Post # 1

Member
94 posts
Worker bee
Hi Bees,
SO has told me that although I have showed him rings online that I like, he needs to see rings in person before he could make a ring purchase. Specifically, I have shopped around on Brilliant Earth and found some I like, within a reasonable price range that we discussed. I am very adamant about him choosing a conflict-free diamond, but much more open to what he would choose as a ring design.
Anyway, SO is a shy guy and I want us to visit a store that will offer a good experience, and also offer stones I would feel good about him purchasing in-store. Several of my friends recommended Diamonds Direct (Raleigh). Can anyone comment on their experience at one of the Diamonds Direct stores? Thanks.
Post # 3

Member
399 posts
Helper bee
@AirLaw: I can’t speak for the Raleigh location, but we used Diamonds Direct in Birmingham, AL. They were great! They have a wonderful selection of designer (as well as their own line) of erings and wbands. You will be extremely hard-pressed to beat their diamond prices… believe me, I had been ALL OVER comparing. Also, they carry almost only GIA and AGS stones, so you know what you’re getting (none of that EGL Intern. nonsense). We loved them and their upgrade policy is the best I’ve seen — 100% of what you spent can be credited towards ANYTHING in the store (not just diamonds and engagement rings). I would definitely recommend them to anyone who is lucky enough to live near one of their three locations!
Post # 4

Member
399 posts
Helper bee
@AirLaw: I meant to comment on their service…
I already knew a lot more about diamonds than the average person — it’s been my hobby for many years. I didn’t let on like I knew anything at all at first. They take the time to go through the 4 C’s and what they mean when selecting a diamond. They explain things as if you’ve never heard of a diamond before (some guys almost haven’t, so this is a good thing). Everything they said was true and totally unbiased, which speaks volumes. I had been to many jewelry stores that fed me so much BS it was ridiculous — sometimes even incorrect! I felt like they would pretty much tell me anything for a sale.
My SA was AWESOME! He took time to get to know my (then) Dear Fiance and me on a more personal level. He got the feel for what was important to us regarding our purchase. He also assisted me in commissioning a custom ering from Christopher Designs. He would always tell me, “…if you don’t absolutely love it, don’t feel obligated to buy — we can always find something you’ll love!”
Although my SA isn’t there anymore, I still love Dirty Delete and look forward to utilizing their “upgrade” policy in several years! 🙂
Post # 5

Member
94 posts
Worker bee
@msop04: thanks for the response! Do you know anything about their diamonds, conflict-wise? I’d love to hear your opinion (and other bees, too!) before going to the store. I did look on their website and they seem to be aware of their whole process, mine to store.
Also, that’s great about the diamond education stuff, because my SO doesn’t know anything about them. I know a lot more, but that’s probably because I secretly ring shop for myself a lot, haha!
Post # 6

Member
310 posts
Helper bee
Post # 7

Member
94 posts
Worker bee
Update–we went to Diamonds Direct this weekend. It was pretty amazing and I found my dream ring there…..which is a hard concept for him being as this is the only actual store we have been to together (we had only done online shopping previously). So I think he wants to go to another brick and mortar store just to feel out the types of options. However, I feel like I found my dream ring, and he love it too! They had great prices and it was a very good experience for both of us. Thanks again!
Post # 8

Member
399 posts
Helper bee
@AirLaw: That’s great! I’m so glad you had a good experience! I understand your guy wanting to go to other places… I had been to many others before finding Dirty Delete, but I can assure you that you will not find better prices for the quality of stones they have!
Make sure you have him see what type of certs are with the stones at other places, though. I visited what I thought to be a very upscale jeweler (they are family-owned, in the most elite area, and very pricey), tell me that EGL Int was the same as GIA or AGS, “…if not better” — WHAT??!! I ran outta that place and never looked back! Whenever someone brags about getting their ring from there, I just smile and secretly laugh a little inside, knowing that they could’ve gotten a bigger and better diamond from DD!! 😉
Post # 9

Member
6121 posts
Bee Keeper
I went to Diamonds Direct in Richmond and it was fantastic. I only got my wedding band there but I wish I had known about them when we were looking at engagement rings because I probably would have gotten that there too. They had the best prices out of all the other places we went. Their customer service was awesome!! Hopefully your SO looks other places and realizes that Diamonds Direct is amazing and y’all stick with them!
Post # 10

Member
810 posts
Busy bee
@AirLaw: Glad you had a good experience! Darling Husband bought my rings at Diamonds Direct in Bham, Alabama and had a great experience as well. We looked online and talked about what I did and didn’t like, then he went into the store and went through “Diamond College” with his sales associate. They were incredibly helpful and their prices can’t be beat. My e-ring came from there, then I returned to get my wedding band as well. We have referred multiple people there, and will definitely return for any future bling. 🙂