lower priced and/or

[Lew Lew]

There's a thread on Rocky Talky where people are discussing whether or not they can spot a real diamond from a fake diamond, which got me thinking about high-end jewelry designers who have not only their platinum and gold with diamond jewelry, but also silver with cz jewelry. For instance, on QVC alone, Tacori, Verragio, Ritani, Gregg Ruth, and Judith Ripka sell silver with cz jewelry. Are these companies hurting their brand name by doing so? Knowing that Ritani sells cz jewelry, in settings that look like their "real" stuff, would you be hesitant to buy their platinum and diamond wedding set?

I can think of examples outside of the jewelry industry where luxury brands do have their lower-priced lines (e.g., Ralph Lauren has many, many lines), and it doesn't seem to be discouraging people from continuing to buy the higher-end items, so maybe the same holds true for the jewelry industry. What do you think?

 

[MonkeyPie]

I don''t think it hurts them, but it does give people like me - who could never in a million years afford platinum and a 3 carat diamond - a chance to wear some of their pieces for a better price. And I don''t think it belittles their high-end work, either, it just makes those that own them appreciate them more.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I think part of the glamour in buying a Tacori or another more high-end jewelry is lost when they make another more affordable brand for the masses.

 

[smitcompton]

Hi All,
If I thought that these designers were just copying their more expensive designs I would say it hurts their brand. If, however, they are like Jean Dousset on HsN, who says he loves doing the work in cz''s because when an individual client comes to him he has to give the client usually what he or she asks. He is now able to do designs that he likes. Plus, when he is working in very expensive materials he cannot afford to make a mistake or experiment.

He is the grandson of Cartier, was trained as a jeweler with Cartier and now does custom work for the rich. He did Eva Longores pink diamond engagement ring. He says its lonely doing custom work and he loves feeling that he is creating something beautiful for women who are not able to go high end. I love his earrings. I don''t have anything by him yet but am tempted.

I think that if the size of the stone(cz )is of a reasonable size you cannot tell the difference between a diamond and the cz. I go out with a cz diamond ring of 2 cts and people are always telling me to be careful''or someone will cut my finger off for it. I then tell them its fake. They tell me the thief won''t know if its fake. I say "Good point."

Thanks

 

[Lew Lew]

Thanks for everyone''s replies thus far! Please keep them coming!

btw, the topic was supposed to read "lower priced and/or fake jewelry lines" and I tried to edit it, but couldn''t