Do you negotiate $ for diamond price?
- Thread starter Phillyfan
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Ya its definitely the slowest months, there's less holidays in the summer for excuses for big purchases and like hokaplan said many people are off doing summery things
I would definitely try to negotiate at any place because you never know. For instance, I always thought the big brands don't negotiate, but this weekend my boyfriend and went to see some e-rings at Tiffanys and he (out of curiosity) asked if there are any discounts on the sticker price. The sales replied and said she'll see what she can do. Therefore, it never hurts to ask. 
It is very, very common for customers to negotiate on loose diamonds and the mountings too (I work in a jewelry store). To some, it is quite easy, others not so much but they still bring up the topic of "what's my price?". If you're uncomfortable bringing it up, you can print off a price sheet from Bluenile or any other REPUTABLE website and use that as a negotiation tool. You definitely may not get what is listed on the sheet but it will be a starting point. Good Luck!
Op,
I'm not sure where you are looking to buy but I would personally stay away from larger chain stores. I live in NY and only buy my diamonds from the diamond district here. I purchased a 5 stone anniversary ring (2 tcw) yesterday and then walked into Tiffany to compare pricing. The difference was about $15,000 I saved! (for the same cut, clarity color AND carat!!!) You have a huge advantage dealing with a smaller merchant who really needs the business and has room to negotiate. As a rule of thumb, the ticket price is always doubled. So if the price is $5000, you can knock off half right away. Then they will usually take 1/3-1/2 off that! Smaller jewlers assume you will negotiate so they price their items in the event you will and if you DONT, better for them! It never hurts to try.
Where are you purchasing from? (what state or country?)
I'm not sure where you are looking to buy but I would personally stay away from larger chain stores. I live in NY and only buy my diamonds from the diamond district here. I purchased a 5 stone anniversary ring (2 tcw) yesterday and then walked into Tiffany to compare pricing. The difference was about $15,000 I saved! (for the same cut, clarity color AND carat!!!) You have a huge advantage dealing with a smaller merchant who really needs the business and has room to negotiate. As a rule of thumb, the ticket price is always doubled. So if the price is $5000, you can knock off half right away. Then they will usually take 1/3-1/2 off that! Smaller jewlers assume you will negotiate so they price their items in the event you will and if you DONT, better for them! It never hurts to try.
Where are you purchasing from? (what state or country?)
While there are definitely a lot of deals in NYC, I would be careful about some of the Diamond District vendors. There are many legitimate stores, but just as many stores that sell fracture-filled diamonds or other treated diamonds that they do not disclose and are difficult to identify. If you google this, you'll find dozens of people that have been scammed on 47th St. That said, I've had great experiences on 47th st, but you need to 1. get everything in writing 2. inspect the diamonds yourself with a loup, and 3. if it's a large single stone, insist on getting one with a GIA certificate!
Good luck with your diamond shopping. If the vendor is not willing to give you the diamond you want at a price you are okay with, it is always okay to walk away! Someone else will sell it to you.
Good luck with your diamond shopping. If the vendor is not willing to give you the diamond you want at a price you are okay with, it is always okay to walk away! Someone else will sell it to you.