I should have never gone to Tiffany''s

[Lorelei]

Date: 9/10/2007 11:31:33 AM
Author: angeline
I don't know if I've got in my reply before the return period but I have to go against the tide here.... if she is SO taken with the name Tiffany then do you really want ot have to work so hard to convince her to like your ring?

I don't get it, everyone here for engagement rings always says 'Listen to your gf, get what SHE wants' even if it is from Tiffs. Why is this so different?

By all means try the education path, but if she doesn't want to know anything about the ring, that might not work. It might really hurt, but I would return it, try the education path and then if it works, get her another ACA.

No matter how unreasonable it is to us, or hard to understand, the emotion she associates with the name might outweigh all the extra beauty and size of the ACA. Remember she won't have them side-by-side to see how much nicer the WF stone is.

Just my .02c Good luck in whatever you do!

Angeline, I am in complete agreement with what you say, it is just the way I see it, we are trying to find out exactly what it is that Surgeon's wife wants - whether it is the Tiffany name that matters to her, or just that she may think that Tiffany diamonds are the only ones which sparkle and look beautiful. If it is the former then of course the Tiffany ring would be the best choice, if the latter then the ACA could be - it is trying to find out what it is that she wants without giving the game away.

 

[partgypsy]

I don''t understand the allure of Tiffany''s, and I''m not a princess stone person so maybe not the person to ask.
One thing I do know is that I don''t care for most princess stones because they are not cut very well and are poor performers, yes even ones at high end jewelry stores. Tiffany''s doesn''t really specialize in princesses, did not carry them until recently, so unlike a design piece noone would even look at a princess cut and think oh did that come from Tiffany''s?

You really did your homework and got an ideal cut princess, you don''t know how rare that is. Myself I would be happy you got her a great performing stone and explain why this stone is special. I think WF though it obviously does not have the advertising presence that Tiff''s has, is very well regarded with those in the know.

I might feel differently if she saw and fell in love with one particular ring in the store and had to have that ring, but it doesn''t sound like that''s what happened.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 9/10/2007 11:38:42 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 9/10/2007 11:31:33 AM
Author: angeline
I don''t know if I''ve got in my reply before the return period but I have to go against the tide here.... if she is SO taken with the name Tiffany then do you really want ot have to work so hard to convince her to like your ring?

I don''t get it, everyone here for engagement rings always says ''Listen to your gf, get what SHE wants'' even if it is from Tiffs. Why is this so different?

By all means try the education path, but if she doesn''t want to know anything about the ring, that might not work. It might really hurt, but I would return it, try the education path and then if it works, get her another ACA.

No matter how unreasonable it is to us, or hard to understand, the emotion she associates with the name might outweigh all the extra beauty and size of the ACA. Remember she won''t have them side-by-side to see how much nicer the WF stone is.

Just my .02c Good luck in whatever you do!

Angeline, I am in complete agreement with what you say, it is just the way I see it, we are trying to find out exactly what it is that Surgeon''s wife wants - whether it is the Tiffany name that matters to her, or just that she may think that Tiffany diamonds are the only ones which sparkle and look beautiful. If it is the former then of course the Tiffany ring would be the best choice, if the latter then the ACA could be - it is trying to find out what it is that she wants without giving the game away.

Ditto.

 

[surgeon]

Thanks everyone for all of your help. If I were to return the diamond, I would have to call them today by 3:00 and have it postmarked by tomorrow. I really don''t want to have to do that. I truly feel that my stone is better than any of the ones that I can afford in Tiffany''s case. And, I feel like she will love what I give her. I do like the idea of a wedding band from Tiffany''s. Green With Envy, I think you are correct: she''s not familiar with looking at jewelry all the time and the atmosphere in Tiffany''s was very seducing.

Door Knob Solitaire, thanks for the kind words. That is exactly how I feel. I know my stone is to die for. I just want her to feel the same way I do. I feel that, in the beginning, she will love her ring if I get it from Tiffany''s. But, if she ever sees anything better, she will lose the appreciation for it...and all that will be left, is the name. I want her to have something that just flat out can''t be beat...except for size, of course.

As of now, it would take an awful lot for me to return my stone. She''s also expressed that she doesn''t want me to get stressed out....too late!

Now, all I need is a high quality platinum setting in four weeks time. We went to the local Longs Jewelers yesterday and I liked their settings...but, are they high quality? Anyways, thanks everyone for your help.

