rings at Costco and I would go there any day over the mall. Good luck.

 

[Andrew8527]

yes i agree--IF you can verify what you're getting and IF they have the best price, then go for it. (for example, are the stones in the ring you posted certified?)

i myself would just be more comfortable purchasing from a vendor that is actually in the business and that actually knows something about diamonds. that's all. good luck!

Yes, GIA and IGI certified center stone. Doubt the side stones are cert though. I understand exactly what you're saying though.....it's all good. Thanks!

 

[alexah]

something seems amiss.... the price is too low. for the 2 tcw version you posted ($7500), it states as follows (from the website):

This classic three-stone ring offers feminine, graceful lines and incredible shine. Features a 1.00 ct round brilliant cut center diamond accented by two 0.50 ct brilliant cut side diamonds.

Platinum
Total diamond weight: 2.00 ctw

We guarantee that all diamonds supplied by Costco Wholesale are as follows: Clarity to be "VS2" or better and color to be "I" or better as outlined on the industry grading guide.

This item comes with a Summation Of Appraisal certificate from the International Gemological Institute (IGI). This is to certify that the item described above is genuine, and has been independently examined in the laboratories of IGI.

(leaving out the accuracy of IGI, the quality of the cut, and the accuracy of an appraiser having to appraise the stones while already set) what strikes me about your deal is that your version - 1ct center w two .2ct sides is $4K - whereas the above version - 1ct center w two .5ct sides would be $3.5K more.... are you sure your center stone will be 1ct??

 

[Andrew8527]

"something seems amiss.... the price is too low"

It is. I just called the store myself, come to find out it's a princess cut center stone, not round as my "shopper" had told me. She apparently needs her eyes checked

Looks like I jumped the gun on this one, sorry to get everyone excited. I'll verify first before posting next time.....heh.

 

[z78gml]

When i purchased my ring at costco they told me if i'm not satisfied i can return my ring in one year. They have a lifetime warranty. They dont price rings with a rapport report they just mark up 700 from their cost. They purchase their diamonds in the ideal range and garranty all their diamonds to not be less than a i color, with vs2 clarity. They have daimond brochures at costco. Every diamond they purchase costco is reexamined by their gemologists. I was lucky enough to get a copy of my rings gia cert so i look around before i actually made my purchase ( they dont do that). You can see my ring on Show me the Ring. hope this info helps.

also - if you have a american express you can get back 1-1.5% back and if you have a costco executive card you can get back money as well.

i got back $1000.00 back

 

[fire&ice]

----------------
On 9/27/2004 1:25:35 PM z78gml wrote:

When i purchased my ring at costco they told me if i'm not satisfied i can return my ring in one year.

also - if you have a american express you can get back 1-1.5% back and if you have a costco executive card you can get back money as well.

i got back $1000.00 back
----------------

True about the rebates. 2% w/ the executive card.

But, 1 year? Our Costco has a 30 day return policy. I have heard the Costco person state that when showing a diamond. They also encouraged the person to have the ring independently appraised.

I would visit their website. They have most styles, etc listed & pictured there. Though it has been my experience that Costco is less than a jewelry store; but, more expensive than on line vendors when diamond shopping. I'm a costco regular & would have no problem purchasing anything from them. But, I'm not sure they are your best price for value place w/ diamonds.

Good luck.

 

[ame]

My first reaction? That Id never be in or buy from a jewelry dept in a costco.

 

[Patty]

There was someone here a while ago who got a gorgeous diamond from Sam's or Costco. I think it was an "H" color. Usually if a place says their quality is "at least an I, VS2" you'd think that almost everything they carry would be an I, VS2 but I guess sometimes they do get in better.

I can't get the link to the old thread to work, but this is what "Bogus" posted:

Hi there,
I purchased a ring from costco at first cost was $3000 but then I began to
read info on this forum and learned alot about what I should be looking for.
I didnt notice any diamonds that were H&A but I the "cert" they gave me w/
the ring I bought was basically a typed up paper that said the the diamond
was at least vs2 or better and at least I in color or better that was it.
I noticed that the IGI cert was only given to higher priced pieces. Anyway
I ended up retuning and buying from Sams club a 1.19 H&A round vs1 H in color set in platinum and it came withe an IGI cert with all the info on it you could ask for excepet what kind of flaws and where they were I am very satisfied. My selections were limited and I had to wait for them to get the stone in I was satisfied with but I was ok with that. I did take my final purchase to a jewler/appraiser to verify the info that was on the IGI cert
and everything checked out ok. Ive heard that IGI is getting better. Hope this helps you.
roni



Veronica Sampson


And this is what Jolie posted:

