Is there a way to slickdeal jewelry?

[dealslayer]

So I have heard that the help me find a deal section is sometimes a little less than responsive, but hopefully thats all bs and you guys could help me out a lil.

My girlfriend really wants a diamond pendant for a necklace, and I have been looking through SlickDeals but I havent been able to find any real deals. I know that the markup on jewelry is insane (like 300-400%) So even at many stores "clearance sales" where they are selling it at 70% off etc. Its all just marketing BS.

How do you buy jewelry?

So far I am figuring to go to a retail store and try to use a 25/100 coupon or something similar, but I know I will get raped in the end.

are there any threads that talk about how to SlickDeal jewelry?


Thanks and reps to everyone who helps give any amount of help

[heavylee]

I think people may perceive the 'Help Me Find a Deal' section as a little less than responsive because many threads are started without hardly any useful information. I've read many threads where OPs write something like 'I need a deal on a sofa, can anyone help me out?'

To me, this is just a sign of a person that is lazy. They obviously didn't read the sticky with suggestions about how to write an OP that will solicit helpful responses. They didn't provide any information about their budget, location, needs (loveseat, wrap-around, etc), or if there are certain brands or styles that they like better or worse.

Sometimes there are threads that demonstrate that the OP knows exactly what they want, but are just not interested in spending the time to look for it. A thread started like this:
Can anyone help me find a deal on these?
Schlage Electronic Keypad Lock
Georgian or Plymouth in Bright Brass

I found them at Joe's lock shop in my town for $xx, and I found them on lockshop.com for $xx, but I can't afford that right now. Does anyone know where I can get them for $x?

I appreciate your time and help.
Thanks!!
is much more likely to get helpful responses than a thread started like this:
Can anyone help me find a deal on these? I'm just too busy to search because I just finished moving and have a medical school exam coming up.

Schlage Electronic Keypad Lock
Georgian or Plymouth in Bright Brass

http://consumer.schlage.com/produ...onI D=50: FE595 CAM 505 GEO
Plymouh: FE595 PLY 505 PLY

I will rep anyone who finds them. I'm just swamped.

Thanks!!
To me, the latter is almost like sending your dog to fetch your slippers for you. </rant>

WITH THAT SAID ..... What was the question? lol oh yeah .....

I buy all my jewelery from a local independent jeweler. He doesn't have a store, just works out of his house. I realize that I am fortunate to have hooked up with him, but his prices are a THIRD of a retail store's, the gem and metal quality is better and everything is custom. Can you talk to friends/family to see if there's any trusted 'go-to' guys in town?

[mcwick]

I would recommend staying away from the mall jewelers. We went to a small family-owned store here in town to get our wedding rings, and they were fabulous. Gave us a great deal, had exactly what I was looking for, and still recognize us when we come in to get our rings cleaned 4 years later. Their customer service can't be beat, and I think they gave us fantastic prices.Pluse, we were helping out the little guy. =)

If that isn't an option, I'd recommend checking out KMart or Kohls. They seem to have the best sale prices, and I know Kohls frequently has coupons and specials that you can compound to get some sweet deals.

Also, with mother's day right around the corner, it seems like you should be able to find some really good deals. I'd recommend checking the local sales circulars.

It may help to give your location, too. That way if someone lives near you and knows someone awesome, they can give you their name. =)

[patrick835]

diamonds don't really go on sale ;) and even if they do, those are the ones you don't want.
i started researching diamonds 2 weeks ago, and found out that pricescope.com forum are especially helpful ;)

some reputable online stores are whiteflash, goodoldgold, bluenile etc...
i'm getting a 1.02 carat pair of princess cut diamonds this week from James Allen :)

[Talyssa]

you'll never get as good of a deal as someone wth a 'connection' but diamonds at the reputable online stores like blue nile are supposed to be a better price.

HOWEVER! in this economy you might be able to get a great deal at a retail store. You didn't mention your price range, but i noticed some of hte high end stores by me who have never in the last 10 years had a single sale flag have started putting up sale signs - and some even started putting PRICE TAGS on items in the windows. If you have the money to go for a really high quality item (better stones, better settings) then you may get a relative bargain right now. thos stores as well as regular retail stores or department stores, may also have a lot more leeway to negotioate right now as well.

I'd say find some deals online, print em out, and start hitting your local stores. Ask what something you like costs, then show them the print of something comparable and ask if they can match that.

Also, while some pieces are inflated 300-400%, not everything is. If you do a lot of comparison shopping you will start to get a good idea of prices.

ALLLLSO... imho diamonds are not worth it unless they are really quality diamonds. I would rather have a beautiful high quality non-diamond piece than a cheap diamond because I couldn't afford a really good one. I don't know your girl though and she may be the kind of girl that just likes the idea of diamonds but its something to keep in mind.

[dealslayer]

delete

[volantwish]

Just posted about this (http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=605325&t=1335523), but there's a $20 cashback on a $100 purchase from Blue Nile jewelry deal tonight at Borders Perks (http://www.bordersrewardsperks.com). I've never bought anything from Blue Nile, but the site looks nice...