Is a Tiffany all it is "cracked up to be"?

[J S Machine]

I have been searching for an ering for the past couple of months for my Gf. I finally found one the other day that will more than blow her away. I bought it, and I got a really good deal on it from a private seller. It''s a 3 stone brilliant cut. It weighs just over a ct. t.w. and it has a platinum head with a 14k white gold band. I don''t have the official appraisal yet, and I can''t remember everything about it, but the color is F in all three stones and the clarity is not bad at all. It isn''t perfect, but they are eye clean. It appraised for $3,300 at one jeweler and $3,350 at another jeweler. One of the jewelers told me it looked better than anything he had in his case. Both Jewelers said that I "stole it" for what I paid. She hinted that she liked a princess cut setup, but she also said she liked brilliant cut too, so I jumped on this deal. Thing is, it isn''t exactly what I was looking for. I mean it will work just fine, but I have just been looking around at all the other rings that are available.

I want a Three stone ring with either princess cut diamonds or round diamonds. I noticed that you all hail Tiffany & Co. They really do have some nice stuff. Most of it is out of my price range, but I kind of feel like compared to their stuff, the ring I have is meteocre. I feel like that since it isn''t a Tiffany, it won''t be as highly prized or popular. You know from what I can tell it seems like the difference between a Tiffany and a "run of the mill" ring is like the difference between a Timex watch and a Rolex Watch. I know that Tiffany is very selective in what diamonds they put in their rings and they really are very good quality stuff, but I still feel like I would be paying for a name.

She will never know the difference, because she has no clue about diamonds or anything to do with them. To tell you the truth, she will probably even be afraid to wear the ring I have for her now because it is so expensive. It''s almost like she doesn''t think she is worth it, but I know she is and I want the best that I can get for her. I just kind of feel like I would feel better with her telling people "it''s a Tiffany" or some other brand name ring.

Am I wrong on this? Should I just stop worrying about it and stick with the fact that I know she will love and cherrish the ring I have already gotten?

Thanks

 

[vslover]

The general consensus on Tiffany here, from what I can tell, is that the premium price is only worth it if SHE really WANTS a Tiffany. Otherwise, it''s really overpriced and not worth it. It is worth it, however, if she''s always dreamed of a Tiffany ring. Doesn''t sound like your girlfriend has...so I wouldn''t even contemplate a Tiffany personally.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 1/3/2008 12:48:56 PM
Author: vslover
The general consensus on Tiffany here, from what I can tell, is that the premium price is only worth it if SHE really WANTS a Tiffany. Otherwise, it''s really overpriced and not worth it. It is worth it, however, if she''s always dreamed of a Tiffany ring. Doesn''t sound like your girlfriend has...so I wouldn''t even contemplate a Tiffany personally.

Totally agree. Don''t worry about it AT ALL and just love your ring! I am sure she will.

 

[mirre]

If you like it and you think she'll like it that's all that matters.

I've never really cared one way or the other about Tiffany, would I turn something from them down? No. But I'm not exactly wanting one either. I have seen alot of people on here talk about finding something they like at Tiffany and then getting something similar or almost exact from somewhere else.

Personally I'd rather have a just as good less inexpensive ring than the same thing for more from Tiffany and be able to use the money elsewhere like a WB or a house.

These are just my personal opinions others may be able to tell you technicalities but I know there are people who want Tiffany because it's Tiffany.

I think I'd feel just as proud to show off something to my friends that my BF picked out because he liked it and thought I'd like it as I would to show off something and say "And guess what, it's Tiffany" maybe more so.

It sounds like you have a great ring!

What about buying a Tiffany WB to match?

ETA: I agree with the other posters above. Wish I would have said that instead of drawing it out so long like I did.

 

[vslover]

Since she specified she likes princess rings, I''m a little wondering why you''d go with round - given that you''ve stated you want her to have what she wants?

 

[Haven]

I completely agree with the other posters. I wouldn''t pay the premium unless she absolutely has her heart set on a Tiffany ring, and it sounds like this isn''t the case with your GF.

