What would you say a normal mall jeweler has on their fashion rings/bands? Helzberg, Zales, Samuels..
Question for Swanky and other diamond experts
- Thread starter iconic321
- Start date
I'd guess they use IGI stones unless you ask for or order a GIA, I know Jared and Costco use IGI, it's too bad people don't know that it may as well not even be certified if its IGI they're so unreliable 
The IGI stones are usually at least 2 levels lower than their certification claims.
So you may buy a 1 carat E VS1 and if you get it appraised it's VERY likely to truly be a .92 carat I color SI2. Which means you were overcharged for the diamond.
ush:
Better mall stores like Bailey Banks & Biddle will have better stones. . . that's why they're a "better mall store".
Zales and Kay do not cater to customers wanting ideal stones.
The IGI stones are usually at least 2 levels lower than their certification claims.
So you may buy a 1 carat E VS1 and if you get it appraised it's VERY likely to truly be a .92 carat I color SI2. Which means you were overcharged for the diamond.
ush:Better mall stores like Bailey Banks & Biddle will have better stones. . . that's why they're a "better mall store".
Zales and Kay do not cater to customers wanting ideal stones.
Well most mall stores dont have certs.. My shaneco says their stones are very good cut.. they do carry cert stones from GIA.. most of their workers are GIA certified..
I'd guess they use IGI stones unless you ask for or order a GIA, I know Jared and Costco use IGI, it's too bad people don't know that it may as well not even be certified if its IGI they're so unreliable
The IGI stones are usually at least 2 levels lower than their certification claims.
So you may buy a 1 carat E VS1 and if you get it appraised it's VERY likely to truly be a .92 carat I color SI2. Which means you were overcharged for the diamond.
Better mall stores like Bailey Banks & Biddle will have better stones. . . that's why they're a "better mall store".
Zales and Kay do not cater to customers wanting ideal stones.
Thank you, I had no idea IGI was not as reliable.
Yes, it did
Great minds and all that...it was late here on EST and I had to get off this computer and go to bed!I actually checked with costco when we were looking for mine 8 years ago. Cause they had bragged about carrying GIA stones. They were still higher than our broker. Understand the heavy overhead costco has etc.
I look at their stuff in the store when passing. And was just "assuming' it was still GIA. You know what happens when we 'assume.'
You are right about most not knowing.
I look at their stuff in the store when passing. And was just "assuming' it was still GIA. You know what happens when we 'assume.'
You are right about most not knowing.