BRILLIANT post about Tiffany diamonds by Todd from Nice Ice

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#16
Are they "supposed" to be trained in this matter or is it something people have to expect from them? I think that makes a huge difference. I'm not sure of the answer, but definitely curious.
 
#18
Oh so interesting thanks!

I pulled out the report of my ring and compared, all the numbers are on around the upper cutoffs, what does this mean?
The only thing not within the range is girdle thickness, mine is medium to slightly thick.
 
#19
Jadewah said:
Are they "supposed" to be trained in this matter or is it something people have to expect from them? I think that makes a huge difference. I'm not sure of the answer, but definitely curious.
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Trained how? Trained like, to not know a damn thing about diamonds at all? Or trained to be kind of deliberately aloof and deceptive to make a sale?

Kissmark said:
Oh so interesting thanks!

I pulled out the report of my ring and compared, all the numbers are on around the upper cutoffs, what does this mean?
The only thing not within the range is girdle thickness, mine is medium to slightly thick.
Click to expand...

Just that it's on the top end of ideal leaning more towards white light return vs colored light return.

As far as thicker girdles and more depth and why I always say NO to most of the stones posted from there: that means the stone's weight is "lost" in the height of the stone/middle of the stone, and the face up diameter of the stone is smaller than it's supposed to be for the carat size. The majority of their stones seem to be cut that way, and you're effectively paying for a 1.5 ct stone but getting a 1.3-1.35 ct stone instead.
 
#21
Very interesting article, AME.
This is why most of us, jewelry nuts, emphasize getting an ex/ideal cut.

I had to laugh at the "grading certificate" being sent out AFTER the ring was purchased!!!
 
#23
skyqueen said:
Very interesting article, AME.
This is why most of us, jewelry nuts, emphasize getting an ex/ideal cut.

I had to laugh at the "grading certificate" being sent out AFTER the ring was purchased!!!
Click to expand...

OMG I KNOW! I groaned at that. Gotta make sure they have your money and you're almost out of return period first.
 
#24
ame said:
Trained how? Trained like, to not know a damn thing about diamonds at all? Or trained to be kind of deliberately aloof and deceptive to make a sale? .
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I see your point, but it makes a difference if there is a lack of training on Tiffany's part or a lack of concern on the sale person's part. Unfortunately, at the end if the day it still leads to the same result though.
 
#25
I would have to hope that SOMEONE in their hierarchy has been trained by GIA at some point on cut and on diamond quality in general. But I have yet to encounter anyone in any of my trips in. I am generally even terrified to allow them to CLEAN my ring because I am concerned they'll not treat it with the level of care that I do and I am not able to see into the area they take it to for cleaning.
 
#27
ame said:
OMG I KNOW! I groaned at that. Gotta make sure they have your money and you're almost out of return period first.
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All my big diamond purchases have been GIA certified. While it's not the end-all, grading can be subjective, I've noticed their grading system to be pretty uniform...which I like.
I've seen some gorgeous Tiffany e-rings on this forum but lately the question has come up about the diamond's depth.
To a novice, excited about getting engaged, the last thing you'd be interested in is grading specs. That's why the Tiffany SA gives you general info on the size, color and clarity (usually under the pricetag/card) but nothing about the cut. A lot of people wouldn't know to ask. Most gals think the size/color/clarity is the most important thing when buying a diamond. But we know different :graucho:
Not to defend the Tiffany SA's but they don't have and can't get all the info required.
 
#28
Well, they CAN, it's just a time consuming process, and some SAs won't take the time, and some customers are not willing to wait. But before they even go there, it would be the best thing for any couple to learn about cut quality. The SHAPE is not a CUT. (I've heard that one before too....it is infuriating!)
 
#29
Since I've never bought a diamond solitaire from Tiffany...I was under the impression the SA's cannot give specific details out per company policy. You mean to tell me they have the certificate at the store but won't let a potential buyer look at it???

I agree...do your homework and use your instincts.
 
#30
^^ But I don't understand why you wouldn't be able to give out specific details. If I am spending my money, I should know as much about the product I'm purchasing as possible and if you can't tell me, then you don't get my money!! Now I do understand them maybe not wanting you to take paperwork of theirs out of the store for fear you'll go somewhere else and comparative shop BUT you can do that anyway so I don't get the 'secret society' of it all. It just make them look sneaky if you ask me and kind of deceptive...not saying Tiffany's is, just seems that way.

All in all, my experiences at Tiffany's have all been quite satisfying BUT of course my DH wasn't purchasing something as major as an engagement ring. I love my ring and don't think I would ever want to change it BUT if I ever did, my experiences going the custom route have been excellent. If I ever did go the designer route, I'm thinking VC&A or Harry Winston's. I've heard good things about them from friends...have you all?
 
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