Calling all Tiffany buffs, need opinions and got some scoop

[Isabelle]

Hi Guys!

So in NY and spent a good bit of time at the Fifth Ave. store talking to the people there. Got wind of some interesting new developments. First, I can confirm that the ornate style Legacy will no longer be made by Tiffany unless it is special ordered by a customer for big bucks. So there goes that one I guess. Too trendy? Too fancy? I couldn't really get a straight answer from NY, but it was suggested to me by someone else connected to the company that there could be an issue with the side stones. Who knows? Anyway, the second bit of scoop is that they are introducing a split shank Lucida in the Fall. They also are now showing a Lucida with a halo but you have to buy one in the 3+ carat range to get that. While in the store, I tried on every ring you can imagine including the newish "embrace" which is sort of like the round "legacy" setting but with the diamond prong set and surrounded by a small halo. It looks a lot like that Tacori ring from the top down but on the sides it is very simple without the ornate Tacori crown setting. It was nice but I already have a halo Legacy tanzanite so I don't think another halo would look that great, especially since I wear my Legacy every day almost. --I know I shouldn't do that, but...

Ok, here is my question: What do you guys think of the Lucida *square cut* diamond? I am mostly honing in on that but I am not sure. I don't thiknk I would want the split shank though I can't say for sure b/c I haven't seen the pictures yet. I actually really like the original setting. Speaking of that, did they change the prongs? I thought they were more curved in 1999 but now they are bead shaped. They look very nice either way.

My thoughts on Lucida are that it is pretty awesome looking but gosh you have to buy over 1 carat to get any finger coverate whatsoever. It's a small table. I think maybe 75 to 80% of the diameter as a RB. One more interesting thing I was told: The Lucida was Tiffany's answer to the Princess. Apparently back in the 90's Tiff wouldn't sell Princess cuts as they were protected (by patent??!) but now they sell both of course. I prefer the Lucida but that's personal preference. Anyway, I would love to hear your opinions on the Lucida square shape. One thing I like about it is how it looks on the hand. It looks better on the hand than it looks off. I have always been able to notice if a woman is wearing a Lucida ring. To me it's very distinctive on. But let me know what you think.

 

[Madam Bijoux]

Re: Calling all Tiffany buffs, need opinions and got some sc

Hi! I like the square Lucidas better than the rectangular ones - they have more life and fire. I can't wait to see the split shank setting - that original setting they've been using dominates the stone. I would take a Lucida over a Tif princess cut any day.

 

[elle_chris]

Re: Calling all Tiffany buffs, need opinions and got some sc

From what I've seen, I prefer them in larger sizes. By larger I mean over 1.50ct. Maybe the split shank would enhance the smaller Lucida stones, not sure. Very curious to see them though.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Re: Calling all Tiffany buffs, need opinions and got some sc

I love the lucinda as a square and have always loved the original trellis setting, the taper of the shank is perfect. I think it would look great with a split shank which would emphasize the taper in the shank even more.

Do they make a bezel version, like the beet? I really adore bezels on square and rectangular stones because it emphasizes the shape and makes it clear it is different than an RB.

What ct. weight are you considering?

 

[oranges]

Re: Calling all Tiffany buffs, need opinions and got some sc

the square lucida is TDF -- and the sleek, fluid setting is gorgeous. i'm having a hard time imagining it with a split shank, but i can't wait to see it! thanks for the new developments-- i can't believe they're getting rid of the legacy, since it's so quintessentially tiffany.

 

[slg47]

Re: Calling all Tiffany buffs, need opinions and got some sc

one of my friends has a Lucida e-ring, and it's pretty. hers is smaller (<1 ct I think) and it looks good to me but I can see how people would prefer that cut in the larger sizes too.

 

[FrekeChild]

Re: Calling all Tiffany buffs, need opinions and got some sc

the square lucida is TDF -- and the sleek, fluid setting is gorgeous. i'm having a hard time imagining it with a split shank, but i can't wait to see it! thanks for the new developments-- i can't believe they're getting rid of the legacy, since it's so quintessentially tiffany.

Not the Legacy, the ORNATE Legacy.

