Where to buy engagaement ring

JimDeer · 08-17-2005, 12:02 PM

Can anyone recommend a good place to buy a diamond ring, in the general vicinity of Winnipesaukee?

Thanks for any leads!

Lakewinniboater · 08-17-2005, 12:21 PM

WELL, if you want the best quality at a fabulous price it is worth the drive to Barmakian's in Nashua. it will be an hours ride and will save you thousands. They are a family owned business. Been around for 150 years or so.... they are also an importer of diamonds. So you are not paying any middle men. NEVER go to a mall for jewelry. You will pay high dollar for much less quality.

Also, they will design on the spot for you whatever you like if you can't find it already made. You can also go through lose diamonds to find the perfect one.

Ask for Jose he will help educate you and tell you what is the best thing for your money.

Most important is to know the shape and type of metal she likes (princess, radiant, solitare, asher, marquis, oval, pear, hear, teardrop----gold, white gold, platinum)

However, if you buy something that isn't exactly what she loves... they let you bring it back and get whatever she wants within 30days no questions asked!

I have bought jewelry there for YEARS and always get a higher price on appraisal for it then what i paid. (always have an appraisal or ask them for one and have it insured asap. Homeowners or renters insurance. Make sure it also covers loss off the property.. ie: if it falls off her hand at the lake)

Most of my jewelry has been appraised at $2,000-4,000 above what I paid for it.

You will find that the size, color and clarity will be almost double for the price you would pay elsewhere!!! GREAT buys. They stand behind EVERYTHING.... when you want to upgrade they will give you what you paid for it toward the new ring! They have the shop right downstairs that makes and repairs everything!

NO I AM NOT RELATED OR WORK THERE.... I just buy a lot. Since finding them... I ONLY buy there!!

GOOD LUCK and feel free to email me with any further questions.
Wendy

BroadHopper · 08-17-2005, 01:05 PM

If you have Jewish connections, you can go right to the wholesaler in Boston. I think it is called the 'Diamond Exchange'. That is where I bought the engagement ring. The appraisal was almost doubled what I pay for. The diamond may be 'in the raw', but you can always find a jeweler that will polish it and mount it.

PROPELLER · 08-17-2005, 01:09 PM

Are you people getting your appraisals from the jewler you purchased from? If you are I would be very skeptical about values exceeding what you paid. Take it to another reputable jewler you did not purchase from.

Its in their best interest to appraise for more than you paid them so you feel like you got a great deal.

upthesaukee · 08-17-2005, 05:05 PM

Elliot Jewelers in Wolfeboro, on Main St across from the Post Office. We actually haven't dealt with that store, but they have another store in Concord on Warren Street right next to the municipal parking garage, and we have done quite a bit of business with them. When my son was getting remarried, he asked if he could use my mom and dad's wedding ring set. It was a beautiful custom set that my wife and I weren't wearing, and we took it in to the Concord Elliott's to be resized and cleaned. What a beautiful job, and how much pride I get from seeing Jason & Lynne wear those rings. Mom and Dad will be proud. Service from Elliott's was great.

KonaChick · 08-17-2005, 05:47 PM

Both my brothers bought their fiancee's rings from the Diamond Exchange in Boston. I'm fairly confident there were no "jewish" connections as my maiden name is O'Malley!!! As far as i know it's open to the public!

Mee-n-Mac · 08-17-2005, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lakewinniboater

WELL, if you want the best quality at a fabulous price it is worth the drive to Barmakian's in Nashua. it will be an hours ride and will save you thousands. They are a family owned business. Been around for 150 years or so.... they are also an importer of diamonds. So you are not paying any middle men. NEVER go to a mall for jewelry. You will pay high dollar for much less quality. {snip}

While it's not exactly in the Lakes region, it's where I got "Mee" her ring. Prices reasonable, quality high, good selection and, ideally, you only get one chance to do it right.

JG1222 · 08-19-2005, 03:39 PM

I highly recommend Barmakians, (especially for engagement rings) for all the reasons stated above. It will definitely be worth the trip from anywhere.

Another important point (which I don't remember if it was brought up) is that their salespeople do not work on commissions. They are straight-salaried employees, so the pressure of someone looking to make a quick commission is not there, making it a much better experience.

