Not Engaged Yet

Question re: e-rings and Zales

My boyfriend recently suggested that I begin looking at engagement rings to get ideas about what I want.  I went to Zales today and the saleslady told me they are having a "show" next week.  In the store, they only had round and princess cut diamonds available.  The saleslady told me that the gentleman doing the "show" will have "all kinds of shapes" of diamonds.  She listed some of them.  I mentioned to her that I am interested in Asscher cut diamonds but they seem to be difficult to find.  She agreed, but wasn't able to tell me if there will be Asscher cut diamonds at the "show."  She was great to work with and I am considering going to the show because it seems like there'll be a lot of variety of settings and diamonds (I do also like princess and emerald cut).  I'm wondering if anyone else has been to one of these "shows" at Zales and if they happened to see any Asscher cut diamonds? 

Or if anyone has seen an Asscher cut diamond ring in any store?   TIA!  :)

Re: Question re: e-rings and Zales

  • edited December 2011
    I didn't even know that Zales had shows.  Good luck with it! Hopefully they have the kind of diamond that you want!  Also, congrats to you for looking for rings!
  • SKP82SKP82 member
    2500 Comments Second Anniversary Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
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    "Life is not orderly. No matter how we try to make life so, right in the middle of it we die, lose a leg, fall in love, drop a jar of applesauce." - Natalie Goldberg
  • heyimbrenheyimbren member
    2500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    SKP, I think the OP is particularly interested in seeing an asscher cut in person as opposed to just online.

    OP, I don't have any experience with this, but do you have many jewellery stores in your area? If so, you could pop in to a few of them (besides Zales even) and just ask if they  have an asscher cut diamonds for you to take a look at. I'm not sure if you've already tried that.

    You could also try asking on your local board if anyone knows of a place in the area that might have them and you could call around even, if you wanted to save yourself the trip.
  • Ana_2985Ana_2985 member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I've been to a show at Zales and they did have a few (maybe only two or three) Asscher cut diamonds. They were really pretty but ridiculously over-priced. I recommend going to look at them to see if you like it, but I wouldn't buy it there. 

    Good sites for Asscher cuts are Good Old Gold and Jared Allen because they show you pictures and videos of the actual stone you buy. Blue Nile is okay tpp because they have a good return policy. The tricky thing about cuts other than Round and Princess is that there are no universally accepted standards for the cut so it's hard to tell if you're getting a well cut diamond or not (which determines the sparkle and price).
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  • edited December 2011
    I would see if there is a bigger company in your area than Zales. I haven't heard the best things about their customer service and diamond quality. Plus they have a pretty small selection. 

    As far as them having shows, I could be wrong but don't they carry just their own merchandise? They don't carry big brands like Scott Kay or anything so a show does seem kind of off. 

    In my area Jareds and Diamonds Direct have a huge selection. If they are around you you might want to call and check them out. Ditto Bren though, call around and save yourself a trip. 

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  • SKP82SKP82 member
    2500 Comments Second Anniversary Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_question-re-e-rings-zales?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:90312969-6e75-4b27-bd8e-54ffcf35ecfdPost:17251bc4-a4da-45d3-9c1d-3d5eda6d76ed">Re: Question re: e-rings and Zales</a>:
    [QUOTE]<strong>SKP, I think the OP is particularly interested in seeing an asscher cut in person as opposed to just online.</strong> OP, I don't have any experience with this, but do you have many jewellery stores in your area? If so, you could pop in to a few of them (besides Zales even) and just ask if they  have an asscher cut diamonds for you to take a look at. I'm not sure if you've already tried that. You could also try asking on your local board if anyone knows of a place in the area that might have them and you could call around even, if you wanted to save yourself the trip.
    Posted by heyimbren[/QUOTE]