Can't say I'm all that surprised about any of these developments. I don't know that the ornate Legacy sold that well (it's an acquired taste "look" I think) and I think Tiffs knows they hit a sweet spot with the regular Legacy. I think the Legacy hits the right amount of bling for the majority of people, and the ornate takes it a smidge too far for it to be wildly popular like it's sister.

About time on the split shank...

 

[Isabelle]

Re: Calling all Tiffany buffs, need opinions and got some sc

Hi! I like the square Lucidas better than the rectangular ones - they have more life and fire. I can't wait to see the split shank setting - that original setting they've been using dominates the stone. I would take a Lucida over a Tif princess cut any day.

Hi Madame Bijoux. I really agree with you on the shape especially after today. I returned to the store and really looked at the rectangular ones. They are nice but not as nice as a well cut radiant in my opinion. I just don't like them. I also strongly agree with you on preferring Lucida over Princess. I really don't like Princess. The only thing that causes me to hesitate about buying a Lucida would be that I would be afraid someone would always comment on my "Princess" shaped diamond. I wonder if that ever happens to PS Lucida wearers? Anyone please weigh in. Thank you for your thoughts. I am also very anxious to see the split shank. It should debut in October.

 

[Isabelle]

Re: Calling all Tiffany buffs, need opinions and got some sc

From what I've seen, I prefer them in larger sizes. By larger I mean over 1.50ct. Maybe the split shank would enhance the smaller Lucida stones, not sure. Very curious to see them though.

Elle Chris, I think you hit the nail right on the head. A Lucida in a carat or less just looks microscopic almost, and even more so swallowed up by the heavy setting. With a split shank, particularly one with pave, it will really allow the diamond to shine. I think it is an excellent idea for the ring. I can only imagine how pretty it will look with the pave going down the slenderized shank. The solid setting looks fantastic with larger Lucidas, but if you are hovering at or near 1 carat, I think it overwhelms the stone. I certainly saw that today.

 

[Isabelle]

Re: Calling all Tiffany buffs, need opinions and got some sc

I love the lucinda as a square and have always loved the original trellis setting, the taper of the shank is perfect. I think it would look great with a split shank which would emphasize the taper in the shank even more.

Do they make a bezel version, like the beet? I really adore bezels on square and rectangular stones because it emphasizes the shape and makes it clear it is different than an RB.

What ct. weight are you considering?

Hi Dreamer! Thank you for your reply. I do think there is a bezel version. I am almost positive I saw it today but I did not try it on. I have to say the Tiffany salesman were just amazingly patient and informative. The knowledge of the people working at the Fifth Avenue store is mind boggling. I could talk with them for hours. They are just lovely people. They were so patient as I tried on various sizes and combinations. It was so much fun. I am thinking something in the 2 + carat range if I go this route. It's a lovely setting and an amazing stone. I just love it so much. PS yes, they call their bezel sets "Bezet". Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.

 

[Isabelle]

Re: Calling all Tiffany buffs, need opinions and got some sc

the square lucida is TDF -- and the sleek, fluid setting is gorgeous. i'm having a hard time imagining it with a split shank, but i can't wait to see it! thanks for the new developments-- i can't believe they're getting rid of the legacy, since it's so quintessentially tiffany.

Hi Oranges, what I meant to say is that they are discontinuing production of the ornate Legacy setting with graduated side stones. They are continuing to sell Legacy. I think they might tone down the pave some as well, but it's still in discussion. The diamond cut itself is just lovely. I hope they never ever get rid of it. If I didn't have a Legacy tanzanite ring, I would really consider a Legacy upgrade for an e-ring. But I truly love my Legacy tanz right hand ring, and I can't imagine having one on each hand. That would look pretty funny. LOL FWIW, I think the ornate Legacy is just amazing. It's my favorite of the two. It's lower set and just so glamourous. But I think those graduated side stones might have been a problem in terms of wear on the ring. That's just a guess. I also think it is a heavy look and one that didn't appeal to as many people. Most people who like/buy Tiffany erings want a simpler setting that showcases the stone. That was always the Tiffany philosophy. --Compare their rings to those sold by Van Cleef and Arpels for instance. The Van Cleef engagement set is just SO ORNATE. They look like fashion rings with round diamonds, many of them. Tiffany was never about that. And so maybe for the average buyer, the ornate Legacy setting just wasn't in the wheel house of what they thought of when they thought of "Tiffany Engagement Ring." Thanks for your thoughts. I love that square Lucida too. So pretty. I also agree with you that while I am excited to see a split shank, I also wonder what it will do to the appearance of the diamond. I bet though that it will look really pretty.

