HW, Cartier, Tiffany, and the like, for engagement rings... negotiable?

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#16
Annie, keep looking, you WILL find an amazing jeweler that can save you literally thousands or just a TON more for your money. Most jewelers have deigns like Tiffanys, but w/o the heinous mark up.

I know Pricescope seems primitive compared to here, have you been there?
I'd post and ask for Chicago area recommendations.
 
#17
^^^
Hey Amanda! I have visited pricescope a while back just once, but thank you for reminding me because I had forgotten about that place. I'll run a search and see if there are some recommended Chicago jewelers.

When I bought that (very modest) diamond band, the saleswoman was Chinese so I bargained with her in Mandarin... afterward after I got the price I thought was fair, as she was ringing the ring up, she said to me, "Oh well, it only cost me a little to make this." I certainly respect any business's right to make a profit, but it made me feel a little... eh?? Know what I mean? lol I just got a very weird vibe from the jewelers in that complex on jeweler's row... like I was being offered a used car instead of a diamond.

Are family-owned jewelry stores willing to work with you as much as a broker? Is that what you gals also mean by "independent broker" or are you talking about brokers you might find in a jewelry district?
 
#18
The word "broker" is overused, as you will learn on Pricescope.
We had a "broker" for years and he has access to thousands of stones as his family mines them. We still got a better stone AND a better price from my local brick and mortar store. When I told me SA there that I had found a stone on whiteflash.com w/ these certain specs and price she said "I won't be offended if you buy somewhere else, but I'll be offended if you don't give me a chance"
THANK GAWD I did! I got a slightly bigger stone, actually about a half a carat for the same price. And now I get to deal w/ a local store for cleaning, repairs, upgrade, etc. . . .
So yes, the smaller independents/family owneds are just as or more interested in wooing you.
I personally wouldn't go to a chain for the level of stone you'll want, we tried that route as well.

Oh and ITA about that woman. . . where's her head!? EEK!
 
#19
Do you have any family friends or friends who know people that own jewelry stores? Most of the jewelry my mom gives to me and other relatives are from a jewelry store owned by a fellow board member's friend. That way my mom does not really have to worry about getting ripped off or anything like that.
 
#20
IntlSet said:
LOL Hey Lori! My fairy godmother showed up!

Thank you -- I think we're going to look at both. I realize this is beyond irrational, but I have this horrible fear of getting scammed by a broker. Maybe it's because Chicago's huge jeweler's row is pretty, umm... shady looking? I visited once and bought a diamond eternity band. It seemed like a lot of bargaining was required and I'm not so hot at that. I will really, really have to educate myself before I go!
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Just make sure that you get a diamond that's certified, maybe by GIA. I know that EGL is considered the "inferior" cert, but that's what I have and in all honesty it doesn't bother me at all. Don't let your fear drive your purchase -- educate yourself first so you make an informed decision!

And my offer still stands if you want to come out to SF! :p
 
#21
brand or no brand nearly all stores are willing to work with you when it comes to pricing the nicer you are the nicer they will be kwim?

i know that branded stones or jewels are not popular on here (frankly i do not know why in fact i find it puzzling that on a designer board that is so highly against fakes or copies is so suppotive of the same thing when it comes to jewellery kind of double standard if you ask me)

i for one never regretted buying a branded piece of jewelery and by brand i not only mean the big worldwide companys everyone knows but also highly reputable local artisans(with maybe only one or two stores worldwide) who made a name on their own within the jeweller circle due to the highest quality (not only of the stones but also of the goldsmith works and the art of the sertisseur )the unique designs and the impeccable service. for me all this justifies the higher price tag . it is about the product the experience that touches all my senses etc hence i would say the same why others on here buy chanel or hermès etc. to me jewllery is more than just stones and metals !

i hope i did not offend anyone i just wanted to add my two cents
 
#22
i have always admired the website signedpieces.com

i have not purchased from them, but have heard good things....they have some similar designs to the legacy of their own brand, but a little less ornate

have fun! i envy you buying a diamond!
 
#23
it's not a double standard. . . . we all have our soft spots. Some of us have it for a designer bag, others have it for designer shoes but carry inexpensive no names bags, etc. . . .
I have a soft spot for jewelry, but no spot on me is soft for designer jewelry.
 
#24
catabie said:
when hubby and i purchased ering and wedding bands from Tiffany back in 2004, no discount was given and it's because we didnt think they would ever give and we didnt ask. Back then I never knew you could get a "discount" at a high end jewelry store like that.

fast forward 4 years and have spent countless hours talking to friends and sales, Tiffany did give 10% off to a 1 ct engagement ring a friend of mine bought.

i am not supposed to say this, I have been shopping at VC&A with at least a 10% off, unless it's an limited edition item.

So basically, it NEVER hurts to ask and negogiate, especially under this economy.
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Thanks for sharing - I had no idea that VC&A did this. I never thought to even ask. Who would have thought?? Did you ask the SA or go to a manager or something?
 
#25
Annie- I sell diamond studs and diamond hoops to several Chicago-area jewelers so I would be happy to recommend someone if you need help. Just PM me when you need me.
 
#26
Swanky Mama Of Three said:
it's not a double standard. . . . we all have our soft spots. Some of us have it for a designer bag, others have it for designer shoes but carry inexpensive no names bags, etc. . . .
I have a soft spot for jewelry, but no spot on me is soft for designer jewelry.
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^i'm with your philosophy, although i don't have the amazing jewelry that you do....to back it up!
 
#28
I love my designer jewleries but I see why some people would rather spend money or other things-totally understandable.

Now, although I am happy with my designer engagement ring, I am MOST likely going to find an upgrade with a local reputable jeweler to save some money. Swanky said it right-many of them can make Cartier and Tiffany design with a huge mark down.

But, I do love my VC&A pieces and although many people think they are overprice which I agree somewhat; they do make my heart sing every time i wear them and to be that's the most important thing.

Good luck searching IntlSet! Ever consider going to Asia to purchase diamonds?
 
#29
These are my thoughts, too. If you like a particular style, however, a reputible jeweler can make a piece very similar to it. That would be the way to go for $$ sake. If you would like to have a ering from Tiffany, (who wouldn't?) then I certainly would go for it. Be aware, however, you will probably get a much smaller diamon for the money. Either way, you are the one who will be wearing it and have to love it, so go for what you want!
 
#30
My fiance got my e-ring from Cartier and they were very sweet about helping out with his budget. I believe they gave a 12%.

I love my ring and how the fact that it is from Cartier. But honestly not one person has asked me where it's from. I definitely do think the size is what people sees first.
 
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