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 would go wherever you feel most comfortable. longevity is an issue when purchasing a ring. I've had to have mine repaired a couple of time and as long as I get it checked every 6 months, it's covered for free or very cheap depending on what's broke. I'm sure once she has the ring on her finger, she's not going to care where it came from, other than being from you.
I would just suggest it's at a convenient location so she doesn't have far to go to have the setting checked.
Congratulations!

Answer 2

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 3

I prefer big chain stores because they are more reliable and would actually give you free jewelry cleaning after you've purchased the ring. I believe they have a better selection too. My husband bought my ring, my necklaces and my earrings at Zales. Don't go to Crescent. My husband bought me a promise ring there and they didn't have the style that I wanted, so they gave my husband a bigger diamond size and assume that it's okay. Instead, the ring was so ugly and big, I cried. We returned the ring and they didn't even give my husband the downpayment back. It was their fault that they substituted the ring with something else and didn't ask us for our permission first.

Answer 4

I used a mom & pop 30 years ago with no complaints, the rings still look good :)

Answer 5

See your local jeweler. They can be more expensive but you will get better customer service and usually a better quality stone.

Just do your homework on the 4 C's and the grading scale.

Answer 6

ask around buy from a store that been there for a long time that what I did they should clean your rings free for life

Answer 7

You will get alot more for your money at a pawn shop. You may want to look into it

Answer 8

I have had one from our local and another from Zales. Always much better service from the local.