Anyone’s plans for your next diamond purchase thwarted or put on hold?

[BlingBlingLova]

So, I know I am not the only one, but my plan since December of 2019 was to custom make diamond hoop earrings, each stone .40 carats, ps quality. I was saving and saving and saving to have achieved that goal in July of 2020, of course, after having placed $XX amount of dollars in our savings account first! Given the current situation, my husband and I are very lucky! We are both still receiving our full salary working from home. we have saved money because we have no commuting cost, I put our cleaning company on hold for 6 weeks so we are saving money there, my daughters summer camp plus after school tuition was cancelled so more money saved there, we are not eating out so money saved there. In the past, I would teach a summer course just so that i would have extra bling money. I am still teaching over the summer but given the current situation, and I think from here on out tbh, I cannot fathom spending this money on diamonds! Don’t get me wrong, I still would like to splurge, but instead of my budget being $100 it is now $30 lol. Even that is frivolous! What scares me is when they are saying that it is going to fall and peak time after time and when it peaks, we have to shut down again. I keep thinking, what happens if my husbands job is not going to pay him the next time around there is a peak? I hope I am not coming off as insensitive or superficial but this virus has completely shook me. Anyone else’s future purchase been put on hold?

 

[SandyinAnaheim]

Yes, me too. I've been planning a custom CBI Riviere' necklace for months and I think those plans aren't on hold....I think they're canceled. I just can't seem to justify it in my mind at this point in time. I almost pulled the trigger in the first week of March, and I'm really glad I didn't.

 

[Slickk]

Yes, I am not spending on bling right now, though I had nothing specific in mind. I think the uncertainty is daunting. We just do not know how this will end yet. During this time, we can still research and dream and appreciate what we have and what can go...

 

[MelloYello8]

In February I told my DH I wanted a new wedding band because we had bought my original band in a souk and it’s so thin it abrades my skin. I don’t normally wear it but occasionally it’s not practical for me to wear my e-ring. I was thinking of going pre-loved because it wouldn’t be for regular use and I didn’t want to spend more than $900 or $1,000. For now it’s on hold. Although we are fine financially, there’s no telling if family or close friends will need help, either due to sickness or under/unemployment. I’d also rather continue to donate more to NGOs that try to feed people during these trying times.

 

[Begonia]

Yeah. Had a nice CS purchase planned. On hold for now I guess. My first colored stone too. Oh well, I trust in the Universe's plan.

 

[1ofakind]

Not yet. I have a small project that I don't yet have an estimate with a local jeweler. I want to set a sphere pendant into a ring. I probably have enough scrap gold to pay for the setting. I will ask him to look at a bracelet project as well but if I'm not comfortable I'll talk to DKJ as I know he will be able to do it and I won't have to think about it at all. But, I don't have an estimate on that yet either and I'm missing some diamonds. That one could come in higher than I'm expecting so I'll look at it then.
Fortunately we won't miss a paycheck and have a nice emergency fund and no debt. Shelter in place means we are saving money on some day-to day living expenses but I haven't seen DH's spreadsheet on that figure just yet. The only category we are spending more is charitable giving...I expect that will exceed any budget savings and that's more than OK with me.

 

[yssie]

Businesses need income. Now more than ever. For people who are fortunate to still have paychecks and financial security - buying from your favorite vendors is the best thing you can do to help them.

Buy gift cards if you can afford to do so.
Pay your wellness and home services providers (tailors, tutors, workout instructors, cleaners, lawn care, pool care, petsitters) if you can afford to do so.
Buy jewellery if you can afford to do so.

 

[qubitasaurus]

Businesses need income. Now more than ever. For people who are fortunate to still have paychecks and financial security - buying from your favorite vendors is the best thing you can do to help them.

Buy gift cards if you can afford to do so.
Pay your wellness and home services providers (tailors, tutors, workout instructors, cleaners, lawn care, pool care, petsitters) if you can afford to do so.
Buy jewellery if you can afford to do so.

I understand this sentiment, and can see why it is very important but I can also see it really really comes from a place of privilege that few have the benefits of at this point in time.

It is very few who wont have to make decisions out of safe guarding against future need at the moment. Even if they dont need liquid assets right now, they'll have to think about how many months till they do need. Or what happens if the situation further deteriorates for them.

