Look for the right jewelry salesperson, not just the right engagement ring
By Jamie
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
I developed a love for jewelry while working in a jewelry store in college in NY. It was just another job at the time I applied, but by the time I left a few years later I had developed one love and another enemy; I love jewelry and I hate pushy sales people. The love of jewelry was a big surprise. I have worn a gold chain from my father under my shirt since I was 22, and have been wearing a plain gold wedding ring for the last year. I don’t look right in Jewelry. I’ve tried a few rings and earrings, and even the people who have pushed me admitted later that it didn’t work.
Instead, I love to buy Jewelry for my wife. Nothing was more fun and frustrating as my quest to find a classic solitaire engagement ring. You’d figure that with the hundreds of jewelers in NYC and the surrounding area, I’d be able to find a salesperson who didn’t try to close me like a used car dealer (albeit in a better suit). I never enjoyed to haggle, but understood that with an engagement ring, I could save about 25% if I would just grin and bear it. After a few dozen stores, I was about to give up all hope of a good engagement experience in New York, when I stumbled into a great saleslady who was obviously interested in helping me.
The commission on the engagement and wedding bands wasn’t enough to buy her a nice dinner, but she treated my wife and I like a million bucks. The point here is to tell you to keep hunting for the right jewelry store and salesperson, not just an engagement ring. The more established stores in NY tend to be less aggressive and employ more knowledgeable salespeople. Take your time, find the right diamond, and take the plunge.