Do you ever think that some PS'ers....

[Miss Sparkly]

Yes. There are a couple people here, and on another board that I just shake my head at. It is like they are never happy, and while others share in their "excitement" I don't see the point of doing so. That ring they just got will likely be gone in six months anyway. I can understand it if you proclaim yourself a hobbyist, but those I have in mind seem to think that somehow the next will be better than the last. Having been there done that myself I have realized it just isn't true and learned to be happy with what I do have.

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

somehow this got posted in the wrong thread before, oops! here it is in it's rightful place!

I love the process and the end result. The last several pieces I have come from my collecting the stones and drawing the design and having it made. I love this process and I don't think I'll do it any differently from here on out. In the beginning I was more impulsive, now I really plan and wait on something and make sure it makes sense for be before I commit. I have actually reduced my collection quite a bit over the last 3 years just to be more focused on what I really would like to have and not just accumulating.

For example, I have wanted a DBTY for years. I don't just want to go and buy a pre-made or standard DBTY. I have been buying different funky melee stones in different shapes and colors for awhile. When I finally have enough and save the money to have the chain made then I'll start working on the layout and the spacing, to make something really unique. If I could make the jewelry myself, I would, I really love it!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Well, I've been here almost 6 years and have only bought two major things, a diamond e-ring and studs (gave daughter first pair of studs and bought a second pair). I started in a temp setting, then went to an H Levi that I still think is a beautiful design, but it was cast for a 1.5 ct stone and my 1.63 was simply too tight in it and I couldn't reach parts of it to clean it. So that was the reason to change to the Leon! I am now considering changing my diamond to the size I was originally looking for which was 1.4-1.5. Yes, I may be the only person in the history of PS that wanted to downsize my diamond! I won't even explain because I doubt anyone would understand. So if I do change stones, I probably will change to my other favorite solitaire, the Vatche Tiffany repro. I still have and wear my Memoire 7 stone and my Legacy wedding bands. I've bought a few other odds and ends, but nothing major. And I still have a few things on my wishlist such as a DBY necklace and maybe some diamond huggie hoops. So aside from learning from mistakes in solitaire settings, I really haven't had a lot of projects. And I have had a round diamond in a solitaire setting from the very beginning, so my taste has never changed!

I think the people who can make multiple settings of the same ring have a lot more money than I do! They can go on a quest for perfection, and while I really like the idea, I couldn't justify the expense! I do enjoy watching everyone else's projects,though!

Maisie, did you sell the 5 stone diamond band, too? Wish preloved had been around when you sold all your things!

 

[decodelighted]

Sometimes I wonder if folks go beyond asking themselves if they can *afford* to do something ..... to whether they *should* spend the money that way. And what that says about their *values*. Wanton wealth is totally wasted on the rich -- HA!


ETA: I also think that generally people are LOUSY judges of what will, indeed, make themselves HAPPY. (me included!) Throwing too much money at the problem on these terrible, terrible guesses just makes me so anxious.

 

[Kaleigh]

There are some that will keep changing the setting, and will never be happy. Is it any of my business?? No.

I think there will always be serial upgraders. Again, great for them. Love seeing the new bling...

So what ever they do, good for them... I like seeing the pics..

 

[CaprineSun]

OMG Yes!! I have logged off many a times from here in disbelief & shock, vowing to not come back because it will make me go insane. LOL I sometimes feel like I'm in the twilight zone. LOL

So, I lurk more than I post, because I can't feed into the madness sometimes.

ALTHOUGH, it makes for great jewelry ****! So, I can't stay away! lol

 

[VRBeauty]

There's no way I'm going to try to guess why other people do what they do with their diamonds, colored stones, and rings. I'll just sit back and enjoy the show , thank you very much! And I'm afraid I won't be reciprocating if and when I do decide to treat myself to some PS-worthy blingage. I'm a perfectionist in some areas of my life but this is not one of them (within reason). Y'all may get to watch me eat those words some day though!

Watching the change ups and change outs and changing hands has made me a bit - just a bit - more careful about buying jewelry though! I think I'm getting more realistic in assessing how often I might wear some bauble, and more rigorous in my personal cost/benefit calculations!

