Is buying an engagement ring at a "mom & pop" jewler always better?

Question

I am begining to look for an engagement ring for my gf. She advises me not to buy her ring at a "chain" store or a "mall" store. She suggests going to a "home town" jelwer or a "mom and pop" type shop. Any suggestions on the topic? The reason I like chain stores and major retailers better is because they wont be likely to go out of business as much as compared to the smaller type stores. Plus you can get better deals? I am interested actually in going to The Shane Co.

Answer 1

I Recently Went Shopping For An Engagement Ring And With Funds Being Tight, Am In The Same Predicament As You.

But I Found This Site That Is Reputable, And I Purchased A Ring From It. They Have Payment Plans If Your On A Budget. They Also Have A Nice Selection.

http://www.ice.com/customer/default.jsp?sourceID=aaaolg_85

Good-Luck And Congratulations!!!!!!!!

Answer 2

I just helped my brother choose a diamond for his girlfriend so I know how confusing it can all be.

It would be much better to get it at a "mom and pop" jeweller because

- Buying from a chainstore you are more of a number than a person. A 'mom and pop' store will go out of business if they don't sell great product with good service.

- Generally chainstores don't have diamonds above I or J colour. You don't want to go under H colour, F or G is ideal (for the average person).

- The cut may not be as good because these are bought by the more serious jewellers. They may tell you that they have perfect cuts (for e.g. hearts and arrows), but it is HIGHLY unlikely, if not impossible. The best cuts go to wholesalers and small jewellery designers.

- A jeweller will be able to give you more advice on the diamond and the setting as separate things. A diamond will stay the same, but often over the years the setting may change.

- Think about the mark-up in the chain stores. You often see the rings at 30-50% off and the product can be pretty low quality.

- Once you have your ring it doesn't matter about whether the store goes out of business or not. It isn't like a toaster that will break. A sotre that is family run is likely to be passed down the family so you still have some assurances.

- The best deals you can get is by going through a diamond wholesaler. They are experts in choosing a diamond which is the key thing you are buying. A jeweller will be able to sell you a diamond cheaper than a chainstore and you will get a superior product.

After you have chosen a diamond you can then go to a jeweller who can work with you to design the setting. The jeweller can create the setting based on the particular diamond you have so that inclusions on the edge can be covered.

Good luck and congratulations.

Answer 3

Before you go to any jewelry store do some research. Anyone can go to a store and pick up a diamond ring. Ask people you know on their recommendation for stores/shops. Find a jeweler or go online and learn about the 4c's, cut, caret, clarity, and color. Someone above posted chain stores usually stock lower grade rings. It is true they are displayed in the counters and people are drawn in to purchase those. But if you ask, higher quality diamonds are normally in the safe. But service wise, it is better to go to a small local jewelry store. You can just pick out a stone and choose different setting. Chain stores are you get what you pay for. Small shops don't want to waste money by purchasing low quality diamonds to sell to their customers. Remember a one caret for $1000 is not the same quality as a one caret $5000 diamond. If a girl is shallow, you could probably get away with purchasing the biggest caret, but lower quality, and she will be happy. If the girl has a good head on her shoulder and not materialist, I personally would get the best diamond for the money, even if it isn't big. At least you and she will know it has the best color and clarity your money could buy.

Answer 4

I ve did both and had only problems with the big store chains , my wife bought a ring from a big chain store paid $1,200.00 for it and then we had it appraised twice and said it was only gold filled and worth no more than $50.00, and then we went back and they said they don't give refunds, so be careful and it does make a difference, not saying you are going to have any problems, but just a safe hold, do some research on it and have a gemologist look at it so you don't get ripped, its a 400 % mark up usually, great question good luck, mom and pops seem to be more honest, will tell you more than the big places , and "Congrats on the Engagement" ! remember there all going to say its the best deal in town ,when its really not, try Bidz.com on line auction live, and they will grantee all your purchase and they have awesome stuff check it out bought many times from them , and there stuff is worth more that you pay, and its custom and one of a kind, ok take care

Answer 5

Ah yes the Shane Co. (open weekdays til 8 sat and sun til 5) lol I've heard that commercial so manytimes.
You would most likely get a better deal from a "mom and pop" store. They try harder to beat the chain stores because "Hometown" stores are a dying breed w/Shane Co. on the radio every 5-10 minutes. And other ones.
I work next to a "small" jeweler. And they will fix the ring for free if something happens to it. They are a lot nicer. You don't have to deal with a mall to get there.
Have you asked her her reasons for wanting a smaller store? Talk it out.
I have had my wedding ring from Walmart. I love it and it's not the ring yet the meaning behind it. I love my husband very very much!! Congradulations on choosing to enter marriage. Best of luck!!