I think all of the previous threads about Tiffany show that the Tiffany name really resonates with some people, and others can take it or leave it. Personally, I didn''t want an engagement ring that was branded and can be identified as a particular style, which is what you get with a Tiffany. It sounds like you found a great ring, I''d stick with that.

Can''t wait to see pictures after your proposal!

 

[sweetjettagirl04]

I agree with everyone else, unless she is insisting it''s Tiffany, don''t worry about it. Most people (other than on PS) don''t walk around telling every detail of the ring, including the designer, because it honestly just bores those who don''t understand or appreciate it all.

For me, I love Tiffany''s - their silver collection. I''m a nut for it. But, even though I am in love with their jewelry, I would never insist on having my e-ring come from them, simply because you''re paying more for the name attached to that pretty lil'' ring.

It sounds like you got a great deal on what you have, so keep it, and like someone else mentioned, maybe a ring to go along with it, if you feel it needs to be from Tiffany.

 

[mirre]

Vslover, he said she hinted at liking the princess but also said she likes the brilliants.

I''m assuming that would be round brilliants since that''s what he bought.

 

[vslover]

Ah Ok...he had stated in a bunch of other threads that she preferred princess, so I was confused.

 

[J S Machine]

VSLOVER, the reason I got her this ring with round stones is because I got a h_ll of a deal on it. I was just kind of shopping around and this deal just happened to pop up. It is a beautiful ring. In conversations with her about what kinds of diamond styles she liked, she pointed out princess cut, but she also added that she really liked round brilliants too. Like I said, she is the kind that has never wanted for anything so it is not like she would refuse this ring because It wasn''t her first choice.. I know she will love it.

We recently watched the movie "sweet Home Alabama" with Reese Witherspoon. If any of you have ever seen the movie she gets taken into a Tiffany & Co. store privately and is told by her BF that she can pick out any ring in the store. There is a frame in that scene where they specifically zoom up on a box that has "Tiffany & Co. written on it. --

My GF had no idea what that was, so I explained to her that they were one of the most renowned jewelers, especially for diamond erings. She was kind of like "oh, ok".. No real reaction insinuating she had to have one, ya know, lol. That should put it into perspective for you as far as her knowledge of jewelry...

The reason I went ahead and jumped on this ring was because I don''t really have $10 to spend on a dimaond ring, let alone $5000. I went ahead with it because it was a killer deal and I saved myself alot of money I didn''t really have to begin with

.

I''m just happy that I was able to get her something within the .75 - 1ct. range. I really wanted her to have a nice ring that you can actually see without having to use a magnifying glass, lol. I''m proud of it too. I guess that means a lot.

 

[sweetjettagirl04]

Date: 1/3/2008 2:05:03 PM
Author: J S Machine
VSLOVER, the reason I got her this ring with round stones is because I got a h_ll of a deal on it. I was just kind of shopping around and this deal just happened to pop up. It is a beautiful ring. In conversations with her about what kinds of diamond styles she liked, she pointed out princess cut, but she also added that she really liked round brilliants too. Like I said, she is the kind that has never wanted for anything so it is not like she would refuse this ring because It wasn''t her first choice.. I know she will love it.

We recently watched the movie ''sweet Home Alabama'' with Reese Witherspoon. If any of you have ever seen the movie she gets taken into a Tiffany & Co. store privately and is told by her BF that she can pick out any ring in the store. There is a frame in that scene where they specifically zoom up on a box that has ''Tiffany & Co. written on it. --

My GF had no idea what that was, so I explained to her that they were one of the most renowned jewelers, especially for diamond erings. She was kind of like ''oh, ok''.. No real reaction insinuating she had to have one, ya know, lol. That should put it into perspective for you as far as her knowledge of jewelry...

The reason I went ahead and jumped on this ring was because I don''t really have $10 to spend on a dimaond ring, let alone $5000. I went ahead with it because it was a killer deal and I saved myself alot of money I didn''t really have to begin with

.