 

[mrssalvo]

I do understand the allure of Tiffany''s. everytime I go into mine i''m treated like a princess and for whatever reason that store creates a special magic for me, and I don''t even like the movie. So, i can relate to any gal out there who covets that blue box and would take a smaller tiffany ring over a larger non-tiffany ring. it also doesn''t really matter whether folks know and recognize it as a Tiffany ring, the wearer knows and that''s makes the wearer feel special if she is one to fall for the Tiffany magic.

surgeon, my guess your wife will be thrilled with whatever you choose to give her and what you have planned will be very special to her because it is a gift from you

 

[Lorelei]

Glad you are at peace with your decision to keep the WF diamond, and for what it is worth, I think you have made the right choice and she will love it - not only because you bought her one of the best cut Princess diamonds available, but because it came from you!!

 

[Krissie]

I agree with Angeline. Even if it''s just the name and tradition she likes, if a diamond from Tiffany would make her over-the-moon happy, then a Tiffany ring it should be (within your budget of course!) I totally agree with the convincing part - you wouldn''t want to be in the position of having to convince her to adore the ring you selected as much as one from Tiffany that she loved.

My ring is from Cartier and for the price he paid, my fiance could have gone up another 3/4 - 1 carat. He could have attempted to find a Cartier replica setting for that bigger diamond of likely the same quality, but it wouldn''t have been the same. Once I saw the ring on display I knew that''s what I wanted. He even asked me a month later whether I was sure - and I realized that while of course I would have been really happy with whatever my fiance ultimately selected, deep down I would still be reminding myself it wasn''t the Cartier. I don''t really see your wife''s situation as being much different.

We all have different priorities. I just think that if she has expressed to you that size doesn''t matter as much as name, you shouldn''t try to convince her otherwise. But in any event, I think it''s very sweet of you to do this upgrade and to take her feelings to heart!

 

[Ellen]

Surgeon, I think you're going to be fine with this decion, as I tend to think she's just not seen a lot of well cut diamonds, and probably thinks Tiff's is it.

I KNOW that stone is going to blow her away. And my guess is, Tiff's will be a fading memory after she's had that ring on a few days.

Sorry, can't help with the setting. You might want to make a new thread for that, being specific in the title.

 

[surgeon]

Honestly, I think it''s the name that she loves. And, because of the name, I think she feels like the diamonds ARE the best you can buy. But, I know better. So, it''s not just one or the other...favor for one supports the other but in the wrong way. I''ll be happy when this is all over.

 

[ccuheartnurse]

I would go ahead & give her the ring you''ve picked out. In my heart of hearts, I know once she sees another gorgeous sparkly, she will love it just as much as the Tiffany. Why I''m not convinced it was the actual stone at Tiffany that made her heart go pitter patter, because you say nothing of her wanting Tiffany prior to the both of you walking into the store.

Had she been wanting a Tiffany ring & only a Tiffany ring, you would have gone there and only there because you would have known nothing else would matter . You''re post tells me that you are a very considerate person.

You''re ring that you picked out & one that she wants to be surprised with, will thrill her.

Judy

 

[Krissie]

Ok, I see you have made your decision, so disregard my previous post

If I were you, I wouldn''t even mention Tiffany''s to your wife when you present her this ring. Let the focus be on the beautiful diamond that you so lovingly selected for her! Then surprise her with a trinket from Tiffany''s for her birthday

 

[Green with Envy]

Yes- 4 weeks to get custom setting... THAT should be your focus now. A nice diamond is a nice diamond and the quality and workmanship of the setting is what will make it look as good or better than tiffanys. If you put an amazing stone in a so-so quality setting- THAT would be a problem!

 

[angeline]

Date: 9/10/2007 11:43:28 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 9/10/2007 11:38:42 AM

Author: Lorelei

Date: 9/10/2007 11:31:33 AM

Author: angeline

I don''t know if I''ve got in my reply before the return period but I have to go against the tide here.... if she is SO taken with the name Tiffany then do you really want ot have to work so hard to convince her to like your ring?


I don''t get it, everyone here for engagement rings always says ''Listen to your gf, get what SHE wants'' even if it is from Tiffs. Why is this so different?


By all means try the education path, but if she doesn''t want to know anything about the ring, that might not work. It might really hurt, but I would return it, try the education path and then if it works, get her another ACA.


