Choosing a Jewelery store for a diamond
I am looking to get an engagement ring and I've done my research on
the net. I know enough about grading and certification that now I'm
ready to see some diamonds. I would like to get answers to a couple
of questions that I haven't yet been able to find on the internet.
Sorry if this is a repeat. If it is, someone just send me the link to
the original.
1) Being new at this, I feel that I should take some time and just
look at diamonds. I want to go somewhere that I can do this without
the pressure to buy or the guilt that I may buy elsewhere. I
understand that this may not actually be possible since businesses
need to make money, but what might my best bet be? A major diamond
store (Shane Co.), a mall jeweler, a local jeweler?
2) I want to get something unique (not glitzy), just something that
won't make my girl feel like every other girl is wearing the same
ring. Is this where a local jeweler would come in? Do local jewelers
have large enough selection of diamonds to suit customers needs?
3) Finally, where would I go to find a list of quality jewelers in my
area?
Not worth much unless you know what to do with the information. A long term
business may have more connections, a new guy might be hungrier. A well
established store may have brand new owners, a new buisness may have owners
that have been around forever. They may ALL have alot of complaints to the
better business bureau but thats a good place to start.
Show a little class and listen closely. If you don't intend to
buy immediatly, accept a buisness card and write down the particulars on the
back AFTER you get out to your car. These people are in the jewelry SELLING
business, not the teaching business. That said, most are more than happy to
help educate you as long as you appear to be a buyer. A notebook does not
denote someone thats in the store to buy a stone.
A jewelry stores' job is to sell you jewelry. You may not LIKE
hard sell, but that does not necessarily mean that they are not giving you the
best deal, or the best advice. As a matter of fact, the fact that they are
actually selling jewelry (as opposed to just being counter help) may in fact
show that the owner/manager is highly motivated to sell jewelry. This could
seriuosly work in your favor.