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. The blue box worth that much premium ?
I’m pretty sure I can buy one of them on eBay for a lot less than the premium.
. The blue box worth that much premium ?
I wouldn't make this decision alone in your place.
Why? Some people are really brand conscious and no matter how many times you tell them that they can get a much nicer diamond from another vendor-- they will want the brand. And feel they got something less but not having that brand.
The best solution is to SHOW them the difference. I can't tell you how many clients come see the CBI diamonds we carry in the various showrooms that they have around the country, after having been to Tiffany and picked out a ring, and when then go back to the local Tiffany (or Cartier) after seeing the CBI they realize for the first time how much better a non-Tiffany diamond (and setting) can be. And then they are thrilled to get a CBI. But it is only after they see the difference for themselves.
If you are buying a diamond for someone else, you need to take them on the adventure with you. You need to show them so they really SEE for themselves how much nicer their ring is compared to the Tiffany they dreamed about. Otherwise, you might disappoint them with a non-branded ring and that would be very sad.
Thanks for your insight @LaylaR
Would you be able to give a rough estimation of what my budget could get me for a CBI? and which setting do you think is closest to the Tiffany setting? People mentioned Vatche U -113 or any other setting you think is even more identical?
Otherwise as @OoohShiny mentioned you use same bench as Harry Winston so you will be able to replicate the Tiffany setting?
I think a half a carat size difference is significant. I thought that Tiffany was one of the highest priced jewelers around so I am surprised that the internet jewelers that you have mentioned are just as pricey.
I own two Vatche rings and 4 HPD custom rings. The finish on the HPD pieces is better than Vatche, imo. All surfaces are polished, even beneath the stone.To answer your direction questions about the diamonds on Pricescope I would have to break forum rules. All our inventory is not listed on the public site, however.
Yes, we do use the same forge as Harry Winston for our custom designs. The NY Classic is our custom Tiffany style solitiare. Yes, we are also Vatche retailers and carry the U-113.
I own two Vatche rings and 4 HPD custom rings. The finish on the HPD pieces is better than Vatche, imo. All surfaces are polished, even beneath the stone.
I think a half a carat size difference is significant. I thought that Tiffany was one of the highest priced jewelers around so I am surprised that the internet jewelers that you have mentioned are just as pricey.
Ditto. HPD custom made my right-hand ring in platinum. The craftsmanship and the polish are both impeccable. Like cflutist mentioned, even the inside of the setting where the stone sits is polished. There are no uneven areas in the pave or milgrain. I wore the setting almost non-stop for 15 months (it's currently at HPD pending an upgrade of the center stone) without a problem; the setting is delicate, yet strong as a tank. IMHO, HPD's bench does not get the credit it deserves on this forum. Here's a link to the NY Classic style https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/jewelry/jewelry-detail/28/new-york-platinum.htm
Yes.Educate her and then let HER make an informed decision. Go with whatever she says then. You’ve done your part.
The blue box is symbolic of the brand, so yes for many, it's worth the premium. Their engagement rings actually come in a black suede box. The blue box worth that much premium ?
@LaylaR - Am I right in thinking that HPD use the same bench as Harry Winston??
If so, I think that option should be able to replicate a Tiffany setting!
I think part of the danger of Tiffany is that it’s not as “high end” a jewelry house if you eventually become really into jewelery. Depending on her age, I’d worry that as she got older, if she started looking into Cartier, VCA, boucheron, Harry Winston etc, the Tiffany name might not seem as fancy anymore lol. Where as a super ideal will always be a super ideal, the numbers are what they are.
In my teens and twenties I thought “oooo Tiffany!” Now in my 30s I’m like “eh, Tiffany’s”. If I’m going to pay the mark up I want real quality. And Tiffany to me feels too mass produced. Yes they sell gorgeous expensive unique pieces but they also sell buckets of silver keys and charms and I see them everywhere. I had a similar experience with Coach bags where in my teens I found them impressive, but then I found out about Hermès and Chanel and so now Coach is “eh, fancy for a mall brand I guess” haha. If I’m going to go “brand” I’m going to go really exclusive brand and not something that has an outlet store or I can always find being sold second hand.
Just my opinion.
+1Educate her and then let HER make an informed decision. Go with whatever she says then. You’ve done your part.
OP was quoted USD$68k for a 2.5ct G VS2 at T&Co
At High Performance Diamonds a 2.53ct G VS1 is $49k ($19k less for same colour, upgrade of one level of clarity and the cut quality will be better than the Tiffany)
For the same price as what he was quoted at Tiffany&Co (or less $3k if he pays by wire), he can get a two colour and one clarity upgrade for a 2.54 E VS1. Again, the cut quality will be better than T&Co.
I would personally get the 3ct diamond versus the 2.5 Tiffany ring, but i do have friends that prefers the cartier, tiffany, debeers brand and they still stand by their choice even after seeing a bigger diamond "sparkly" from BG, WF with SK , VC, LM, settings they still prefer their branded rings.
I think get which ever your girlfriend would be happiest with. If you think a Tiffany made ring would make her happiest. Definitely get that. The branded rings provide excellent customer service e.g. they can service your ring every couple of years.. some will provide free cleaning every time you visit, some will offer you champagne every time you visit.. i guess those little things count.
**Edited by moderator, no allowed**