topic Re: QVC should list color and clarity on diamond items in Suggestion Box

QVC should list color and clarity on diamond items

JKLSCH — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 01:35:54 GMT

A suggestion to QVC that would be helpful for customers trying to decide on making diamond jewelry purchases at QVC:

Could QVC please start listing the color and clarity of the diamond jewelry pieces on the descriptions? And when the pieces are presented on air, have the hosts include this information in the presentations as well.

Thank you.

Re: QVC should list color and clarity on diamond items

Kachina624 — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 01:43:28 GMT

Why do you think they don't?

Re: QVC should list color and clarity on diamond items

FancyPhillyshopper — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 01:54:18 GMT

I 100% agree!

This has been an issue for a few decades, but the majority of the Affinity stones are H-I color, I -1 to I-3 clarity. In all my years shopping at QVC, only once did I ever see a ring that came with a GIA certificate, J338615, and the price has gone up a lot since it was introduced almost a decade ago.

I would also like the information of full cut versus single cut. Effy now uses a lot of single cut stones, which really glimmer, but are of less value, and I prefer full-cut for optimum sparkle. Effy uses similar quality diamonds, H-I color, but I think Kallati (also on Shop HQ) is one step higher, G-H color, SI clarity.

Overall the QVC Affinity diamonds are just mimimal quality, but sometimes they really sparkle nicely, and the prices have not been too over-the-top until the past year or two.

Re: QVC should list color and clarity on diamond items

JKLSCH — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 01:58:35 GMT

@Kachina624

Hi Kachina,

Sorry, I do not have an answer for that.

It looks like on some of the newer Vendors, Effy, for example, the color and clarity is being listed in the descriptions, which is great.

Another newer Vendor, Kallati, they do not have that information listed. Kallati is a higher end Jewelry line, so hoping that QVC can start following suit and listing that important information on the descriptions.

I know personally I like to have that information on making my purchase decisions, especially on the higher priced jewelry items.

Re: QVC should list color and clarity on diamond items

JKLSCH — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 02:07:37 GMT

@FancyPhillyshopper

Thanks for your great response! Totally agree with everything you said.

The Affinity information makes me hesitate to purchase, because they keep saying things like: H/I and I1 or better clarity. So it's a luck of the draw then on what you actually get?

So 2 people could purchase the same ring,one person could get a H color, S1 clarity, and the other person could get I color and I1 clarity?? That just does not seem right to me. They should all have the same color and clarity on the same pieces. I mean they did say that they make the Vendors send the diamonds to GIA first prior to setting them, so that makes no sense to me.

Re: QVC should list color and clarity on diamond items

FancyPhillyshopper — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 02:45:20 GMT

@JKLSCH wrote:
@FancyPhillyshopper

Thanks for your great response! Totally agree with everything you said.

The Affinity information makes me hesitate to purchase, because they keep saying things like: H/I and I1 or better clarity. So it's a luck of the draw then on what you actually get?

So 2 people could purchase the same ring,one person could get a H color, S1 clarity, and the other person could get I color and I1 clarity?? That just does not seem right to me. They should all have the same color and clarity on the same pieces. I mean they did say that they make the Vendors send the diamonds to GIA first prior to setting them, so that makes no sense to me.

QVC buys the stones in bulk (called parcels), so they do not have the same evaluation process as they do for individually graded engagement diamonds. GIA inspection for melee stones is also not as precise for bulk stones--formal grading for one stone with a certification can cost a few hundred dollars! I believe GIA now uses an automated sorting process for melee stones (under .25 each).

Yes, variations in quality happen ALL the time with QVC-- I used to send back lovely Judith Ripka gold jewelry pieces because the diamonds were so lousy, and I used to go to the three different QVC outlets and see many returned diamond pieces with cloudy stones.

Unfortunately, sometimes it is the luck of the draw--that is what I mean by the lack of consistency in quality--I will say Effy is MUCH better at that process, although I always preferred to look at each Effy diamond piece and compare it in person before purchasing. I have bought Effy: now at QVC, at Shop HQ, at Macy's, at Lord & Taylor, at Strawbridge and Clothier, at Bloomingdales, and even in the Bahamas at the Effy store. Of course they sell it on many cruise ships, but the prices are not always the best.

Why did I buy so much? I think the designs are extremely creative and lovely, and the mix of colors is eye-catching, and I have many pet cats, but I cannot afford Cartier panthers. Also, gold jewelry was a lot, lot cheaper! I hardly ever buy Effy anymore, because I have a good collection.

My rule of thumb for small stone diamond jewelry was $600-$900.00 per carat --and that was when gold was cheap, and you received a lot! Sometimes QVC cluster diamonds are bead set, and they fall out easily --another issue.

Anymore I say only buy fine jewelry if you really like it and want to wear it all the time--collectors' pieces that increase in value are rarely sold on television shopping channels.

Re: QVC should list color and clarity on diamond items

Janey2 — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 03:20:05 GMT

@FancyPhillyshopper I get a jewelry channel called gem shopping. They have very high end pieces. The other day I saw pieces that they were selling for $250,000 and up. It's fun to watch and see this type of jewelry.

Re: QVC should list color and clarity on diamond items

JKLSCH — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 03:26:04 GMT

@Janey2

That sounds like a fun watch, I am going to have to check them out!