No matter how unreasonable it is to us, or hard to understand, the emotion she associates with the name might outweigh all the extra beauty and size of the ACA. Remember she won''t have them side-by-side to see how much nicer the WF stone is.


Just my .02c Good luck in whatever you do!

Angeline, I am in complete agreement with what you say, it is just the way I see it, we are trying to find out exactly what it is that Surgeon''s wife wants - whether it is the Tiffany name that matters to her, or just that she may think that Tiffany diamonds are the only ones which sparkle and look beautiful. If it is the former then of course the Tiffany ring would be the best choice, if the latter then the ACA could be - it is trying to find out what it is that she wants without giving the game away.

Ditto.

Very true. My only worry would be that she really does prefer TIffs and then he is stuck (well stuck sounds bad but you know what I mean) with the ACA. I just thought returning it would give him time to find out what she does like and maybe help her to understand about diamonds and educate her a little and look at more stones and then see what she thinks. If he keeps it, game over. MIght work out or she might be secretly disappointed. Which would be sad, especially after spending all that time and money.

Sticky situation!

 

[solange]

Whiteflash has a large selection of beautiful settings both custom and ready made.. Since the stone comes from them, you might look at their settings and discuss something in your price range and to your liking.

I got my stone and setting from Whiteflash after an extensive search at Tiffany and many other top places in NYC. Although my husband was at first inclined toward Harry Winston or Tiffany, I convinced him that I could get a much larger, better quality stone for the price if we bought from one of the Pricescope vendors. I am thrilled with my ring and the service I got from Whiteflash.

I think if your wife were able to see the difference between what she can get at Tiffany's as opposed to what you bought from Whiteflash at the same price she would probably change her mind.

 

[Green with Envy]

Date: 9/10/2007 11:53:21 AM
Author: angeline

Date: 9/10/2007 11:43:28 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 9/10/2007 11:38:42 AM

Author: Lorelei

Date: 9/10/2007 11:31:33 AM

Author: angeline

I don''t know if I''ve got in my reply before the return period but I have to go against the tide here.... if she is SO taken with the name Tiffany then do you really want ot have to work so hard to convince her to like your ring?


I don''t get it, everyone here for engagement rings always says ''Listen to your gf, get what SHE wants'' even if it is from Tiffs. Why is this so different?


By all means try the education path, but if she doesn''t want to know anything about the ring, that might not work. It might really hurt, but I would return it, try the education path and then if it works, get her another ACA.


No matter how unreasonable it is to us, or hard to understand, the emotion she associates with the name might outweigh all the extra beauty and size of the ACA. Remember she won''t have them side-by-side to see how much nicer the WF stone is.


Just my .02c Good luck in whatever you do!

Angeline, I am in complete agreement with what you say, it is just the way I see it, we are trying to find out exactly what it is that Surgeon''s wife wants - whether it is the Tiffany name that matters to her, or just that she may think that Tiffany diamonds are the only ones which sparkle and look beautiful. If it is the former then of course the Tiffany ring would be the best choice, if the latter then the ACA could be - it is trying to find out what it is that she wants without giving the game away.

Ditto.

Very true. My only worry would be that she really does prefer TIffs and then he is stuck (well stuck sounds bad but you know what I mean) with the ACA. I just thought returning it would give him time to find out what she does like and maybe help her to understand about diamonds and educate her a little and look at more stones and then see what she thinks. If he keeps it, game over. MIght work out or she might be secretly disappointed. Which would be sad, especially after spending all that time and money.

Sticky situation!

I think we have to step back for a second and think what you have. You have purchased the BEST princess in the world, right? AGS0 ideal ... ACA approved! Most folks have never seen stones that look this good! I promise you- get this baby set in a setting that looks as good or better than the tiffanys setting and she will happily say "I do!''

 

[angeline]

Oops sorry just saw that surgeon has made up his mind! Disregard my last post.

Surgeon, you know your wife best so I am sure you made the right decision. Congrats!

I second solange''s idea of WF. Their settings are great and you also don''t have to worry about insurance during the setting process, WF will take guarantee the stone.



a

 

[find45di2]

Agreed, educate her a little bit and she will quickly understand that a name is nothing more than a big waste of money.