I agree it is good to support jewelers and other small business at the moment. Or else the economic impact of this situtation will be worse. But if people end up 6-18 months down the track with a foreclosure on their house then that'll make even bigger waves economically. I therefore honestly sympathise with this thread.

Edit -- I should say we are currently lucky. Very minimally impacted, but I am have been hearing a lot of feedback that we are in the minority.

 

[dk168]

I am going against the grain and am getting a bezel set diamond tennis bracelet as a celebration bling when the lockdown is over.

I could not justify it before, however, Covid-19 and the lockdown reaffirms my belief to live life to the full as the future is unpredictable.

DK

 

[MakingTheGrade]

I am going against the grain and am getting a bezel set diamond tennis bracelet as a celebration bling when the lockdown is over.

I could not justify it before, however, Covid-19 and the lockdown reaffirms my belief to live life to the full as the future is unpredictable.

DK

I’m with DK and Yssie. As a hcw, pandemic is unlikely (for now) to affect my income, though it may well affect my health so feeling motivated to live my best life that’s available to me. I don’t have any dependents which I think also alleviates a lot of potential stress and uncertainty.

That being said I didn’t have any further projects in mind after my big ol fancy diamond pendant that I got just before this all started. Working on that project as provided a happy distraction during this chaos. Especially since I’m not wearing my rings to work anymore lol

 

[chrono]

Although we are fine financially, we are buckling down and tightening the wallet since the future is unknown. I was brought up to always err on the side of caution.

 

[Madam Bijoux]

My plan is on hold. T & Co closed the store on the day I was ready to buy. I hope the ring will be there when the store reopens.

 

[yssie]

I understand this sentiment, and can see why it is very important but I can also see it really really comes from a place of privilege that few have the benefits of at this point in time.

It is very few who wont have to make decisions out of safe guarding against future need at the moment. Even if they dont need liquid assets right now, they'll have to think about how many months till they do need. Or what happens if the situation further deteriorates for them.

I agree it is good to support jewelers and other small business at the moment. Or else the economic impact of this situtation will be worse. But if people end up 6-18 months down the track with a foreclosure on their house then that'll make even bigger waves economically. I therefore honestly sympathise with this thread.

Edit -- I should say we are currently lucky. Very minimally impacted, but I am have been hearing a lot of feedback that we are in the minority.

I’m trying to respond to this and I’m having some difficulty phrasing my thoughts... I think that privilege and responsibility go hand in hand.

It has always been and will always be a privilege to have paycheck(s) and financial security - that hasn’t changed. What has changed is the group of people in that pool.

Each household’s calculus of “can I afford to X” will be different. And each household’s estimation of future needs will be different. If one’s personal reckoning results in the conclusion that one is, in fact, still in that privileged pool, then my opinion is that that person does have a responsibility toward his or her community. If those who can afford to spend refuse to do so, local and larger economies have no hope, and that guarantees a worst case outcome for absolutely everyone.

The original post rubbed me the wrong way. I can’t fathom not paying my housecleaner when I’ve still got a job and no concrete reasons to think that is soon to change, knowing that there is a human being on the other side of that transaction who is out of a job, unable to find new work, and is most certainly not in any privileged pools of financial security. Empathy.

But to answer the thread’s question - yes, I’ve got WIP projects on hold, because most jewellers are shut down right now.

 

[qubitasaurus]

I’m trying to respond to this and I’m having some difficulty phrasing my thoughts... I think that privilege and responsibility go hand in hand.

It has always been and will always be a privilege to have paycheck(s) and financial security - that hasn’t changed. What has changed is the group of people in that pool.

Each household’s calculus of “can I afford to X” will be different. And each household’s estimation of future needs will be different. If one’s personal reckoning results in the conclusion that one is, in fact, still in that privileged pool, then my opinion is that that person does have a responsibility toward his or her community. If those who can afford to spend refuse to do so, local and larger economies have no hope, and that guarantees a worst case outcome for absolutely everyone.

The original post rubbed me the wrong way. I can’t fathom not paying my housecleaner when I’ve still got a job and no concrete reasons to think that is soon to change, knowing that there is a human being on the other side of that transaction who is out of a job, unable to find new work, and is most certainly not in any privileged pools of financial security. Empathy.