 

[AGBF]

Who's going to start a thread on which SO upgrade we're on?

Decodelighted, I'd give you the green but cherries are not green.
Oh well.

Yoohoo! kenny!!! Since it's Christmas time, I just happened to be in the kitchen with some glazed cherries, and guess what?

Deb

 

[Gypsy]

We have all kinds. Which is cool.

I'm still coming to terms with the fact that I might be fickle. I keep a large portion of the stuff I have. But it bothers me to see things sitting around unused so... I would rather re-sell something I'm not using and get something new with the 'hope' that I will wear it more. If I don't end up wearing that item... it's off to the resell again.

I love having a project generally and have a nice time with the hunt, though. So in the absence of having unlimited funds wearing my stuff for a while then reselling it for something else gets me a hunt... and that's fine too.

I like watching the show of the serial re-setters and upgraders. It's fun. And no harm done.

 

[Kaleigh]

I think a reality show on PS would be great. Great in educating people, and great to see who is doing what...

Deco could produce it once funds are in place, and I would love to cast it..

I kid, but some how...

This would be awesome ... Because we have all entertained each other for 6 years... Have been through so much.

It's a great story..

One that should be told..

 

[iheartscience]

I think a reality show on PS would be great. Great in educating people, and great to see who is doing what...

Deco could produce it once funds are in place, and I would love to cast it..

I kid, but some how...

This would be awesome ... Because we have all entertained each other for 6 years... Have been through so much.

It's a great story..

One that should be told..

Ha now that's an idea! But I call NOT IT for being in front of the camera: I'll work behind the scenes to manufacture the dramz!

Hey I actually used to style photo shoots so I could totally be a producer! I like my day job, though-can we shoot this at night and on the weekends?

 

[VRBeauty]

How about if we call it "The Real Diamond [insert appropriate noun here] of Pricescope"?

Or should that be "The Real Diamond [insert appropriate noun here] of The Internet"?

Or "Survivor - DIamond Quest"

Or "The Biggest Sparkler"

Or maybe... "Diamond Swap"?

ETA - "Mavens"! That's the word I was looking for!

 

[Kaleigh]

I think a reality show on PS would be great. Great in educating people, and great to see who is doing what...

Deco could produce it once funds are in place, and I would love to cast it..

I kid, but some how...

This would be awesome ... Because we have all entertained each other for 6 years... Have been through so much.

It's a great story..

One that should be told..

Ha now that's an idea! But I call NOT IT for being in front of the camera: I'll work behind the scenes to manufacture the dramz!

Hey I actually used to style photo shoots so I could totally be a producer! I like my day job, though-can we shoot this at night and on the weekends?

I would no more be in front of the camera...

So I get where you come from.. There was talk years ago about being on Oprah. Talk but no action... I just think we have something special here. It's something I tell my friends about, my besties, and they just think it's very cool. And very special. The first few years I wouldn't say a word, because, well it was weird to most.. But that is changing. Look at how we have grown over the years. My prggo thread lead to one of the biggest ever on PS. Then on FB the Mom's group..
We are connected, one way or another...But so supportive.

If I was Lisa Ling, I would do a story on PS...

 

[aljdewey]

People who love the 'thrill of the hunt' should really give colored stones a try. Never thought I would be into them....probably because most local samples didn't inspire me much, but when you see NICE examples of them - wow! I've gotta say it's really made my enthusiasm for diamonds wane quite a bit unless they're old cuts.

 

[Gypsy]

People who love the 'thrill of the hunt' should really give colored stones a try. Never thought I would be into them....probably because most local samples didn't inspire me much, but when you see NICE examples of them - wow! I've gotta say it's really made my enthusiasm for diamonds wane quite a bit unless they're old cuts.

I actually got into colored stones using this logic. And I have seen some amazing samples, including all of Pheonix's stones. But they just don't have the same feeling to me.

I'm a diamond girl. I bought an emerald band a while back. And I think I can do colored stone stackers and eventually a nice sapphire RHR. But I'm concerned that even with a sapphire RHR I won't wear it enough. I just prefer diamonds.