 

[Isabelle]

Re: Calling all Tiffany buffs, need opinions and got some sc

one of my friends has a Lucida engagement ring, and it's pretty. hers is smaller (<1 ct I think) and it looks good to me but I can see how people would prefer that cut in the larger sizes too.

Hi slg47! It certainly is a stunning cut in any carat size and she must love knowng that she has a patented cut that no one else can make for at least a few more years.

 

[Isabelle]

Re: Calling all Tiffany buffs, need opinions and got some sc

the square lucida is TDF -- and the sleek, fluid setting is gorgeous. i'm having a hard time imagining it with a split shank, but i can't wait to see it! thanks for the new developments-- i can't believe they're getting rid of the legacy, since it's so quintessentially tiffany.

Not the Legacy, the ORNATE Legacy.

Can't say I'm all that surprised about any of these developments. I don't know that the ornate Legacy sold that well (it's an acquired taste "look" I think) and I think Tiffs knows they hit a sweet spot with the regular Legacy. I think the Legacy hits the right amount of bling for the majority of people, and the ornate takes it a smidge too far for it to be wildly popular like it's sister.

About time on the split shank...

I agree 100% with what you wrote here FrekeChild. All true. The ornate legacy might just be a liitle too ornate. And on the split shank for Lucida, personally, I am very anxious to see it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Re: Calling all Tiffany buffs, need opinions and got some sc

I love the lucinda as a square and have always loved the original trellis setting, the taper of the shank is perfect. I think it would look great with a split shank which would emphasize the taper in the shank even more.

Do they make a bezel version, like the beet? I really adore bezels on square and rectangular stones because it emphasizes the shape and makes it clear it is different than an RB.

What ct. weight are you considering?

Hi Dreamer! Thank you for your reply. I do think there is a bezel version. I am almost positive I saw it today but I did not try it on. I have to say the Tiffany salesman were just amazingly patient and informative. The knowledge of the people working at the Fifth Avenue store is mind boggling. I could talk with them for hours. They are just lovely people. They were so patient as I tried on various sizes and combinations. It was so much fun. I am thinking something in the 2 + carat range if I go this route. It's a lovely setting and an amazing stone. I just love it so much. PS yes, they call their bezel sets "Bezet". Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.

hee hee... I meant "Bezet" in my post, "beet" was a typo. I tried the RB bezel once and though I really liked the setting was not fond of the bezel on a round on my hand. But on a square stone it would be divine in my opinion, though I suppose seeing in believing with these things. But if you are going for 2ct plus, then really you can set it any which way you like and it will still have excellent presence on your hand I think.

 

[Isabelle]

Re: Calling all Tiffany buffs, need opinions and got some sc

I love the lucinda as a square and have always loved the original trellis setting, the taper of the shank is perfect. I think it would look great with a split shank which would emphasize the taper in the shank even more.

Do they make a bezel version, like the beet? I really adore bezels on square and rectangular stones because it emphasizes the shape and makes it clear it is different than an RB.

What ct. weight are you considering?

Hi Dreamer! Thank you for your reply. I do think there is a bezel version. I am almost positive I saw it today but I did not try it on. I have to say the Tiffany salesman were just amazingly patient and informative. The knowledge of the people working at the Fifth Avenue store is mind boggling. I could talk with them for hours. They are just lovely people. They were so patient as I tried on various sizes and combinations. It was so much fun. I am thinking something in the 2 + carat range if I go this route. It's a lovely setting and an amazing stone. I just love it so much. PS yes, they call their bezel sets "Bezet". Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.

hee hee... I meant "Bezet" in my post, "beet" was a typo. I tried the RB bezel once and though I really liked the setting was not fond of the bezel on a round on my hand. But on a square stone it would be divine in my opinion, though I suppose seeing in believing with these things. But if you are going for 2ct plus, then really you can set it any which way you like and it will still have excellent presence on your hand I think.

