Please help me to decide: Tiffany vs Local Retailer

[carebearz]

I'm currently living in Singapore and have been shopping around for an engagement ring. I've narrowed my selection down to 2 possibilities. One is a Tiffany setting round solitaire 0.62 in F colour and VS1 clarity, $6,000. My other choice is from a local retailer, 0.61, E colour, VVS1, $4,000.

In terms of diamond specifications, I believe its obvious that my local retailer wins hands down. Plus, the price is $2,000 lower than Tiffany. I tried the rings and my friends agreed with me that the Tiffany ring looked much better on me. The local retailer said that they could do a Tiffany setting for an extra $800 so this will bring the price up to $4,800.When the salesperson showed me a sample of their custom-made Tiffany setting, I could tell right away that it wasn't 100% conforming to the Tiffany setting. Plus, the ring didn't sit well on my finger.

I'm tempted to go with the Tiffany ring although the diamond specifications are lower and its pricer, but the overall effect on my finger was so much better than the custom-made from the local retailer. But some of my friends think I should go the the local retailer because its more value for money.

The local retailer emphasie on the diamond. She said the diamond is the lead actor in a ring. Another friend told me I should look at the 4Cs as well as the setting. As this can make or break how a diamond ring will look.

Which should I choose? Should I just go for the 4Cs or should I consider the whole effect of the ring? I don't want to be a brand-slut but then its so obviously painfully that the Tiffany ring looked so much better on me.

 

[mrmedoes]

I think that one thing that people fail to realize is that it should be about what you like better and your budget. It''s hard for me to say "don''t buy a tiffany ring" because it sounds like you''re very familiar with their settings and like how it looks better. Really it comes down to what you can afford and if the $1,200 difference is something that you feel is worth it. Keep in mind that you are the person who will be wearing it for a long time.

From the way you talk, the Tiffany ring will be much more rewarding to you due to its looks and your knowledge of the setting. If you''re worried about .62,F,VS1 versus .61,E,VVS1, there are two things to wonder about. The first thing to wonder about is the cut. Not all Tiffany diamonds are top level cuts, but I''m not sure that I''ve seen too many bad ones. If the level of the cut is the same, then I can safely tell you that you shouldn''t see much difference to the naked eye between the two diamonds.

Whichever you choose, I''m sure you''ll be very happy. Good luck!

 

[MissAva]

If you love the Tiffany, go for it! THe setting is classic ans will never go out of style. Also in terms of the other if there is something holding you back then think about it. It shound like even though you feel like you are getting a better deal at the other jewlery store that you are satisfied. That is vital if youarent happy now that will only get worse after you have bought the ring. Perhaps the reason the Tiffany looks better on your hands is becuase of the better cut. I would say go with the Tiffany but that is just me!

 

[Mara]

I agree, if you really like how the Tiff ring looks on the hand and you are AWARE that you will be paying more for possibly not as well-cut of a diamond, then go for it. At least you are buying informed, which is more than most consumers, especially those who are convinced that Tiffany is the end-all-to-be-all regardless of what else is out there. Sounds like you know the pros and cons but you will wear this ring on your hand forever, so get what looks best to you and what makes you happiest! The setting does make up the ring and if your local retailer cannot compete on that, then go for it.

(see I can be pro-Tiffany and it''s not even Friday!!!)

 

[MissAva]

Of if you are open to the Tiffany Replica Idea what about.76 VVS1/F Ideal Cut for3900$ and Tiffany Knife Edge Setting

 

[widget]

Author:carebearz

...with the Tiffany ring...the overall effect on my finger was so much better than the custom-made from the local retailer...

...its so obviously painfully that the Tiffany ring looked so much better on me.

GO FOR THE TIFFANY!!!

widget

 

[valeria101]

Date: 7/4/2005 9:08:24 AM
Author:carebearz

One is a Tiffany setting round solitaire 0.62 in F colour and VS1 clarity, $6,000.

Here it is... for $3800 - same thing, Tiffany & All

from Signedpieces

Isn't that lucky !

 

[MissAva]

Would you have to pay some sort of import tax?

 

[Lynn B]

ANA! You are AMAAAAAAAAAAAAAZING!

Lynn

 

[Kaleigh]

Way to go Ana!!!!!

