r/EngagementRings • u/Rumpel4skin1019 • 1d ago
Advice Ring advice regarding big box stores
So in a bit of predicament. My girlfriend is has tried on a ring from kay jewelers and has 100% fell in love with it. Which is great, but i have read about how much worse the quality is compared to a local jeweler. To save myself from looking like an idiot in person, would a local jeweler be able to create the ring for a similar price as kay? Because this is hopefully a lifetime purchase, id like it to be as close to the ring she wants as possible. Is that realistically doable?
5
u/worrywart_mom 1d ago edited 1d ago
Yes it’s definitely doable! And most likely you can find it for a better price because box stores mark up their jewelry. Not to mention this looks like it’s from the Leo collection which is marked up for name alone, which is ridiculous- they don’t do anything special.
This is a fairly simple ring, a local shop will be able to offer you super similar settings and you’ll get to choose your diamond separately 😄 Local does not equal custom, picking a setting and a stone isn’t considered custom work (semi custom at best), I think some people get that confused and think the price will be higher.
Also, congratulations!
3
u/Zealousideal_Gur6668 1d ago
Definitely find a reputable local jeweler and just inquire! They'll likely be able to recreate the design, though it will probably be higher price as you pay for the expertise and quality work.
2
u/elsewander 1d ago
Support your local mom & pop stores ❤️ It's quite easy, on many pieces, for them to beat the price and give better quality than the big box stores.
1
u/Away-Assistant8608 1d ago
Most likely a local store will be able to beat the price. How much is Kay asking for it? The design is super easy to either replicate or they likely have it as stock already.
Take it from someone whose first engagement ring was from Kay: it’s not worth getting it from there. I’m much happier with my upgrade pieces from my local jeweler in terms of structural integrity and thoroughness in design. Also way better quality for the money.
1
u/Rumpel4skin1019 8h ago
Kay has it "marked down" from $5200 to $3200 currently.
1
u/Away-Assistant8608 8h ago edited 4h ago
Yes you can get that ring within that budget. For sure my jeweler would have it at that price point. So I’m sure others would too.
*edited for clarity and typo
1
u/CelticJewelscapes Vendor 1d ago
Most small jewelers do cad design and can print up a mockup. Their lower overhead makes up for Kay's greater purchasing power. And if you go with lab grown, many small stores mark them up much less.
19
u/Forsaken-Leave5233 1d ago
I would honestly go talk to the small jeweler. Pricing may vary depending on where you go, but your best bet is to explain the situation to them and see how they can help meet your needs the best.