Costco for engagement ring?

[scottIN]

So has anyone purchased (or will admit to purchasing) an engagement ring from Costco? From everything I've read, they're great - with most appraisals grading higher than their guaranteed grades. And I've compared prices on similar (hard to go exactly apples to apples) rings and they seem to be 30%-40% lower than even discount jewelers.

It's just that whole 'Where did the ring come from?' deal, y'know? But we both love Costco - so maybe that's a plus? I just look at it and think "Okay, I can get this one from Costco for $6,000...or go to a high-end jeweler & spend $10,000 for the same ring." That difference would take care of a nice week in Costa Rica...

I didn't think twice about buying my watch from DavidSW vs. a jewelry store, but an engagement ring is a little different...

[Runnin' Rebel]

I'm a Costco fan boy. I approve. Life time return policy ?

[Lion]

Originally Posted by scottIN

So has anyone purchased (or will admit to purchasing) an engagement ring from Costco? From everything I've read, they're great - with most appraisals grading higher than their guaranteed grades. And I've compared prices on similar (hard to go exactly apples to apples) rings and they seem to be 30%-40% lower than even discount jewelers.

It's just that whole 'Where did the ring come from?' deal, y'know? But we both love Costco - so maybe that's a plus? I just look at it and think "Okay, I can get this one from Costco for $6,000...or go to a high-end jeweler & spend $10,000 for the same ring." That difference would take care of a nice week in Costa Rica...

I didn't think twice about buying my watch from DavidSW vs. a jewelry store, but an engagement ring is a little different...

Yep...I can agree, with some Ladies their Engagement Rings are a very big deal. And can only imagine their embarrassment to actually say where the ring was bought!!!

[mtrunner]

A diamond is a diamond no matter where you buy it.

[jolimont]

if its a nice ring with a certified rock then who cares where its from

[Presa canary]

Diamonds are far from rare. They're the most unbelievable marketing success of all time. We feel as though we MUST get one to show our love to our significant other. I'm a victim of this marketing as well. That being bitterly said, buy this rock whenever and wherever you can for the absolute best price you can

[gmh1013]

Im the worlds biggest Costco fan and bought my wife's ring there and our Toyota/TV's/computers/bed/furniture through them and saved a good deal of money with each purchase. Love Costco.

[mannyv11]

Originally Posted by gmh1013

Im the worlds biggest Costco fan and bought my wife's ring there and our Toyota/TV's/computers/bed/furniture through them and saved a good deal of money with each purchase. Love Costco.

costco sells cars?
that's amazing don't even have to worry about fighting with the dealer for the best deal

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by mannyv11

costco sells cars?
that's amazing don't even have to worry about fighting with the dealer for the best deal

And you can return it after 15 years . . .

[Kingair]

Why not . . . and get an Executive Membership . . . ;)

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by Kingair

Why not . . . and get an Executive Membership . . . ;)

Good point! Buy it with the Executive Membership and American Express Card and get cash back.

I saw a program on Costco and it said one of their keys to success is they only charge 15% over cost.

If you are not doing electronics, their return policy is fantastic.

[Bangel]

If the only concern about buying from Costco is the perceived stigma, then there is no concern for me.

[gmh1013]

Originally Posted by Frosty

Good point! Buy it with the Executive Membership and American Express Card and get cash back.

I saw a program on Costco and it said one of their keys to success is they only charge 15% over cost.

If you are not doing electronics, their return policy is fantastic.

I have the Costco AMX card .....its a great deal......if you shop like we do at Costco for everything

[tfly212]

My only advice on buying an engagement ring is if you are going to surprise her with it, make sure they have an exchange policy. I set out to buy the ring on my own with some general guidance on what she liked from pictures, magazines, etc (Tiffany Novo came up a lot). It was near impossible for me to decide on my own so we tried going shopping together...she ended up hating most of the ones she thought she liked once she tried them on. Only after trying on about 30 different rings did she find the one she loved.

If the four Cs are what you are looking for and she likes it I wouldn't hesitate buying from Costco...the markup on diamonds is absolutely insane...save the cash where you can.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Does Costco carry loose stones ? You could buy a really nice one there and design her setting. That's what I did, not at Costco because I didn't think about it at the time. She loved that I did it myself and made it more special. I did a nice setting for it and she really liked it.

[The Joker]

You said the Mrs don't mind Costco. Who cares what anyone else thinks.

And the amount you save you can put towards the next watch.

[stephentross]

Tiffany & Co.

When it comes to diamonds, This is the only store where I feel I know what I am getting for my money. And yes all diamonds come from the ground. Some are "fixed" to look better than they actually are. I know my wifes ring has no carbon spots that were drilled out and filled in with glass. I know and I do have piece of mind. :) Just my 2 pennies.

Congrats on your life changing event. Best thing I have ever done.

