Life lessons you have learned during your jewelry journey

[Roselina]

This! I always ask myself, “would I pay full price for this?” If not, I don’t buy it.

Thank you for this advise! I must def stop buying things just because they seem a good deal and sparkle. I never wear them. I'd rather wait a bit and buy the one piece I really want. I'll try to keep in mind what you wrote next time...

 

[bludiva]

There is no such thing as too many blings!

 

[Karl_K]

For some the chase is all the fun and the owning/wearing is boring.
Help others in their chase and save your pocket book for things you love owning/wearing.

 

[Calliecake]

@Karl_K , Thank you for all the help you give anyone who asks for your opinion and your help when they are trying to select stones. This place would never be the same without you here. I hope you know how appreciated you are here.

 

[Karl_K]

@Karl_K , Thank you for all the help you give anyone who asks for your opinion and your help when they are trying to select stones. This place would never be the same without you here. I hope you know how appreciated you are here.

Thank you for the kind words!

 

[Ibrakeforpossums]

Quoting Calliecake, how lucky we are to have Karl K.! Such depth of knowledge delivered without prejudice. (Humor and attitude not withstanding.) I wish I could see 1% of what he does.

 

[Karl_K]

thank you.
We need a blushing emoji

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Comparison being the thief of joy is a really big one.

Learn what compromises work for you and what don't.

Don't buy everything you want the moment you want it, even if you can afford it. A little delayed gratification is a good thing, makes you appreciate what you have.

On the flip side, don't pass up or dilly dally on a deal for something you love just because you don't want to be impulsive. You'll miss out and regret it.

Practice contentment.

Set yourself limits, long term. Think about what is an acceptable percentage of net worth or disposable income to tie up in jewelry, make a list of pieces needed to build a really cohesive, versatile collection, and set jewelry goals according to your budget. Don't blow the budget. Life is long, and you can't eat your bling

some great points
the first is my favourite

 

[Slickk]

thank you.
We need a blushing emoji

Here’s one @Karl_K And I completely concur that you are a true asset here!!

 

[MMtwo]

For some the chase is all the fun and the owning/wearing is boring.
Help others in their chase and save your pocket book for things you love owning/wearing.

I figured this out this year. I LOVE the hunt. Less is more. I need to downsize.

 

[jeweln]

1-What looks good on others , doesn't necessarily look good on me .

I love earrings but my ears face side ways so I can never see them , So I only wear pearl earrings . I also love necklaces/pendants on others but they bother me .
I love statement rings and most people don't .

2- Only buy the pieces that make your heart sing .

I used to buy anything I liked within budget but would eventually sell it .
Now I ask myself if I can live without this piece or not ? will I wear it a lot ? If it sells will I be devastated ?

 

[mrs-b]

1. If you didn't wake up this morning wanting something exactly like what you just saw, don't buy it.

(ie avoid impulse buys)

2. There are better things on which to spend your money than jewelry.

3. Never buy jewelry to impress others; most people will never notice that tiny dot on your finger.

 

[Tigerlilyrosepetal]

1. As small as millimeters are, they make a huge difference in jewelry!! The mm difference in stones can translate into thousands, so be careful when purchasing settings with that in mind. Also, I have learned that millimeter width in rings can make huge differences with whether something is comfortable or not; some days your hands will swell and 1-2mm can make all the difference.

2. For me, sentimentality is more important than anything at the root of it all. I love, love, love jewels, but even if I get it, it is not important unless it has meaning attached to it.

3. Too many pieces for me is not a good thing. They will sit in the box, unloved. It's better to have quality over quantity, always.

4. I fall into the camp of Life is Short! Enjoy your jewelry

 

[Lookinagain]

Just buy the fvcking thing already!

Paralysis by analysis will get you nowhere.

I'd rather regret the things I DID buy than the things I DIDN'T.

I agree. One of my best friend's mother, whose health was failing, told her "I don't regret anything in life except for the things I didn't buy"!

 

[Matata]

Have you learned anything from your bling that could be applied to life?

I don't need jewelry to be happy;
Carat weight =/= moral character. Under the bling bad people are still bad;
At best, jewelry provides a temporary band aid or distraction from life's challenges.

 

[asterismdispersion]

1. When I'm gone, my personal style in my pieces will remain; more importantly, my personal relationships in my life will be remembered.

2. Some design rules other people are guided by might be bent or broken. Rules for living other people swear up and down about may likewise not be for me ultimately.

3. In the end, an ascribed value for a thing is less important to me than its aesthetic enjoyment value for me.

4. Although I do regret things I've not bought or done, the most beautiful of the practical objects in life, I cherish all the more because I use them regularly.