Here is a question for you. Does she own ANY Tiffany''s jewelry yet? If not, I would suggest getting her something small just to fill the void. Years back I got my GF a really nice bracelet for around $100 or $200, I forget how much, but she adores it. Now that it is time for a diamond, she always jokes about Tiffany''s but she knows it is mostly a marketing ploy.

Buy her a nice Tiffany''s bracelet to go along with the ring and she''ll be more than happy

Trust me, Women want that ring so bad they don''t care where it is coming from!!! A long as it is realjk

 

[Green with Envy]

By the way- who ever said they HAD to have Cartier- i understand. If you compare the two boxes... I would take the red one any day of the week over that blue one. I have both and the red one is better!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 9/10/2007 12:02:21 PM
Author: find45di2
Agreed, educate her a little bit and she will quickly understand that a name is nothing more than a big waste of money.

Here is a question for you. Does she own ANY Tiffany''s jewelry yet? If not, I would suggest getting her something small just to fill the void. Years back I got my GF a really nice bracelet for around $100 or $200, I forget how much, but she adores it. Now that it is time for a diamond, she always jokes about Tiffany''s but she knows it is mostly a marketing ploy.

Buy her a nice Tiffany''s bracelet to go along with the ring and she''ll be more than happy

Trust me, Women want that ring so bad they don''t care where it is coming from!!! A long as it is realjk

He posted on the first page that she own a couple pieces.

 

[Ty Cobb]

I will preface my statement with 2 facts, 1 I am a guy who loves buying his girl stuff from Tiffs 2. I bought an engagement ring from there even though she made it more then clear it didn''t need to be.


2 questions you need to consider: 1. Was she really blown away by the diamonds, or does Tiffs actually mean that much to her. I am sorry, but however idiotic some on here think, if she really wants a Tiff diamond and you can afford it, get her a Tiff diamond. Seriously. If it was more the appeal of the diamonds I don''t think it matters, but if she really wants one from Tiffs, then I suggest you return the other stone and get her what she wants from Tiffanys. From personal experience, it sounds to me like she knew exactly what she was doing, had probably been to tiffs before, and was letting you know what she wanted.

Seriuosly, unless money is a true concern, her being happy with the ring you got her is the important thing. From the way I am reading it, she wants it from Tiffanys.

 

[find45di2]

Date: 9/10/2007 12:47:14 PM
Author: Ty Cobb
I will preface my statement with 2 facts, 1 I am a guy who loves buying his girl stuff from Tiffs 2. I bought an engagement ring from there even though she made it more then clear it didn't need to be.



2 questions you need to consider: 1. Was she really blown away by the diamonds, or does Tiffs actually mean that much to her. I am sorry, but however idiotic some on here think, if she really wants a Tiff diamond and you can afford it, get her a Tiff diamond. Seriously. If it was more the appeal of the diamonds I don't think it matters, but if she really wants one from Tiffs, then I suggest you return the other stone and get her what she wants from Tiffanys. From personal experience, it sounds to me like she knew exactly what she was doing, had probably been to tiffs before, and was letting you know what she wanted.


Seriuosly, unless money is a true concern, her being happy with the ring you got her is the important thing. From the way I am reading it, she wants it from Tiffanys.

I can agree with you in many ways, but what you said about money can be looked at in more than one way. Instead of paying way more for a "Tiffany's" diamond, why not take that extra cash and buy an even bigger, and even better diamond? Guess it all truly depends on what SHE wants, and what matters the most.

Tiffany's has their lighting set so just about EVERYTHING looks amazing. It is funny because when you take the diamonds completely out of the store they will look different. So I agree that if she is a label queen, than Tiffany's may be the only option. But if she has ever said that it didn't have to be from there, she is hoping for it, but won't be crushed if she doesn't get it.

So yes, if she is dead set on a Tiffany's, I could see you getting nothing more than it. Chances are she would rather have a bigger stone in the end. Ever read women on this forum talk about "Shrinkage"? They think their diamonds get smaller with every day that passes, so I would opt for a larger stone any day.

 

[surgeon]

Well, she has said that it doesn''t have to be from Tiffany''s. In fact, after she saw my obvious disappointment when she expressed her joy for Tiffany''s (I''m sorry! I couldn''t help it! I alread have the stone and I wanted it to be perfect) she tried to make it clear that she would be happy with absolutely anything that I bought, even if it was from Costco. Not to knock on anyone who has a ring from Costco, though.

