Jewlery at dept stores....

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Gibson486

Gibson486

Lifer
Aug 9, 2000
18,378
1
0
Buying an engagement ring at Macy's or JCPenny or maybe even Costco...yeah or nay? Cost is about 1/2 the price. I am guessing that they are not GIA diamonds or anything like that? Are they lower quality?
 
moshquerade

moshquerade

No Lifer
Nov 1, 2001
61,504
12
56
I don't think jewelry at jewelry stores is all that high quality either or at least no different than the likes of Macy's, JCpenney, etc. Chain jewelry stores are marketing lower quality diamonds just the same and selling a huge quantity at a higher mark up than the likes of JCPenney.

A custom jeweler will give you the best quality. Of course, you will pay for that.

Conclusion: I don't think there is much difference, except price, between stores like Macy's, JCPenney, Costco and chain jewelry stores like Kays - except Kays charges more.
 
ponyo

ponyo

Lifer
Feb 14, 2002
19,688
2,810
126
Costco, yes.

Macy or JC Penny, Heck No!

Costco has some really nice stuff at reasonable prices. Probably one of the best places to buy jewelry.
 
IndyColtsFan

IndyColtsFan

Lifer
Sep 22, 2007
33,655
687
126
I got my wife's engagement ring at Shane Co. and I've been happy. It was more expensive but it has a lifetime guarantee, free cleanings, etc. They'll even replace the diamond if you lose it as part of their warranty. I mention that because we ALMOST had to use it once -- my wife knocked the diamond out of her ring and I almost crapped myself. Fortunately, however, we found it and they fixed the ring for free.

I'd just compare between the various stores and get what she likes. I don't know much about Costco, so I can't comment on them.

For my ring, I wanted to get a $25 cheapie at Wal Mart but my wife threw a fit. :D
 
IndyColtsFan

IndyColtsFan

Lifer
Sep 22, 2007
33,655
687
126
Hey Gibson, I did a little research and found a ring for you:

colts&
 
funboy6942

funboy6942

Lifer
Nov 13, 2001
15,320
401
126
If it looks good is all that should matter, IMO. Youre not buying the ring with intentions of ever selling it, and if she should break it off on you and goes and sells the ring off, if its lower quality it can be one more poke in the ribs from you. I also highly doubt she is going to pull out a glass piece and throw it back at you because its not GIA quality.
 
PingSpike

PingSpike

Lifer
Feb 25, 2004
21,754
599
126
As long as you get assurances that some African kid probably had his arm chopped off during the procurement of the diamond used and its not one of those classless man made diamonds you should be good. :p
 
Gibson486

Gibson486

Lifer
Aug 9, 2000
18,378
1
0
moshquerade said:
I don't think jewelry at jewelry stores is all that high quality either or at least no different than the likes of Macy's, JCpenney, etc. Chain jewelry stores are marketing lower quality diamonds just the same and selling a huge quantity at a higher mark up than the likes of JCPenney.

A custom jeweler will give you the best quality. Of course, you will pay for that.

Conclusion: I don't think there is much difference, except price, between stores like Macy's, JCPenney, Costco and chain jewelry stores like Kays - except Kays charges more.
Click to expand...

I pretty much ignore mall jewelry stores. Everytime I go there, I always get the impression i am getting ripped off and they are letting me know that that are ripping me off.
 
K

krunchykrome

Lifer
Dec 28, 2003
13,413
1
0
Gibson486 said:
Buying an engagement ring at Macy's or JCPenny or maybe even Costco...yeah or nay? Cost is about 1/2 the price. I am guessing that they are not GIA diamonds or anything like that? Are they lower quality?
Click to expand...

Nay; most likely, they are not GIA certified and their quality is not that great. Order from a website like Bluenile instead.
 
JEDI

JEDI

Lifer
Sep 25, 2001
29,391
2,737
126
Gibson486 said:
Buying an engagement ring at Macy's or JCPenny or maybe even Costco...yeah or nay? Cost is about 1/2 the price. I am guessing that they are not GIA diamonds or anything like that? Are they lower quality?
Click to expand...

buy man made diamonds

$3k for 1 caret D color, flawless
 
highland145

highland145

Lifer
Oct 12, 2009
43,973
6,334
136
Atlanta has a gift mart where wholesalers sell to retailers in the south east, jewelery included. Sis owns 2 jewelry stores, in Thompson, GA and Mexico Beach, Fl. She buys there and direct from the suppliers.

At the mart are jewelry sellers. We bought the wife's engagement ring for $1300, appraised for $3500. Loose diamonds to choose from, ring settings, etc. Typically, you have to have a business with a valid license to get in. But you can call the jewelers directly and they will come to the front and get you.

There should be a similar place near you. 3 hrs from here, in my case.

I would say no on the 3 choices in your op. If JEDI is right, I would consider man made.
 
amdskip

amdskip

Lifer
Jan 6, 2001
22,530
13
81
IndyColtsFan said:
It is. I was looking for some diamond earrings for my wife and was shocked at Blue Nile's prices.
Click to expand...
Maybe so but were you comparing apples to apples? I purchased a diamond ring and nothing would compare to the value I received, very pleased with Bluenile.
 
Gibson486

Gibson486

Lifer
Aug 9, 2000
18,378
1
0
amdskip said:
Maybe so but were you comparing apples to apples? I purchased a diamond ring and nothing would compare to the value I received, very pleased with Bluenile.
Click to expand...

I was. I just put down the specs of a diamond that the jeweler showed me. The jeweler had the diamond 1K cheaper and the setting was $500 cheaper.
 
Gunslinger08

Gunslinger08

Lifer
Nov 18, 2001
13,234
2
81
I bought from Blue Nile. You can definitely tell the difference between the guys that bought the cheaper diamonds from mall jewelry stores and the ones who bought higher quality diamonds from specialty stores. Not saying it's worth it, but you can tell the difference.
 
ponyo

ponyo

Lifer
Feb 14, 2002
19,688
2,810
126
highland145 said:
Atlanta has a gift mart where wholesalers sell to retailers in the south east, jewelery included. Sis owns 2 jewelry stores, in Thompson, GA and Mexico Beach, Fl. She buys there and direct from the suppliers.

At the mart are jewelry sellers. We bought the wife's engagement ring for $1300, appraised for $3500. Loose diamonds to choose from, ring settings, etc. Typically, you have to have a business with a valid license to get in. But you can call the jewelers directly and they will come to the front and get you.

There should be a similar place near you. 3 hrs from here, in my case.

I would say no on the 3 choices in your op. If JEDI is right, I would consider man made.
Click to expand...

I bought from that wholesale mart place in downtown Atlanta couple of times. I found the prices pretty good but not much different from Costco online website. You have to really have good connection there to get the best prices and even then it's confusing.
 
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