Diamonds in NYC
Nov 2nd, 2005 | 03:59 AM
#62
Original Poster
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Not really information overload...
My original post was basically "is Tiffanys the best place to buy a diamond in New York?". Most people gave a resounding "NO" to that question but very few offered alternatives. For those that did, I thank you. I have ruled out some of them based on what I have seen on their websites:
Harry Winston
Kwiat
I understand that Tiffanys is going to be more expensive and purely in terms of the stone will not be the best value. However, after 50 something posts I'm still leaning towards Tiffs as I don't have many other viable options. One thing I should probably make clear is that I'm not really keen on visiting 6/7 stores looking for the right ring. My goal on starting this thread was to have the name of 3/4 reputable jewelers to visit. To date, only 3/4 jewelers have been mentioned on the thread. One person was very generous and gave me quick crash course in diamonds and recommended a store he works in namely, Zales. The guy seemed very genuine (not pushy) and was suggesting some very good ideas at reasonable prices (1 ct, H, SI1 at 7,000-just an example not saying it is more or less than I want to spend). At the time I had no idea who/what Zales were (I'm not from the States). After researching them online I'm not sure if they are the best store to buy from. However, a similar diamond in Tiffanys is going to be much more expensive for a similar diamond...so what gives??? If I have the GIA certification, a great price why does it matter that it's from Zales? (I guess that's directed at you ekscrunchy)
I do appreciate everyone taking the time out to reply and apologies for the rant!!!
My original post was basically "is Tiffanys the best place to buy a diamond in New York?". Most people gave a resounding "NO" to that question but very few offered alternatives. For those that did, I thank you. I have ruled out some of them based on what I have seen on their websites:
Harry Winston
Kwiat
I understand that Tiffanys is going to be more expensive and purely in terms of the stone will not be the best value. However, after 50 something posts I'm still leaning towards Tiffs as I don't have many other viable options. One thing I should probably make clear is that I'm not really keen on visiting 6/7 stores looking for the right ring. My goal on starting this thread was to have the name of 3/4 reputable jewelers to visit. To date, only 3/4 jewelers have been mentioned on the thread. One person was very generous and gave me quick crash course in diamonds and recommended a store he works in namely, Zales. The guy seemed very genuine (not pushy) and was suggesting some very good ideas at reasonable prices (1 ct, H, SI1 at 7,000-just an example not saying it is more or less than I want to spend). At the time I had no idea who/what Zales were (I'm not from the States). After researching them online I'm not sure if they are the best store to buy from. However, a similar diamond in Tiffanys is going to be much more expensive for a similar diamond...so what gives??? If I have the GIA certification, a great price why does it matter that it's from Zales? (I guess that's directed at you ekscrunchy)
I do appreciate everyone taking the time out to reply and apologies for the rant!!!
Nov 2nd, 2005 | 06:13 AM
#64
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
I know it's tucked away, but I posted information regarding Ben Moses.
I highly recommend him - as I previously posted, my family members have been using him for decades. I've recommended him to several of my friends and they have all been extremely satisfied.
Most diamond district jewelers do not have commerical websites, so you really have to go by word of mouth.
I highly recommend him - as I previously posted, my family members have been using him for decades. I've recommended him to several of my friends and they have all been extremely satisfied.
Most diamond district jewelers do not have commerical websites, so you really have to go by word of mouth.
Nov 2nd, 2005 | 06:17 AM
#65
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,485
Likes: 0
It depends on what you want to buy. I have not found that Zales carries either particularly great stones (they rarely have anything over 1 ct) or that they have a very sizable or unique setting selection. I do not believe that they have the ability to allow you to select a stone and then have it set in any setting, but I could be wrong.
I think Fortunoff's is a good idea. They sell good quality stones, have good service and the prices are reasonable. They are trustworthy, too.
I think Fortunoff's is a good idea. They sell good quality stones, have good service and the prices are reasonable. They are trustworthy, too.
Nov 2nd, 2005 | 06:29 AM
#67
Original Poster
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
ekscrunchy,
Didn't really see anything that appealed to me (and knowing my girlfriend's taste anything that would appeal to her)...both seemed to have rings that I would consider over-elaborate for my taste. Looking for something classical as in a solitaire or a 3 stone. Maybe the website isn't a fair representation but it's all I have to go on at the moment...
LMMW, Thanks for that. I have noted the name and address of your guy and will pay a visit to him.
Didn't really see anything that appealed to me (and knowing my girlfriend's taste anything that would appeal to her)...both seemed to have rings that I would consider over-elaborate for my taste. Looking for something classical as in a solitaire or a 3 stone. Maybe the website isn't a fair representation but it's all I have to go on at the moment...
LMMW, Thanks for that. I have noted the name and address of your guy and will pay a visit to him.
Nov 2nd, 2005 | 06:43 AM
#68
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,666
Likes: 0
most people who buy at tiffany do so because of the tiffany name. when showing off a tiffany ring to their friends, women will generally mention that it is a tiffany...instant name recognition across all classes of people.
with the one word, "tiffany" the ring, the man, and the relationship, etc are given a level of instant credibility to friends and family. one does not have to explain that it is a high quality ring or quote its colour and clarity ratings (how crass anyway). the one word "tiffany" says that it is a high quality, expensive ring. this is what you pay for.
for the man, the effect is the same. a tiffany ring is a safe bet. the colour of the box instantly validates the quality of the contents with no need for crass explanations.
often on this forum, when someone asks for gift ideas for a loved one, a business contact, coworker, etc, the answer is "something from tiffany". i think this is telling that the name is first, the product is second.
for me, i would much rather make the effort to select something unique and personal rather than go to tiffany and have to buy credibility for the ring rather than to allow it to stand on its own. I would not want this powerful brand name overshadowing the piece. just my opinion.
sorry, i don't have any valuable advice other than this unsolicited opinion.
with the one word, "tiffany" the ring, the man, and the relationship, etc are given a level of instant credibility to friends and family. one does not have to explain that it is a high quality ring or quote its colour and clarity ratings (how crass anyway). the one word "tiffany" says that it is a high quality, expensive ring. this is what you pay for.
for the man, the effect is the same. a tiffany ring is a safe bet. the colour of the box instantly validates the quality of the contents with no need for crass explanations.
often on this forum, when someone asks for gift ideas for a loved one, a business contact, coworker, etc, the answer is "something from tiffany". i think this is telling that the name is first, the product is second.
for me, i would much rather make the effort to select something unique and personal rather than go to tiffany and have to buy credibility for the ring rather than to allow it to stand on its own. I would not want this powerful brand name overshadowing the piece. just my opinion.
sorry, i don't have any valuable advice other than this unsolicited opinion.
Nov 3rd, 2005 | 10:30 AM
#69
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Nov 3rd, 2005 | 11:51 AM
#71
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I hadn't read this bit before: There are no diamonds in Alissia Melka-Teichroew's rings, simply a thought-provoking silhouette imitating the conventional Tiffany setting. Wearers create their own traditions, meanings, and stories.
Ahh, cute!
I thought they would be great for the goofy ring option!
Available at MoMA Design Store, 81 Spring Street, at Crosby Street (646-613-1367 or momastore.org); 44 West 53 Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues (212-767-1050)
Ahh, cute!
I thought they would be great for the goofy ring option!
Available at MoMA Design Store, 81 Spring Street, at Crosby Street (646-613-1367 or momastore.org); 44 West 53 Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues (212-767-1050)