Lakewinniboater · 08-19-2005, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PROPELLER

Are you people getting your appraisals from the jewler you purchased from? If you are I would be very skeptical about values exceeding what you paid. Take it to another reputable jewler you did not purchase from.

Its in their best interest to appraise for more than you paid them so you feel like you got a great deal.

thankfully no. I have a friend that is a certified appraiser that is not affiliated with Barmakians.

Also, you do not have to have jewish connections to get into the Jeweler's Buildings in Boston. It is good to know someone I agree..... but you can get in. That is where I used to go before I found Barmakians.... they have a shop in that building as well as 2 other retail shops in Nashua and Framingham

SAMIAM · 08-21-2005, 08:36 AM

There is a place right at the end of rt 25 at rt 16 called Independant jewelers.Just a small place ,but don't be fooled by the size because they are wholesalers and can get anything at huge discounts.The owners Chuck and Dick are absolutely trustworthy.My family and I have used them for years and everything we've bought has always appraised at least double what we've paid.

JimDeer · 08-21-2005, 01:16 PM

Thanks for the leads everyone.
How can I determine if a place is a wholesaler vs a retailer?

Lakewinniboater · 08-21-2005, 05:30 PM

You can't!..... many wholesaler's have retail shops as the one I told you about. However, unless they are the ones mentioned or in a Jeweler's Building in Boston or NY city. They are retailers

dpg · 08-22-2005, 05:53 AM

Don't be too concerned about appraisals, not always what things will sell for.

codeman671 · 08-25-2005, 09:08 PM

Wendy, I saw Jose tonight. Great guy and a much better selection of stones than the others we have seen and for a lot less. He said that he hopes you enjoy the wedding bands that you picked up the other night.

JimDeer · 08-25-2005, 11:05 PM

closed on sundays and mondays though.

i guess when you are selling priceless rocks you can afford to be a little lazy

liketherush · 08-28-2005, 08:24 AM

I know it's not really in the area, but Dover has a couple of Jewelry stores. I like Alie Jewelers if you really want good quality. They deal with only the highest grade in diamonds. They have a friendly staff too.

Lakewinniboater · 08-29-2005, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codeman671

Wendy, I saw Jose tonight. Great guy and a much better selection of stones than the others we have seen and for a lot less. He said that he hopes you enjoy the wedding bands that you picked up the other night.

I am glad you were able to go there!!!! You really will enjoy there products. I bought some gold charms there for $90 that I saw elsewhere for $175.

Jose is a great guy too!! Thanks for letting him know I sent you and for letting me know!!!!!!!!!

08-17-2005, 12:02 PM	#1
JimDeer Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Where to buy engagaement ring Can anyone recommend a good place to buy a diamond ring, in the general vicinity of Winnipesaukee? Thanks for any leads!

08-17-2005, 12:21 PM	#2
Lakewinniboater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Westford, MA and Alton Bay, NH Posts: 225 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	This I Am Good At!!!!! WELL, if you want the best quality at a fabulous price it is worth the drive to Barmakian's in Nashua. it will be an hours ride and will save you thousands. They are a family owned business. Been around for 150 years or so.... they are also an importer of diamonds. So you are not paying any middle men. NEVER go to a mall for jewelry. You will pay high dollar for much less quality. Also, they will design on the spot for you whatever you like if you can't find it already made. You can also go through lose diamonds to find the perfect one. Ask for Jose he will help educate you and tell you what is the best thing for your money. Most important is to know the shape and type of metal she likes (princess, radiant, solitare, asher, marquis, oval, pear, hear, teardrop----gold, white gold, platinum) However, if you buy something that isn't exactly what she loves... they let you bring it back and get whatever she wants within 30days no questions asked! I have bought jewelry there for YEARS and always get a higher price on appraisal for it then what i paid. (always have an appraisal or ask them for one and have it insured asap. Homeowners or renters insurance. Make sure it also covers loss off the property.. ie: if it falls off her hand at the lake) Most of my jewelry has been appraised at $2,000-4,000 above what I paid for it. You will find that the size, color and clarity will be almost double for the price you would pay elsewhere!!! GREAT buys. They stand behind EVERYTHING.... when you want to upgrade they will give you what you paid for it toward the new ring! They have the shop right downstairs that makes and repairs everything! NO I AM NOT RELATED OR WORK THERE.... I just buy a lot. Since finding them... I ONLY buy there!! GOOD LUCK and feel free to email me with any further questions. Wendy __________________ Wendy "Wasn't Me!"

