5 replies to this topic

[looking4d]

I am looking to buy an engagement ring, and I decided instead of getting the complete ring, get a loose stone (round brilliant), then let her choose the setting afterwards.
Quick questions - if I buy a stone, it should be very easy for any store to set it in a setting, right?

Now theres 2 choices for buying the stone - internet or store.

I am leaning towards the internet because (my thought) is that it would be cheaper since they have less overhead.

So here's my question, what is the best online store in terms of packaging and cost?
Since I will just be getting the stone, I need a nice package to put it in.

I found this link:
[url]http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/diamond-stud-earrings/[/url]
within the link, the wooden box from James Allen looks the best out of the 4 stores listed.
Blue Nile is second, the other two were generic.

So, so far I am leaning towards James Allen...any opinions?

Thanks!

[davidelevi]

Setting - yes and no. First of all, there are significant advantages in getting the same company take care of the supply of both ring and diamond, as well as the setting labour: this way, responsibility for the quality of the work is clear and you avoid being caught in the middle. This does not prevent you from carrying out your plan; most good dealers carry a wide variety of settings and/or can get settings custom made - you can choose the stone and then you can pick the setting together.

On the internet vs. store - bear in mind that many internet retailers are perfectly viable stores; they just use the internet to increase their reach. However it is true that in general internet prices are highly competitive and lower than on the high street.

Boxes: there's plenty of suppliers of boxes - even eBay has some decent offers in that category. Please don't choose a supplier based on the box. Pick them because they have the best price, the best stones or the best service - of which packaging may be a small part. Diamonds are relatively commoditised as gems go, but there's still a lot of difference between one diamond and another.

Finally one word about the site you linked: beware of Greeks bearing gifts. The site is owned by a marketing affiliate of James Allen and a couple of other vendors. Take what you read there, particularly as it concerns vendor comparisons, with a big pinch of salt. James Allen is a perfectly decent business, but don't fall into the trap of believing what one of their marketing affiliates says about them without a bit of scepticism.

[denverappraiser]

James Allen does have pretty cool packaging, especially for loose stones, but I must say, I think you’re the first person I can think of who has mentioned that as a reason for choosing a particular diamond dealer over their various competitors.

In terms of the ease of setting, it is going to depend on the mounting you choose and who is going to be doing the work. In most cases it’s not a big deal but there are some important details that come into play. If you can arrange it, there’s good reason to buy the mounting, the diamond and the assembly labor from the same source or, at most, two. It saves on fingerpointing if something goes wrong and one side is saying the craftsman was a butcher, one is saying the mounting was defective, and one is saying the diamond was defective. Nearly all diamond dealers also sell settings and can arrange the labor, and nearly all jewelers who sell mountings are prepared to set the stone as well. Special note: If you buy from more than one source, make sure you understand who is assuming the liability for damage to the stone, the mounting or both that may occur during the setting process. Terms vary quite a bit on this issue from one dealer to the next.

[looking4d]

Did not know the site was getting money from James Allen.

So maybe I should change my post to.....hows James Allen?

From some searches on the internet, it seems like its a good company.
They offer a 30 day return policy.
They allow you to view the diamond (you are purchasing) online

I think usually thats the 2 main points of concern for people. (not counting the 4 Cs)

Thanks

[denverappraiser]

There are several criteria people use in deciding what jeweler to work with and those are certainly two of them but I would not call them the only two. The short answer is that yes, JA is a reputable outfit. The decision of whether or not they’re the right outfit for YOUR deal is considerably more involved.

Edited by denverappraiser, 20 November 2010 - 11:27 AM.

[diamondadvisor]

You can buy a diamond on cheap rate and sent that to your address but what will happen if the product split because of non careful packaging. I was searching for few advice and found your post here. Also got some necessary info on [spam]. Hope, this also be benefited to you. Thanks.

looking4d, on 19 November 2010 - 11:26 PM, said:

I am looking to buy an engagement ring, and I decided instead of getting the complete ring, get a loose stone (round brilliant), then let her choose the setting afterwards.
Quick questions - if I buy a stone, it should be very easy for any store to set it in a setting, right?

Now theres 2 choices for buying the stone - internet or store.

I am leaning towards the internet because (my thought) is that it would be cheaper since they have less overhead.

So here's my question, what is the best online store in terms of packaging and cost?
Since I will just be getting the stone, I need a nice package to put it in.

I found this link:
[url="http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/diamond-stud-earrings/"][url]http://www.truthabou...-stud-earrings/[/url][/url]
within the link, the wooden box from James Allen looks the best out of the 4 stores listed.
Blue Nile is second, the other two were generic.

So, so far I am leaning towards James Allen...any opinions?

Thanks!

Attached Thumbnails

•