I''m just happy that I was able to get her something within the .75 - 1ct. range. I really wanted her to have a nice ring that you can actually see without having to use a magnifying glass, lol. I''m proud of it too. I guess that means a lot.

You should be proud of what you''re giving to her. It seems like it means a lot to you, and finding a great deal makes it even better. If she''s the kind of girl who isn''t into jewelry like you say, she''ll likely be blown away by what you''ve put your time into.

Be sure to post some pictures for us, we''re dying to see!

 

[bee*]

I have a Tiffany ring as I couldn''t get a Lucida anywhere else and it''s the ring that I have always wanted. If your g/f doesn''t specifically want a Tiffany ring, then I wouldn''t worry at all. The ring that you bought sounds gorgeous!!

 

[Italiahaircolor]

When my husband and I were shopping for engagement rings, we visited Tiffany & Co. I have always enjoyed larger diamonds and asked to see a specific ring in their show case. The sales lady informed me "due to insurance reasons" she could not show me that ring! I was stunned! How could I contemplate purchasing a ring that I couldn''t even try on!

Needless to say, my husband and I are on the younger side of scale...so I am sure that the lady pegged us for tire kickers and a waste of time. Unfortunately, she didn''t know that we had a lovely budget and were very serious about purchasing a ring when we found the right one!

My personal feeling about T&CO is simple..."why"? A beautiful diamond is a beautiful diamond...period. For people working with a modest to middle-of-the-road budget, purchasing from Tiffany''s makes little to no sense. Better you should seek out a private or wholesale jeweller and take full advantage of your money!

At the end of the day, the worth of a diamond is based on the certification behind it. Tiffany diamonds are certified by Tiffany''s. If you to go ahead and try to recoup the investment the diamond someday the 1ct diamond from Tiffany''s will get you the same return as a 1ct EGL cert diamond of like C''s.

I''d skip Tiffany''s for serious buying, and take a walk thru from time to time to simply admire...

 

[Ty Cobb]

Hmm, just want to say the above statement is false. Look at some of the 2nd hand jewelry retailers. I don''t know why you would ever want to sell your diamond, the idea of investing in diamonds is idiotic, especially diamonds you wear, but Tiffany''s along with Cartier and others commands a substantial bit more of their initial value then other jewelers. Just like on the new item market, the name has its own value.

Also, lots of jewelry stores have diamonds that they either don''t sell at all, or that they don''t allow people to come in an casually just try on. If the diamond in question was actually for sale and you indicated you were interested in buying it, not simply trying it on, I am sure they would have let you. It wasn''t danger of theft btw, it is merely with some very valuable diamonds the stores don''t let their associates handle them except for serious buyers due to risk of damage. It isn''t a Tiffany''s thing by any means.

 

[sparxs111]

Tiffany''s is a name thing with great quality craftmanship. However if you can''t afford it there are other options out there. Just having gone through the same thing, with a GF finding her dream ring there, but being out of my budget, I found a custom made ring looking exactly the same elsewhere. 99.9% of GF''s will love what you get them cause it comes from the heart, and not the store. Paying sometimes 3 times the cost isn''t worth it for the exact same ring from elswhere...UNLESS you have money to play with and can afford it.

 

[MrYoung]

Date: 1/7/2008 4:39:55 AM
Author: Italiahaircolor
When my husband and I were shopping for engagement rings, we visited Tiffany & Co. I have always enjoyed larger diamonds and asked to see a specific ring in their show case. The sales lady informed me ''due to insurance reasons'' she could not show me that ring! I was stunned! How could I contemplate purchasing a ring that I couldn''t even try on!

Needless to say, my husband and I are on the younger side of scale...so I am sure that the lady pegged us for tire kickers and a waste of time. Unfortunately, she didn''t know that we had a lovely budget and were very serious about purchasing a ring when we found the right one!