P.S. Another thing I have learned is getting engaged is fun. Picking a ring is fun. But oh how I learned that it is way more than a diamond or a big party. Anything you choose will be just fine.

[scottIN]

Originally Posted by stephentross

Tiffany & Co.

When it comes to diamonds, This is the only store where I feel I know what I am getting for my money.

I just gave her a necklace from Tiffany - does that count? :)

Thanks everyone. Guess maybe I was over thinking it. And I guess if her girlfriends ask where it came from that she can just say 'Indianapolis'.

[stephentross]

Originally Posted by scottIN

I just gave her a necklace from Tiffany - does that count? :)

Thanks everyone. Guess maybe I was over thinking it. And I guess if her girlfriends ask where it came from that she can just say 'Indianapolis'.

Sure does.

We have purchased diamonds from other stores as well. I just have piece of mind from the Tiffany purchases over the others. All are beautiful and happy with each purchase. Costco is a fine store and as long as you have a warranty, That is all that matters. I do not recall anyone asking my wife where I got the ring from.

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by stephentross

Tiffany & Co.

When it comes to diamonds, This is the only store where I feel I know what I am getting for my money. And yes all diamonds come from the ground. Some are "fixed" to look better than they actually are. I know my wifes ring has no carbon spots that were drilled out and filled in with glass. I know and I do have piece of mind. :) Just my 2 pennies.

Congrats on your life changing event. Best thing I have ever done.

Absolutely 110% agree; you truly get what you pay for with Tiffany & Co.

My wife's engagement ring and our wedding bands came from Tiffany. Yes, for what we spent, I could have purchased a bigger diamond elsewhere, but it is not likely the quality (cut, clarity, color) would compare - not even close. Tiffany's customer service is exemplary as well.

[diver2012]

Originally Posted by The Libertine

Yes, for what we spent, I could have purchased a bigger diamond elsewhere, but it is not likely the quality (cut, clarity, color) would compare - not even close.

A GIA certificated stone bought from somewhere like BlueNile would, without a doubt, be the same quality as from Tiffany - and cheaper.

[mtrunner]

Originally Posted by diver2012

A GIA certificated stone bought from somewhere like BlueNile would, without a doubt, be the same quality as from Tiffany - and cheaper.

Exactly, certified GIA diamonds are certified diamonds no matter where they are purchased and maybe Tiffany has a higher threshold on what grade of diamond is acceptable to be sold in their store but their diamonds are absolutely no different than Blue Nile. Marketing is an amazing tool. No different than buying a Rolex from a certified Rolex store or a Rolex from Costco. It's still a Rolex.

Customer service is a whole different thing. Buying from Tiffany's is an experience and you get great service for life but you do pay a premium for that Tiffany Blue Box.

[stephentross]

Well. A GIA diamond is not nearly as scrutinized as a Tiffany diamond. Tiffany diamonds sparkle because of their near perfect cut and no sacrifice for size. A Rolex is always a Rolex no matter where you buy it. But a Tiffany cut diamond is only a Tiffany cut diamond if you buy from Tiffany. Sure you can buy Tiffany quality diamonds from bluenile. However. The price is near identical.

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by mtrunner

Exactly, certified GIA diamonds are certified diamonds no matter where they are purchased and maybe Tiffany has a higher threshold on what grade of diamond is acceptable to be sold in their store but their diamonds are absolutely no different than Blue Nile. Marketing is an amazing tool. No different than buying a Rolex from a certified Rolex store or a Rolex from Costco. It's still a Rolex.

Customer service is a whole different thing. Buying from Tiffany's is an experience and you get great service for life but you do pay a premium for that Tiffany Blue Box.

I'll prefer to stick with Tiffany & Co. over GIA.

[vitalsignsrn]

There are other places to buy a diamond for better value than Costco. ;-) And there are places you can buy a diamond with great quality (4-C's) without a branded name for a lot less. ;-) You can always say it came from such & such a place if it makes you feel better. LOL LOL No one will know.. ;-)

Happy shopping. :-)

[Danny83]

My local costco has Rings in the 150-250 k range so im sure its a good place

[antbkny]

diamonds are diamonds. the branding or where you buy it doesn't matter. just know what quality diamonds you are getting into.

[Trouble15]

My cousin (woman) was given her 2.5 carat engagement ring from Costco. I have seen their jewelry and engagement rings and they look by in large great quality and good prices. If someone asks where you bought it just say a jeweler. Don't tell if you don't want to. I'm a Costco fan.

[Baco Noir]

I bought a placeholder ring for my wife there. I didn't know what style she wanted and bought a Pt band with diamonds inset in a channel from Costco to present to her when I asked her to marry me.

I also had a photo of the ring I had considered buying her but held off because I knew that some women had a 'perfect ring' they had dreamed of since childhood. My wife loved both and we bought the real engagement ring from Blue Nile

[Art 1]

I could not buy a diamond for my lady at Costco no matter what. I just couldn't.