I know there's already a thread on the NY Diamond district, but I couldn't find it in a search. I'm probably doing something wrong, but thought I'd post another thread in case it helps others who might be buying in this area.
I visited 3 stores: Shenoa & Co, Golda, and Diamond Source. I went in expecting the stores to be really shady and thinking they were going to push the crappy stones on me. To my surprise, all 3 stores on their own (before I said I wanted GIA certs) showed me only GIA certified diamonds with excellent polish, symmetry, and cut grade. They all steered me away from EGL (though they had a ton of EGL diamonds) because their grading is so off. I was told an EGL "F" is like a GIA "I" Of course, GIA diamonds are more expensive and thus, the stores make more money, but I was impressed they didn't try to sell me just anything.
I did see a couple nice stones that I liked. SO had no intention of purchasing on the spot, so this was more of a research visit. I don't know if we will purchase from any of these places, as SO loves to haggle and they have no interest in doing so, but it was a good learning experience. SO has a friend visiting from Israel next month who works in the Boursa (sp?) and he's going to bring some stones for me to look at it. If it works out cheaper I will probably go that route.
Anyway, I hope this information is helpful to anyone thinking about buying diamonds in NY. Since I didn't purchase anything I can't speak to the entire sales & transaction experience and I'm not recommending anyone purchase from these stores, but it may be worth checking out.
I visited 3 stores: Shenoa & Co, Golda, and Diamond Source. I went in expecting the stores to be really shady and thinking they were going to push the crappy stones on me. To my surprise, all 3 stores on their own (before I said I wanted GIA certs) showed me only GIA certified diamonds with excellent polish, symmetry, and cut grade. They all steered me away from EGL (though they had a ton of EGL diamonds) because their grading is so off. I was told an EGL "F" is like a GIA "I" Of course, GIA diamonds are more expensive and thus, the stores make more money, but I was impressed they didn't try to sell me just anything.
I did see a couple nice stones that I liked. SO had no intention of purchasing on the spot, so this was more of a research visit. I don't know if we will purchase from any of these places, as SO loves to haggle and they have no interest in doing so, but it was a good learning experience. SO has a friend visiting from Israel next month who works in the Boursa (sp?) and he's going to bring some stones for me to look at it. If it works out cheaper I will probably go that route.
Anyway, I hope this information is helpful to anyone thinking about buying diamonds in NY. Since I didn't purchase anything I can't speak to the entire sales & transaction experience and I'm not recommending anyone purchase from these stores, but it may be worth checking out.
