Fun shopping today.

[Sparklelu]

Alas no pictures, but today was a day of bling.
I had a Breast Cancer survivor event downtown in Naples,FL so after I wandered over to a posh shopping center. I got to look at goodies in Cartier, van clef Arpel, deBeers, Tiffany and check out some watches in Tourneau.
I have to say I can't figure out if I look like I'm Mrs. got rocks and might drop a few or who the hell are you and why are you in my store!
Got both reactions today. First stop Cartier. Tried on a few rolling rings, found out I'm a 60 on one hand and a 58 on the other, the thin one is too thin, the classic very nice and the one with tiny diamonds sublime!! At $3500. It's very pretty!
The salesperson was very nice, and they had rings in my size! Wrote things on a card for the DH in case he needs an idea.

Next stop Van Clef.. Tiny store but the only one with the doors propped open. Super nice salesperson offered me bottled water. Poland springs no fancy label drat! Tried on a $14,000 vintage Alahambra necklace, way prettier than my Lia Sophia $'98.00 version !!
The butterflies and dragonflies pieces are exquisite! I would take any of them.

Then a stop in Tourneau, looked at a few Rolexes. Tried one on, $33,000 pre owned 18k gold with diamond bezel as well as diamond hour markers. It "only " indicated date, phoo for 33 grand I need the day too!
Sales person there was nice but seemed bored.
Asked if I wanted them to date adjust my watch for me, was not wearing my watch and anyway it's a Movado they probably wouldn't want to touch!

Then to Tiffany. Door closed guard at the door, he greeted me as I came in. Walked to a case, looked at the etoile bands. Salesperson came over and when I asked to see a band she said platinum or gold? I replied platinum , she looked at my hand and said we don't carry your size in stock. I said well how do I know how it will look? She said we can size you then you order it and then you will know. What if I don't like it? We can refund your money.
I asked do you have any rings in stock in a size 8.5-9 . No.
Wow, what if I did have money no impulse buying in Tiffany for me I guess.
I did like the Elsa Perreti starfish collection, the rock crystal one was cute as was the lapis lazuli one.

Last stop deBeers. Boring. Everything locked up in cases on the wall. No real show stoppers for me, hahaha , other than the 35 ct pink diamond in a TDF delicate halo. The Yellow diamonds were stunning too. They had a 30 something ct yellow pear!!
The engagement rings were pretty lots of sparkle but the colored stones were amazing. Sadly no prices to be seen. Guess if you have to ask, you can't afford it.
The fellow in deBeers did follow me around a bit, but he too offered water. And they had a bottle of champagne on ice waiting for a big spender!!

All in all a lovely way to spend a day and not drop a dime. And now I know I wear a 40 European. In case I need to know

 

[mary poppins]

What a fun jewelry day!

I'm surprised Tiffany doesn't keep a selection of your size rings in stock. As you pointed out, impulse shoppers are a very important market segment, especially for discretionary, luxury items like Tiffany sells. Having to order and return to the store leaves plenty of opportunity to lose a customer who a) doesn't want to or can't wait for the item to ship, b) has buyer's remorse upon leaving, or c) has buyer's remorse or low funds upon returning to pick up. Plus, what a hassle just to have to return to the store! Also not good for the gift shopper.

Tsk tsk, Tiffany. Oh well, I guess it works for them.

Anyway, glad you had a fun day. The 35 ct. pink diamond with halo and huge pearl must have been amazing to see.

 

[Enerchi]

ooooh! that DOES sound like a fun day!! I am always surprised how friendly the stores are when you walk in, but they give the impression of being very intimidating! Well, obviously your Tiffany experience was pretty shoddy, but in general, most SA's are very pleasant and happy to help.

When I had DS#2 w me in Vegas in the fall, he found it pretty impressive that we were treated so nicely in Cartier, Tiffany and Louis Vuitton. (bored out of his brain, but he was still impressed!)

 

[marcy]

That does sound like a very fun shopping day. Are you a breast cancer survivor? Congratulations.