My personal feeling about T&CO is simple...''why''? A beautiful diamond is a beautiful diamond...period. For people working with a modest to middle-of-the-road budget, purchasing from Tiffany''s makes little to no sense. Better you should seek out a private or wholesale jeweller and take full advantage of your money!

At the end of the day, the worth of a diamond is based on the certification behind it. Tiffany diamonds are certified by Tiffany''s. If you to go ahead and try to recoup the investment the diamond someday the 1ct diamond from Tiffany''s will get you the same return as a 1ct EGL cert diamond of like C''s.

I''d skip Tiffany''s for serious buying, and take a walk thru from time to time to simply admire...

At the end of the day, a diamond is worth what someon is willing to pay for it. A certification DOES NOT relay value. A certification relays QUALITY. Furthermore, there are many "bunk" certifications- in my professional opinion, I would only trust the opinions of the GIA, AGS and Im neutral to positive on EGL (but NOT for appraisal).

As for your question, EXACTLY what you are saying is the answer to your question:

"She will never know the difference, because she has no clue about diamonds or anything to do with them."

A t&Co. ring holds provenance- it is a couture dealer that retains value by the little "T&Co." stamp inside. Anyone out there who currently owns a T&Co. ring- MAKE SURE YOUR JEWELER DOESNT CUT OUT THAT STAMP!!!!!!

Often, diamonds are used to show off status. If her friends all know and LOVE T&Co., then they will certainly oggle over the fact that she has one- making her feel like you went to the farthest reaches of the earth to find it. If she will not be surrounded by this type of person, I would save the cash for a trip to Italy.

Would you rather own a Ferarri or a perfectly identical car not made by ferarri?

Sounds like she''s a lucky girl to have you go through all of this research JUST for her!

 

[Mara]

to answer the original Q....no.

 

[Ty Cobb]

well no diamond is what it is cracked up to be. They are just lumps of coal that have been pressurized and pulverised.

The main reason diamonds have the value they do is because Debeers has probably 3 or 4 times the number of diamonds that are out on the market in storage to inflate their costs.

To me, Tiffany''s was exactly what it was cracked up to be and I love that I bought the E ring there. It is a personal choice plane and simple.

Only other statement I will make is that I have yet to see a reproduction/copy of some of the Tiffany rings that look exactly like Tiffs design. Sorry, people just don''t realize the quality of some of the settings at Tiffs vs. other settings.

 

[diagem]

Date: 1/8/2008 5:43:19 PM
Author: Ty Cobb
well no diamond is what it is cracked up to be. They are just lumps of coal that have been pressurized and pulverised.

The main reason diamonds have the value they do is because Debeers has probably 3 or 4 times the number of diamonds that are out on the market in storage to inflate their costs.
???
TY..., can you elaborate with some more facts on this statement of yours?

To me, Tiffany''s was exactly what it was cracked up to be and I love that I bought the E ring there. It is a personal choice plane and simple.

Only other statement I will make is that I have yet to see a reproduction/copy of some of the Tiffany rings that look exactly like Tiffs design. Sorry, people just don''t realize the quality of some of the settings at Tiffs vs. other settings.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 1/8/2008 5:43:19 PM
Author: Ty Cobb
well no diamond is what it is cracked up to be. They are just lumps of coal that have been pressurized and pulverised.

The main reason diamonds have the value they do is because Debeers has probably 3 or 4 times the number of diamonds that are out on the market in storage to inflate their costs.

To me, Tiffany''s was exactly what it was cracked up to be and I love that I bought the E ring there. It is a personal choice plane and simple.

Only other statement I will make is that I have yet to see a reproduction/copy of some of the Tiffany rings that look exactly like Tiffs design. Sorry, people just don''t realize the quality of some of the settings at Tiffs vs. other settings.