 

[kenny]

People who love the 'thrill of the hunt' should really give colored stones a try. Never thought I would be into them....probably because most local samples didn't inspire me much, but when you see NICE examples of them - wow! I've gotta say it's really made my enthusiasm for diamonds wane quite a bit unless they're old cuts.

I actually got into colored stones using this logic. And I have seen some amazing samples, including all of Pheonix's stones. But they just don't have the same feeling to me.

I'm a diamond girl. I bought an emerald band a while back. And I think I can do colored stone stackers and eventually a nice sapphire RHR. But I'm concerned that even with a sapphire RHR I won't wear it enough. I just prefer diamonds.

When it comes to a hunt, I think Fancy Colored Diamonds offer the best of both worlds, an astounding selection of colors with all of the optical properties of diamond, because they are diamonds.
Plus hunting for just the right cut and color is very personal, exciting and rewarding.

Of course the downside is the cost, even for small ones
Also many colors are so rare that even if you had all the money in the world you could not just go out and buy one with Color X of Size Y in cut Z.
Surely the challenges of acquiring them makes me appreciate them more.

 

[minmin001]

It's funny how my hunt for a new setting changed my mind on the size of the diamond I want.
Used to think I want upgrade to 1.5ct then after wanting a halo and see how it looks on me I think I want max of 1.2ct so it doesn't look too big for me. And with the look of the new setting I currently want to work on I think anything bigger than 1ct wouldn't look good (which is the diamond size I have now). So it saved me money for not needing to upgrade my diamond anymore!

 

[Laila619]

It's funny how my hunt for a new setting changed my mind on the size of the diamond I want.
Used to think I want upgrade to 1.5ct then after wanting a halo and see how it looks on me I think I want max of 1.2ct so it doesn't look too big for me. And with the look of the new setting I currently want to work on I think anything bigger than 1ct wouldn't look good (which is the diamond size I have now). So it saved me money for not needing to upgrade my diamond anymore!

Me too, minmin! I'm on a neverending quest for the perfect halo setting for my one carat. The diamond I'm content with, but the setting still eludes me.

 

[Phoenix]

People who love the 'thrill of the hunt' should really give colored stones a try. Never thought I would be into them....probably because most local samples didn't inspire me much, but when you see NICE examples of them - wow! I've gotta say it's really made my enthusiasm for diamonds wane quite a bit unless they're old cuts.

I actually got into colored stones using this logic. And I have seen some amazing samples, including all of Pheonix's stones. But they just don't have the same feeling to me.

I'm a diamond girl. I bought an emerald band a while back. And I think I can do colored stone stackers and eventually a nice sapphire RHR. But I'm concerned that even with a sapphire RHR I won't wear it enough. I just prefer diamonds.

Which ones?

I am the same as you, Gypsy: I'm quite certain I prefer diamonds over coloured stones - possibly with the exception of intense pink sapphires. But I'd still not rather have pink sapphires over diamonds, just in addition to, he he!

Onto the original topic: perhaps I shouldn't ask this Q, in case I hear something I don't like , but I don't know which category I fall into. I mean I don't consider myself a serial upgrader (I tend to mainly just buy new pieces) and I don't change out settings that often really. I can't see myself EVER upgrading the BGD 4.6ctw studs nor the pear ring (though I didn't like it initially - funny that) nor the blingy bracelet I bought from my local jeweller. I do also love my 3.02ct F VS2 - just wish it was bigger, he he!

 

[Cehrabehra]

I think for some of us there's an H which is closely related to D but has more to do with a disatisfaction with how things went both in general and in specific and wanting a mulligan. The ring I designed that was followed to a T is one I love. I'm quite confident that if I should have the same experience for my diamond that I will be happy indefinitely with it. Like T-Gal, there may be other things I love out there but I'll be happy with the one I have. I haven't loved my ring in a special way since way before I even got it. The situation was so... anyway, no need to rehash that!

I do agree that there are some people who are crazy fickle about it. If you can afford it I still think it's a bit of a waste in a world with so many families struggling, so many children needing educations, people suffering around the world. But hey, it helps the jewelers! That's something

I do get a bit wistful for times when people allowed their ring to be date stamped (dated) to the era of their marriage and didn't try to apply rules of fashion to their original symbol of marriage.

