47 Street, NYC

[superdog]

In the city today for a meeting.

As usual, I was early. But today I noticed that my meeting was directly across the avenue from the famous (or infamous) 47th street diamond district.

I did some window shopping. I wasn't going to waste anyone's time, as I'm not buying. But I saw the ceramic Daytona, and figured I'd say hello.

Never have I been treated with such destain. And before the naysayers jump in, I am completely ok with it. I tell this point, only to give back up to my upcoming question. I actually laughed at the snobbery. And considering my pending meeting, I'm dressed in my Sunday best. Truly, it was a funny moment for me. And being a sales guy myself, I tend to talk to everyone. I've been doing it since I was a kid.

Ok, the background is set.

As I'm waiting, I just watch all the happenings. Tons of dudes with outrageous bling. Super hot women working the booths. Hundreds of thousands in stock.

No customers?

My question, is it really that lucrative, the jewelry business? This place seems to have a shady rep. But they are all appearing to be super loaded.

Am I missing something?

[Wesley Crusher]

Did you go to Vladdys Diamonds? lol

[Star Ferry]

that whole street always gave me the creeps

According to wiki, daily diamond trading there is 400 million dollars per day. I assume that's mostly wholesale business -- I have no idea how much retail business is done there

[rr-nyc]

It deservingly gets a bad rap.

Most of the business in the diamond district is conducted on the floors above the street level. GIA and EGL are both located there.

Once you weed through the crappy customer service people, there are some decent people to deal with.


The guy I've bought most of my Panerai was located there, jacob & co started there. And my jeweler who made my wife's engagement ring is still there.

[hugs]

Originally Posted by superdog

My question, is it really that lucrative, the jewelry business? This place seems to have a shady rep. But they are all appearing to be super loaded.

The people working on the shop floor, no. Probably given the bling to wear while at work (or they are wearing most of their net worth on their body - in the U.K. we call them "chavs").

No different to a car salesman getting to use the demos even though he probably couldn't afford to buy one.

[BristolCavendish]

You just had the fortune/misfortune of venturing into 'plastic-land' where a certain degree of superficiality reigns supreme. For your next foray into never-ever land, you might consider stopping by the west/left coast and saunter along Rodeo Drive in LA. You'll see countless individuals (mostly women) who spend more on youth-enhancing plastic surgery and botox/collagen injections than they do on Rolexes and/or Harry Winston diamonds.

When Ponce de Leon drowned in the Everglades during his relentless search for the eternal 'Fountain of Youth', it was a well deserved fate and the Seminoles had a good laugh around the campfire.

[BBL]

Hope the rest of your day went better. DM

[FTX I]

Love 47th street. When I'm lucky to visit NY I have a hard time leaving that place but my wife hates it.

[Cryten]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Did you go to Vladdys Diamonds? lol

That's where I shop

[breitlings]

Some of the guys there make vladdys look great.

[Al1969]

Originally Posted by breitlings

Some of the guys there make vladdys look great.

Here's Vladdy!

[csfischer20]

Seems like nobody cares to do business there. I went a little off that path to a guy on 50th street right off 5th. He had thirty thousand watches in there and didn't want to sell a single one. Everything he had was this special limited edition stuff. My favorite was the datejust with the diamond aftermarket dial that had a piece of the coronet bent to the side. IT was special and limited.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by BBL

Hope the rest of your day went better. DM

It actually went super, thanks.

Great meeting.

[ejvette]

Crazy especially given the fact you were professionally dressed when you walked in... when I'm perusing that area I can understand the way I'm treated cuz I'm usually dressed like I'm homeless and dead broke looking for a handout

[superdog]

Originally Posted by ejvette

Crazy especially given the fact you were professionally dressed when you walked in... when I'm perusing that area I can understand the way I'm treated cuz I'm usually dressed like I'm homeless and dead broke looking for a handout

I tend to dress poorly most of the time as well.

Old ripped clothes, stains etc...

First thing this guy did was also look at my wrist. Was wearing my new DJ41. I am certain he knew what he was talking about, and recognized it as a not readily available just yet watch.

It was an odd interaction that I found very amusing. I think he got mad that I chuckled at him. But I only chuckled after he was suck a D(*K.

[Cobain]

So wait, what happened exactly?

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Cobain

So wait, what happened exactly?

ummm, what are you not following?

It was a quick intro and back story that led into a question.

Please see OP.

[Cobain]

Originally Posted by superdog

ummm, what are you not following?

It was a quick intro and back story that led into a question.

Please see OP.

I did, but it was quite vague. Can give me some details.

Sorry it just sounds like a comedy gold mine that place

[cda555]

Originally Posted by Cobain

I did, but it was quite vague. Can give me some details.

Sorry it just sounds like a comedy gold mine that place

He was dressed very well and the diamond district vendors treated him like poop.

[Watch This]

Originally Posted by cda555

He was dressed very well and the diamond district vendors treated him like poop.

And was subjected to destain.

[Abdullah71601]

New York City is a strange place.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Watch This

And was subjected to destain.

Give a guy a break huh, I was on my phone.

Boy, tough crowd.

Moral of this story is I need to break into the jewelry business.

Forget building, diamonds and watches appear to be the path to riches.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by cda555

He was dressed very well and the diamond district vendors treated him like poop.

That's just the back drop. Cmon...

Sigh...

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

New York City is a strange place.

I agree.

[Rolex addict]

Next time, I'll tag along and wear my overalls and work boots. They'll get a kick of that, I'm sure!!!

[BristolCavendish]

Originally Posted by superdog

Forget building, diamonds and watches appear to be the path to riches.

Maybe even forego the jewelry and watch business as well. The new 'gold mine' for the millennium is growing pot in AK/AZ/CA/CO/CT/DC.

If you've got a 'green thumb' along with the facilities, you're off and running. With the profits you'll be able to buy any Rolex, AP or McLaren that your heart desires. You'd probably find one of these states a comfortable place to reside + you'll never have to wear a business suit again.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Rolex addict

Next time, I'll tag along and wear my overalls and work boots. They'll get a kick of that, I'm sure!!!

Ok. This thread was a complete fail.

Time for bed.

[Demosthene]

Originally Posted by cda555

He was dressed very well and the diamond district vendors treated him like poop.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Demosthene

Ok. Well, anything that shows this scene is a plus. So maybe there is a shining light to this thread.

[visualplane]

I been there a bunch of times during my lunch breaks. Had good and bad experiences but it has a shady vibe so I don't buy there. I just get mods or adjustments from a watchmaker there.