Is there anything like a diamond exchange or discount jewelry place in NYC? We will be visiting soon, just wondering. thank you.

W. 47th between 5th and 6th Avenues is a center for diamonds and other jewelry.

As RQF mentioned, 47th street (which actually has street signs calling it "diamond & jewelry way", is the wholesale & retail jewelry section of NY
Having said that I would advise you to consider hwat it is that you are buying.
You're talking about dealing with any of literally hundreds of dealers operating out of little booths. As in any industry, some people are more honest than others. If you're interested in buying, say, a couple of pairs of gold hoop earrings, I would say, go for it.
I don't think I would suggest to a visitor to buy high-priced gemstones there, unless you have a personal recommendation. It's just too easy to get 'taken'
If you are hoping to find some unique items, something you might not find at home, I'm sure other New Yorkers can suggest their favorite local stores that carry handmade items (e.g. there's a store called 'Clay Pot', i think, in Park Slope Brooklyn that is well known for unique crafts and jewelry (esp. wedding rings). There might also be a crafts fair on when you are here (dates?) that would showcase dozens of unique jewelry makers.

p.s. Nancy, I've noticed that you've posted lots of great,specific questions about your upcoming trip. I hope we've all been helpful and that you and your daughter have a great trip!

We like Fortunoff's on 5th Avenue in the 50's. Large store (4 floors), great selection, fair prices and best of all you can return any item you purchase for a full cash refund within 30 days for any reason. That's a reputable store policy. Beware of 47th Street unless you are knowledgable about jewelry.

Thank you so much for all of the information. It has been a great help.
This is a great site to get information.
And, yes, i would be careful at any jewelry store/booth. We hope we have a great time too.

Nancy

Hi Nancy,

There is also a jewelry exchange on Canal St. That area is more noted for gold than diamonds. Be very, very careful on 47th. St. I would take the advice of the poster who recommended Fortunoff's. Not very cheap, but very good quality. Of course, for fun don't forget to stop in at Tiffany's.

Nancy, the diamond district is lots of fun, but you have to be careful. Some booth owners are absolute crooks and others are absolute gems (a little pun). My husband just bought me a beautiful diamond bracelet for about 25% less than what it would have cost back home. If you have a reliable jeweler at home, s/he may be able to refer you to one in the diamond district. You can also get large diamonds there that aren't easily available outside of NY, LA, etc. Watch the owners, some are unbelievably pushy. It's fun just to go and see the volume of gold and diamonds in such a concentrated area.

The previous posters are correct on thier warnings. If you are looking for a nice diamond, and not just a rock bottom price, I purchased my wife's engagement ring at Delage Jewelers on 47th St. You must make an appointment. There phone number s (212) 719-4070. Gary is the President.

P.s. Apparently, Judge Judy shops there so it must be an honest place!

I agree with the above posts. However, it is a lot of FUN to walk through the 47th street area and just oogle the rows and rows and rows and rows of diamonds in the windows!
During a recent visit, my son couldn't believe his eyes...that they put that much different diamond jewelry in the windows and had so much more inside. He pointed to a particular piece of jewelry and asked if I liked it. The guy standing in the doorway said, "You like it, sure only 25 dollars." My son was ready to buy it for me (sweet boy!)since he brought some money with him on the trip, however, he didn't realize that the guy meant $25,000!
Nevertheless, it was a lot of fun "deciding" which ones we liked along the street.

I just returned from an overnite shopping trip to the diamond district. whew! I heartily recommended David S Diamonds on 47th street. The salesman Mr. Raveen was excellant, taking the time to educate us on the characteristics of buying diamonds and the price was very reasonable!! check out his website at www.davidsdiamonds.com and order the book on buying and evaluating diamonds!