I know someone getting ready to take the plunge and was wondering if there is some way to get a deal on an engagement ring. I don't know what their budget is, but with all of the outlet stores out there for everything else I thought there might be one for diamond rings. When I bought one a hundred years ago the only option was to go to the jewelry store and get hosed. If there is a national chain of some sort that goes for volume sales rather than sticking it to you I'd appreciate its name so I could pass it on. Thanks in advance

I have heard the jewelry exchange is a good place but I haven't personally gone there. I hear others talk about the place. The jewelry exchange buys the diamonds direct from the wholesaler. They have GIA and IGA certificates. You basically build your own ring. You pick the the diamond and the setting. They help you through the 4 C's. (cut, color, clarity and carat) and you pick the best ring to fit your budget. Check it out.


http://www.jewelryexchange.com/


This is from their site:

The Jewelry Exchange® operates 13 factory superstores with one in just about every major U.S. city.

We are direct diamonds importers and over 90% of our jewelry is manufactured in our state-of-the-art factories. Our superstores have 15 to 30 times the sales volume of a typical jewelry store allowing us to work on lower margins.

Call for a location near you (800) 441-0715

[This message was edited by Karrow on 05-30-03 at 05:46 PM.]

Depending on how much they want to spend, it might well be worth a trip to New York City.

Most of the diamonds coming into America go through New York's 47th Street Diamond District.

http://www.47th-street.com/


[This message was edited by Karrow on 05-30-03 at 05:45 PM.]

Oddly, Costco has some rather nice stuff...one thing I learned when we were shopping for my ring was to steer clear of the "Bridal" case, unless you're dead set on a fancy engagement/wedding ring duo....the rings they DON'T call engagement rings are les costly, the same quality and similar in style to a traditional engagement ring.
Also, if your friend doesn't mind doing without the warranty, pawn shops (stick to clean, well-lit stores that have been around a while)often have amazing deals. I found a pair of earrings that later appraised for 900 bucks in a pawn shop, paid $90 for them.
Most jewelers are very willing to give a crash course in what to look for in a diamond, and I would gather that information before going to an alternative source.
Wish your friend luck for me!

I like MrsS's advice about "buying used." If your friend educates himself before shopping, he may be able to find a great deal by buying from an upscale pawn broker or consignment store. Many consignment stores in California carry a wide variety of jewelery at GREAT prices. He will just need to take some time to look.

Not to put a damper on this wonderful occasion, but when you think that 50% of first marriages and 65% of second marriages end in divorce, I'd imagine there may be A LOT of used diamond rings on the market. (I of course kept diamond #1 and will turn it into a necklace someday, but there are a lot of people who'd rather have the $$$).

Oh, P.S. -- my friend's husband bought a beautiful Rolex watch in a pawn broker's shop. I always check them out for deals these days.

my wedding ring cost us $18. its the most beautiful ring, sterling silver with a rinestone.
you cant tell its a rhinestone, and when asked, most people think we spent a few hundred dollars on it.
there is NO sense in spending a large ammount om money on a ring.
if the price of the ring is what matters to her, she probably isnt worth marrying.
buy a very nice, but inexpensive ring, and spend the other money on the wedding, or on the honeymoon, or even bills.