英雄不问出处COSTCO DIAMONDS-------WENJING BLOG

http://jing-wen.com/2009/08/20/costco-diamonds/

Last weekend, the first Costco finally opened in Melbourne. Amongst the various newsletter articles and blog entries in Melbourne blogosphere that have alternatively raved and ranted against the opening, there’s been an undercurrent of curious discussion from many Melbournian females. It’s been revealed that Costco sell, amongst other things, diamond rings. This then lead to discussion (on talkback radio, in print, in the blogosphere) on whether or not females would be comfortable receiving an engagement ring from what is viewed as a “discount” store, and whether or not they would willingly admit to the place of purchase when asked by others.

Firstly, let’s take into account two factors:

1. Costco’s claim that they never make more than 15% profit on any of their items
2. When I worked in mid-range jewellery retail for a few months in my teens, the markup was about 80%

One should assume then based on the above figures, that while one’s fiance might only be able to afford a one carat diamond ring in a normal jewellery store, they could easily upgrade to a three carat (if not more) diamond ring if they were to buy at Costco.

Which then begs the question – why would females opt for the smaller ring from a jewellers, when they could get something worth three times as much? In the end, a diamond ring is a diamond ring no matter where you purchase it – so, the bigger the better. I’d personally prefer the larger rock with greater market value, to the smaller rock from the name brand. I’m frankly surprised that from the feedback I’ve heard, most females in Melbourne would opt for the opposite – the smaller ring with brand name recognition.

Of course, in the end it’s about the love not the ring. But a large ring is a nice touch – splurging once in your life on something entirely large, glitzy, and unnecessary should be a necessity in everyone’s life.

P.S. Nothing from my father yet.

1. I would totally take the bigger ring too! Seriously, if it were such a huge deal, I would just lie and say it was purchased from Tiffany’s but with rings, all that really matters is that they fit, and you like the look.

   Your father’s doing that thing where he makes you wait and wait and wait and you’re going crazy and the second you think he’s not going to do a thing about it, he’ll get you. (I think.)

   Carmen on August 20 2009 #

2. I think the problem is that stores like Costco or Walmart, or Aldi (Europe) are associated with lesser quality items. Which is probably not a problem with jewellery, but the jewellery is tainted by association.
   Also, I think that the ‘exclusivity’ of a brand name is what appeals to people when they are talking expensive items like jewellery. When you buy from a jeweller it gives you the idea that there aren’t very many people around with the same ring. If your engagement ring is sold at a Costco’s, a lot of other people could have purchased the same ring.

   Emsz on August 20 2009 #

3. I’d take the bigger rock as well if it came down to it…If no other woman wants her ring from Costco, it’ll be just as exclusive as anywhere else!

   Alexandra on August 20 2009 #

4. I was thinking along the same lines as Emsz.

   Are the rings not as nice of a design? Are they put together less well? Just because the diamond itself is bigger doesn’t necessarily mean the craftsmanship of the ring is the same quality.

   Jewlery stores also provice service (in most cases). Would you be able to get the ring cleaned, refitted, have the stone reseated, etc. from Costco? These are services jewlery stores may provide for free after you spend big bucks on a ring from them. Then again, they might not. And if they don’t, this doesn’t need to be argued.

   Personally? I’d go for the bigger one, assuming it was of similar quality. That’s the obvious choice. However, I’m also not into obnoxiously large rings, but that is irrelevant because in that case I’d still like it to cost less.

   Mar on August 21 2009 #

5. Personally, I don’t think the size matters, really. It’s about what you and your fiance think about the ring – I’ve seen some huge (and extremely expensive) rings out there, and some just look ridiculous and ugly. On the other hand, I’ve seen some rings with tiny stones that look gorgeous.

   But I wouldn’t be knocking back a Costco ring just because it’s from Costco – where it’s from is of no concern to me, what it looks like is what is important.

   And, more importantly, have you decided if you’re going to get a membership card for Costco? I haven’t heard of any humungous deals that would make it worthwhile yet…

   Re: Dad – I now have my own apartment…

   Bobbi on August 21 2009 #

6. I would go for the better value ring – the Costco one. I have no idea why people get so precious over cost. My engagement ring only cost £40. I didn’t expect my now hubby to waste a month’s wages on a peice of jewellery.

   Sarah on August 21 2009 #

7. I would rather have a unique ring that was unique to me, whether it be a diamond or a ruby, or an emerald. I don’t get the big hoot over diamonds anyways.

   Noemi on August 21 2009 #

8. Oh and BTW you guys are barely getting a costco?? They’ve had a costco in mexico where my grandma lives for a few years now…

   Noemi on August 21 2009 #

9. It depends on how big the diamond is. I don’t want something huge because I would want to wear it daily and not feel like it’s in my way or worry about messing it up, you know? So, I’d probably go with the smaller diamond at the lower Costco price. Unless the bigger one isn’t *too* big.

   Skye on August 21 2009 #

10. I agree with Emsz and Mar, there are really different qualities of jewellery after the diamonds.The craftmanship and originality could be very different from what you would find from a real jewellers. I wouldn’t trust the ring to last, nor for them to provide the right kind of expertise/advice or any kind of options like jewellery care, resizing, etc. also the exclusivity factor.

    If I’m going to wear a ring at all, to signify a relationship no less, I’m going to wear one that is really special and unique to me, and probably quite expensive. Definitely not something mass-produced for Costco at a discount price.

    Macca on August 21 2009 #

11. I agree with the people above, size isn’t everything. I’ve seen plenty of incredibly ugly lumps of diamond on rings, and I’ve seen incredibly beautiful rings that only have very small diamonds or other stones.

    If I was going to get a ring (if that at all) I would want it to be special and definitely NOT restricted to the diamond. There’s a huge myriad of other beautifully coloured stones out there that IMO are way better than diamonds.

    Tim’s PhD supervisor doesn’t wear a ring, but has this elaborate ring-like tattoo on his ring finger to symbolise his marriage. I think that’s a neat idea as well.

    Belinda on August 21 2009 #

12. I agree with you, I think I would rather the bigger ring than the smaller one. I mean the point of the ring is to symbolize your love and commitment, but, why spend more money for something so small? I would go with the cheaper one which is bigger :D I love Costco and I think that it is a great business. Congrats on finally getting the first one in your city!! YAY

    Carolynne on August 21 2009 #

13. [...] a brief follow-up to yesterday’s entry on diamonds from Costco, let me state that I would have absolutely no hesitation in buying from [...]

    Jingwen » Blog Archive » Costco Diamonds: A Follow-Up on August 21 2009 #