Tiffany - but not your standard question

[CareBear]

If you are going to go with a B&M store and not buy online, Tiffany is probably the best choice. Believe it or not, places like Bailey Banks & Biddle charges as much, if not MORE than Tiffany does for their rings. Choosing a diamond at tiffany is just like choosing a diamond online, ask them to show you all the specs. Or better yet, go in with YOUR specs and tell them exactly what you want. When I went there with my fiance, we gave them exact specs of what we wanted, size, color, clarity, ideal cut. The saleslady looked up in their system and found 2 that matched my specs. She printed out the diamond information which contains everything you would find on an AGS certificate. And yes, you can get ideal cuts at Tiffany. The rings didn't physically reside in that particular store, but they can have the rings shipped over to let you look at. The price came out to be about 30% higher than online vendors. I think if it weren't for the addition 8.5% tax in california, I would have gotten it from Tiffany. I think clarity wise, Tiffany is a bit stricter. They have on their website the "Never in a Tiffany diamond" section. You won't be getting one with surface level inclusions, black inclusions, surface graining, etc. So even if you get a VS2 from them, it'll probably be a "higher" VS2. But of course if you are getting a VVS, that probably wont' make a difference.

One things to consider: Is your fiance going to upgrade? If you are, the price becomes difference becomes significantly steeper as the carat size goes up. For example, right now you are getting a 1.75. Once it hits the 2 carat mark, the price difference between a 2 carat online vs Tiffanys will be over 10k.

 

[crafftygrrl]

If I were going to purchase something from Tiffany...

I would purchase something that was unique to Tiffany, such as a Lucinda, or something in a Picasso, Schlumberger or Angela Cummings setting. You want something to say TIFFANY; and something that is more than just a round brilliant. A round brilliant you can get in any jewelry store in America.

BTW, I would look at Cartier. They have some lovely e-ring settings if you are willing to pay the premium.

Enjoy the service and the process.

 

[Mara]

Date: 11/23/2005 7:36:25 PM
Author: widget

Author: Mara
.... I feel like I'd be doing him a huge disservice if I just said 'oh just choose out of the three which your eye likes the best'.

At Tiffany's???

If I were going to shop for a nice big rock at T&Co, HW, VCA, etc etc...I'd want to savor and relish every moment of the experience. I wouldn't want to turn it into a job...or some kind of research project. If I did, I wouldn't go to one of those guys in the first place.

I think it is safe to assume...and not naive...that any stone I'd get from them would be beautiful.

Mara... we are obviously very different in our approaches to diamonds/jewelry. Can we agree to disagree?

widget

Of course we can agree to disagree

, I know that you and I have different ideas. There is no RIGHT answer for everyone.

The bottom line for me is that *I* (read Mara here) would STILL do the research and check into things if I was shopping at Tiffany, or Cartier or at a store on the moon. That is just how I am. It's not a job for me, it's fun....and I enjoy it. That's why I hung around PS all these years.

For the record, I have seen some Tiffany diamonds that did NOT look their best in the stores, my almost H&A looked better to my eyes and in some there was no hint of arrows which is a must for me...there are some that have been sold on SP and similar that have funky looking off symmetry and 61/60 table depth combos etc. To me that is not what I would want to spend on. So I don't think that Tiffany's is synonymous with the best cut quality which is why I say I would not blindly trust the salespeople or store...but that's not what I wanted to focus this post on.

I still say to the original poster, take an IdealScope in and check out the diamonds, and if you care about what PS thinks, you may not and that's fine....then people here are more than happy to give you their two cents and let you bounce ideas and thoughts off them re: what you saw and mull over the numbers, and you can do whatever you want with it and we will still love and ooh and ahh over your diamond when you buy it.

The original question was how to know you are getting the best cut quality and buy from Tiffanys, so my answer was geared towards that...you may need to do a bit of digging on your own to ensure that you walk away from Tiffany with that brand AND an excellent cut quality stone. Trust, yet verify.

 

[Kaleigh]

Mara makes a good point. Better to make an informed decision with the knowledge that you''ve gained from here. Bring the IS with you, it''s a great tool. Also get the sarin, back when I got my diamond from Tiff''s there was no such thing as far as I knew. Also trust your eyes. To me that''s is just as important. Good luck and I look forward to what you decide upon!!