 

[Gypsy]

People who love the 'thrill of the hunt' should really give colored stones a try. Never thought I would be into them....probably because most local samples didn't inspire me much, but when you see NICE examples of them - wow! I've gotta say it's really made my enthusiasm for diamonds wane quite a bit unless they're old cuts.

I actually got into colored stones using this logic. And I have seen some amazing samples, including all of Pheonix's stones. But they just don't have the same feeling to me.

I'm a diamond girl. I bought an emerald band a while back. And I think I can do colored stone stackers and eventually a nice sapphire RHR. But I'm concerned that even with a sapphire RHR I won't wear it enough. I just prefer diamonds.

Which ones?

I am the same as you, Gypsy: I'm quite certain I prefer diamonds over coloured stones - possibly with the exception of intense pink sapphires. But I'd still not rather have pink sapphires over diamonds, just in addition to, he he!

Exactly. I could have bought a sapphire, and a nice one, for the cost of my OEC, but I like diamonds. I'd get a nice blue sapphire IN ADDITION to my diamonds. But I wouldn't kick my diamonds out of bed for it. And that's how I see money spent on colored stones: as money better saved for a diamond project down the road.

And now I have a bunch of colored stones I'm selling for a lot less than I paid for them. But I'm happy to recoup anything for them and consider it lesson learned, I suppose.

 

[Imdanny]

I grew up in the time when most women had horribly cut 1/3 diamonds in plain gold settings, and when I say plain settings I don't mean Tiffany's famous solitaire setting in gold, I mean just a blah settings. The diamonds didn't emit any colors, I mean none because of how bad the cut was and the clarity was probably barf worthy too.

The fact that people could have this as a hobby and that we could read about it and see pictures on the internet is something I never could have imagined.

The result is I'm kind of shocked/ amazed in a good and bad ways sometimes, although in truth I'm going from being less and less judgmental to the point where I'm headed toward not being not judgmental at all. Who cares what people do with their hobby/ time/ money?

I think the OP's list has a lot of validity but it's up to each individual to figure these things out for themselves. If a person is doing this in part for attention then they're the ones who need to realize their need for attention and do something about it or not. It's not for me to judge what other people do with diamonds/ settings.

I hope people can find the shortest route from A to B with A being just starting and B complete satisfaction but I know from the 7 years watches were my hobby, and I was deep into it, as into it as anyone here is into diamonds and/ or settings, that it's not easy. Like Maisie, I ended up selling all my watches. Not only that, the prices of watches have skyrocketed, much the same as the prices of diamonds and settings are doing now, so I didn't get a second chance to do things differently.

It all comes down to people being happy/ satisfied. It's not an easy thing to do with something as intensely personal as jewelry.

 

[Madam Bijoux]

I am none of the above. I don't upgrade, I keep buying more. I'm just plain greedy.

 

[rubybeth]

I am none of the above. I don't upgrade, I keep buying more. I'm just plain greedy.

I feel the same way. I just want *more* things, not re-set or upgrade. My wish list is pretty small, and I'm *shocked* my DH let me get so many things this year (band for my b-day, RHR stackers, and earrings beyond my wildest dreams). At this rate, I'll be out of things on my wish list in 5-8 years.

But I do understand the thrill of the hunt and the fun of the decision-making process. If you've read Gretchen Rubin's 'The Happiness Project,' you'll be familiar with the term 'rosy prospection.' It's the happiness we get from planning and looking forward to something, aside from the actual thing itself. Her example was the cake her daughter wanted for her birthday. They visited the cake place together once (I think it was ice cream cakes), and her daughter debated flavors and designs for days and days, and then wanted to go BACK to look again. At first, Gretchen felt exasperated, but saw how much joy her daughter got from planning and took her back. She got such enjoyment over thinking about the cake, that once she actually had the cake, having it was secondary to the process. I think that's why I enjoy updating my wish list in Google Docs and on Pinterest, finding photos of things I like, and then just dreaming about having them *someday.* If I had an unlimited budget, I don't think this would be nearly as satisfying. My mom is the same way--she's the bargain hunter extraordinaire, and loves finding the Coach purse for $15 at Goodwill and confirming that it's real. She could just buy the $300 bag, but it's not about the bag, it's about the hunt.