But to answer the thread’s question - yes, I’ve got WIP projects on hold, because most jewellers are shut down right now.

I am not sure that the OP intended to communicate that she put her cleaning company on hold to sure up her budget. Rather I got the impression that a lot of normal activities in her life had ceased, as they posed unneccesary exposure risks like commuting to work and having people come in to clean her house. And if anything there was thus more money arround than ever -- but in the face of current events she was having a new respect for how this situation was a lucky circumstance rather than a guaranteed one. At least that is how I read it. If the arrangement is casual and there is some concern about financial security in the upcoming months, then I feel the empathy comment cuts both ways.

I am not sure I agree that we are obligated to spend, even though we are financially momentarily secure. I do believe we are obligated to help society-- and have given a fair bit of money to people who were less well off and charities over the last two months, and am now basically shut up in a small apartment with a 2 year old (thank goodness I kept my help, and can personally afford to pay her almost double this month so that she can send extra money home to feed her extended family who ran out of food/money completely in the crisis. But that is my privilege and my personal decision about what is best and it was made knowing the financial impact on us is currently still minor -- not that we havent taken a hit, but its small compared to what it could be). I feel there is still a long road ahead and a lot of us may need help before the end. If any one of us feels completely financially secure, then they truly are lucky.

 

[yssie]

I feel there is still a long road ahead and a lot of us may need help before the end. If any one of us feels completely financially secure, then they truly are lucky.

Ditto, thritto.
We need to all be willing to help each other as much as we’re able. I think the bolded is the takehome here.

Edit - Just to be clear - I’m not recommending that people have service folks come into their houses for non-essential reasons! That definitely violates the spirit of distancing! All my service providers - and I suspect this can be generalized to “all service providers” - have been happy with a pay now for credit later arrangement.

 

[BlingBlingLova]

Don’t read too much into it. It is not about a lack of empathy. Instead, I do not feel comfortable bringing people into my home at this time in case they are covid positive, especially with no formal testing or medication out there. That’s not lack of empathy, that’s just common sense

I’m trying to respond to this and I’m having some difficulty phrasing my thoughts... I think that privilege and responsibility go hand in hand.

It has always been and will always be a privilege to have paycheck(s) and financial security - that hasn’t changed. What has changed is the group of people in that pool.

Each household’s calculus of “can I afford to X” will be different. And each household’s estimation of future needs will be different. If one’s personal reckoning results in the conclusion that one is, in fact, still in that privileged pool, then my opinion is that that person does have a responsibility toward his or her community. If those who can afford to spend refuse to do so, local and larger economies have no hope, and that guarantees a worst case outcome for absolutely everyone.

The original post rubbed me the wrong way. I can’t fathom not paying my housecleaner when I’ve still got a job and no concrete reasons to think that is soon to change, knowing that there is a human being on the other side of that transaction who is out of a job, unable to find new work, and is most certainly not in any privileged pools of financial security. Empathy.

But to answer the thread’s question - yes, I’ve got WIP projects on hold, because most jewellers are shut down right now.

 

[yssie]

I edited my last post several hours ago to explicitly clarify as I anticipated precisely this response.
But okay.

 

[1ofakind]

Lucky. I'm not sure that is how I would describe 3 decades of hard work and sacrifice to build a nest egg and financial security enough to see us through this pandemic and help others as well.
While we also support need based groups most people who are working want to continue working if they can. If I can hire them it helps keep them self sufficient a little while longer. So we will continue with the lawn service (the only service we pay for), ordering from some local restaurants and yes, making a little jewelry.

@yssie pay now for credit later is an excellent idea for services that have to be suspended. The lawn is the only regular service we utilize and it's very OK to have them still come. I might look for a handy man to tackle some spring chores we have on a list though. Most of it is outside as well.

 

[winnietucker]

I want a substantial diamond band in platinum and that is still on. My indecisiveness is what’s holding me back. I sold my yellow gold band to put funds toward it recently so someone else is shopping too.