Re: QVC should list color and clarity on diamond items

rms1954 — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 03:36:47 GMT

@JKLSCH wrote:
@Kachina624

Hi Kachina,

Sorry, I do not have an answer for that.

It looks like on some of the newer Vendors, Effy, for example, the color and clarity is being listed in the descriptions, which is great.

Another newer Vendor, Kallati, they do not have that information listed. Kallati is a higher end Jewelry line, so hoping that QVC can start following suit and listing that important information on the descriptions.

I know personally I like to have that information on making my purchase decisions, especially on the higher priced jewelry items.

I think she was being facetious.

Re: QVC should list color and clarity on diamond items

rms1954 — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 03:40:54 GMT

If you are looking for that kind of info, go to a reputable jeweler.

Re: QVC should list color and clarity on diamond items

FancyPhillyshopper — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 04:03:51 GMT

@Janey2 wrote:
@FancyPhillyshopper I get a jewelry channel called gem shopping. They have very high end pieces. The other day I saw pieces that they were selling for $250,000 and up. It's fun to watch and see this type of jewelry.

Yes, I watch that channel occasionally and drool. Again, they never provide information up front regarding diamond clarity and color.

The other day I saw a diamond ring that cost 2 1/2 million dollars!! Oh well--out of my budget. It was huge and magnificent, and reminded me of Elizabeth Taylor's ring.

This weekend I am going to the Intergem Jewelry show held at a local expo center. They have dealers from all over the world--it is fun just to look! They also sell lots of beads and inexpensive jewelry trinkets. Usually there is a repair person who will size rings and replace stones while you wait. I have used him a lot! I have been attending for many, many years.

Re: QVC should list color and clarity on diamond items

amyb — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 10:43:49 GMT

They absolutely should. However, probably in the numbers they sell things, I bet they vary...I don't know how it works with them, but I wouldn't want to buy a diamond anything without knowing. Though I do have a few Affinity rings from years ago my mom bought me as gifts, that I love and still wear. But earrings studs, solitaire pendent etc...I'd want to know.

Re: QVC should list color and clarity on diamond items

BirkiLady — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 11:59:29 GMT

@FancyPhillyshopper wrote:

I 100% agree!

This has been an issue for a few decades, but the majority of the Affinity stones are H-I color, I -1 to I-3 clarity. In all my years shopping at QVC, only once did I ever see a ring that came with a GIA certificate, J338615, and the price has gone up a lot since it was introduced almost a decade ago.

I would also like the information of full cut versus single cut. Effy now uses a lot of single cut stones, which really glimmer, but are of less value, and I prefer full-cut for optimum sparkle. Effy uses similar quality diamonds, H-I color, but I think Kallati (also on Shop HQ) is one step higher, G-H color, SI clarity.

Overall the QVC Affinity diamonds are just mimimal quality, but sometimes they really sparkle nicely, and the prices have not been too over-the-top until the past year or two.

@FancyPhillyshopper

You took the words out of my mouth!

However, those stones "sparkle" due to the overhead studio lights . . . not because of their quality. I would never consider purchasing H-I color stone, with SI clarity due to the yellowing and inclusions visible with the naked eye. (That's why QVC often uses several or many stones, which hide the flaws, rather than the preferred one large stone in their settings.)

Frankly, I have only purchased gems and jewelry from a reputable jeweler whom explains everything about the piece to me and provides a detailed description of each stone, the type of setting and metal used (with weights & measurements) with photographs for my insurance. Can't imagine buying on-line or from an unknown source.

Re: QVC should list color and clarity on diamond items

Estellee — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 12:16:19 GMT

I have heard Michele Lau say what the color and clarity are on most Affinity Diamonds. I've looked at a few items. They are not all the same, different quality for sure.

Re: QVC should list color and clarity on diamond items

CalminHeart — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 12:46:40 GMT

Q doesn't list the 4 Cs of diamonds because they aren't very good.

I'd never buy Affinity or any diamond without know that info.

Re: QVC should list color and clarity on diamond items

JKLSCH — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 14:12:04 GMT

@rms1954

I already knew that, thanks for pointing it out for everyone.

I expect nothing different coming from her.

Have a nice weekend!!

Re: QVC should list color and clarity on diamond items

JKLSCH — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 14:14:06 GMT

@rms1954

Really? It's everyone's individual choice in where they buy merchandise from.

I see nothing wrong with my suggestion.

Re: QVC should list color and clarity on diamond items

rms1954 — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 16:26:55 GMT

@JKLSCH wrote:
@rms1954

Really? It's everyone's individual choice in where they buy merchandise from.

I see nothing wrong with my suggestion.

Of course it's an individual's choice where one makes their purchase for jewelry. I never said there was something wrong with your comment.

Re: QVC should list color and clarity on diamond items

rms1954 — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 16:33:46 GMT

@JKLSCH wrote:
@rms1954

I already knew that, thanks for pointing it out for everyone.

I expect nothing different coming from her.

Have a nice weekend!!

Huh????

Re: QVC should list color and clarity on diamond items

CalminHeart — Sun, 09 Jun 2024 10:56:38 GMT

If the diamonds were any good, they state color and clarity.