 

[lovebug1031]

Who's going to start a thread on which SO upgrade we're on?

Decodelighted, I'd give you the green but cherries are not green.
Oh well.

She meant to say "green unripe cherry." Still counts. FedX can have it to her by Christmas

hah they'll just throw it in her yard anyhow! http://www.wsbt.com/news/sns-viral-video-fedex-delivery,0,5680143.htmlstory

 

[pregcurious]

I think the following category is also applicable:

h) People who originally did not have the $ to afford anything but a poorly cut diamond in the least expensive setting they could find. Now they have the funds to reset.

I fit into the category "h" above. Maybe a lot of you guys had $ when you got married, but I am sure I am not the only one here who did not. If people find resets distasteful (attention getting/greedy/whatever), I think they should seriously reconsider being part of a jewelry focused community where the main goal is to share our enthusiasm about jewelry, and learn about/get ideas for our own collections. I don't feel it's my business why someone is buying or not buying jewelry, but I'm here to help if I can.

I used to be very active in a different collection forum (also high price items), where people are very supportive and judgemental posters were not encouraged. There was always swapping and changing of items--sometimes up in price, sometimes down, and sometimes just to something different. It's odd to me that people here are so judgemental.

I appreciate it when people take the time to post their jewelery, and I learn a lot especially from reset threads because there is a lot of discussion about the pros and cons of specific details.

 

[Jennifer W]

I haven't and won't change my wedding ring or engagement ring, but if I did, once I'd taken that step? Hell, there would be no stopping me. I'd show you a new level of fickle. I don't care if someone upgrades once or a million times personally. Maybe they do have other issues, but it was the ring they came here to talk about, so I won't speculate beyond that unless they open it up for discussion.

I am a pain in the butt when I'm picking a piece. I probably have no equal when it comes to dithering, second guessing, analysing tiny detail and seeking endless opinion on the miniscule difference between half a dozen options.... but once it's on my hand / round my neck, it's MINE and it's perfect and it's generally not for changing. My agonising decision process / hunt for the right piece is partly because of just that. I don't generally sell or upgrade items, I assume once I have them, they'll be with me forever. One or two exceptions, but generally I don't part with stuff easily. So for me, the thrill isn't in the hunt for the item. I find that a little bit stressful, especially just before I pull the trigger. (I know, such a problem to have, right?)

 

[Jennifer W]

I am none of the above. I don't upgrade, I keep buying more. I'm just plain greedy.

Beautifully put! I think in a roundabout way, this is what I meant too...

 

[Haven]

I'm just going to say that I'd like to ditto Deco's original response in this thread.

This is something I spent quite a bit of time thinking about when I first started to seriously consider upgrading. I loved my original e-ring, but shortly after we were engaged I realized that I may have chosen a ring that was far too modern for my taste. I picked out the entire original e-ring myself, and told my husband about my concerns. We told our jeweler to keep an eye out for an antique cushion, and about three years later he found *the one*. So, I upgraded the entire ring: new stone, new setting.

I asked myself a lot of questions before I went in to see the new stone: Why did I even mention antique cushions in the first place? What do I hope to get out of upgrading this ring? Is there some other reason I'm interested in starting a new ring project? When I realized I really just made a poor decision with my original ring and this was my opportunity to change that, I went for it. DH and I are pretty serious about where we put our money, and the timing was right because we had a little surplus, and there it was. It took me a while to admit (to myself, even) that I chose the wrong ring for me originally, but once I did I knew the upgrade was the right way to go. Luckily, I love the way it turned out and I'm confident that I'm finally wearing a ring that really suits me.

 

[jewelerman]

I'm guilty!When i was in the jewelry trade i was obsessed about the hunt for the next piece! I never would think about trading up ,but buying newer,bigger and better!This is why i had been in the trade for so long. i genuinely enjoy helping people find their items as well!Its more then then just finding the next piece though...its going through books,magazines and auction sites to discover new information and see what has been designed and owned over the decades! Even though i haven't bought new jewelry in well over a year, i still read and learn about jewelry,gems and timepieces every day.I enjoy wearing,owning the jewelry i do own even after the hunt is over and it takes alot to consider trading or selling a piece after Ive bought and worn it.