Seriously?

[jussi]

What marketing genius thought anyone would buy a 25k ring at Costco?

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...t28447&topnav=

[crokett]

Why not? A ring is a ring. Is it any less valuable because it came from Costo vs a jewelry store?

[ironhat]

How many aluminum cans does that come to?

[Hoover]

I would trust Costco's price over any of the mall jewelers.

[MilDoc]

Someone who wants to pay $25K rather than $50k.....

[Tom Slick]

I'm surprised it doesn't come in a 2 pack or with a bonus necklace!

[sparkeyjames]

For you wanna be diamond experts here is a link
to a diamond grading instruction page...

http://www.hwgem.com/diascale.htm

Since this is a VS2 inclusion range and an 'I' grade diamond the page puts
it in a fairly good grade not top of the line. I don't think it's worth $24k.

Edit: Of course I don't thing anything that comes from an artificial monopoly is worth that.

[cabinetman]

Why not? A ring is a ring. Is it any less valuable because it came from Costo vs a jewelry store?

While that may be true, there seems to be a difference in presenting an engagement ring from Zales, than from Costco, Walmart, or Target.
.

[Richard in Smithville]

While that may be true, there seems to be a difference in presenting an engagement ring from Zales, than from Costco, Walmart, or Target.
.

It's bad when the packaging says more that the contents or the thought.

[cgallery]

I wonder if women care as much about the source of the ring as some of us guys think. Or, if they just care about the quality and style.

Commercials from Jared ("he went to Jared") seem to reinforce the notion that women might not want their jewelry purchased from discounters.

I have seen women (including LOML) discuss their rings before and they do discuss where they were purchased.

I think it is an unfortunate difference between men and women, I think. Women don't care as much about the specs (grade of diamond, etc.) as they do about "how it looks" and "how much it costs" and "where he bought it."

The unfortunate part is, this leads men to spend less time shopping for the best diamond and best ring/setting for the gem. If women were more into specs (like guys), they'd all be wearing nicer rocks.

[cabinetman]

I think it is an unfortunate difference between men and women, I think. Women don't care as much about the specs (grade of diamond, etc.) as they do about "how it looks" and "how much it costs" and "where he bought it."

The unfortunate part is, this leads men to spend less time shopping for the best diamond and best ring/setting for the gem. If women were more into specs (like guys), they'd all be wearing nicer rocks.

I would think that the size of the rock is more important than the quality. Some of the defects can't be seen without a loop. Even with one of those thingies, one would have to know what to look for. How many women actually take their stones to a jeweler to get an appraisal.
.

[cgallery]

I would think that the size of the rock is more important than the quality.

Agreed. That falls into the "how does it look?" comment. If it (diamond) looks big, it is good.

Some of the defects can't be seen without a loop. Even with one of those thingies, one would have to know what to look for. How many women actually take their stones to a jeweler to get an appraisal.

Actually, I think a fair number. But as my dad once said, "if your girlfriend is the type of gal that is going to get an appraisal for her engagement ring, then never give her one."

[Uncle Cracker]

How many women actually take their stones to a jeweler to get an appraisal.

Many do, if for no other reason than insurance. And most women won't admit it, but they are interested in what it's worth... A diamond is supposed to represent some level of sacrifice for the guy, particularly if he has the means to buy a good one. A woman may not object to a CZ from a guy working 3 jobs just to pay his bills, but a man of means is expected to give the best.

[cabinetman]

Many do, if for no other reason than insurance. And most women won't admit it, but they are interested in what it's worth... A diamond is supposed to represent some level of sacrifice for the guy, particularly if he has the means to buy a good one. A woman may not object to a CZ from a guy working 3 jobs just to pay his bills, but a man of means is expected to give the best.

Now that's profound. And what is she expected to give. What's her level of sacrifice? There's usually no big dowry. Can he expect burnt dinners, wrinkled clothes, and substantial nagging?
.

[jussi]

Why not? A ring is a ring. Is it any less valuable because it came from Costo vs a jewelry store?

I'm not saying it would be any less valuable but it's not the place someone who could afford to buy a 25K ring would go to to buy it. I doubt they would shop at Costco at all.

I don't know but I can't see a guy/gal going through shopping list saying...
12 pack of paper towel - check
20 lb bag of dog food - check
25,000 ring - check