5. On select things, it's worth it to me to go custom and become engrossed in the details / legwork; if the outcome isn't right I feel frustrated and like I have a jigsaw puzzle missing a piece.

 

[LLJsmom]

I’m worth it.

 

[peacechick]

Just buy the fvcking thing already!

Paralysis by analysis will get you nowhere.

I'd rather regret the things I DID buy than the things I DIDN'T.

This for me actually. I find myself regretting the stones I didn’t buy vs what I did buy. Today I still think about them. So i would say if it speaks to you and you can afford it, buy it.

And my second rule is Know Thyself. I know I like dainty rings, won’t wear a stone that’s too big, and work within my budget. That makes me happier.

 

[diamondyes]

I’m worth it.

My fave comment of the day! Do you know how long it’s taken me to learn this, and to apply it to everything in my life? Holy heck.

 

[OreoRosies86]

It doesn’t matter how good a deal something is, it’s only a good deal if you absolutely love it.

 

[pearaffair]

I am enjoying all of the wisdom here!

 

[Calliecake]

if you love a piece it doesn’t matter how anyone else feels about it. When you find a piece you love, you know it. The purpose of jewelry is to bring you some joy.

At the end of the day it’s just jewelry.

 

[Tekate]

You must see the diamond IRL. Vids, pix etc don't cut it.

 

[DutchJackie]

When allergies kick in…. You can start all over again with collecting

 

[ZestfullyBling]

Through my journey I have learned:
I love HCA Rounds and fancies w/points.
I love art deco and non traditional jewelry styles
I prefer to wear my pieces than collect them so less is more for me

The Jewelry you buy/wear should feed YOUR soul and bring YOU joy. It's your personal adornment and should make you smile.

 

[Rubies-R-Me]

HI:

If you want brands, buy brands. And don't let anyone convince you that brands are "not worth" the price tag. And if you can buy brands on the secondary market , all the better. Amirite @Rubies-R-Me ?? (we aren't chipped at all!)

cheers--Sharon

Oh my.. how did I miss this thread??
Every one has such wonderful thoughts on this subject.
And Sharon.. YES YES YES s to signed pieces!!!
Especially slightly used ones.. our fave.

I'm going to think of my jewelry best adages to live by and post again.. GREAT topic!!

 

[Rubies-R-Me]

OK.. been giving some thought to what I have learned in the past 30 years as a jewelry hound..

1. Pace yourself. As allaboardtheblingtrain stated upthread.. to not get too much at once since each piece is the "new wife" for only so long and then you are onto something else. Give yourself ample time to enjoy each new piece you acquire. Of course sometimes things don't always work out that way and something fabulous comes up right on the heels of something else fabulous so there are exceptions to every rule. The "new wife" reference is a nod to one of my favorite reality shows to snark on "Sister Wives"

2. Don't throw good money after bad. I had one custom piece made that I never loved.. I thought of resetting it.. and then realized I probably would never love it and should just chalk it up to experience that sometimes custom pieces don't turn out as you think they will. That story had a happy ending though.. oldest daughter LOVES it an so it will someday soon be hers to enjoy.

3. Err on the side of spending a little more.. get exactly what you want if you can afford it. Most times (as my mother used to say) you'll never miss the money.

4. As Sharon said.. if you love signed pieces go for it! That being said I rarely if ever buy signed pieces full price. Most are "slightly used" but still great.

5. Sell what you don't wear and flip the proceeds into something you really want.

6. Branch out where you purchase. Ebay has gotten a little stale for me.. prices aren't that good anymore and there seems to be much less of things that interest. I don't know if that's because I have tons of stuff or there is just a lot less variety of new things being listed. I have been very into auctions lately.. Doyle, Christies, etc. Even just to gaze at the finery there.. I look WAY more than I buy.

7. Be OK with yourself if you don't wear the bling you have. I honestly enjoying just owning things and trying them on at home.

8. Lend pieces to daughters, sisters, mothers, mother in laws. Sharing the beauty makes it all exponentially more enjoyable.

9. Don't be too bummed about the "one that got away." I always think of the bus theory.. if you miss this bus another one will be along soon.

10. I'm sure I will think of other things but most of all I pat myself on the back for having such a fun hobby that gives me so much joy. And best of all even if you have tons of pieces they are all small and easy to store. Jewelry will always have an intrinsic value and is a great things to collect.

 

[diamondyes]

OK.. been giving some thought to what I have learned in the past 30 years as a jewelry hound..

