Find your diamond
Find your jewelry
shape
carat
color
clarity

Significant anniversary - what to get? POLL

Which Anniversary present?

  • 1. VCA all-gold YG vintage Alhambra bracelet

    Votes: 2 4.5%

  • 2. VCA pave YG vintage Alhambra bracelet

    Votes: 6 13.6%

  • 3. (Finally) set Holly into a permanent setting

    Votes: 12 27.3%

  • 4. Upgrade Holly to a large diamond

    Votes: 17 38.6%

  • 5. Blingy watch

    Votes: 7 15.9%
  • Total voters
    44
Phoenix

Phoenix

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Oct 5, 2006
Messages
9,975
So, I have a significant anniversary coming up. I'm undecided what to get. Problem is I want so many things and alas, money is not unlimited.

I recently got these 4ctw+ oval ear-studs in yellow halos. They basically just fell into my lap. I'm really happy bc I'd been looking for another pair to wear as an alternate to my 4ctw+ BGD Signature H&A studs.
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/oval-halo-earrings.230406/

I'd like to get another item. I'm undecided between:

1. VCA all-gold YG vintage Alhambra bracelet
2. VCA pave YG vintage Alhambra bracelet
3. Set Holly into a new setting, most prob an elaborate halo, a la Leon Mege
4. Upgrade Holly (most likely will not happen, but one can dream, eh?!;)
5. Another watch, preferably a blingy one (I only have 1 watch atm)

I love bracelets and wear them a lot. I'd say bracelets are my second daily stapble, after studs. I loooove the pave Alhambra bracelet, but it's expensive and I've already just shelled out $$$$$ for the oval earrings. I'd have to wait until next year or so to get the pave bracelet. Or I could just scratch that itch and get the all gold version now or shortly, in time for my anniversary; I could wear it paired with my RG Perlee bracelet.

Upgrading Holly would be THE best choice, but alas it'd require soooo much money. I'm not sure DH could be talked into it! :evil:;)

Another watch would come in handy. My current watch is getting worn to death!
 
Last edited:
Upgrade holly! As your older sister (self appointed) DIBS!
 
First, those studs! Wow!!!

My thoughts initially:

Option 1 (gold bracelet) -- skip this. It is just a placeholder for what you want and (at least for me) that is never really satisfying. Then you've got a bracelet you are so-so on but attached to a major anniversary.

Option 4 (upgrade Holly) -- you love Holly so skip this

Option 5 (watch) -- practical so could be easily done a different time so I'd skip unless you really fell in love with a blingy watch

So that leaves options 2 & 3 -- I think you would be happiest with one of these. A gorgeous setting for Holly would look great with those new studs.... But so would the bracelet! I'd go with one of these. Can you have Holly set in time? Does that matter to you? (Planning pictures you'd want to wear for?) Or does the bracelet make more sense as more of a special gift/splurge than the setting does since you may want more time to select/design a setting?
 
Upgrade Holly! I think that is what your heart really wants...just a gut feeling. It is probably what I would do. And happy anniversary in advance.:appl:
 
HI:

At one time VCA was known for their rubies. Don't know if this is still the case, but I would buy a colored gemstone (ruby or sapphire) from VCA or Cartier. Set it in a floral halo.

Even better if you could find a large one--Vintage or Estate--with original documents certs and receipts. This would take some time and digging--but worth the prize/wait. It would be your treasure. FWIW, I have an Estate Cartier sapphire (4.54 carats) with diamond halo ring from the early 1970's, and it is my holy grail.

If not, I would buy a Lange watch.

ETA: this kind of ring:

https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...oval-blue-sapphire-cluster-ring/id-j_2558433/

While I don't really care for this style an example:
https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...hire-diamond-gold-platinum-ring/id-j_1604513/

OR:

https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...hire-diamond-gold-panthere-ring/id-j_1880173/

https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...l-sapphire-diamond-platinum-ring/id-j_142080/

https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...unenhanced-sapphire-diamond-ring/id-j_161236/

2 die 4

https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...te-diamond-platinum-flower-ring/id-j_1120092/

cheers--Sharon
 
Last edited:
Congrats on an upcoming anniversary! It sounds like if you have an inkling to upgrade Holly then you probably shouldn't use the funds to move Holly to a permanent setting. Might be some remorse later. With plentiful bracelets perhaps associating the watch to the anniversary would be more memorable? Would presenting the options to DH and letting him surprise you be fun? Good luck and can't wait to see what you chose!
 
Haha, when I first read the subject of this thread, I thought this was a poll about what to get your SO, not yourself.

But I agree with the others about the upgrade. It sounds like that's what you want to do the most, so IMHO, that's where you should put your $$$.
 
