Stores In The Peninsula?

Q: I'm looking to buy some jewelry (in the neighborhood of $1000) and would like recommendations for jewelry stores in the Peninsula. In particular, I'm looking for one which gives the best value (as opposed to simply the lowest prices). On a related note, what are people's opinions of the Shane Company? While I'm suspicious of anyone who airs that many ads, buying from other jewelry retailers is like paying MSRP for a car.

A: -There was an expose in the Mercury News some years back concerning the Shane Company and the way the salespeople are trained to offer one of three price levels on any particular piece based on their assessment of how much the customer is good for. Shane Co. claims they don't do this any more. I am dubious. I assume you know to avoid mall jewelers. Highest markup in the business...has to be, in order to pay the rent. If you're looking for something like a diamond solitaire, Costco has excellent prices on diamond jewelry. If you want something out of the ordinary, my advice is to buy an estate piece, which are often very good values as well as having some history and antique interest. I've bought several antique pieces from Joyce at Nickelbee's Antiques in Cupertino on DeAnza and been very pleased. If she doesn't have what you're looking for there, she can pull it out of another store. -At Stanford Shopping Center, there are three wonderful jewelry stores, including a Tiffany & Co. now. My favorite store to drool on windows is the one facing El Camino Real, though. (Can't remember the name.) Not sure about what you consider best value, but if a unique, modern, high quality piece is what you're looking for, I'd start there at least to get some ideas. I've heard from a few people that the Jewelry Exchange in Burlingame has great prices on wedding sets. Not sure about the Shane Company. It just would seem that the styling would not be unique.

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