Hi,

I'm going to be in NY in 10 days time. It's my sister's 30th birthday while we are there and she would like jewellry from us - ring and watch. Where is a good place to go? Somewhere that's not over-priced and where we won't be ripped off?

Thanks, Laura

One of my favorite shops in Soho is Reinstein / Ross..my husband was even able to buy me one of their rings in Portland Or..a nice shop that carried some of their pieces..http://www.reinsteinross.com/Locations.html

I don't recommend the Diamond district. I have friends in CT that are wholesale jewelers, and I've learned quite a bit about stones, etc over the years. The prices were not good - and they just plain lied..... I don't know the shop that Scarlett mentioned - but there are some little shops (Soho, etc) that have local artists - usually in silver - where the jewelry is unique and reasonable. You can check out Greenwich Village, too (or ask at the hotel you're staying in for local, reasonable shops)....

Saks Fifth Avenue Dept Store has a great jewelry floor..David Yurman and all the well known designers as well as unique pieces..also Barneys and you can find a few great imaginative things there..

Otherwise, as Debi says..just walking down the street in NY..you can go by a nice shop with pretty jewelry.

Really it depends on what kind of ring and what kind of watch. I agree going to 47th st. is risky if you don't have a specific recommendation, but it's probably not necessary anyway if you want costume jewelry or something moderate. Fortunoff's on Fifth ave. offers good value for gold jewelry and they have some watches too. fortunoff.com

Some of the discount stores like TJ Maxx and Loehmann's can also be good for watches.

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. I'm not sure about the watch, but the ring would be gold with some kind of stone, but not an engagement ring, about €400.

Laura

You will find something quite nice in many stores for £400..have fun shopping!

Oops, I made the wrong money sign ~

I would highly recommend ilias lalaounis on Madison Ave., but it think it may be well out of your price range. I also just adore David Yurman, but I think most of his watches are over 2 thousand dollars.

ABC Carpet/Home at 17th/Broadway has some very imaginative jewellery on the main floor. You should go just to look at all the fabulous pillows, throws, and Frette sheets!

There are street vendors that sell Moe Vados and Rollexxes. There have been countless stories that street vendors sell goods made by children in sweat shops and where proceeds go to terrorists.

A few months ago there were some tourists that were trappped in the basement of store while it was being raided for selling illegal merchanddise. This was reported in the mainstream press.

The basement of Century 21 has a large slection of inexpensive watches for middle range to expensive wathces try Yaeger 578 Fifth Aenuue.

I bought my daughter a ring for her 30th birthday at Papillon Jewelry at Jewelers on Fifth--578 Fifth Ave.--and it is beautiful. Store was recommended by a friend who buys lots of jewelry and is very knowledgeable. She also shops at Martha and J Jewelry --4 West 47th--and at Anari, which is right across the aisle from Papillon. These places are all in the Diamond District.

Check out the downtown jewelry district -- on the Bowery right above Canal Street. You can get something gorgeous in your price range. 47th Street is too touristy... there are some good places but you need to know where to go. Downtown is much better and there is amazing jewelry to be had. I love my David Yurman pieces but you will just be paying for the brand and you can always get a Yurman piece. I got an amazing cocktail ring down there recently and every time I wear it people are in awe. It was only $500 and it is amazing. There were plenty of things that were cheaper and really special. Take her to get something that is special. Don't pay for just a brand that she can get at anytime.

Zig Zag jewelry - there are two of them - one is on madison and 75th (or thereabouts) and the other is on third and 76th. You can google for exact locations, but they're both on upper east side.

My fiance got my engagement ring there, and trust them implicitly - Joe (the owner of both) has AMAZING AMAZING stuff.

You'll find unique pieces there - I tink he has both precious and semi precious stones, and the prices are more reasonable than others you may find in NYC. Oh, and the store does not just carry engagement-type rings - there's plenty of stuff to choose from.

Enjoy!!