We are heading to NYC in a couple of weeks for our 10 yr anniversary. Hubby and I were planning on splurging and buying gifts (jewelry) as well and were wondering if it was worth it to wait and shop in the Diamond District as part of our anniversary trip. Specifically we are looking for diamond stud earings for me and a watch for him. Is it worth taking time out of vacation for this? Is it an experience and/or are there better prices? Is the diamond district wholesale only (and unavailable to us) or are there retail shops as well? Is it reputable or will we be sized up as marks and taken advantage of?

Thanks for any thoughts on this matter!

Kim

It might be fun to window shop there, but I wouldn't recommend buying anything. There have been consumer investigations in a lot of these stores and the bottom line is, you won't be getting any great bargains and a few of the places were proven to be rip-offs. Some even switched peoples diamonds for inferior ones when they were being cleaned or repaired.

I wouldn't chance it unless you really know jewelry. You're better off buying from a reputable local shop than in the diamond district, that's for sure.

If you've never been, the diamond district can be fun to walk thru just for the experience. Be prepared for hawkers outside the stores who will try to engage you in conversation in attempt to get you into their store. If you're just looking for a small item, and you've done your homework beforehand, there's probably nothing wrong with doing some shopping there. (Yes, individuals can purchase from the various booths.) You will probably find that you will be on sensory overload after the first few stores/booths. However, for major purchases, such as diamond studs (assuming they're good sized) it's usually best to have a personal recommendation from someone you trust.

A friend of mine has bought several times in that area, but I can't tell you the stores. She says she always tells them up front that she has a friend who is a licensed appraiser and wants it in writing that she can return anything within 24 hours after purchase. She feels it makes a real difference what they show her. By the way, she doesn't have a friend who is an appraiser.

Kim, here are a couple of websites that will answer your questions. IMO, the Diamond District has been around for many years and the majority of the stalls are reputable. The rotten apple stories always stand out. You and hubby could browse the Diamond District and see whatever catches your eye. It would be fun and then ask one of the jewelers where to get the best blintzes on that block for a true NY lunch experience

http://www.47th-street.com

http://www.mcny.org/nytradeoffs/diamond.htm

It never hurts to look in the shops along the Diamond District. It is a well-established area with reputable businesses. As a previous poster pointed out - there will always be a couple of bad experiences in such a popular area. Even if you choose not to buy there, you can also window shop/buy moving north along 5th Avenue from Fortunoff's to Tiffany's and many, many other shops in between.

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If you could get a name as a recommendation it would help you with the diamond dealers.
The consumer investigations have only been with a few who are not the long established dealers who are trustworthy.
My sister in law has many lovely pieces from an old man that she first met when she was engaged. Now 40 years later, he is still selling diamonds.
Have fun and Happy Anniversary!

bookmarking

This is an 8 year old thread, I would really search out more current info!

The diamond district is still there and still a good place if you know exactly what you want and the appropriate prices. You can window shop - but it's not a place to casually shop and buy anything - until you know a lot about diamonds and what a fair price is - or you can grossly overpay and get an obviously flawed stone.