Buying Diamonds/engagement ring in NYC

Posted by Lainey 
Hi,

Myself and my boyfriend will be travelling to NYC next month and we are planning on buying an engagement ring over there to save us some money. I've read a few websites which have warned me against buying anything in the Diamond District on 47th St.! So now we're a bit confused as to where to go to buy the diamond and get a bargain on it. We don't want to be taken for a ride or get cheated out of money.

Can anybody recommend somewhere to buy a diamond thats not over the top expensive (as much as I'd love to buy in Tiffany's, its just a bit out of our price range! smiling smiley and somewhere reputable that won't stiff us with a fake one or one thats worth less than we pay? We just want to get the best ring for the money we can afford.

Thanks so much!
Don't be put off by Tiffanys. It depends where you're traveling from, but with the £/$ exchange rate you should be able to get something half decent from Tiffanys. They've got a selection of gear in there (although I've never bought diamonds from there), but it's not all expensive.
This should be a once in a lifetime purchase..so, why not make it a memorable one!

At least go an dhave a look...and enjoy the experience!
three co-workers of mine recently purchased rings/diamonds from Golda Jewelry Co at 29 W. 47th St, and all were very pleased with their purchases and the service.
[www.goldajewelry.com]
I had them take loose stones I had and they made them into a gorgeous ring for me.
Re: Buying Diamonds/engagement ring in NYC
March 08, 2007 06:11PM
I wouldn't buy Tiffanys, you pay extra for the name. I have 2 items from Tiffanys which were each valued at $1000 less than I paid for them when I had them valued for insurance.
Oracle?
Re: Buying Diamonds/engagement ring in NYC
March 08, 2007 07:45PM
I bought a watch from a recommended jeweler in the diamond district, and he sold me a counterfeit. Unless you're a gem expert, I think it's too easy to be scammed. I do trust Fortunoff's. It's on 5th Ave. just a couple of block down from Tiffany's.

Before you buy anything, KNOW what it is you're getting. I think Tiffany's has a buying guide on their web site (Fortunoff might as well), but you should do just a bit of research.
Re: Buying Diamonds/engagement ring in NYC
March 09, 2007 08:11AM
when I had these loose diamonds I wanted made into a ring, I had them appraised and "mapped" out first (get a certificate which identifies your individual diamond). I brought the exact measurements of the diamonds to the jeweler and had him make the setting, but I did not leave the diamonds, because of the possibility of them switching the diamond either for a different diamond, or a fake. When the setting was ready, I brought the diamond to them and watched them with my own eyes put the stone in the setting.
I'd like to recommend Martinique jewellers on Seventh Avenue (sorry, don't know street but round about Times Square) My husband bought me a beautiful diamond eternity ring from there. Really nice, helpful staff and reasonably priced.
It's true that the Diamond District can be scary. There is a place on the south side of 47th that has individual vendors inside. They will be less intimidating. No hard sell, you just look. I got my ring there with papers and I had it independently certified. It turns out that I got a very decent deal and the stone is gorgeous.

Don't be afraid but definitely bring a pair of brass balls to 47th St. Look at store windows up and down the street to get a feel. Look at some rings if the store strikes your fancy. Don't tell them your price upfront and you can always bargain or walk -- they don't like to lose a sale. Who does? Don't tell them that you're from out of town and get a certificate for the diamond.

As for a fake diamond on 47th, fuhgeddaboutit. Check out 47th-street.com for more info.
Hello Lainey, (or any curious diamond buyer)

If you want to look on 47th street, check out the store listings at [www.diamonddistrict.org]. These stores are recommended and have to have references and credentials in order to be listed. Yes, there are some people that come to 47th st to scam because they know there's such a large market for jewelry there, but there are also retailers, jewelers, and diamond dealers that have been there for a long time and built up their reputation. Ask the store owners if they are a diamond dealer, or part of the diamond dealers club. Most will not be part of the DDC, but if they are then you're in luck and you're closer to the source. Check better business for complaints against certain businesses. Just a little online searching will be beneficial in the end.


Lainey Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hi,
>
> Myself and my boyfriend will be travelling to NYC
> next month and we are planning on buying an
> engagement ring over there to save us some money.
> I've read a few websites which have warned me
> against buying anything in the Diamond District on
> 47th St.! So now we're a bit confused as to where
> to go to buy the diamond and get a bargain on it.
> We don't want to be taken for a ride or get
> cheated out of money.
>
> Can anybody recommend somewhere to buy a diamond
> thats not over the top expensive (as much as I'd
> love to buy in Tiffany's, its just a bit out of
> our price range! smiling smiley and somewhere reputable that
> won't stiff us with a fake one or one thats worth
> less than we pay? We just want to get the best
> ring for the money we can afford.
>
> Thanks so much!
Lainey

I asked the same question to this forum in 2006 as we heading over to get engaged. Somebody kindly recommended Fortunoff's rather than the Diamond District and Tiffany's. It was the most perfect experience ever, I was so well looked after (if Michael Silverman is there ask for him) The customer service, cost and price were fantastic.

Congratulations - and there is something special about having an engagement ring from my favourite city

Dawn
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