Why Does It Make Sense to Purchase From a Direct Diamond Importer?

direct diamond importerThere are a lot of places out there to buy diamond jewelry. In a market awash with commercials on television, radio and in magazines, you may have trouble deciding who to trust with your purchase. The best idea is to avoid jewelry chains and purchase from a direct diamond importer.

Why does it make sense to purchase from a direct diamond importer?

There are several reasons why working with a direct diamond importer makes sense.

First, direct importers often have a wider selection of diamond weights, clarity and cuts than the average jewelry store you may find in the mall or on the street. This means that you can find exactly what you want without compromising. This is an important point to consider when choosing diamonds for a gift or wedding sets. You want your loved one to have the best, not the second best.

Second, with direct importers, you can afford the best. You are buying directly from the supplier. There is no middleman, meaning much lower prices than you will find anywhere else. This means that you can afford to purchase a bigger, more opulent diamond without adjusting your budget. Chain stores simply can't match the prices that direct importers can provide. For example, with one of the top chain stores, a .25 CT platinum engagement ring can cost $1,000 to $2,000 more than if you purchased a similar ring at a diamond direct importer like Mervis.

Third, you don't need to sacrifice comfort and customer service for a great price and a wide selection. For example, Mervis provides private showing rooms that allow customers to compare diamonds and settings. Unlike with chain jewelry stores, you get to take time to appreciate the beauty of the jewels without being bumped or rushed by other customers, and you get one-on-one attention from someone who is highly experienced in diamond quality, types and styles. If you living in the Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia areas, considering contacting us to make an appointment before you come in. This way, our staff will be expecting  you and can dedicate their time to providing you the best service.

Even if you don't live near a diamond importer like Mervis, you can still enjoy the low prices, customer service and wide selection by shopping online for your diamonds. This will allow you to shop in the comfort of your own home and give you time to think about your purchase without the pressure that can come from shopping at a chain store.

Overall, choosing an importer is a smart choice when purchasing diamonds for yourself, the love of your life, or a family member. With an importer you save money, have more choices and more comfort than with other diamond sellers.

This entry was posted in washington dc engagement rings, engagement rings in washington dc, Engagement Rings in Maryland, diamond importer on Dec 19, 2012 11:24:00 AM by jon mervis

Engagement Ring Financing

There are many factors to consider before purchasing a diamond engagement ring, and one of the most practical aspects of this process is the question of financing the purchase.

The old fashioned rule stating that an engagement ring should cost three month's of a man's wages, is now a thing of the past. There's no hard and fast rule dictating what percentage of your income you will spend, though you can expect to spend at least $2,000 (with the average American engagement ring running near $4,000).

ArtCarved RingFor example, you can get a sophisticated three-stone engagement ring, like the ArtCarved ring at right, for $1,735. In the middle of the price spectrum lies the the gorgeous, contemporary-feeling Bella Vita engagement ring, from Mervis's Halo Collection, for a little more than $3,000. On the higher end of the price range, consider the Tacori HT from the Channel collection at around $13,000--and have her feeling regal as a queen.

So now that you've found the perfect cut and style of diamond, how can you take it home with you to surprise your sweetheart? You've got two main financing options:

Through Your Jeweler

Your first resource should be the jeweler you're buying from, so make sure to choose a well-established and respected jeweler, as well as one that has a reputation for providing quality pieces at fair prices.

Stop into your local brick-and-mortar jeweler and ask about their financing options. Questions to ask:
  • Does this store have any lines of credit available?
  • Are you partnered with any credit card companies that are running credit lines for purchases like these?
  • Are there any seasonal promotions going on right now? (Usually winter holidays and Valentine's Day give rise to such promotions.)
Here at Mervis Diamond Importers, we offer financing programs from six months to three years through GE Capital, TD Bank or BB&T Bank. The process is fast and simple and is usually done in-store and takes less than ten minutes to approve.

Through Your Bank, or Other Financial Institution

Don't be intimidated by taking out a personal loan! In the world of banking, the loan for an engagement ring is relatively small (compare it with the price of four years of college tuition or a new house).

Also keep in mind that the interest rates on personal loans tend to be less than those on credit cards. Research the terms at your current banking location, and determine if it's wiser to charge the ring on your current credit card, or to take out a personal loan.

