Ralph PJ Diamonds | Testimonials

Testimonials from Rapaport Diamond Report - September 13, 2007

RALPH P.J. DIAMONDS, INC.
37 West 47th Street

The deep blue velvet and wool display draw me in. I'm immediately asked if I need help, and the salesperson is very sweet. I am asked about what shape I am looking for, and told that round is the most classic shape. I'm encouraged frequently to consider getting bigger stone in G or below color range. Throughout the sale, another salesperson wheels and deals loudly right next to us, making it hard to concentrate on the task at hand. But my salesperson is attentive and full of good advice regarding gem labs, conflict-free countries, and the free services offered with the purchase of any stone. I am shown a Rap Sheet and told that I will get a slight discount on the listed prices. I am shown certificates from Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and European Gemological Laboratory (EGL), and told that these two are the only trustworthy gem labs. I'm impressed by the level of knowledge, the friendly service and the selection of stones.

PRICE RANGE

$7,850 for a 1.01-carat GIA-certified F, VS1 round brilliant cut, including the white gold solitaire setting.

SERVICE

I am asked for both my name and my fiancé’s name. My very friendly, knowledgeable salesperson sends a good deal of time with me to make sure I see all my options and get the stone I'm looking for. There is a slight push to buy a better stone than the ones I'm asking about, but it's not intrusive.

SELECTION

I'm shown two solitaire settings, one with four prongs and one with six. I'm also shown three different stones, though I'm only given the price for one.

KNOWLEDGE

I am very impressed by the level of knowledge and the patience with which all the information is presented. I am shown "bad" stones so that I can see the different between good stones and poor-quality stones.

CONFLICT FREE?

While I am not told about the Kimberley Process, nor am I given any papers guaranteeing anything, I am assured that all the store's stones come from Belgium, Canada,

Switzerland or Israel, and that the buyers never work with anyone suspected of selling conflict diamonds. My questions are taken seriously and answered with care.

GUARANTEES/RETURN POLICY

There is a 14-day, money-back guarantee if the stone I'm sold does not appraise for what it costs, as long as it's appraised by an independent appraiser. I am told I can come back "at any time" for repair and such.

CERTIFICATION

I am told about the two different gem labs the store uses, GIA and EGL. Furthermore, I am told that I should not trust any store that uses any lab other than these two, because other labs are not as trustworthy, and may grade a stone higher than it actually is. I am discouraged from buying a non-certified stone, because it "won't be a good investment" for me.

TRADE-IN POLICY

The full price of my stone will count toward any stone I should wish to buy in the future.

REPAIR/CLEANING/REMODELING

Repairs, cleaning, and resizing are free for life, and the shop is happy to help with any remodeling.

OVERALL STORE AMBIENCE

Considering that the store is essentially a cramped space located in the corner of a diamond building, it seems relatively clean, save for a few empty chip bags lying around. The salesperson next to me is loudly making deals, and that makes it harder to concentrate, but overall, for its size and location, the place seems clean, friendly and open to helping walk-ins such as myself.