Where should I purchase my diamond engagement ring? Should I go to a jewelry store or see a goldsmith?

The pros of going to a goldsmith/jeweler is that you can see the finished produce before paying for it. You can actually meet the person designing it and can show him a hard copy of the design you want. You can also hand pick the diamond and metal, etc. The negative aspects of this are that buying the jeweler from a retail store tends to be much more expensive and the stores tend to have a smaller selection of diamonds, metals, and styles.

Have you considered buying the jewelry online? Many of the stores have create your own features which allow you to choose which design you want, the setting, the size and shape of diamond you want, and so on. This is a great option, because they tend to be much cheaper than retail stores as a result of smaller expenses in terms of employee labout and middlemen. They also offer fantastic exchange policies if you are unsatisfied for any reason. If you like, you can call them up and place your order on the phone. I think if you had a specific design in mind, I would hazard a guess that you could fax them a copy of it and there is a good chance that they woul dbe able to accomodate your request. The obvious con to this method is that you wouldn't get to see the finished result until it was sent to you. Also, if you choose an online retailer with less than spectacular reviews, there is a possibiility that you may not be pleased with the quality and craftsmanship. Although this is a gamble with any store, both retail and online. If you choose to go the online route, I would advise you to spend a time researching websites that have positive reviews and large selections as these you will have the best luck with larger stores.

Good luck!

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Well, are you looking for a diamond engagement ring, or a simple gold band? Basically, if you want a diamond engagement ring, you can go about the ring-designing process in one of four ways.

1. Buy a loose diamond and then go to a goldsmith or jeweler (either one) to create the band and diamond setting and have them inlay the diamond or diamonds so that the engagement ring is custom made.
2. Go to a jeweler and buy a loose diamond and the ring setting at the same place. Then, have the jeweler put the diamond  engagement ring together for you.
3. Buy a pre-set diamond engagement ring at a jewelry store (you won't find pre-set diamond engagement rings at a goldsmith's).
4. Go online and buy either a pre-set diamond engagement ring or "build your own diamond ring" with the help of many high-end diamond jewelry websites.
   

Again, if you aren't looking for a diamond engagement ring, and are looking for a gold ring specifically, than you may want to go to a goldsmith. Otherwise, I would recommend sticking with a jeweler or buying online.

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A jewelry store would be more convenient for you if they have the engagement ring design you wish for pre-made. They could also give you numerous other options, in case you are open to other options. The engagement ring catalogs in big stores could help you discover the different design choices and current trends.
On the other hand, an independent jeweler could prepare your own custom designed engagement ring. This engagement ring could have an extra personal touch that would probably add an extra symbolic flavor every time you wear your engagement ring. A good independent jeweler would try to understand your personal taste and not try to convince you to purchase a certain engagement ring design. The flexibility could also comprise a twist as reliability is more of a question when it comes to independent jewelers than with known jewelry stores. Your custom engagement ring design could be overpriced and some risks could be enhanced in such a deal.

To sum it up: It is easier to rely on a jewelry store when seeking to purchase a diamond engagement ring, but the potential and imagination could reach higher levels through an independent jeweler.

Good luck!

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