 

[Bron357]

We are supporting all our local stores. Here in Sydney where I live we have like a local shopping strip, so we are buying our provisions and stuff from them. I want their businesses to survive. Likewise via Facebook we as a local community group are supporting our local tradespeople and offering help to shop or deliver stuff to any elderly or otherwise locked in person or family. It’s lovely. People are putting their excess fruit or veggies out on their fences, people are cooking jams, chutney and likewise putting these out on fences. People, lots of kids, are dropping friendly notes and pictures into people’s mailboxes. People are sitting in the driveways or front porches and waving at anyone who walks or drives by. So if nothing else people are reconnecting more with their local community.
As for jewellery purchases, nothing planned.

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

I'm always planning and right now everything is on suspension! Still planning though but the day dreaming kind

 

[Arcadian]

I learned from 2008. I don't know about anyone else but that nearly broke us. Do I have the money for my project now? I do. But I'm going to just sit on it for now. Its not like I'm lacking diamond earrings, I have 3 sets.

Right now, I take each day as it comes. I don't look too super far in the future because right now thats cause for anxiety.

If things are not timed correctly, this will be worse than 2008. I sincerely hope nothing will be that bad.

 

[qubitasaurus]

Lucky. I'm not sure that is how I would describe 3 decades of hard work and sacrifice to build a nest egg and financial security enough to see us through this pandemic and help others as well.
While we also support need based groups most people who are working want to continue working if they can. If I can hire them it helps keep them self sufficient a little while longer. So we will continue with the lawn service (the only service we pay for), ordering from some local restaurants and yes, making a little jewelry.

@yssie pay now for credit later is an excellent idea for services that have to be suspended. The lawn is the only regular service we utilize and it's very OK to have them still come. I might look for a handy man to tackle some spring chores we have on a list though. Most of it is outside as well.

Perhaps this is my poor choice or words 'fortunate' may have been closer than 'lucky'.

Here in southeast Asia coronavirus has been arround for about 3 months. About 1.5 months or so ago I realized my maid's extended family had run out of money to buy food. Theyve also worked hard for many years (actually in general theyve worked bloody hard. Makes everything I do, and everything most people in developed economys call work look like a joke.), but in general that hadnt allowed them to build up a nest egg nor had it made their jobs in any way secure in the current crisis. This is the norm -- not even poor luck, just the expected status quo. It's better now, the government seems to have kicked in and done something. But this virus will take out the vulnerable (both medically and financially), and honestly I dont think the distinction between me and them was 'I worked hard for my financial security'. Rather I was actually pretty fortunate, and for the time being we'll stay upright and hopefully we will be able to help keep them afloat too. Cause honestly that wasnt their fault -- this last point is something which I think most of the people effected by this crisis will have in common.

 

[SandyinAnaheim]

... All my service providers - and I suspect this can be generalized to “all service providers” - have been happy with a pay now for credit later arrangement.

I had two clients offer this early on and it brought me to tears. I was more than surprised by the consideration. Luckily, I don't need it and wouldn't want to take money from anyone that may need it too. But they sure did prove themselves to be so much more thoughtful than I would have EVER expected. Because I have the means, and the desire, I purchased my lovely starburst/flower pendant in mid-March, and just purchased a chain for it this week. I am also still supporting my local animal charities that are having as many, if not more, critical situations than ever before. I feel that helping my local pet rescues is of utmost importance as they are doing life and death work that I am not permitted to assist with.

 

[Missy]

I am also still supporting my local animal charities that are having as many, if not more, critical situations than ever before. I feel that helping my local pet rescues is of utmost importance as they are doing life and death work that I am not permitted to assist with.

Yes and thank you @SandyinAnaheim. I too feel it is critical especially now to continue supporting those who need us more than ever and it is the same here with our rescues. They are in dire need of help so we have stepped it up as much as we can and feel fortunate we can help.

Your clients love you that is clear. And I am not surprised at all. Just by "knowing" you here I know you are a warm wonderful individual with a kind caring heart. Thank you for all you do for others. Including PSers. You were such a help during our RW gate months. (((Hugs))).

 

[anne_h]

No, the COVID situation has not put my jewelry plans on hold.

I usually buy estate/antique jewelry, and most of my favorite vendors are still open for business. So I'm still browsing my favorite jewelry sites. If I find something I like, I will buy it as I normally would. I actually have my eye on something right now...

My work and financial situation is such that I am comfortable spending as I usually would. I am grateful for this, and my thoughts are with those who are going through various hardships.

Anne