AJ asked:
I live in NJ and I am looking for a good place to purchase loose diamonds to have put into a setting for an engagement ring. I want to actually go to the place and be able to view the stones. Any ideas on where to look?
I live in NJ and I am looking for a good place to purchase loose diamonds to have put into a setting for an engagement ring. I want to actually go to the place and be able to view the stones. Any ideas on where to look?
The best place in the Philly area to look at a lot of stones is along “Jeweler’s Row” in Center City, which is basically on Sansom Street between 7th and 8th. There are at least a dozen different jewelers there, and you can see a ton of choices. Also, because they are all together, you are less likely to get confused or to wind up overpaying; the competition helps keep prices fair. As to specific stores, a lot of people like Barsky, Frank Salese, and Rosenberg’s, and I have put their contact info below. But don’t limit yourself to just those stores. You should just walk along the block and see who happens to have a stone you like. Everyone has different favorite.
Barsky Diamond Importers
724 Sansom St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 925-8639?
barskydiamonds.com
Frank Salese Fine Diamonds
733 Sansom St # 1
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 922-5995?
franksalese.com
Rosenberg Diamond Company?
738 Sansom St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 627-1317
melrosenbergdiamonds.com
Another place to keep in mind is actually a couple of blocks away, near Independence Square. I wasn’t clear from reading your question whether you already have the setting you want, or whether you just want to buy the diamond first and then get a setting for it. But McGarry’s does a lot of really beautiful custom settings. (It also sells diamonds loose, I believe, although I am less sure about that.) You might want to look there as well, especially if you want a loose diamond set.
McGarry’s Jewelers
312 N 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 627-2901
Oh, let me add one more thought. A diamond is a major purchase, and you only plan on buying one engagement ring in your life, right? New York’s diamond district (along 47th Street, near 5th Avenue) is less than 2 hours away and has at least 10 times the choices as even Jeweler’s Row in Philadelphia. If I were in your situation, I would go first to Jeweler’s Row. If I found the perfect diamond, I would buy it and leave happy. But if I still had lingering doubts, I’d head up to New York and make a day trip out of it. Just a thought.
Good luck, and congratulations on your engagement!!