Ty, if someone can afford the size diamond they really want at Tiffany and have the cash to do it, I say great! I love the Tiffany settings and agree that there are no reproductions that really measure up. But I do think you can often get equal to better round brilliant diamonds from PS vendors at a fraction of the cost. I hope to collect a few pieces of Tiffany jewelry because it is classic and beautiful and the name does give it heirloom value. I just couldn''t buy diamonds there. But I think it is terrific for thos who can! No one is saying that your choice was not a good one, so you don''t need to be defensive. This girl is not even familiar with Tiffany, so a ring from there would be a total waste, as far as I am concerned.

JS, I think you did the best thing you could have! You got a good deal and got her a better ring that way!

 

[isis~goddess]

i personally would not be any more impressed with a ring if i was told it was from tiffany''s, just based on the fact that it was from tiffany''s. i''m the type of person though, who likes a good deal, and i just don''t think tiffany''s is a good deal, unless they are selling something that is available no where else and you really want it, which happens, but in that case, you pay that premium. what makes an e-ring attractive to me is how it is worn to be quite honest. when a woman wears her ring with confidence and pride, i admire the ring all the more, no matter what, end of story. therefore, if your gf loves the ring, then the ring, the the ring will exude all the beauty she see''s in it, and everyone who see''s it will only be impressed. i would not bother telling anyone who made the ring, that doesn''t matter, it''s personal anyway.

now, on another note, the ring you bought sounds exactly like one a friend of mine bought for his gf years ago when they got engaged. he paid about the 3,200 i think? it is a firecracker, i love it! it looks so good on her hand, and when they got married, all i rememeber is her sticking it in everyones face with so much confidence, it was jsut so impressive. i think they got it in a mall jewelry store and she personally picked it out. he asked her if that was ALL she wanted to spend, he was willing to spend so much more, as he has a nice income, but that was all she wanted. she still wears it with confidence, 5 years later, they do not speak of upgrading at all.

i say you did well and your gf will be happy no matter what. enjoy!

 

[Dandi]

Well I ADORE jewellery and am very picky about diamonds. The ring you describe sounds very similiar to mine - yours is a better colour though!

And I love love love it. It''s a classic style that won''t date in a hurry, most fit beautifully with a wedding band, and by the sounds of the price you got it for the diamonds sound amazing. I think you''ve done a wonderful job, so don''t get too caught in the hype of buying because of a famous name. The real value comes from the fact that you yourself chose it for her!

And I''m dying to see a picture of it! Pleeease

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Beauty and desire are in the eye of the beholder - or the mind.

For example there are people all over earth who own D Flawless diamonds that to them are of great beauty, even though 90% of D Flawless have the worst of all cuts.

Here is a shoppers experiance with Tiffany cut quality
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/a-day-at-tiffanys-with-the-i-scope.69733/

But if she wants Tiffany, then she should have it or you can start off on the wrong foot

 

[Jobo]

JS Machine

Can I just add my two bits worth...

I think she will appreciate the thought and effort that you have put into finding the ''perfect'' ring for her.

I have told my boyfriend in no uncertain terms that he is NOT to buy me anything from Tiffany & Co. I have had some shocking service from them in the past and think that you can get much more bang for your buck without paying a premium price for a nice ring in a blue box.

 

[honey22]

Hi - just thought I would add my 2 cents worth. I just just been to several places to see stones and settings including Tiffanys and Holloway Diamonds. In my opinion, the stones I saw at Gary''s (Holloways) and other jewellers were better than the ones at Tiffanys. They sparkled much more, the settings looked nicer IMHO and not to mention the stones were much better quality than the ones of similar price at Tiffs.

Something else that totally p''s me off - I have been to Tiffs on three occasions, only once were I was dressed up nice and not in my old work clothes (I work in a lab so jeans and t''s). The only time I have had the door held open for me was when I was dressed up. The other times, being ignored - despite a. watching the guys do it for other customers in front of me. b. the doorman actually seeing me on two occasions and c. the last time I actually had the go ahead to buy my ring.