PierreBear said:
Congrats on an upcoming anniversary! It sounds like if you have an inkling to upgrade Holly then you probably shouldn't use the funds to move Holly to a permanent setting. Might be some remorse later. With plentiful bracelets perhaps associating the watch to the anniversary would be more memorable? Would presenting the options to DH and letting him surprise you be fun? Good luck and can't wait to see what you chose!
Click to expand...

I did that one year with DH. I had it narrowed down to two or three necklaces and the sales lady took them to him to select one. I didn't get to know which one until he gave it to me on my birthday. Sort of fun being surprised but knowing that any choice would be great!
 
TooPatient said:
First, those studs! Wow!!!

My thoughts initially:

Option 1 (gold bracelet) -- skip this. It is just a placeholder for what you want and (at least for me) that is never really satisfying. Then you've got a bracelet you are so-so on but attached to a major anniversary.

Option 4 (upgrade Holly) -- you love Holly so skip this

Option 5 (watch) -- practical so could be easily done a different time so I'd skip unless you really fell in love with a blingy watch

So that leaves options 2 & 3 -- I think you would be happiest with one of these. A gorgeous setting for Holly would look great with those new studs.... But so would the bracelet! I'd go with one of these. Can you have Holly set in time? Does that matter to you? (Planning pictures you'd want to wear for?) Or does the bracelet make more sense as more of a special gift/splurge than the setting does since you may want more time to select/design a setting?
Click to expand...

Yes, I think what I'd like eventually is the pave version of the Alhambra bracelet; and option 1 would scratch the itch temporarily but not permanently. I do love Holly but I wish she was bigger! I don't particularly have to have the new item in time for the anniversary, as the new studs will do the job nicely. I've had Holly for several years and still am unsure how to set her. There is a blingy watch I'd like; but for that amount of money, I could upgrade Holly!:twisted: Thank you for your input.
 
missy said:
Upgrade Holly! I think that is what your heart really wants...just a gut feeling. It is probably what I would do. And happy anniversary in advance.:appl:
Click to expand...

Lol! I think you have a pretty good feel! I'd LOVE to upgrade Holly, but the $$$$$!!!

And thank you!:) I can't believe we've been married for so long!!
 
canuk-gal said:
HI:

At one time VCA was known for their rubies. Don't know if this is still the case, but I would buy a colored gemstone (ruby or sapphire) from VCA or Cartier. Set it in a floral halo.

Even better if you could find a large one--Vintage or Estate--with original documents certs and receipts. This would take some time and digging--but worth the prize/wait. It would be your treasure. FWIW, I have an Estate Cartier sapphire (4.54 carats) with diamond halo ring from the early 1970's, and it is my holy grail.

If not, I would buy a Lange watch.

ETA: this kind of ring:

https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...oval-blue-sapphire-cluster-ring/id-j_2558433/

While I don't really care for this style an example:
https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...hire-diamond-gold-platinum-ring/id-j_1604513/

OR:

https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...hire-diamond-gold-panthere-ring/id-j_1880173/

https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...l-sapphire-diamond-platinum-ring/id-j_142080/

https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...unenhanced-sapphire-diamond-ring/id-j_161236/

2 die 4

https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...te-diamond-platinum-flower-ring/id-j_1120092/

cheers--Sharon
Click to expand...

Sharon!! You've given me even more choices to get confused about!!:lol: Those are gorgeous, but perhaps for another occasion, maybe my b'day, hehe!:lol-2: I like Lange watches btw, they're very classy. Thank you for posting all those; I'm going to go lie down and day-dream, hehe!!!
 
PierreBear said:
Congrats on an upcoming anniversary! It sounds like if you have an inkling to upgrade Holly then you probably shouldn't use the funds to move Holly to a permanent setting. Might be some remorse later. With plentiful bracelets perhaps associating the watch to the anniversary would be more memorable? Would presenting the options to DH and letting him surprise you be fun? Good luck and can't wait to see what you chose!
Click to expand...

Thank you, PierreBear!:) Yes, I think this may be what my heart really desires. Re a watch, I'm pretty useless at selecting watches, lol! I'd need to do sooo much research. There's something I have my eyes on, but it's sooo expensive and am unsure I wanna spend that kind of money on a watch - perhaps I'll choose something less expensive and more practical - I really do need another watch though. DH is even more hopeless!! He says just get whatever I want - within reason, lol.
 
SMC said:
Haha, when I first read the subject of this thread, I thought this was a poll about what to get your SO, not yourself.

But I agree with the others about the upgrade. It sounds like that's what you want to do the most, so IMHO, that's where you should put your $$$.
Click to expand...

