Buying an engagement ring in Houston (wedding, pricing, deal)

[rjj42]

Originally Posted by PinkLadyK

Ronnie Hoffman w/ Hoffman Diamond Company in Greenway Plaza. You won't be in a huge store with pretty rings under fancy lights. He has a 1990s-looking office with a receptionist and a desk. But he charges about 80% of what a jeweler with a fancy storefront will charge. All of his business is word-of-mouth and repeat customers.

Thanks very much! I appreciate the advice.

[rjj42]

Originally Posted by eastontracks

This reply is good advice and your best bet for a great stone at a good price. I did the same. A friend told me about intercontinental jewelers in the galleria area off Richmond. He got it there and I did too after I made a visit. All legit great stones they carry compared to the low grades/non certified ones you'll see at most mall stores. Check out their Google reviews. Lady knows her stuff.

Thanks!

[sonic0boom]

Originally Posted by rjj42

What exactly do you mean by B&M stores? Is that the name of a chain of stores or something?

"brick and mortar"

i.e. the mall stores, etc

[HTownNearNative]

Whiteflash in Sugarland could do it in one week if the setting is one of their own designs (vs designer brand rings which take longer). Whiteflash has its own manufacturing facility for their in-house designs.

[d2mini]

Jonathan's Fine Jewelers.
http://www.jfjco.com/engagement-rings-houston/
Talk to Sergio and tell him d2mini sent you.

[TexasTony]

Deustch or Deville

[Dopo]

I-45 and Beltway is a popular place to propose

[ilikeme]

Originally Posted by Dopo

I-45 and Beltway is a popular place to propose

Middle of I-45 in Downtown at around 5:30pm is even better! Get some buddies to come along and stop the traffic for you so you can all get out and enjoy the view!

[aero100]

When I was educating myself on how to buy a diamond I found the Blue Nile website to be very helpful. It's an online diamond retailer.

Personally I was not looking to buy a diamond online, but they have a huge inventory and on their website you can turn a bunch of knobs for size, clarity, cut, color, etc. and see how adjusting each one affects the value of an individual diamond. It's like a diamond costing app.

After that you will have some knowledge and rough idea on pricing before you walk through the door and deal with a jeweler in person.

[bu2]

Originally Posted by PinkLadyK

Ronnie Hoffman w/ Hoffman Diamond Company in Greenway Plaza. You won't be in a huge store with pretty rings under fancy lights. He has a 1990s-looking office with a receptionist and a desk. But he charges about 80% of what a jeweler with a fancy storefront will charge. All of his business is word-of-mouth and repeat customers.

I used him and recommend him. Basically, go in knowing what you want to pay and he will show you what he has.