Question for the city girls

Where is the diamond district?

And around where is canal street?

We went to the city on Saturday and wanted to stop by these two areas and had such a hard time finding it.

Re: Question for the city girls

Ok, diamond district is basically 47th Street between 5th and 6th. It spills over into the surrounding area but that is the heart of it.

Canal Street is on the east side, downtown. If you were to take a subway, you could take the 6 to Canal Street (It's either right after Astor Place or Spring Street).

Re: Question for the city girls

You can get to Chinatown from LI by taking the Manhattan Bridge which goes directly onto Canal Street or the Willamsburg bridge which brings you onto Delancey Street and you would just go straight until you reach the Bowery and it's right there to the left - so you can park anywhere or taking the subway the N or R and 6 train all stop at Canal Street which is basicall Chinatown. You can't miss it.

Re: Question for the city girls

Once you get to the diamond district in midtown, there are the store fronts, but vendor booths inside...so who do you go to? who do you trust...it is a bit overwhelming, but if you can get a name or contact on who has used someone there before that really helps...Also, a lot of these vendors are Hisidic and are closed on Saturdays, not all of them, but a lot of them...this is all just an FYI.....

Re: Question for the city girls

The diamond district is a battle ground be prepared to barter.. they always try to give you what sounds like a deal but shop around
My brother recently went there and was quoted $5000 for a ring not much bigger than mine and my FH paid $3200 for mine else where..

Re: Question for the city girls

the diamond district is great but you really have to go during the week- many of the stores/booths are closed on the weekends! Our jeweler is there but they are only open from 10 AM- 5 PM during the week. It's a pain but we trust him and so we make it work. Some will be open on the weekends- just not a ton!

Re: Question for the city girls

Definiltey try to get a name from someone that has gone before - my brother got his FW's e-ring from a guy that he has done work for.

Be careful - because when he was shopping around (i went wiht him) - one of the guys in a booth was trying to sell him uncertified diamonds -

Re: Question for the city girls

We bought my ring from Jewelers on 5th. I think they have a website. Our vendor was Jonro. We got a very good deal on a beautiful ring. If you want contact details, FM me.

Re: Question for the city girls

You might want to try Tagger Diamonds in the Diamond District. That's where my ring came from and they were great to work with. They have a website, do a google search.

Good luck!

Re: Question for the city girls

Don't go to a booth. Who knows if they will be there next week.
Go to a jeweler that has its own storefront.
We went to Ultimate Jewelers and worked with Abe. They are on 47th street (btw 5th and 6th)on the north side - I don't know the address but you can call and get it. They have a small store but are one of the biggest dealers in NYC.

My ring appraised for almost 3 times what we paid for it and it was even better quality (fewer flaws) than they told us. We had it appraised by an independant apprasier and a family friend who is a jeweler and both agree we got a great deal. Usually it appraises for twice what you paid. If you go to Tiffany - it will aprraise for less than what you paid.

Re: Question for the city girls

Although we ended up going to FH family jeweler, we loved the people at David S. Diamonds. Very helpful, not pushy, good stones, good prices. They spent a ton of time with us, and actually taught us alot. Not sure of the address, but they are in the District and I think they have a website. Good luck!

Re: Question for the city girls

Not all "booths" are shady. There is a location at 8 West 47th Street where our jewler is and he has a booth- he has been there forever and has a very excellent repuation. My fiance's family has been using them for over 10 years!

Some storefornt jewlers are shady too- it's best to get a recommendation of a jewler.

Message edited 4/13/2004 2:08:55 PM.

Re: Question for the city girls

If you need some referrals, FM me. Almost all my friends work there.