I didn't actually buy from Costco, but I did look into it about a year ago, and this is a summary of what I found out:

If you want to buy diamonds from Costco, don't buy the ones that are in the showroom. You can "order" a stone to meet your specifications from their representatives. Check with the store manager for contact info (I worked with their rep via e-mail). You can give the specs that you're looking for (clarity, color, cut, etc.) to the rep and they'll notify you of the available diamonds that meet your specs. They'll ship the diamond to your nearest Costco, where you can inspect the diamond before buying (you can inspect your diamond in the manager's office, not under the warehouse lights). The catch that I didn't like is that the you have to buy the diamond mounted. But they give you 30 days to take the diamond to an appraiser and have it checked out. If you don't want to keep it, return the diamond to your local Costco within 30 days for a full refund.

I liked that I could look at the diamond in person at my local Costco before paying for it, and that I had 30 days to get the diamond appraised (and that the return could be made at my local Costco). What I DIDN'T like was having to buy the diamonds mounted - so I ended up buying from somewhere else. Since I didn't actually buy from them, I can't say how their process works in real life. But in theory, it seemed like a viable option.

As for price, I was looking for two 1-carat stones. I think a 1-carat D, VVS2, cut to ideal proportions, was around $7,800 including a very cheap white gold setting, for which they (over)charge $300 or so. The stones came with GIA certs.

So, I think Costco can be a viable option. But I wouldn't purchase straight from the showroom or anything. Talk to the manager - they have other options.

 

[hoorray]

I think you are right, a diamond is a diamond, and you might be able to find a good deal at Costco. What you probably won't get is knowledgable help at Costco as you would from one of the online vendors. If you are confident in your knowledge and ability to buy unaided, I think Costco is a viable option. If you want experienced help, I assume you have to go elsewhere.

 

[Blueman33]

http://www.samsclub.com/eclub/main_std_template.jsp?CntId=yellowdiamond_splash&coe=0&oidPath=0%3a-36763&mt=a&n=0&BV_SessionID=_SC_0963878643.1096324413_CS_&BV_EngineID=ccchadcmimfiddfcfkfcfkjdgoodflf.0


Here's a stone from SAM's you might want to consider.

 

[z78gml]

RE: THE 30DAY RETURN POLICY. I JUST REMEMBER THE MANAGER TELLING ME TO KEEP THE RECEIPT. I HAD 1 YEAR TO RETURN THE RING.

I WAS READING ON PRICESCOPE UNDER COSTCO PRICING AND I HAVE ATTACHED ANEELCON QUOTE

We buy almost Everything at Costco. gas, food, jewelry, you name it! My bf just purchased a 1.66ct HVS1 H&A stone from costco for 10,500. It was a De Beers just like yours. I feel really comfortable buying from costco because because you can always return it. I think the 30 day policy someone mentioned is incorrect. I recieved an 1.0ctw anniversary band from them and one of my stones got loose and popped off (3 years later)!!! Went to costco and they replaced it for free! no questions asked. Yeah it popped off, but it had a really weird setting (prongs were really small).

Costco marks up their prices by 8% and they never buy ideal cuts or stones that are AGS certified (only igi and gia). Those are more expensive. They carry vs2 I or better quality. If you want a D IF, they probably have some in stock somewhere.

Hope this helps.

 

[Dancing Fire]

strange why would a stone come with 2 different certs gia & igi ? what happens if there are difference in color & clarity grade between the 2 service ?.why would you need igi if it comes with a gia cert ?

the one's i seen at costco only come with igi and most of them have thick girdle.

of the two stores sam's club has the better cut stones,they offer ideal cut h&a stones with igi certs.

 

[Dancing Fire]

----------------
On 9/27/2004 1:25:35 PM z78gml wrote:

When i purchased my ring at costco they told me if i'm not satisfied i can return my ring in one year. They have a lifetime warranty. They dont price rings with a rapport report they just mark up 700 from their cost. They purchase their diamonds in the ideal range and garranty all their diamonds to not be less than a i color, with vs2 clarity. They have daimond brochures at costco. Every diamond they purchase costco is reexamined by their gemologists. I was lucky enough to get a copy of my rings gia cert so i look around before i actually made my purchase ( they dont do that). You can see my ring on Show me the Ring. hope this info helps.

also - if you have a american express you can get back 1-1.5% back and if you have a costco executive card you can get back money as well.

i got back $1000.00 back
----------------

z78gm1
you said i got back $1000.00 ? so you bought a $100,000 diamond from costco ?