Finally, know that your personal loan options from a bank are a secured, or an unsecured, loan. In a secured loan, you will offer the bank collateral--which they can repossess if you are unable to make loan payments. In an unsecured loan, you offer no collateral, but will pay a higher interest rate. 

At Mervis Diamond Importers, we believe in forming a personal relationship with our customers. Contact us today or stop in to one of our three locations in Maryland, Washington DC, or Virginia for consultations on the style and quality of your engagement ring, as well as your options for financing this purchase. We know that this is an exciting time in your life--so let us be there for you while you take the next big step: committing to the partner you love.

This entry was posted in washington dc engagement rings, engagement rings in washington dc, Engagement Rings in Maryland, engagement ring, diamond engagement rings, Engagement Rings, diamond engagement ring on Dec 7, 2012 3:48:00 PM by jon mervis

Best Places to Get Engaged in Washington, DC

Picking the spot to propose is a test of how well you know your partner. You are not just asking for a hand in marriage, you are creating a memory. You want something that suits your mate’s interests while still allowing for surprise. The District is a city full of nightlife, beauty and nostalgia. From Washington DC engagement rings to historic views to breathtaking scenery, the capital has it all.

Tidal Basin

Tidal BasinProbably the most obvious choice for a proposal locale is the Tidal Basin. From this manmade island, you and your partner will have a clear view of all that is Washington DC. When you are not looking at one of five adjacent commemorative sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial, you can walk the 107 acres of cherry blossom lined trails or even paddle boat around the reservoir. If your ideal spot includes nature and historic views, the Tidal Basin is the place to go.

 

 

Spanish Steps

Washington DC Spanish StepsFor something more off the beaten path, the capital city offers a romantic park with European flair that will compliment any stunning Washington DC engagement rings you see while shopping. The District of Columbia’s version of Rome’s Spanish Steps rests in the Kalorama neighborhood. Built in 1911, the park features artistic steps that lead up to a gas lamp lined pedestrian walkway with a stone fountain and wrap around staircases. Inside the park is a scenic view of northwest DC that sparkles at night.

 

Spirit of Washington

Spirit of WashingtonA conventional tourist approach to proposing might be a cruise down the Potomac via the Spirit of Washington. This is more than just a boat ride. The Spirit offers dining, dancing and live entertainment. When the time is right, the two of you can sneak out to any deck on one of the three levels for some alone time and breathtaking views of the city. The Spirit of Washington is just one ship available for cruising. You also can take the Spirit of Washington II that goes to Mount Vernon or rent out the Capital Elite charter for a night of romance.

 

Mt. Vernon Bike Trail

Mt. Vernon Bike TrailFor a day of sun and sites, the active couple might enjoy a bike ride along the historic Mt. Vernon Trail. The route starts just across the river from downtown DC and travels 18 scenic miles to Mount Vernon. Along the way, you and your significant other will enjoy spectacular views of the Potomac and the monuments. Included along the trail are stopping places at Old Town Alexandria, Gravelly Point and Arlington National Cemetery. With 18 miles of scenery, it shouldn’t be hard to find a place to pull out your Washington DC engagement rings.

 

Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek ParkRock Creek Park offers a little of everything in case you are not sure what makes up the perfect setting. The hills surrounding the park were built as fortification by Union forces during the Civil War. Inside Rock Creek, you have access to wildlife, the white-tailed deer trail and a long rolling creek complete with romantic bridge and waterfall. While walking the trails, you can stop at Boulder Bridge and Piece Mill. Sitting adjacent to Rock Creek is the Dumbarton Oaks estate and formal gardens if you are looking for inspiration.

Washington D.C. is a hodgepodge of history and nature. From cherry trees to stunning art, the nation’s capital has something for just about everyone. After selecting the perfect engagement ring, pick out an ideal location to create your unforgettable moment.  

Mervis Diamonds Blog - Subscribe

[Image Credits: Tidal Basin, Spanish Steps, Spirit of WashingtonMt. Vernon Bike Trail, Rock Creek Park]

This entry was posted in proposing, washington dc engagement rings on Nov 30, 2012 9:30:00 AM by jon mervis