08-17-2005, 01:05 PM	#3
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,577 Thanks: 3,220 Thanked 1,103 Times in 794 Posts	Jewish friend If you have Jewish connections, you can go right to the wholesaler in Boston. I think it is called the 'Diamond Exchange'. That is where I bought the engagement ring. The appraisal was almost doubled what I pay for. The diamond may be 'in the raw', but you can always find a jeweler that will polish it and mount it. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

08-17-2005, 05:05 PM	#5
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,600 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,461 Thanked 1,983 Times in 1,083 Posts	Elliot Jewelers in Wolfeboro, on Main St across from the Post Office. We actually haven't dealt with that store, but they have another store in Concord on Warren Street right next to the municipal parking garage, and we have done quite a bit of business with them. When my son was getting remarried, he asked if he could use my mom and dad's wedding ring set. It was a beautiful custom set that my wife and I weren't wearing, and we took it in to the Concord Elliott's to be resized and cleaned. What a beautiful job, and how much pride I get from seeing Jason & Lynne wear those rings. Mom and Dad will be proud. Service from Elliott's was great. __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

08-19-2005, 03:39 PM	#8
JG1222 Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pelham, NH Posts: 347 Thanks: 14 Thanked 4 Times in 2 Posts	Barmakian's I highly recommend Barmakians, (especially for engagement rings) for all the reasons stated above. It will definitely be worth the trip from anywhere. Another important point (which I don't remember if it was brought up) is that their salespeople do not work on commissions. They are straight-salaried employees, so the pressure of someone looking to make a quick commission is not there, making it a much better experience.

08-17-2005, 01:09 PM	#4
PROPELLER Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 340 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Are you people getting your appraisals from the jewler you purchased from? If you are I would be very skeptical about values exceeding what you paid. Take it to another reputable jewler you did not purchase from. Its in their best interest to appraise for more than you paid them so you feel like you got a great deal.

08-17-2005, 05:47 PM	#6
KonaChick Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 518 Thanks: 19 Thanked 62 Times in 15 Posts	Both my brothers bought their fiancee's rings from the Diamond Exchange in Boston. I'm fairly confident there were no "jewish" connections as my maiden name is O'Malley!!! As far as i know it's open to the public!

08-21-2005, 08:36 AM	#10
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,897 Thanks: 334 Thanked 1,676 Times in 586 Posts	There is a place right at the end of rt 25 at rt 16 called Independant jewelers.Just a small place ,but don't be fooled by the size because they are wholesalers and can get anything at huge discounts.The owners Chuck and Dick are absolutely trustworthy.My family and I have used them for years and everything we've bought has always appraised at least double what we've paid.

08-21-2005, 01:16 PM	#11
JimDeer Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Wholesaler vs retailer Thanks for the leads everyone. How can I determine if a place is a wholesaler vs a retailer?

08-21-2005, 05:30 PM	#12
Lakewinniboater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Westford, MA and Alton Bay, NH Posts: 225 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	you really cant You can't!..... many wholesaler's have retail shops as the one I told you about. However, unless they are the ones mentioned or in a Jeweler's Building in Boston or NY city. They are retailers __________________ Wendy "Wasn't Me!"

08-22-2005, 05:53 AM	#13
dpg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,597 Thanks: 153 Thanked 229 Times in 166 Posts	Don't be too concerned about appraisals, not always what things will sell for.

08-25-2005, 09:08 PM	#14
codeman671 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,499 Thanks: 221 Thanked 815 Times in 489 Posts	Jose says hi! Wendy, I saw Jose tonight. Great guy and a much better selection of stones than the others we have seen and for a lot less. He said that he hopes you enjoy the wedding bands that you picked up the other night.

08-25-2005, 11:05 PM	#15
JimDeer Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	closed on sundays and mondays though. i guess when you are selling priceless rocks you can afford to be a little lazy

08-28-2005, 08:24 AM	#16
liketherush Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I know it's not really in the area, but Dover has a couple of Jewelry stores. I like Alie Jewelers if you really want good quality. They deal with only the highest grade in diamonds. They have a friendly staff too.