magogian12345
Distinguished Member
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2008
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Hello Gents,
In a few months, I will pop "the question." To that end, I have begun researching what and where to buy. I have mostly figured out what to buy. But, I am still deciding where to buy. I have a certain amount that I am willing to spend for the diamond and a certain amount for the ring.
First Option -- Blue Nile
Plus -- Blue Nile provides a better price on diamonds than the brick & mortar (B&M) store. Consequently, I get a slighty better quality (one step up in clarity) diamond for my price point as compared to the Brick and Mortar store. Also, Blue Nile has a fair selection of rings that cost less as well, and I can get a platinum ring for less than a 18k white gold ring at the B&M. No tax!
Minus -- Can't actually see how the ring will look with the diamond. Can't actually view the diamond (although I've seen enough diamonds now to know what I want regarding diamond stats). From what I gather, Blue Nile doesn't provide any post-sale services like free cleanings or replacing the small diamonds that may fall out of the ring.
Second Option -- Local Brick & Mortar Store.
Plus -- Can view both the diamond and ring before purchasing. Provides me the option of selecting the diamond and using a temporary ring for the proposal. After she's accepted, we can return for her to pick out the ring she wants (I already have a pretty good idea of what type of ring she likes, but, that said, I may not select the same ring she would choose on her own.) Provides post-sale services. The store gets good internet reviews from many people. I felt pretty happy with them when I visited and checked them out.
Minuses -- Don't get quite as good of a diamond at my price point (one level of clarity less than bluenile). The ring is somewhat more expensive. I have to pay a sales tax rate of 10%!!! <--- brutal.
Other considerations --
All things being equal, I would like to purchase locally. That said, all things aren't equal. I don't get the same diamond for my money, plus the 10% sales tax is just brutal. I'm pretty torn about which way to go. I am leaning towards the local shop, but the sales tax is making me pause hard.
Thoughts?
Separately, I'm open to recommendations for a good diamond store in downtown Chicago if anyone has a particular recommendation.
In a few months, I will pop "the question." To that end, I have begun researching what and where to buy. I have mostly figured out what to buy. But, I am still deciding where to buy. I have a certain amount that I am willing to spend for the diamond and a certain amount for the ring.
First Option -- Blue Nile
Plus -- Blue Nile provides a better price on diamonds than the brick & mortar (B&M) store. Consequently, I get a slighty better quality (one step up in clarity) diamond for my price point as compared to the Brick and Mortar store. Also, Blue Nile has a fair selection of rings that cost less as well, and I can get a platinum ring for less than a 18k white gold ring at the B&M. No tax!
Minus -- Can't actually see how the ring will look with the diamond. Can't actually view the diamond (although I've seen enough diamonds now to know what I want regarding diamond stats). From what I gather, Blue Nile doesn't provide any post-sale services like free cleanings or replacing the small diamonds that may fall out of the ring.
Second Option -- Local Brick & Mortar Store.
Plus -- Can view both the diamond and ring before purchasing. Provides me the option of selecting the diamond and using a temporary ring for the proposal. After she's accepted, we can return for her to pick out the ring she wants (I already have a pretty good idea of what type of ring she likes, but, that said, I may not select the same ring she would choose on her own.) Provides post-sale services. The store gets good internet reviews from many people. I felt pretty happy with them when I visited and checked them out.
Minuses -- Don't get quite as good of a diamond at my price point (one level of clarity less than bluenile). The ring is somewhat more expensive. I have to pay a sales tax rate of 10%!!! <--- brutal.
Other considerations --
All things being equal, I would like to purchase locally. That said, all things aren't equal. I don't get the same diamond for my money, plus the 10% sales tax is just brutal. I'm pretty torn about which way to go. I am leaning towards the local shop, but the sales tax is making me pause hard.
Thoughts?
Separately, I'm open to recommendations for a good diamond store in downtown Chicago if anyone has a particular recommendation.