But I have always promised myself that I would at least try on a Tiff ering when looking at settings. When I got to the counter to specifially try on erings, the SA asked what I was looking for and what my budget was - I stated that I was looking for a smaller diamond (1ct and under) and that I had no budget (which was true, we hadn''t yet set a budget and earn quite decent money). The woman then looked at me and said - well I am sure you will be looking at these stones, which are all under $10k, you don''t want to look at those ones cause they cost a LOT of money, like many thousands. This totally annoyed me that she could take one look at me and decide what budget I could afford. I swear, if I had of found the PERFECT RING AT HALF PRICE I still wouldn''t have bought it on principle, I will go and spend my money where I am not judged on my appearance.

 

[Jobo]

Honey22

I hear you!!! My story is very similar.

I went to Tiffany in Australia, was very dressed up and actually went there to purchase one of their Elsa Perreti little heart necklaces for my sisters 21st bday.

I had been in there before and had checked out their website (I love doing diamond research), and really wanted to just eyeball some of their yellow gold rings. Specifically the solitaire setting and shared prong diamond wedding band.

The SA was atrocious. She brought out a 1.00 ct solitaire ring, held it firmly in her hands so I couldn''t touch it, and told me that while this one was A$22k there were smaller ones available that would be cheaper for me (I hadn''t even asked for the price)!

Then she showed me the diamond wedding band and couldn''t even be bothered to bring it out of the case. She just brought it up closer to the glass counter top.

While all the time telling me I should ''look at their website''.

Needless to say, I am in the market for a 1.00ct + stone, my partner and I are both ''professionals'' earning great money and while I believe you can get better for less, it wouldn''t have been too much of a stretch for our budget.

I think my boyfriend was VERY surprised when I recounted my story to him shortly after and sternly warned him NEVER to buy me anything from Tiffanys

 

[bee*]

I''ve found them great every time I''ve been in there, granted I''ve only been to the NY store. I was there last Thursday again and they allowed me to try on everything I wanted to (including a 6ct lucida). I was only wearing jeans and a t-shirt with runners and I look much younger than 26). I tried on so many wedding bands and finally picked my plain one. Not sure what the service is like in other stores,but I find it great at this one.

 

[diagem]

Date: 1/15/2008 7:16:03 AM
Author: bee*
I''ve found them great every time I''ve been in there, granted I''ve only been to the NY store. I was there last Thursday again and they allowed me to try on everything I wanted to (including a 6ct lucida). I was only wearing jeans and a t-shirt with runners and I look much younger than 26). I tried on so many wedding bands and finally picked my plain one. Not sure what the service is like in other stores,but I find it great at this one.

Agreed!

T&Co is a bit harsh when it comes to business vs. business relationships..., and that is understandable since their quality control is super strict with outside vendors and manufacturers...

But as far as their retail client relationship..., I have never found anything realy bad...

 

[sputat]

The few times I've ventured in Tiffany, I have had pleasant service. I always dress very laid back and though they don't fawn over me, I always get greeted and asked if I need some help.

When my guy mentioned "the ring", we decided to go to Tiffany's at San Jose, CA to (strictly only) looksee how a 1.5 ct looks on my finger. The lady who helped us was so exceptionally helpful. We looked like a couple of kids and my boyfriend was even wearing board shorts and flip flops... granted he has this charm about him that he gets phenomenal service from any store. She showed us pretty much every style they have for engagement rings. My boyfriend kept getting work calls and was on his cellphone one and off so I felt awkward and told her we'll come back when he's more focused. The following week, she called me to tell me she has some diamonds to show but I didn't know he already had a ring in mind and didn't wait lag about proposing. When I called her back to tell her we already have a ring, she was very gracious and offered to perhaps find some Tiffany wedding bands instead. She was very warm and accommodating. I was pleasantly surprised.

But ya know... as beautiful as their diamonds are, the Tiffany name wasn't do-or-die for me. To the OP, if your girl does not have to have Tiffany, see what else is out there.

 

[marcy]

Tiffany''s has some very nice jewelry but it is way over priced and not anything better than you can find other places.