Has anyone had a good experience purchasing an engagement ring in NYC? Could you please recommend a very good jeweler or department store? Not too expensive. Maybe under 1k for both engagement & His/Hers wedding bands.

Thanks!

NCPhyl

For department type stores, try Fortunoff. They usually have a good selection and their prices are generally fair. They have a Manhattan location on 5th Avenue between 53rd and 54th. (Michael C. Fina on 5th and 45th also usually good. Perhaps a bit pricier than Fortunoff.) Here's a link to Fortunoff's website which may give you some indication of selection and price:

http://www.fortunoff.com/dept.asp?de...700&op=&w=1600

Getting a diamond ring at that price might be tough if you're looking for a traditional stone setting. But, if your son (if I remember correctly) is flexible, he can likely get a really nice ring with another stone and some pavee diamonds for under $1,000.

Fortunoff usually has a really nice selection of stones like emeralds, rubies and sapphires. You can likely get a much larger stone like that for under $1,000 depending on the stone, than a comparably priced diamond. The retail price of a diamond is about $3,500 to $5,000 a carat.

The Diamond District on 47th St. can be a good place to shop if you know what you're doing. You need to have a good feel for real prices and some trust of the person you're buying from as diamonds are a very easy thing to overpay for. (I've used two people there but I don't think they deal with smaller stones.) Fortunoff might be a little bit pricier for some things, but their prices are generally fair.

Good luck.

Iannelli Diamonds, 45 w 47th st. Have purchased several diamond items from them, fair, honest, and nice guys.

Ryan has given you good advice. Your budget is very limiting though.

There is a catalog with very good prices and options called Ross Simons. Have a look online at

http://www.ross-simons.com/

They have a huge selection at all prices.

Fortunoff's is a good basic resource - always reliable and a very large selection. But honestly, with that budget a diamond is really not the best chioce. It's not just a matter of size, but also quality - and for that price it will be both very small - and not of great quality. I would reco considering another type of stone.

If you're out of state, it may be worth shipping it out of state to avoid the sales tax (easily done at Michael C. Fina b/c the NY store is their only store, Fortunoff may be a bit trickier).

I would also suggest taking a look at ebay. There are alot of rings available also colored diamonds which is the hottest these days.

It is essential to know what you're doing - do a lot of research first. Whatever you do, don't assume everything the salesperson tells you.

It's usually best to purchase the engagement ring from a reputable local jeweler where you live. Though you may not get a "huge bargain", you can return for free cleanings, regular checks/replacement of the prongs.