That's probably true but now I wish I had tried on the bezel setting if in fact I did see one. --Pretty sure I did but they are all starting to blur together! LOL. I think one thing I am thinking harder about is the split shank. I'm curious to know what that looks like. There was one non-Tiff ring I tried on that was just divine: Cartier's "Ballerine" setting with a round brilliant 1.5 carat center stone. Divine.

 

[Isabelle]

Re: Calling all Tiffany buffs, need opinions and got some sc

one of my friends has a Lucida engagement ring, and it's pretty. hers is smaller (<1 ct I think) and it looks good to me but I can see how people would prefer that cut in the larger sizes too.

One other thing I meant to mention last night slg, is that assuming the PSers are right that the split shank would make a 1 carat lucida look bigger, they did tell me in the NY store you can always pay to reset your stone and they expect a lot of lucida owners to reset theirs in the new shank style. --That sort of indicates to me that they expect it to be a big hit.

 

[Isabelle]

Re: Calling all Tiffany buffs, need opinions and got some sc

Oh and one last thing I learned--Can't believe I forgot to mention this earlier--but yes it is true: Tiffany is now allowing SI1 inclusions in their ering diamonds. They key is that the inclusion has to be clear and not visible to the naked eye, and they told me that there are very few and far between that make the cut. I found that very interesting indeed. I was shocked. But I guess if you can't see it, it certainly would make it easier to afford and still get a great diamond. Color standard and cut standard remains as was. (Apparently this new change took place a year ago.--Clearly not advertised!). The NY store said only a handful of diamonds had passed through at the SI1 level. There are very very few available.

 

[oranges]

Re: Calling all Tiffany buffs, need opinions and got some sc

Tiffany discontinuing the ornate legacy makes a lot more sense to me !!! i misread the original post--sorry!!! i was like no way!! they can't get rid of the legacy.
btw, i think that tiffany has been using SI1 stones for a while now--i remember it being discussed in rocky talky or something. i'm all about getting an eye-clean stone of a lower clarity to save $$$

 

[Isabelle]

Re: Calling all Tiffany buffs, need opinions and got some sc

Yeah, they said it started Spring 2009.

 

[blingbunny10]

Re: Calling all Tiffany buffs, need opinions and got some sc

Isabelle,

Thanks for sharing the info, pretty interesting stuff! I don't like the current Lucida setting though it's purely a matter of personal preference. The band just seems a bit too thick and clunky to me. A split shank would be gorgeous!

 

[Isabelle]

Re: Calling all Tiffany buffs, need opinions and got some sc

Isabelle,

Thanks for sharing the info, pretty interesting stuff! I don't like the current Lucida setting though it's purely a matter of personal preference. The band just seems a bit too thick and clunky to me. A split shank would be gorgeous!

I go back and forth on Lucida. I have never encountered a diamond nor a setting that I had so many mixed impressions on. On the one hand, I love the chunky aspects to the stone. I love the wide corners. I love the curve of the table. I love the way it feels so solid and substantial in the setting. It's all about the chunk and I love it. On the other hand, I think that it almost looks like a Princess. I KNOW that if I got one 99% of the people out there would assume it is a Princess solitaire. It's not as sparkly as a RB. I know they cut it to be but it's not. I can say that for sure. The small table on it (and it is very small) means you have to buy a large one to get any finger coverage. And once you do buy it, it's a pretty low key impression that it makes, mostly appearing to be a princess solitaire in a thick band. I mean, "Is it worth it?" I don't know. I love the patented aspect of it. I like that with all the patent permutations out there, Tiffany could end up holding the patent for more than another 9 years. And I like that it is different. I like that a lot. I am still trying to decide on it. I am intrigued by the split shank too. Having said that, I didn't really love the stone set with baguettes on the side or with the trillions (the rectangular version). It seems most impactful in the chunky setting. I don't want to get my hopes up that the split shank will be fabulous b/c the other settings haven't been yet.