 

[perry]

I disagree with Wigets assessment that the Idealscope is a "gadget":

The Idealscope is a very easy to use simple tool that will tell you a lot about the light return (and performance in normal lighting) of a diamond. It works on all diamond shapes, on loose diamonds, and on diamons set in a ring.

Jewelry stores usually have trick lighting that can make really bad stones look pretty good - in the store.

To me, the Idealscope and its light table (I bought the whole kit: IdealScope, Lightable, Loupe, Tweezers) is a must when shopping in stores. It takes about 10 minutes max to learn to use. you will need to have someone teach you the proper technique for a loupe - something most jewelers are willing to do if you ask them nicely.

As far as the rest of it. Numbers, even grading... I don''t think that is necessary.

Get several comparable sized diamonds; idealscope them to be sure they have decent light return - then let you eyes pick out what you like of the ones that pass the idealscope. It''s really that simple.

Perry

 

[valeria101]

Date: 11/23/2005 7:36:25 PM
Author: widget

Author: Mara
.... I feel like I'd be doing him a huge disservice if I just said 'oh just choose out of the three which your eye likes the best'.

At Tiffany's???

If I were going to shop for a nice big rock at T&Co, HW, VCA, etc etc...I'd want to savor and relish every moment of the experience.

It can be had both ways... either for someone who actually likes the 'research' approach (Mara?) or has reason to feel secure and relaxed about the whole deal regardless. That is pretty much a blanket statement - comfortable safety comes as much from trust as from insight or whatever else does it. Wrong ?


It can only be good if pleasant shopping experience comes from some previous experience. I find it disturbing that trust can be at times gained on no other base than bluff high prices. As if the self-confidence of the seller becomes contagious without good reason. Incremental experience over the buyers' is enough in such a 'game' and that may not be asking for much. However, this sounds more like flea market than Tiffany.

This thread does not appear to be about Tiffany the famous jewelers... but about a certain relatively non-complex and very traditional product. In this, I vote for 'Craftygirl's camp:

"I would purchase something that was unique to Tiffany [...]. A round brilliant you can get in any jewelry store in America."

 

[Demelza]

I agree that the eyes are an extremely important tool in making a diamond purchase. HOWEVER, when you''re dealing with a store like Tiffany''s that might not allow you to take the diamond outside (to view in a variety of lighting conditions) or to an independent appraiser (to get an unbiased viewpoint), I think you need something else to help separate out a good cut from an even better cut. Whether that''s a sarin report or an Idealscope, I don''t know, but Tiffany''s lighting is amongst the best I''ve ever seen. I don''t know if this is true, but I heard that they have spent literally millions of dollars devising a lighting system to make those diamonds dance. Yes, they are surely very well cut goods, but if the original poster is wanting to make fine distinctions between the stones, he''s going to need something other than his eyes. I was in Tiffany''s today and was absolutely blown away by how their diamonds are on fire in those cases. Yes, the diamonds are beautiful, but the lighting gives them a huge boost!

 

[solange]

I agree with Demelza about Tiffany''s lighting. I wore my ring to Tiffany''s and it looked amazing. I also looked at stones there and it was hard to tell the difference between an E and an H because of the lighting.
I think it would be difficult to pick a stone by just seeing it under their optimal lighting.

 

[denverappraiser]

Date: 11/23/2005 12:00:36 PM
Author: Rank Amateur

Might as well just trust THEM to pick out the stone.

A fair number of shoppers what to do exactly this, and it's not all that bad a plan. The resultant stone will be lovely, if a tad expensive. It will certainly be accurately described and, although there may be some debate about whether it belongs with the best of the best, it will not be called deficient in any attribute other than possibly price. Buying from other dealers does not come with this same level of assurance and it's a significant part of why they can command their prices. Part of the value being added by Tiffany's involvement in the deal is that they apply their standards of quality before you ever see the stone. They already picked the stone and their customers have already accepted the notion that having the Tiffany buyers apply their selection criteria in advance is something worth paying extra for.

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

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Date: 11/24/2005 11:59:31 AM
Author: denverappraiser

Date: 11/23/2005 12:00:36 PM
Author: Rank Amateur

Might as well just trust THEM to pick out the stone.

