Where do you shop for jewelry?

[Gregory Diamond]

When looking to make a jewelry purchase do you, go to the mall and shop with a chain retailer, go to a local independent retail Jeweler or shop online?

[Kelly]

I shop with a few local jewelers. They are small little shops however I like this. I get a lot of the little extras that the larger chain stores just don't provide.

The large chain stores usually have a few very bored looking salespeople who generally don't know much about what they are selling. They are usually just trying to get me to sign up for their store credit card.

The smaller shops seem to take a personal interest in their business.

Sadly one of my favorite shops has a "For Rent" sign in their window. They are closing up. I went in and talked with the owners and they said sales have been slow and they just can't exhist by doing repairs alone. They offered nice jewelry at fair prices. Their diamonds weren't the "salt and pepper specials" that you find at some of the chain jewelry shops. I will miss them.

[valsank]

I just feel better purchasing from a reputable jeweler, until I learn more about quality... and what to look for.

[Gregory Diamond]

The problem with the mall is your "diamond expert" was a "shoe expert" in the same mall a month earlier.



Greg

[Quinn]

Retail Jeweler all the way!

The internet is okay for repeatables or booking a flight but for an important purchase like jewelry I like to see what I am investing in.

Quinn

[Princess]

The internet has the BEST deals. Cut out the middleman. If a person knows that the diamond is a premium ideal cut and has the papers from GIA it is perfectly safe to purchse from an internet dealer. :p

[Gregory Diamond]

Hi Princess, I know you were kidding but I am amazed how many consumers feel this way. I have been buying diamonds for 15 years and NEVER have EVER even considered buying one without seeing it first. What some people will do to feel they are saving a few bucks.

When you buy in a local store not only do you get to look at the diamond with the aid of a professional but you are also working with a businessman that has a reputation to uphold in your community.

Greg

[Kelly]

Princess, do you feel comfortable spending large amounts of money with a person you've never met on an item you've never seen? :eek:

[Princess]

Kelly, do YOU feel comfortable paying out money for an item which if bought at an alternate source can save you huge amounts of money? If it comes with all of the reports, and a full money back guarantee if ANY problem within 30 days?

If I'm smart enought to research out a product online shouldn't I take advantage of the money saving offers that are available to me?

[TheNewmanium]

I shop for jewelry either at a mall or a jewelry store. I don't see how anyone can buy something online unless they tried the exact one on in a store recently. I've got to give jewelry a test drive before buying it.