1. Pace yourself. As allaboardtheblingtrain stated upthread.. to not get too much at once since each piece is the "new wife" for only so long and then you are onto something else. Give yourself ample time to enjoy each new piece you acquire. Of course sometimes things don't always work out that way and something fabulous comes up right on the heels of something else fabulous so there are exceptions to every rule. The "new wife" reference is a nod to one of my favorite reality shows to snark on "Sister Wives"

2. Don't throw good money after bad. I had one custom piece made that I never loved.. I thought of resetting it.. and then realized I probably would never love it and should just chalk it up to experience that sometimes custom pieces don't turn out as you think they will. That story had a happy ending though.. oldest daughter LOVES it an so it will someday soon be hers to enjoy.

3. Err on the side of spending a little more.. get exactly what you want if you can afford it. Most times (as my mother used to say) you'll never miss the money.

4. As Sharon said.. if you love signed pieces go for it! That being said I rarely if ever buy signed pieces full price. Most are "slightly used" but still great.

5. Sell what you don't wear and flip the proceeds into something you really want.

6. Branch out where you purchase. Ebay has gotten a little stale for me.. prices aren't that good anymore and there seems to be much less of things that interest. I don't know if that's because I have tons of stuff or there is just a lot less variety of new things being listed. I have been very into auctions lately.. Doyle, Christies, etc. Even just to gaze at the finery there.. I look WAY more than I buy.

7. Be OK with yourself if you don't wear the bling you have. I honestly enjoying just owning things and trying them on at home.

8. Lend pieces to daughters, sisters, mothers, mother in laws. Sharing the beauty makes it all exponentially more enjoyable.

9. Don't be too bummed about the "one that got away." I always think of the bus theory.. if you miss this bus another one will be along soon.

10. I'm sure I will think of other things but most of all I pat myself on the back for having such a fun hobby that gives me so much joy. And best of all even if you have tons of pieces they are all small and easy to store. Jewelry will always have an intrinsic value and is a great things to collect.

I LOVE the “new wife” analogy!!! Lol!!! So true!!

 

[canuk-gal]

Oh my.. how did I miss this thread??
Every one has such wonderful thoughts on this subject.
And Sharon.. YES YES YES s to signed pieces!!!
Especially slightly used ones.. our fave.

I'm going to think of my jewelry best adages to live by and post again.. GREAT topic!!

Why, oh why, are these people taunting me?

Pre-Loved Jewelry Tiffany Fancy VIVID Yellow OVAL $86k NEW ULTRARARE

JUST IN TODAY! BLUECHIPJEWELRY YELLOW DIAMOND SPECIAL! You are viewing THE RAREST Tiffany Diamond you will EVER SEE! I guarantee you will NEVER SEE ANOTHER! Of the TENS OF THOUSANDS of Tiffany diamond rings we have sold, this is by far the RAREST and NICEST, HIGHEST INVESTMENT GRADE DIAMOND...

www.bluechipjewelry.com

Pre-Loved Jewelry Tiffany OVAL Fancy Intense Yellow 1.87 ct $37k NEW

BLUECHIPJEWELRY TIFFANY OVAL FANCY INTENSE YELLOW SPECIAL! CREDIT CARD/PAYPAL PRICE - $26,750 BANK WIRE PRICE $25750 You are viewing one of the HOTTEST AND HARDEST TO FIND PRELOVED RINGS SOLD AT TIFFANY'S! THIS IS AN IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND TIFFANY RING PRELOVED - so don't miss out as once this...

www.bluechipjewelry.com

You'll understand @Rubies-R-Me !!!!!

 

[Rubies-R-Me]

Why, oh why, are these people taunting me?

Pre-Loved Jewelry Tiffany Fancy VIVID Yellow OVAL $86k NEW ULTRARARE

JUST IN TODAY! BLUECHIPJEWELRY YELLOW DIAMOND SPECIAL! You are viewing THE RAREST Tiffany Diamond you will EVER SEE! I guarantee you will NEVER SEE ANOTHER! Of the TENS OF THOUSANDS of Tiffany diamond rings we have sold, this is by far the RAREST and NICEST, HIGHEST INVESTMENT GRADE DIAMOND...

www.bluechipjewelry.com

Pre-Loved Jewelry Tiffany OVAL Fancy Intense Yellow 1.87 ct $37k NEW

BLUECHIPJEWELRY TIFFANY OVAL FANCY INTENSE YELLOW SPECIAL! CREDIT CARD/PAYPAL PRICE - $26,750 BANK WIRE PRICE $25750 You are viewing one of the HOTTEST AND HARDEST TO FIND PRELOVED RINGS SOLD AT TIFFANY'S! THIS IS AN IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND TIFFANY RING PRELOVED - so don't miss out as once this...

www.bluechipjewelry.com

You'll understand @Rubies-R-Me !!!!!

Hi Sharon!
Of course LOVE that seller! Always fantastic signed pieces at very fair prices.
In fact my oldest daughter, who got married in September, bought her Tiffany embrace eternity band there.