 

[denverappraiser]

Date: 7/4/2005 2:39:07 PM
Author: valeria101

Date: 7/4/2005 9:08:24 AM
Author:carebearz

One is a Tiffany setting round solitaire 0.62 in F colour and VS1 clarity, $6,000.

Here it is... for $3800 - same thing, Tiffany & All

from Signedpieces

Isn't that lucky !

Ana,

That is a remarkable job of finding something similar but, in defense of Tiffany, It's NOT the same thing. A new item from Tiffany comes with a warranty, it comes with the Tiffany trade up program and it comes with the satisfaction associated with shopping at Tiffany's. These sorts of nebulous attributes are some of the primary reasons that people end up shopping at Tiffany's. The item you've found is a secondhand ring located in a completely different country that must be purchased sight-unseen from an unknown dealer. It is a better price and I think it's reasonably likely to be as described but the price is not the only issue.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Independent Appraisals in Denver

 

[baltneu]

The Signed Pieces that Ana has found could be a great find, I do not know about import taxes but seems to be a great price from a Tiff new ring. Signed Pieces has a 30day return policy:

Satisfaction Guarantee
We fully guarantee the authenticity of every piece. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you may return it for a full refund (less shipping fees) within 30 days of receipt.


Not sure there is any downside. Good luck.

 

[valeria101]

Date: 7/4/2005 5:20:47 PM
Author: denverappraiser

in defense of Tiffany, It''s NOT the same thing. A new item from Tiffany comes with a warranty, it comes with the Tiffany trade up program and it comes with the satisfaction associated with shopping at Tiffany''s.

Agreed. Calling this "Tiffany ring" misses add-ons priced 1k in the US and 2k in SK. This one is a "Tiffany ring" only as much as a piece is "Carlo Giuliano" even though the added benefits of shopping the maker''s shop and using his warranty to obtain appropriate maintainance are gone

But you are right... Signedpieces is not Tiffany and Tiffany does not offer online sales, so buying online cannot be a "Tiffany experience" which is certainly worth something.

 

[carebearz]

Is the 'Tiffany experience' worth the extra 2k?

One more question. I noticed that the local retailer have white lights while Tiffany is bathed in soft orangey lights.
Is there anything I should look keep in mind when viewing a diamond at Tiffany?

Thanks, guys! I think I 've almost made my decision.. I'm so glad I found this forum! Thanks very much once again!

 

[denverappraiser]

Date: 7/5/2005 8:39:30 AM
Author: carebearz

Is the ''Tiffany experience'' worth the extra 2k?

This really is the key question. I''m a little surprised that it''s that inexpensive. If you separate out the value of the Tiffany brand on the ring/diamond you will find that this estimate is on the low side. It''s up to you to decide if it''s worth it.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Independent Appraisals in Denver

 

[sxn675]

But isn''t the signedpieces one used? I''ve always thought of them as like a consignment shop for jewels.... I figured that is why it was cheaper.

 

[valeria101]

Date: 7/5/2005 9:39:00 AM
Author: sxn675
But isn''t the signedpieces one used? I''ve always thought of them as like a consignment shop for jewels.... I figured that is why it was cheaper.

It may be worth asking them where each piece comes from and if there are any marks of wear toconsider. The discount there is not severe and should account for what Neil says, not wear. If taking the ring out of the original box constitues wear and depreciation, than , well, it is ''used''.

Really, I am not avocating anything here. Tiffany has already made its profit on this one after all.

 

[sxn675]

Yeah, I was thinking of taking the ring out of the box as "used". I didn''t mean used in a bad way, I guess I could have said pre-owned

 

[rosy]

Have you shopped around at other jewelers besides Tiffany & the other jeweler you''re talking about? Reading your post I get the impression that you really like the Tiffany''s better & just need some validation. I say go for it. You''ve got to really like the setting too, not just the diamond & it sounds like the Tiffany''s setting suits you better. I have a Tiffany & although I love it, I have the opposite of you & I think the setting is a little too dainty & low for my hand size, which is kinda big. If I could do it all over again I would probably have bought from another vendor because as much as I really want to, I don''t have the heart to reset my ring because of the premium I paid in the first place for that setting. If it looks great on your hand, you should get it!