    Yes, I know, but I gathered that she was also looking for some general information, especially since Zales might not have any of the cuts she's looking for at their show.
    IMG_6364
    "Life is not orderly. No matter how we try to make life so, right in the middle of it we die, lose a leg, fall in love, drop a jar of applesauce." - Natalie Goldberg
  • edited December 2011
    I don't have any experience buying wedding jewelry, but I like to go to local jewelers to find unique items.  They don't always buy wholesale and you can find that odd piece that no one else has. 
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  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_question-re-e-rings-zales?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:90312969-6e75-4b27-bd8e-54ffcf35ecfdPost:9bdba063-421c-48c1-8316-267d476ff4cf">Re: Question re: e-rings and Zales</a>:
    [QUOTE]I would see if there is a bigger company in your area than Zales. I haven't heard the best things about their customer service and diamond quality. Plus they have a pretty small selection.  As far as them having shows, I could be wrong but don't they carry just their own merchandise? They don't carry big brands like Scott Kay or anything so a show does seem kind of off.  <strong>In my area Jareds and Diamonds Direct have a huge selection.</strong> If they are around you you might want to call and check them out. Ditto Bren though, call around and save yourself a trip. 
    Posted by SeaTea02[/QUOTE]

    Totally agree regarding Jared's. They are a huge store that caters towards engagement rings and diamonds. I would be surprised if a Jared's didn't have at least one asscher cut.

    Good luck, OP, and have fun! This is a super exciting time in your life <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-smile.gif" border="0" alt="Smile" title="Smile" />
  • edited December 2011
    Some information that I have regarding "chain" Jewelery stores and their diamond shows...

    I've been to 2 diamond shows done by Kay Jeweler's...I am pretty sure that it is the same type of event at Zales.  They bring in an "designer" with a pretty good variety of settings and loose diamonds... some reasonably priced and some way over priced (really make sure you do your research about pricing and such before you go).  I really think it's worth it to go and check it out.

    From my past experience, if you do buy from a chain store this is the best way to buy.  The settings they bring in are very different and unique.  The rep will tell you how many of that same design has been made.  Also, they usually have a good selection of stones.  The one I went to a few months ago had the usual selection of rounds and princess cuts, but had some really nice emerald cut, asscher, cushion and radiants.  They even had some colored stones.

    If you have the time, definitely go and check it out...it won't hurt any :-)
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  • Elle1036Elle1036 member
    5000 Comments Fifth Anniversary 25 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_question-re-e-rings-zales?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:90312969-6e75-4b27-bd8e-54ffcf35ecfdPost:abb9aee8-9b32-45f6-aff6-f215a171fe71">Re: Question re: e-rings and Zales</a>:
    [QUOTE]I've been to a show at Zales and they did have a few (maybe only two or three) Asscher cut diamonds. They were really pretty but ridiculously over-priced. I recommend going to look at them to see if you like it, but I wouldn't buy it there.  Good sites for Asscher cuts are Good Old Gold and <strong>Jared Allen</strong> because they show you pictures and videos of the actual stone you buy. Blue Nile is okay tpp because they have a good return policy. The tricky thing about cuts other than Round and Princess is that there are no universally accepted standards for the cut so it's hard to tell if you're getting a well cut diamond or not (which determines the sparkle and price).
    Posted by Ana_2985[/QUOTE]

    I think Ana means James Allen, and I second that.  James Allen is fairly-priced and well-reputed.
  • edited December 2011

    I have seen Asscher and Emerald cuts at Costco. You do have to have a membership to shop there...but you can see their stock online too.(Clicky) Every one I've seen is fairly expensive though, even at wholesale prices. You might also check Shane Co. A friend has an emerald cut that was purchased there...and it is gorgeous and under $5K. Good luck!

  • Ana_2985Ana_2985 member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_question-re-e-rings-zales?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:90312969-6e75-4b27-bd8e-54ffcf35ecfdPost:938f9cbe-c241-4916-8db0-9f0f7aca90dc">Re: Question re: e-rings and Zales</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Question re: e-rings and Zales : I think Ana means James Allen, and I second that.  James Allen is fairly-priced and well-reputed.
    Posted by Elle1036[/QUOTE]

    <div>Yes that's it! Thank you :)</div><div>
    </div><div>Not a fan of Jareds for e-rings. I think chain stores are great for wedding bands or even non-diamond gemstone rings. But if you want a diamond, chains store usually aren't the best value. Of course, that depends on what you're looking for.</div>
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  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_question-re-e-rings-zales?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:90312969-6e75-4b27-bd8e-54ffcf35ecfdPost:51d63c1a-bd55-402b-b1c2-0eaaf71a54f3">Re: Question re: e-rings and Zales</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Question re: e-rings and Zales : Yes that's it! Thank you :) Not a fan of Jareds for e-rings. I think chain stores are great for wedding bands or even non-diamond gemstone rings. <strong>But if you want a diamond, chains store usually aren't the best value.</strong> Of course, that depends on what you're looking for.
    Posted by Ana_2985[/QUOTE]

