Job Discussion Forums

snowsilver · Joined: 23 Jun 2009 Posts: 34

Writing this for my son who is in Riyadh and is planning to purchase an engagement ring for his girlfriend.

Is there any safe way to do so there? Any way to be sure the diamond is what the seller says it is?

Anyone know if the jewelers are trustworthy or if there is any way to get an independent appraisal before purchasing.

This site is blocked there, so he asked me to post this.

Thanks for any help.

It's Scary! · Joined: 17 Apr 2011 Posts: 823

Tell him to go to the Al-Batha ("al-Batta") Souk near the city center. If he's in Riyadh, then he's sure to know abou Ft. Musmak. Al-Batha is next to it. Some of your best creations can be ordered there.

I'm interested in the concern, tho, as ME jewelers are notoriously honest, to MY knowledge. Also, there is no charge for workmanship, you simply pay for the price of the precious metals and rare stones.

It's Scary!

snowsilver · Joined: 23 Jun 2009 Posts: 34

Thank you for the reply.

I will forward your response to him, I think **I** am probably the one worried. He is coming home from there in August after spending two years and if the ring should be zirconium or something there would be no way to get his money back.

I will agree with you that so far his dealings with jewelers have seemed to be positive. He bought her a sapphire necklace and earrings for Christmas and they were appraised here in the States for almost double what he paid for them. But the ring is a HUGE expenditure, and I am just worried. Especially since he's getting such wildly differing quotes. You've made me feel better.

Thanks again.

It's Scary! · Joined: 17 Apr 2011 Posts: 823

Oh, don't tell me about it! My wedding band (but, admittedly bought in Japan) was COMPLETELY ruined by a jeweler in the States as he MELTED IT as it was 18k...and like he said, we only see 14-16k gold here in the States.

Like that mattered!

He'll buy good and valuable stuff there!

It's Scary!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

In KSA, jewellers - like perfume salesmen - are recruited from the ranks of the Pious Ones. Honest.

warrda.w · Joined: 21 Jun 2011 Posts: 10

If he can manage it, I would advise he takes a local with him. It is almost always expected that the buyer would negotiate to bring the price down. I don't know how good it will be in the states, but in Saudi they will give him an authentication paper.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Jewelry is serious business in the Gulf... and great fun to shop for... Cool

And I am not one for wearing much jewelry.

VS

Grendal · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 7:28 am Post subject:

Thanks everyone,

After reading this post it was very muchos helpful for my career as an EFL instructor in Saudi Arabia. Is the groom getting married in Riyadh? If so then it is related. On another more serious note, I would like to know if they sell left handed hammers in Saudi Arabia because I'm building an exotic bird bath on the roof of my house. My cat likes them because he has a taste for them.

Grendal

ps. This is a blocked board in Saudi Aabia. Maybe you might want to ask on the general mid east board.
pps. If people manage to get on this board with VPNs and proxies this may not be what they are looking for.

snowsilver · Joined: 23 Jun 2009 Posts: 34

Thank you everyone. Advice was taken. Ring is purchased. It appears to be a very good deal.

It's Scary! · Joined: 17 Apr 2011 Posts: 823