 

[fire&ice]

I just called Costco (2 different locations). Return policy is 30 days w/ receipt unless the item becomes damaged. Damage on Electronics is limited to 6 months. I was sure of this even before I called as I ran over the 30 days. It was pointed out to me & a manager had to approve the return. It was an article that they still stocked;so, they waived the 30 days.

Someone posted a USA today article that the largest single purchase at Costco was $235k for a diamond ring. The cut quality of the stones do vary; but, for the most part the depth & table % are not off the chart like in the Maul. They are within "ideal" range. Girdles vary; but, many of the stones have medium girdles. Though admittedly, I do only look at the rounds. With larger stones, I have seen the Pav. & Crown angles listed. The larger stones do come w/ a GIA cert & an IGI appraisal. They may also come w/ an IGI because often IGI furnishes the crown/pav angles.

I have been a member since Price Club. There quality has never disappointed me. All in all, they offer a good value. I have bought a couple of pieces of jewelry & the quality was there. Better than any of the classic zales stores. Vtigger is correct that Sam's does sell a "H&A" diamond. And, some of my friends prefer the selection at Sam's, but like Costco as well. These are friends that have bought from Fine Jewelry stores. They are interested in quality & value - not "where" something comes from.

Since the jewelry counter is front & center when you walk in, I always check the round stones out. Sometimes I jot the specs & prices & do a PS search. The prices do run higher. But, I did see a knock your socks off Princess cut in there (2 carats - fine quality). I can't remember off the top of my head, but the price was in-line. It was gone the next time I was there (usually go once a week). In our area, they have the best meats & the frozen Spinich Ravoli is outstanding.

True, they have limited knowledge about diamonds. But, at least they don't make stuff up. On the occassions when I have overheard conversations, they encourage people to take the diamond to an independent appraiser. If not fully satisfied, they can return it.

Just observations from a consumer.

I'm not advocating buying from Costco - just that I believe all venues should be explored. And, one shouldn't blindly dismiss something they haven't explored.

 

[Andrew8527]

Ok well this thread apparently has turned into a "why you should/shouldn't buy from Costco." Original topic is dead, as I found out the center stone is Princess not round as I thought (and pictured).....I posted this further up the page already.

At any rate, just to add a piece of useful information while we're on the subject of buying diamonds from Costco. I've been in contact with their special order department via email and have been given a few quotes that match my 'specifications.' Interestingly, one of the round stones she quoted me came with an AGS cert, as well as the IGI. So, for those of us who are concerned with cut, finding an AGS certified stone from them might ease that concern. Just FYI that Costco isn't limited to GIA and IGI certs. Good luck.

 

[z78gml]

THE RING I PURCHASED COST 25,299.99 USD. WITH THE COSTCO EXECUTIVE MEMBERSHIP I GOT BACK $500.00. WITH THE AMERICAN EXPRESS AFTER $5000.00 CHARGED THEY WILL GIVE YOU BACK 1.5% OF PURCHASE. AFTER TAXES I BELIEVE MY RING WAS $27387.25 X 1/5%= $410.80 - SO MY CASH BACK WAS $910.80 I ROUND IT OFF.

THE RING I GOT STANDARD TIFFANY STYLE PLATINUM BAND ( THICK )

GIA CERT
SQUARE MODIFIED BRILLIANT
MEASURMENTS 7.66X7.63X5.42 MM
WEIGHT 2.51 CARAT
DEPTH 71.0%
TABLE 69.0%
GIRDLE THIN TO MEDIUM
CULET NONE
POLISH V/GOOD
SYMMETRY V/GOOD
CLARITY GRADE VVS2
COLOR F
FLORESCENCE NONE

AND HAS GIVEN ME A IGI APPRAISEL - I THINK IT APPRASED FOR 55-60 THOUSAND - IT'S IN THE SAFE.

I WOULD AGREE WITH MOST IN THE BEGINNING I THOUGHT COSTCO. THEN I SHOPPED AROUND AND REALIZED IT WAS APPX 1000.00 CHEAPER. THE RING IS BEAUTIFUL THERE IS A TINT OF BLUE IN IT. AWESOME!

RE: THE RETURN POLICY THAT'S WHAT THE MANAGER TOLD ME. I'M NOT LOOKING TO EXCHANGE MY RING. BUT I DO KNOW THEY GUARANTEE THEIR PRODUCTS.

 

[Dancing Fire]

a couple months ago, i saw a ring at sam's club. it was a IGI cert h&a. I VVS2 1.02 ct. it was priced at $5800. it had excellent proportions. the price sounds cheap, but if i tag on 7.75% sales tax, and since it's a IGI stone, it's usually discounted. so after all that, i don't know would it been a good deal.