11 replies to this topic

[smittywrestler]

To me it seems that the internet sites are a lot cheaper than the stores. How is this possible. There are some that I have seen on this website like union diamonds that are very cheap and they have the GIA cert to go with them. So is it a hoax or the real deal. Now don't get the impression that I am trying to knock any of these companies I just want the best deal.

Best regards.

[highfly]

It's *usually* the real deal, not always. The site you mentioned, Union Diamonds, is very definitely the real deal, IMHO.

There's a good article on this site that talks about the difference between online and stores. Even with reputable places like Union, there are tradeoffs you should consider before buying online. Here is that article:

[url="http://www.diamond.info/diamonds/diamonds_jewelers_online.shtml"][url]http://www.diamond.info/diamonds/diamonds_...rs_online.shtml[/url][/url]

[ringring2]

i was wondering that too. looked at the article you posted highfly. what happens if you buy a ring from an internet site and then don't like it?

thnx

[highfly]

If you don't like it, you return it.

But, therein lies the rub. You must ensure that your chosen Internet vendor has a return policy compatible with your decision-making process. That means checking the amount of time on the return policy, usually in number of days, what fees you will be charged (restocking fees, shipping fees, etc.), and any other rules.

You will find that return policies are fairly tight; this is just another result of the low pricing that Internet jewelers typically offer. The reputable online jewelers do honor their return policies as long as you're returning within the allotted number of days and you comply with their other rules.

[TheRock]

Do not settle for less than a thirty day, entire money back guarantee. Watch out for restocking fees, credit card fees and other "return fees". It's got to be 100% of what you paid for the stock item. Keep in mind that most places will not allow you to return custom or engraved items.

Make sure that the vendors return policy is posted on the site or that you get it in writing. Your credit card company will protect you and will guarantee that the vendor honor it's policies if you pay via that method.

There are substantial savings for wire transfer payments. Make sure you are 100% sure of the return policy before you make your purchase in this manner.

[ringring2]

getting a return policy in writing seems pretty ify. i've been to a lot of sites. some of them don't even mention a return policy. do you ever get to actually talk to a person first?

[TheRock]

Quote

getting a return policy in writing seems pretty ify. i've been to a lot of sites. some of them don't even mention a return policy. do you ever get to actually talk to a person first?

Most internet sites have an 800 number for you to call for assistance. This is also a good time to trust your first impressions. If people don't have the time of day for you now, you can be pretty much assured of how you'll fare in the event you wish to return a purchase.

You can also check out the BBB to make sure there are no complaints as well as asking about specific protection like a bond that guarantees your purchase.

[jan]

In my opinion, it is much easier to go into a store and view many diamonds with no charges before you purchase than to buy sight unseen based on a piece of paper. Also you will have more choices and be able to see how beautiful the stone is before you lay out your hard earned dollars. Not to mention getting the services of seeing many different types of mountings and the service of the stone set, upgrades, appraisals, cleanings etc.

It's kind of like the difference of buying a hamburger at McDonald's drive through where they throw the food out the window at you or dining at a fine restauraunt. Of course McDonalds is cheaper but you also experience the atmosphere, service etc at the restaurant. Generally the menu is larger as well.



Jan
www.dbof.com

[leesuper73]

jan, on Oct 14 2004, 12:11 PM, said:

In my opinion, it is much easier to go into a store and view many diamonds with no charges before you purchase than to buy sight unseen based on a piece of paper. Also you will have more choices and be able to see how beautiful the stone is before you lay out your hard earned dollars. Not to mention getting the services of seeing many different types of mountings and the service of the stone set, upgrades, appraisals, cleanings etc.

It's kind of like the difference of buying a hamburger at McDonald's drive through where they throw the food out the window at you or dining at a fine restauraunt. Of course McDonalds is cheaper but you also experience the atmosphere, service etc at the restaurant. Generally the menu is larger as well.



Jan
www.dbof.com

Nice logic. Speaking as a salesman myself. (I sell nice new Acura)
The only problem with that is I would like to keep as many of my hard earned dollars in my pocket and am willing to settle for a certified diamond from a trusted online retailer and save myself THOUSANDS of dollars.
I was very satisfied with Uniondiamond.com the lady Barbara was amazing and friendly.
I can't say the same for affinitydiamonds.com but 1 out of 2 aint bad.

[aprilbaby]

The "menu" is so much larger on an internet diamond site - most stores you visit don't carry GIA or AGS certified diamonds, and if they do, they're knocking you over the head on price for them. And most stores employ people that aren't graduate gemologists - the mall stores hire people in sales - I once was waited on by a guy that told me he had been selling dvd players the months before - I turned around and walked out, of course.

Believe it or not, more recognizable companies like Union Diamond offer guarentees that you can't even get in a store. I know of jewelry stores that don't even give cash back, let alone for 30 days. I'll never buy another piece of jewelry from a store that doesn't give a 30 day return. Period.

[JamesAllen]

"Why are the internet sites cheaper?"

The best way to find out the answer to that question would be to call some online vendors and see why there prices are so inexpensive. Here's just a few bits of advice that I would offer.....

1. If you're looking for a diamond over 1/2ct, try to stick with only
diamonds graded by GIA. GIA is the most respected lab in the world and is
your guarantee of a properly graded diamond.
2. Only work with online vendors that provide 100% refunds if you're
dissatisfied. That means you get back all your shipping costs, credit card
charges and purchase amount. Our company (unlike most others) will even
refund your RETURN shipping costs!
3. Shop around. Although the "cheapest" price isn't always the best value,
look for online vendors who offer better than average discounts.
4. Get your purchase appraised! Independant appraisers are best, since
they don't have a bias nor do they care whether or not you bought the
diamond over the internet.
5. Lastly, enjoy yourself! Shopping for a diamond should be fun. While
it's important to get a diamond education by reading diamond tips, spend
some time looking at diamonds locally. Also don't be afraid to call and ask
for some advice on the phone!

Best wishes,

[jan]

I happen to have a store for 20 years and we have sold on the internet for over 4 years. We are competitive and we also can offer the full service of setting the stone etc. and also can give you more information than just a few numbers on a paper. We actually * look* at the diamonds before we sell them. How else would we be able to provide the additional information and make sure the stones match the lab reports etc. We've invested a lot of money in our store so people can come in and see product etc. I wouldn't automatically think that a store is more expensive. You just need to shop better maybe. Otherwise why would people drive hundreds of miles to come see us or fly down here to see our store?

I can tell you one thing, if all I had was empty showcases with pictures of things instead of the product they would surely be disappointed. Say your looking for a 3/4 ct. diamond. I have 20 different stones in this area that can actually be viewed. When you order from an internet site, do you see 20 stones at once? No you pick one and you don't really get to compare. Your buying off of paper. This is what I meant by a larger menu. Most of these internet sites don't even own or see the goods they represent on their sites.

We also took the time to educate ourselves about our products as well. I wasn't a web developer last week.
There 1000's of retail stores that have AGS and GIA graded diamonds. Many are independent jewelers.




Jan
www.dbof.com