Rings at chain stores? Or Local?

SarahBerah

He proposed, I said yes(Obviously) but he didn't buy a ring because he wanted to have the surprise but still let me pick a ring to wear forever that I will truly love. So looking around online and stuff, I seem to be finding a lot of bad things about big chain stores. So my question is where did you get your engagement/wedding rings and how happy have you been with both the quality and service with the store? We are both students currently so, price wise, it seems that the chains are the way to go because all the small, independent stores that we have found are astronomically more than he can afford.

Fystybride

See if there is a diamond broker local to you.  I was lucky enough to find one by recommendation of a friend...and I am so glad.  They do their own in-house work, and everything is at waaay lower than the chains.  She actually sells diamonds to the local chains in my town, and sold me stones that are above the quality they sell in those stores, at a better price.

cqbride

It's always better for your community and the economy to support a small business.

stacelace22

Our local jewelry store went out of business a couple years ago....otherwise we would have purchased from there.  All of my fiances brothers did.  So, we ended up going with a chain.

It is always nice to keep local and not go with the chain...but the security of having our diamonds backed is nice too.

Now...anyone who purchased their rings at the out of business store...are SOL if they lose/break ring. I would look into the insurance policies and let that help make your decision...unless money isn't really an issue.

The diamond broker is interesting....I have never heard of that.

LauraT25

My FI went with a major chain (Zales).  I didn't have a say in it, really, but in dealing with local jewelers since for appraisals, I'm really glad he made that decision.  Zales has much better warranty options than the local people I looked at and the diamonds were not higher quality  (this may be more due to the area I'm in).  We're probably going to get my wedding band from Zales or another major chain as well.  I know for my warranty I have to bring it in every 6 months for inspection, and if a local jeweler had a similar policy, it would be a real pain when we move.

I'm all for supporting local businesses usually, but for a big purchase I think I'm more comfortable with a large retailer.

Albireo

I'm supporting local business -- I have a friend who is a jeweler, and she's going to make the engagement ring with a diamond that FMIL is giving us. My brother is also a jeweler and he called dibs on making the wedding bands. I know another jeweler who passed on the ring because she isn't confident about setting diamonds yet. I guess I'm lucky that I know so many jewelers. :P

Check Etsy.com to see what kind of prices people charge for that kind of thing. You'll find that it's far more reasonable than chain stores and you'll get something more individual. Even if you don't want to buy on Etsy it might help you find a local maker who you can work with on a custom basis.

JackieLynn8807

We don't have "local" jewelers anymore in the town I live in... it's all chains so we didn't really have a choice.  He got my ring at Zales.

kristinanddan

Absolutely go to a local store. You'll get better service, they'll probably clean your ring for free with no questions asked, and you'll get better quality.

Moneypenny424

Given the choice, I'd absolutely do a local store.  DH bought my ring from a local jeweler and the ring is amazing!  They have also been great with service, cleaning, etc.  The ring is delicate and since I'm not, I have knocked some stones out.  Each time, they fix the ring for free and get it back to me in 24 hrs. 

Whichever route you go, make sure you're not only relying on the store's warranties.  Make sure your ring is on your home owners/renters insurance, or take out a private policy.

Tallync

We got my e-ring, wedding band, and his band all from Kay's.  I didn't really have a choice with the e-ring, but I love that they have wedding bands that match my ring.  And his band was discounted since it was special ordered by another woman who decided on a different ring for her fiance/husband.  Tungsten can't be re-sized.  Her loss, our gain!

Tallync

Oh, and the quality has been great so far.  They are super easy to work with.  I took my e-ring back for a second resizing since the first time I didn't get it small enough.  They said that they would put my e-ring and wedding band on the same inspection schedule.  I get them both inspected every 6 months (for free) to keep up the warranty on them.  If a diamond falls out, they replace it.

MNVegas

FI bought engagement ring at local jewelers. When it came to pick my band, I fell in love with one at Zales. I looked at local places and they did not have the same ring and it would have cost like double to get it made, so we just bought it at Zales. We will probably get FI band at local store since he just wants a simple band. 

caseyandlizzie

We are going local. FI bought my engagement ring from a local jeweler who has been fantastic with their service.....The ring was 2 sizes too large and they were able to size it for me within 2 business days. Also, since their stock is ever changing, they offered to make a custom wedding band to match my e-ring and they are cost-wise less than the chains in my area. Most local jewelers should have someone on site or know of someone that can make a custom piece for you; if you don't see what you want, do not hesitate to ask them about doing this, you may be surprised at what they can do for you.

msladyface

I absolutely agree with going local if you can, but FI got mine at Jared and they've been really great.  Not to mention they do all of their work in house so maintenance doesn't take forever to get your ring back.  Congratulations!

K Byte

My e-ring is from a local store. They went out of business 7 months after he bought it with the extended warranty and all that, so FI was just ... out that money. They said since they were going out of business they couldn't honor any extended warranties. We're having my wedding band custom made at another local place. Hopefully they don't go out of business too!

magzila

My finace bought my ring from a small diamond broker in the Seattle neighborhood where his parents live.  Although I love the tradition and beauty of diamonds, I couldn't imagine owning one and supporting the political and economic devestation wrought by companies like Zales.  As further evidence that he is the only man for me, my fiance found a Canadian,conflict-free diamond.

In addition to getting the broker discount, he saved hundreds of dollars in sales tax because we bought it from a business out of state and had it shipped, but we were still able to support a small business in our family's neighborhood and work with them personally whenever visited our families

I'm so happy to have a beautiful ring I can still feel good about.  We went back to them for my wedding ring, too.

http://www.seattlediamonds.com/