Posted by BrendaTx on 5/4/06 8:59am
Msg #117678

Sticker Shock:: Cooking Class at the Winery:: Diamond ?'s

My soon to be DIL and her mom asked me to go to a night out at the Messina Hof Winery. It is called a "cooking class." Cajun food. Okay! Of course I want to go and spend time with DIL. It's tonight, but that's beside this point...the point is that I called and made my reservation...It's nearly $100 a person - LOL. Am I living in the dark ages or what. I expected around $50.

Just day before yesterday I was out looking at diamonds my son had picked out for a ring. The entire thing - according to jewelry store - $7600.

Now...it was a bad cop and good cop thing the boy and I did...I wish I could be the good cop one day - always have to play the bad one (not on tv, just yet) ... anyhow, cut to the chase and diamond and leave out the bc/gc routine schpiel...

For $5000 they can fix him him up with a 1 carat diamond I can see the flaws in sitting across the table...I am farsighted and could still see them. "Gimme a loupe," I said...

Well, they had trouble finding a loupe (SP?) or giving me a grade on it. I was serious about seeing the diamond...had my own loupe in my purse and pulled it out - OKAY, WE FOUND IT!

I told them it had so many flaws it looked like champagne was bubbling around in it. No thank you.

Went to Sam's Club and they have diamond of higher value / larger for 25% less.

Another one which is probably just perfect for the boy and beautiful is 50% less.

Sam's diamonds come with gemologist certifications. Jeweler's doesn't...however, they have lots of refreshments, bubbly no-alc. champagne, and a party atmosphere...huge cases of diamonds and an eye on raping kids on the price of their engagement rings.

Anyone ever purchased a diamond from Sam's or Costco? I like a certificate better than refreshments and champagne flutes.

Reply by Brenda Stone on 5/4/06 9:02am
Msg #117681

OT Sticker Shock:: Cooking Class at the Winery:: correction

I meant to add OT. Sorry.

Reply by Christina Powers on 5/4/06 9:34am
Msg #117686

I had admired my MIL's beautiful diamond studs forever when I finally received a pair last mother's day from my Dear Hubby. They were gorgeous, but I noticed the box did not say Zales or J. Davids so I asked where he got them, he mumbled out of the side of his mouth several times before I could make out Sams. lol! He had apparently shopped around unsuccessfullybefore calling his dad in desparation. The selection was either over-priced or flawed. His dad buys everthing at Sams, if Sams doesn't have it, he doesn't need it! DH was amazed at the value, the certificate, and the selection that they offered (he even bought himself a new Citizen watch). I was amazed that my very UNfrugal hubby had shopped around, compared prices, and got the BEST deal! My frugal heart melted that Mother's day!

Hmmm, this year I have asked for 2 cases of paper and/or a new Camera (hopefully from Sams!)

Reply by Winston_Tn on 5/4/06 9:44am
Msg #117692

Re: Diamond ?'s

This is so wide open.....but.....

First and foremost, find a different jewelry store. The inability to produce a loupe within 5 seconds and proper certified appraisal within 5 minutes says it all.

Sams and Costco retail quality diamonds, but you can acquire equal pricing dealing with a higher volume reputable jewelry store or diamond broker. I have even purchased several loose stones through auction sites such as Ebay or BidZ with gia.

Educate yourself by 'viewing' as many diamonds as possible, and noting how shape and cut, carat weight, measurements, proportions, clarity grade, and color grade affect the price.

Notice also that there are several instruments available to derive metrics outside of the four C's such as light performance ( because you want to cause instantaneous retinal burn when entering a room )

Now just in case your son is not susceptable to taking the needed time with this investment, I have sent you a link to a report you can save/fill-in for the anxiety-calming effect of just possessing an appraisal ...lol

Reply by Winston_Tn on 5/4/06 9:46am
Msg #117696

Re: Ummm....link...lol

http://www.eglusa.com/images/ugsdiamondappraisal_final.jpg

Reply by BrendaTx on 5/4/06 10:10am
Msg #117701

Re: Ummm....link...lol THANKS on the Diamonds

I needed to make sure I was not steering him to the wolves.

Thanks for this link, also Winston-the-Pooh.

Very helpful.

Reply by Your Destiny is in My Hands - Destiny D Taylor on 5/4/06 10:28am
Msg #117706

Re: Diamond ?'s

You are so right my best friend did that with several companies she found on the internet and she is very happy with her selection. She now considers herself a diamond expert.

Me personally I don't care for diamonds. J must be the only on this planet that don't...well I'm sure I'm not but it feels like it sometime :>

Reply by christiSocal on 5/4/06 3:40pm
Msg #117815

Re: Diamond ?'s bleagh!

Your're not the only one. I like stones with color, like emeralds or sapphires! Although fakes work for me! As long as they're pretty.

Reply by Your Destiny is in My Hands - Destiny D Taylor on 5/4/06 10:23am
Msg #117704

No I didn't know they even sold diamonds. I am not surprised they sell everything. I could live in Costco for the rest of my life and be very content :>.

So when is the big day?

$100 per person are they nuts their food better be made of gold or pure silver. Geez my friends and I had dinner at a cul schl and it didn't cost that much and it was a 5 course meal.

Reply by BrendaTx on 5/4/06 10:32am
Msg #117707

Re: Sticker Shock:: Cooking Class Destiny OT

My son goes to these bc soon to be DIL has just been setting them up and buying the tickets. He says they are such a great time, lot of FREE SH... er uh, he meant ... FREE STUFF... yada yada...but then...

DIL tells him to call and get a reservation for tonight...come with!

I tell him the price in private. He says a few things like "gosh ding gang darn" and "tarnation," but Mr. Tight-with-a-dollar makes his reservations.

He had no idea he was letting her pay so much for a night out. Ouch...he's redfaced and embarrassed.


----
We'll see!

Reply by Joe Ewing on 5/4/06 11:27am
Msg #117712

Yum. My oldest daughter lives in Dallas and occasionally teaches a cooking class on Cajun food. Interesting!

Regarding those COSTCO Diamonds. Gotta love that 6 month return policy.

Reply by Ndwa on 5/4/06 3:32pm
Msg #117809

Re: Sticker Shock:: Cooking Class at the Winery:: Diamond ?'

I don't know if there is a diamond expert at Sam or Costco so I think you'd get what you see. My experience with high price tag shopping is to always deal with the person in charge (store manager vs. a sales person). Research and learn as much as you can about diamonds, talk to the store manager like you're an expert, build some rapport (get personal), ask him/her to show you the real stuffs from the safe rather than those on display.

Reply by BrendaTx on 5/5/06 1:33am
Msg #117900

Re: Sticker Shock:: It was a great time for all...

My son and soon to be DIL won the weekend package, I won the bottle of port wine reserve. When I got home I handed to Mom. My mother and friend are singing "Blue eyes crying in the Rain." (Willy Nelson). That stuff is so stout it took legs and did a jig on the table. Good though.