Where in Phila/NJ to buy loose diamonds?

Question

I live in NJ and I am looking for a good place to purchase loose diamonds to have put into a setting for an engagement ring. I want to actually go to the place and be able to view the stones. Any ideas on where to look?

Answer 1

The best place in the Philly area to look at a lot of stones is along "Jeweler's Row" in Center City, which is basically on Sansom Street between 7th and 8th.  There are at least a dozen different jewelers there, and you can see a ton of choices.  Also, because they are all together, you are less likely to get confused or to wind up overpaying; the competition helps keep prices fair.  As to specific stores, a lot of people like Barsky, Frank Salese, and Rosenberg's, and I have put their contact info below.  But don't limit yourself to just those stores.  You should just walk along the block and see who happens to have a stone you like.  Everyone has different favorite.

Barsky Diamond Importers

724 Sansom St

Philadelphia, PA 19106

[phone]‎

barskydiamonds.com

Frank Salese Fine Diamonds

733 Sansom St # 1

Philadelphia, PA 19106

[phone]‎

franksalese.com

Rosenberg Diamond Company‎

738 Sansom St

Philadelphia, PA 19106

[phone]

melrosenbergdiamonds.com

Another place to keep in mind is actually a couple of blocks away, near Independence Square.  I wasn't clear from reading your question whether you already have the setting you want, or whether you just want to buy the diamond first and then get a setting for it.  But McGarry's does a lot of really beautiful custom settings.  (It also sells diamonds loose, I believe, although I am less sure about that.)  You might want to look there as well, especially if you want a loose diamond set.

McGarry's Jewelers

312 N 2nd St

Philadelphia, PA 19106

[phone]

www.mcgarrys.com

Oh, let me add one more thought.  A diamond is a major purchase, and you only plan on buying one engagement ring in your life, right?  New York's diamond district (along 47th Street, near 5th Avenue) is less than 2 hours away and has at least 10 times the choices as even Jeweler's Row in Philadelphia.  If I were in your situation, I would go first to Jeweler's Row.  If I found the perfect diamond, I would buy it and leave happy.  But if I still had lingering doubts, I'd head up to New York and make a day trip out of it.  Just a thought.

Good luck, and congratulations on your engagement!!