<p>I want to buy a small piece of jewelry. What I plan on purchasing is not going to be thousands (I only wish), but it isn’t $20 either. It will probably be $400-500. Now that Fortunoff is out of business, any suggestions on where to go? I don’t want to be ripped off.</p>
<p>Jewelry is art. It has little “intrinsic” or “alternative” value. An oil painting may have $50 of raw materials (canvas, paint, etc). Add in a week of the artist’s time at $100/hour, and you have about a $4,000 painting. If you buy a Monet at an auction for $10,000,000, how do you know if you are being ripped off? What about a lithiograph of the same painting for $100? What about a poster for $10?</p>
<p>If you want a mass produced diamond piece, go to [Engagement</a> Rings, Diamonds and Fine Jewelry at Blue Nile](<a href=“http://www.bluenile.com%5DEngagement”>http://www.bluenile.com). If you want something more unique, then whatever the jeweler is asking is the price.</p>
<p>Operadad, I agree. I am just buying a gold type of chain, so mass produced is fine. I don’t care to buy jewelry online.</p>
<p>Two suggestions:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Look around at several different jewelry stores in your area, see what they have, and compare their prices. I doubt you’re going to buy the cheapest, because this is about design, quality, etc., but it will give you and idea of whether you’re being “ripped off” – or, to put it more positively, whether the price of a particular necklace is within reason.</p></li>
<li><p>Go to Tiffany. You can never go wrong.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>VH, you know, Tiffany never even crossed my mind bc I know what I am looking for I can’t get with the Tiffany name, but heck, it does not hurt to window shop.</p>
<p>I used to rely on Fortunoff for things like this, but sadly they are out of business.</p>
<p>Tiffany does have lovely things…but the prices are…well…high.</p>
<p>Agree with VeryHappy. I would suggest you speak to folks in your area about local jewelers. You will likely find several and you can go and talk to them and look at what they have to offer.</p>
<p>AND don’t totally dismiss a chain jewelry store if they have what you REALLY want. You may be surprised at what you find there…and it may just be exactly what you are looking for.</p>
<p>We are getting a piece of jewelry made for DD for her college graduation using jewelry from my mom (who is no longer alive). We will go to several local jewelers for ideas. ALL recommendations were from personal friends. Have you considered having something made?</p>
<p>I like Michael C. Fina</p>
<p>Ross Simons.</p>
<p>About 20 years ago dh gave me a strand of pearls from our (then) local dept store - bought on sale …we returned and I got two strands from Ross Simons for less - we compared quality and I was pleased.</p>
<p>This is going to sound like a weird suggestion, but look at Costco. I have friends who worked in jewelry stores, and they have told me Costco can’t be beat for value. All stones are certified. If you order an item online and don’t like it you can return it to the store.</p>
<p>Crazy idea, have you thought about L&T? They just added a fine jewelry section and is having some great pieces and sales. A month ago I went in there during my lunch hour. I was surprised by number of good looking pieces they had. I found a pearl pendant that looks like a flower with some diamonds. The pearls were so shining and beautiful. It was 50% off, plus my 20% off coupon. I got it in their NYC store. They also had some very nice gold jewelry in your price range too.</p>
<p>I look in Tiffany, but I usually have it made if I am spending that kind of money. I think their silver jewelry is a rip off.</p>
<p>Even in a mall jewlery store you can make an offer other than the posted retail price. Assume that the wholesale price is 20-33% of the MSRP and go from there, maye it will work if you talk to the manager.</p>
<p>So I guess the economy is finally getting better. Instead of another thread about cutting paper napkins in half, we are now talking about buying jewelry.</p>
<p>^^ Post of the Day.</p>
<p>I second Costco/Sam’s and Ross Simmons. I’ll even go as far as to say TJ Maxx, if you have one near and it has a fine jewelry counter. I have found some really lovely things there, believe it or not.</p>
<p>I second Costco if you are looking for a quality piece at a bargain price and not too concerned about its uniqueness. The 18K white gold pave sapphire ring my H gave me was much cheaper than a similar looking 14K ring at Macy’s (on sale!!!). BTW, Macy’s changed their jewelry supplier and has some really nice-looking stuff.</p>
<p>For a truly unique piece you have to go to a custom jewelry maker. Some can even design a piece for you starting from your hand drawings, but it will cost serious money.</p>
<p>I agree with Operadad.
I like to buy original pieces from the artist- or I like to make them myself
[Welcome</a> to BeadWorld](<a href=“http://www.beadworldnw.com/]Welcome”>http://www.beadworldnw.com/)</p>
<p>I also like to buy things from this site- very good quality and much easier than running around town.
[Eco</a> Jewelry, Made by Hand, Post-Consumer Gold Jewelry, Green Weddings](<a href=“http://www.greenkarat.com/?gclid=CPHXmp78jJwCFRFMagoduXHbXQ]Eco”>http://www.greenkarat.com/?gclid=CPHXmp78jJwCFRFMagoduXHbXQ)</p>
<p>I will look at L&T and will look at Costco. Oh, and the economy is not getting better in our house, LOL! This is a pooled gift to me for that “special big BD” from a few relatives. At least it was not chosen for me! I appreciate that.</p>
<p>OK…what is L and T?</p>
<p>thumper1 - get out much? Lord and Taylor.:)</p>
<p>OH!!! Of course…Lord and Taylor. I DO get out, but remember, I live 45 minutes from the nearest shopping mall…LandT meant Linens and Things to me…thus the confusion (they are out of business AND I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why they would be carrying fine jewelry!!). Duh…duh.</p>