Haha, DH is so easy to shop for! His wants and needs are pretty simple and straightforward - just as well; otherwise we'd be sooo poor!

Okie, sounds like it'll be the upgrade..may have to save up for another 5-10 yrs! lol
 
Phoenix said:
So, I have a significant anniversary coming up. I'm undecided what to get. Problem is I want so many things and alas, money is not unlimited.
Click to expand...
How significant ?...
innocentwhistle.gif
. I voted #4...go for the KILL!..:lol:
 
Dancing Fire said:
How significant ?...
innocentwhistle.gif
. I voted #4...go for the KILL!..:lol:
Click to expand...
Wait, what? I voted all gold and thought you would, too! Damn it, DF. Get your shit together.
 
Phoenix, these are hard choices. Holly already gives you huge finger coverage, and I honestly don't think a larger round brilliant is going to really look one bit nicer on your hand. So I'd personally rather save for a 6 ct emerald cut or something like that if a diamond ring is desired.

I think the yg Alhambra bracelet is not significant enough for a big anniversary, but I do highly recommend it as a casual wear bracelet. Get that for some other occasion like a birthday. I would not get the pave version in yg. I'd stick with wg for pave.

You certainly could reset Holly into something like m2b's Victor Canera Emilya and get the size boost you are after in a delicate and fabulous setting. But I'd make a visit to the US and have Victor set the diamond into the ring just like m2b did.

As to a blingy watch, that would never be my choice, because if I want to wear bling on the wrist, I would always favor diamond bracelets over a watch.

So, I think I'd be inclined to either reset Holly or go with Sharon's idea of picking up a special piece from somewhere like VCA. Maybe do the white gold pave vintage Alhambra bracelet or some other special piece.
 
diamondseeker2006 said:
Phoenix, these are hard choices. Holly already gives you huge finger coverage, and I honestly don't think a larger round brilliant is going to really look one bit nicer on your hand. So I'd personally rather save for a 6 ct emerald cut or something like that if a diamond ring is desired.

I think the yg Alhambra bracelet is not significant enough for a big anniversary, but I do highly recommend it as a casual wear bracelet. Get that for some other occasion like a birthday. I would not get the pave version in yg. I'd stick with wg for pave.

You certainly could reset Holly into something like m2b's Victor Canera Emilya and get the size boost you are after in a delicate and fabulous setting. But I'd make a visit to the US and have Victor set the diamond into the ring just like m2b did.

As to a blingy watch, that would never be my choice, because if I want to wear bling on the wrist, I would always favor diamond bracelets over a watch.

So, I think I'd be inclined to either reset Holly or go with Sharon's idea of picking up a special piece from somewhere like VCA. Maybe do the white gold pave vintage Alhambra bracelet or some other special piece.
Click to expand...

Hmmm...ok, I'm even more confused now! :lol:

First of, I'm actually not surprised you're not suggesting going bigger on a RB. I think you've been suggesting that all along! lol. I need to put my upgrade wish in context: one of my closest friends has a 12ct RB ring, 6ct each and 10ct RB studs and a 20ct radiant ring, amongst a gazillion other blingy items and non-blingy items. I'm surrounded by lots of big bling here (and of course not so big bling too); so I guess I get DSS when looking at the bigger bling here. Of course, I'd never be able to afford the bling my friend has nor would I want to, really (I'd rather invest the money in other non-bling items like real estate etc). I also don't rotate my rings so much, unlike bracelets which I rotate a lot and love wearing different ones all the time. Another thing is that I've been dreaming about upgrading Holly for a few years now; and truth be told, I've been wishing I'd gone bigger like a 6ct or a 7ct in I colour instead of H. I've also kind of given up the idea of getting a honking EC diamond, just bc I know I don't tend to rotate my rings so much and I'd prob end up not wearing either the RB or the EC, at least not often enough to justify the expense.

Re the part in bold, why do you suggest getting the WG pave Alhambra instead of the YG pave? I was thinking yellow bc 1) I now have a fairly dark tan and YG looks so nice on me now, whereas it used to look awful on my natural very white/ sallow skin; and 2) I'd like to get something in yellow to go with the newly acquired yellow oval earrings. I was thinking initially of getting the all gold yg version to pair with my Perlee RG bracelet (incidentally, I've changed my mind about stacking bracelets:twirl:, I don't want to be put off wearing things the way I like just bc of the scraches - I could always have them polished off later on). I've tried on the onyx, solid yg, pave yg and MOP in wg/ rg vintage Alhambra bracelets and I love them all paired with the Perlee, with a slight preference for yellow vs rose gold. Another thing is that I don't think I'd wear ANY of the Alhambra bracelets on its own, I'd really like to stack; and for some reason, I really want to stack something with my existing RG Perlee.