    I completely agree and that's why we got my diamond (and e ring) at a locally owned single jewelry store. But if you're just looking to get more informed and see what's out there, especially with a less common diamond shape like asscher, Jared might be a good place to check out. Just don't give them any of your information (address, phone number, email address, etc.). FI and I went to a store about 6 months before we actually started looking, just for fun, to see prices, etc., and we explained we were just looking and wouldn't be purchasing for at least 6 months because FI was still in school. They tried the old "how about you just fill out a financing form and see what you get preapproved for" line but we didn't fall for it. <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-smile.gif" border="0" alt="Smile" title="Smile" />
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_question-re-e-rings-zales?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:90312969-6e75-4b27-bd8e-54ffcf35ecfdPost:5793a2c2-16a0-4fdd-82f1-c2c543715890">Re: Question re: e-rings and Zales</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Question re: e-rings and Zales : I completely agree and that's why we got my diamond (and e ring) at a locally owned single jewelry store. But if you're just looking to get more informed and see what's out there, especially with a less common diamond shape like asscher, Jared might be a good place to check out. Just don't give them any of your information (address, phone number, email address, etc.). FI and I went to a store about 6 months before we actually started looking, just for fun, to see prices, etc., and we explained we were just looking and wouldn't be purchasing for at least 6 months because FI was still in school. They tried the old "how about you just fill out a financing form and see what you get preapproved for" line but we didn't fall for it.
    Posted by AmethystMSU[/QUOTE]

    <div>We have made several purchases from Jareds (not e-ring though) and they have both of our addresses on file. I have only ever gotten 1 or 2 little post card advertisements in the mail around Christmas time in the past 4 years. I would say it is safe to fill out their financing form. </div>

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  • Elle1036Elle1036 member
    5000 Comments Fifth Anniversary 25 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_question-re-e-rings-zales?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:90312969-6e75-4b27-bd8e-54ffcf35ecfdPost:51d63c1a-bd55-402b-b1c2-0eaaf71a54f3">Re: Question re: e-rings and Zales</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Question re: e-rings and Zales : Yes that's it! Thank you :) Not a fan of Jareds for e-rings. I think chain stores are great for wedding bands or even non-diamond gemstone rings. But if you want a diamond, chains store usually aren't the best value. Of course, that depends on what you're looking for.
    Posted by Ana_2985[/QUOTE]

    I actually really liked the selection of e-ring <em>settings</em> at Jared.  Compared the other chain stores like Zales and Kay, they had a much wider variety and the salespeople were less annoying.

    I do agree, though, that buying the actual diamond from a chain store is generally not the best value.  Zales showed us a 1 carat, round, SI1, H color diamond for 12K.  Seriously?  I could get that for 1/3 the price at bluenile.
  • leia1979leia1979 member
    2500 Comments Fifth Anniversary 100 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    I would try to seek out a local (non-chain) store, if you can. They will be more willing to work with you and possibly even order stuff for you to look at.

    P.S. At least with the shop we bought our rings from, you never pay sticker price.
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_question-re-e-rings-zales?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:90312969-6e75-4b27-bd8e-54ffcf35ecfdPost:7da99421-e092-471e-94ed-b2499de93f14">Re: Question re: e-rings and Zales</a>:
    [QUOTE]I would try to seek out a local (non-chain) store, if you can. They will be more willing to work with you and possibly even order stuff for you to look at. P.S. At least with the shop we bought our rings from, you never pay sticker price.
    Posted by leia1979[/QUOTE]

    Yep, completely agree here! FI was able to talk the diamond (without setting) price down $50 by offering to pay in full, and they paid the sales tax for us. The only down side was that the store was so small that they didn't have many settings in stock. We ordered my setting based on what we found in a catalog, so I did not get to try it on or anything like that. But I LOVE my e-ring so it was completely worth it. <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-smile.gif" border="0" alt="Smile" title="Smile" />
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