Well, money is a concern so I decided to call Tiffany''s and explain my predicament and I got some prices on a few stones. I told them I wanted to stay in the $8000 range. These stones are priced to be set in the solitaire Tiffany setting. I hope it''s okay to put prices on here.

A. 1.02 carat, I VVS2 ---$9800
B. 1.02 carat, H VS2 ----$9750
C. .97 carat, G VS1 -----$9750
D. .91 carat, H VS1 -----$8550

And for the hell of it, I asked how much a stone would cost mounted with the specs of the stone I already have:

E. 1.01 carat, G VS1 ----$11,800

OUCH!!!

And this is with no regard to cut quality.

Yesterday, at Tiffany''s, she said, "I would even be happy if it wasn''t a one carat." Later that night, I asked, "I thought you always wanted a one carat." After thinking about it, she said, "yeah, I really do want a one carat." Well, with those prices from Tiffany''s, that just isn''t possible. Thanks for all the help guys. I''d like to make her happy, but there are so many factors and I just have to choose the ones that matter the most. I think just having the ring from Tiffany''s will wear off. But my studying, and shopping, and trying really hard to find the perfect ring will untimately last forever. She will appreciate it more because it''s something I made...so to speak. Or, at least I hope.

 

[door knob solitaire]

Door Knob Solitaire, thanks for the kind words. That is exactly how I feel.

Glad to have been helpful! I agree with your last post, your creation, is going to mean far more than just pointing to one in case. She is going to have something that involved your input in every detail. That is priceless.

I''m sorry I can''t quote who originally said this...return to Tiffany''s with her, while she has the ring and STONE on and when you leave that threshold, odds are she is going to accost you! With hugs and kisses and praise and unbelief that her stone is far more spectacular than any other in the blue case! The employees are going to reveal that as well. It will be obvious. Who knows, she may want WF to make her wedding band too!

Congrats to making it to the Happy Place on the decision. Now, get busy on that setting. 4 weeks is pushing it!!

DKS

 

[find45di2]

You are doing the right thing sticking with the diamond YOU fell in love with. I know that I have put countless hours into buying the diamond I have finally chosen and I couldn''t see it any other way now. Just to know the time I put into this diamond I am certain my GF wouldn''t want anything else after she realizes what effort I put into it. She is worth the best, and I found a balance and got her what I could within reason and I can''t wait to get it and give it to her!!!

 

[Ellen]

Surgeon, PLEASE let us know how it goes when you finally give it to her!

 

[Fly Girl]

A one carat ACA will be wonderful. She is going to love it.

 

[Ty Cobb]

If she has to have the 1 ct then by all means stick with what you have. I am certain she will love it.

I disagree with the idea of sticking with a diamond that "you" fell in love with if there was something dramatic about a stone at tiffs. I mean I am sorry, we guys get way to sensitive about our opinions on stones.

Personally, as long as she doesn''t have to have it from Tiffs and you don''t want to get it from tiffs, then don''t.



I do have to say, the stories people tell about diamonds from somewhere else looking better then tiffs in tiffs are amusing.

I readily admit Tiffs is only in the top 10% as opposed to the top 1-2% most people on here look for, but to me, a pretty diamond is a pretty diamond is a pretty diamond.

Can''t wait to hear how much she loves it.

 

[surgeon]

Ellen, I will definitely let you know what happens when I give it to her. It won''t be for another month, but I will definitely let you know. I''ll make sure to post pictures as well. You have all been so much help. Thanks again.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 9/10/2007 2:53:21 PM
Author: surgeon
Ellen, I will definitely let you know what happens when I give it to her. It won''t be for another month, but I will definitely let you know. I''ll make sure to post pictures as well. You have all been so much help. Thanks again.

And you''re very welcome!

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 9/10/2007 2:52:47 PM
Author: Ty Cobb




I do have to say, the stories people tell about diamonds from somewhere else looking better then tiffs in tiffs are amusing.


I readily admit Tiffs is only in the top 10% as opposed to the top 1-2% most people on here look for, but to me, a pretty diamond is a pretty diamond is a pretty diamond.

I agree 1000% ty cobb

..not to mention they have some pretty amazingly crafted settings too...


surgeon, I''m sure Whiteflash can come up with an amazing setting for you. you might also check out pearlmans website if you haven''t already, they carry some beautiful settings too. i know your wife is going to be blown away which whatever you give her.