I hear ya abt blingy watches! And you and Sharon are really putting new bling ideas in my head...baaaad enablers!!:lol::lol:
 
Last edited:
HI:

Phoenix--a GOOD friend will borrow jewellery. Just wear her BIG stuff!:lol: You might now want it after all. Happy decisions.

cheers--Sharon
 
canuk-gal said:
HI:

Phoenix--a GOOD friend will borrow jewellery. Just wear her BIG stuff!:lol: You might now want it after all. Happy decisions.

cheers--Sharon
Click to expand...

I'm sure one of us could keep Holly company while you try out some of her bigger pieces....
 
DS, I re-read my response to your post and realise I might have sounded a little gnarly. I certainly didn't mean it like that at all. I'm always grateful for your comments and interested in hearing them.:)
 
Oh, Phoenix, I would never think you were responding in any negative way! No worries!

I think the pave in WG is more timeless, whereas yg will go in an out of style. However, since you already have diamond bracelets in white metal, I suppose it might make sense to have a yg diamond bracelet especially to go with your new earrings! So I think that might be a good solution!

As to friends with 12-20 ct e-rings and 6-10 ct each studs (!!!), well, I feel for you, but just remember, you can be very classy and elegant without overdoing the diamond sizes! Bigger is not always better in terms of taste and style. I have tried on m2b's fabulous rings, and truly, any larger than those would be too large for my fingers. Your diamond is huge, and I can just about guarantee you that if you upgraded to 6 cts, no one would even notice. I upgraded and no one knew the difference, and I like to keep it that way! But that said, if it would make YOU happy to upgrade, that is perfectly fine! My opinion is worth exactly how much it costs!:lol:
 
Get option 2 for yourself, and ;)make;) your DH get you the watch, haha
 
Last edited:
diamondseeker2006 said:
Oh, Phoenix, I would never think you were responding in any negative way! No worries!

I think the pave in WG is more timeless, whereas yg will go in an out of style. However, since you already have diamond bracelets in white metal, I suppose it might make sense to have a yg diamond bracelet especially to go with your new earrings! So I think that might be a good solution!

As to friends with 12-20 ct e-rings and 6-10 ct each studs (!!!), well, I feel for you, but just remember, you can be very classy and elegant without overdoing the diamond sizes! Bigger is not always better in terms of taste and style. I have tried on m2b's fabulous rings, and truly, any larger than those would be too large for my fingers. Your diamond is huge, and I can just about guarantee you that if you upgraded to 6 cts, no one would even notice. I upgraded and no one knew the difference, and I like to keep it that way! But that said, if it would make YOU happy to upgrade, that is perfectly fine! My opinion is worth exactly how much it costs!:lol:
Click to expand...

Thank you for being so lovely, as always, DS.:)

Ah, I see what you mean. I'm not actually worried about YG going out of style. Styles come in, they go out, they come back, heehee. But I suppose a WG pave makes more sense since I do wear WG more than YG. I think I'll get a WG pave vintage Alhambra bracelet once I've managed to sell the Sweet bracelet (it wouldn't make sense for me to own 2 WG Alhambra, albeit in different sizes).

I may very well get a solid YG vintage Alhambra bracelet for myself and have DH upgrade Holly for the anniversary.

On the subject of my friend's bling, check these out, taken at my dinner party last night: 6ct each princess cut studs (she has 6ct each princess and 10ct each RB etc.. studs) and her 20ct radiant cut e-ring, on me. Look how ENORMOUS the 20ct looks on my hand!:lol:

I feel that the max limit is 7-8ct on my tiny size 4 finger (actually my hands have shrunk and I think it's more like a size 3 3/4 now). You're right: a 6ct wouldn't present a visible size increase, and prob wouldn't be worth the effort and extra money.

LP_6ct studs.jpg

LP_20ct radiant.jpg
 
day2night said:
Get option 2 for yourself, and ;)make;) your DH get you the watch, haha
Click to expand...

Lol!! I like the way you think!!:lol: I think most llikely I'll get the solid YG Alhambra bracelet soon. The watch will happen, just not sure when....
 
Phoenix said:
On the subject of my friend's bling, check these out, taken at my dinner party last night: 6ct each princess cut studs (she has 6ct each princess and 10ct each RB etc.. studs) and her 20ct radiant cut e-ring, on me.
Click to expand...

She also has 6ct each RB studs and other sized studs and bracelets and multiple high-end watches!! And she's a reeeaaaly down-to-earth and genuine person to boot. I love hanging out with her!!
 
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP
Jewelry Blog
PriceScope-Concierge-Ad
Find prime cuts.
Top