Answer 6

I actually work for a "mom an pop" jewelry store. We have been in biz for over 30 years. There is a difference shopping at a mom and pop compared to a mall store. The biggest advantage at a M&P is working with a sales person that has your best interest in mind. The mall sales people are under alot of pressure to make the sale, and many of them work on a commission only basis. Secondly, ALOT of mall stores mark up their prices so that they can mark them down infront of you to make you think you are getting a better deal than you actually are. Remember the Chain stores rely on Volume sales not quality. A M&P knows their jewelry suppliers( many on a personal basis) So if something were to happen to your ring, they know who to call Also M&Ps don't usually try to sell you an extended warranty on you piece. It is a huge money maker for the chains and the sales people are rewarded nicely if they can get you to spend the extra dough. In my opinion, they are a waste of money, If you buy a quality piece it will only need occaisional repairs. As far as you diamond goes, make sure that you buy it from a reputable gemologist. The mall diamonds are usually average in their 4 Cs and are below average in their cut and polish. A good jeweler will work to get you the best diamond for you budget(you must have one) and if he doesn't have one in his store, he will get you some more to look at. A great M&P jeweler will be with you from the very start through the end. They will even be capable of designing a ring for you ( I am a jewelry designer for a M&P) So if you are looking for a personal setting where you are treated like a member of the family, i suggest give your local independently owned jeweler a try. Try looking for the store with a long history, they have been in biz a long time for a reason.
Just remenber, you get what you pay for. I suggest a diamond that is F-G color, VS2-SI2 clarity with a good cut. Good luck!

Answer 7

Many "mom & pop" jewelry stores can create a custom wedding set that is more personalized. This will cost a little more but may be well worth it. They are often very competitive on their standard merchandize and may be close to and often less than the "mall" stores. Here is what I would do - take her with you to pick out the rings. She will be thrilled! After all, it is something she plans on wearing the for rest of your lives together. Discuss what you can afford to spend between the two of you. Go to both the "mom & pop" and "mall" stores before making a decision. Don't worry if the smaller store will go out of business. A good jewelry repair shop can service almost any problem later on regardless of the source of the jewelry. Congratulations and best wishes.

Answer 8

Mall stores are pricier, get some quotes from different chains, be careful of the Mom and Pop stores, some may not carry the guarantee that you would want for the ring. If your active duty or retired military, jewelry stores with the BX's have great prices on rings. You might even be able to buy direct from the AAFES catalog online. www.aafes.com
Main thing is shop around.

Answer 9

I am not familiar with The Shane Company.

This is what I do know: Most of the "mall" stores are owned by one company, Sterling. Much of their pieces are the same- you will find very little originality.

Check out the Mom and Pop and independent jewelers before you buy. Ask about their reputation and how long they have been in business. They will customize your piece to your specification. Your future fiance will have a one-of-a-kind piece. That's nice.

My husband bought my engagement ring at an art studio. We also bought our wedding rings there, too. They are unique. No one else has rings like ours. They will be nice to pass down to our nieces and nephews.

I also had a ring done recently at another jeweler. He is a son of a jeweler. We are very pleased with the pieces we bought from him.

At both places the jewelers and employees had time to spend with us. The employees at the "box" stores may be on commission and may rush through your service. Think about that, too.

You are making a big investment. So, check out the stores first before you go.

Congratulations, too, by the way!

Answer 10

NO.

The best thing to do is go to a reputable jeweler, not a chain store or mall store but a store that is known for its higher end jewelry. In this manner you can purchase a ring of known gem quality with papers to certify it for insurance purposes. Mall stores and chain stores often sell diamonds that are flawed. Mom and Pop stores often sell the same stones. Only the top end stores are worried about being called crooks. The thing about diamonds are cut and clarifity are just as important as carat in retaining the ring's value. She may get a smaller stone but it will be worth more money because it is flawless. You get what you pay for.