A fair number of shoppers what to do exactly this, and it''s not all that bad a plan. The resultant stone will be lovely, if a tad expensive. It will certainly be accurately described and, although there may be some debate about whether it belongs with the best of the best, it will not be called deficient in any attribute other than possibly price. Buying from other dealers does not come with this same level of assurance and it''s a significant part of why they can command their prices. Part of the value being added by Tiffany''s involvement in the deal is that they apply their standards of quality before you ever see the stone. They already picked the stone and their customers have already accepted the notion that having the Tiffany buyers apply their selection criteria in advance is something worth paying extra for.

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

Neil please try this experiment: take your ideal-scope into a Tiffany store and tell us what % of the stones you see would be in a high light return range.

 

[Lynn B]

Date:

Neil please try this experiment: take your ideal-scope into a Tiffany store and tell us what % of the stones you see would be in a high light return range.

Oh, Garry ... I don''t think Tiffany''s would like that!!!

 

[denverappraiser]

Date: 11/24/2005 4:10:03 PM
Author: Garry H (Cut Nut)

Neil please try this experiment: take your ideal-scope into a Tiffany store and tell us what % of the stones you see would be in a high light return range.

Garry,

I’ve seen a fair number of Tiffany stones through an Idealscope and I''m happy to look at more but I doubt I would be cheerfully welcomed at the local showroom if I went in to do a more thorough test. For now, I’ll stick with my existing limited dataset.

You’re missing my point. The reason most people choose to shop at Tiffany is not a matter of maximizing the optical performance of the stone. They are selling a package deal that revolves around their own notoriety and buying a piece of jewelry there is buying into that program. The fact that a ring was purchased at Tiffany’s is a very important value characteristic for their customers and by shopping there they are assured that every attribute of their ring has been inspected and approved by Tiffany personnel and it’s going to meet their standards.

A majority of the posters here would argue that there are better diamonds, better rings and better prices available elsewhere and I don’t dispute this although I would be careful about defining what constitutes ‘better’. I don’t shop at Tiffany’s for the same reasons that you don’t shop there, but this doesn’t make their customers wrong in that decision. For those who want the Tiffany shopping experience and who want to own a genuine Tiffany ring registered in their name, it’s only available at Tiffany’s. “Breakfast at Pearlmans” isn’t the same, even with an Idealscope in hand.

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

 

[Shay37]

Date: 11/25/2005 9:44:58 AM
Author: denverappraiser

Date: 11/24/2005 4:10:03 PM
Author: Garry H (Cut Nut)

Neil please try this experiment: take your ideal-scope into a Tiffany store and tell us what % of the stones you see would be in a high light return range.

Garry,

I’ve seen a fair number of Tiffany stones through an Idealscope and I''m happy to look at more but I doubt I would be cheerfully welcomed at the local showroom if I went in to do a more thorough test. For now, I’ll stick with my existing limited dataset.

You’re missing my point. The reason most people choose to shop at Tiffany is not a matter of maximizing the optical performance of the stone. They are selling a package deal that revolves around their own notoriety and buying a piece of jewelry there is buying into that program. The fact that a ring was purchased at Tiffany’s is a very important value characteristic for their customers and by shopping there they are assured that every attribute of their ring has been inspected and approved by Tiffany personnel and it’s going to meet their standards.

A majority of the posters here would argue that there are better diamonds, better rings and better prices available elsewhere and I don’t dispute this although I would be careful about defining what constitutes ‘better’. I don’t shop at Tiffany’s for the same reasons that you don’t shop there, but this doesn’t make their customers wrong in that decision. For those who want the Tiffany shopping experience and who want to own a genuine Tiffany ring registered in their name, it’s only available at Tiffany’s. “Breakfast at Pearlmans” isn’t the same, even with an Idealscope in hand.

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

Neil, I agree that people shop at Tiffany''s for the experience, but the reason I suggested an Idealscope purchase and use was because poorboy (the one asking the original question) asked how to pick the best stone at Tiffany''s within his particular budget. He obviously wants the best of both worlds, the experience as well as a kicka$$ stone. I thought it would help him if he were unsure about which one was the best (light return) to have a quick way of measuring it. It''s awfully hard to tell just with jewelry store lighting which one is great as opposed to merely good for most of us.

shay

 

[moremoremore]

"Breakfast at Pearlmans” isn’t the same, even with an Idealscope in hand"

I just wet my pants!!! Good one! I''d rather have breakfast at Pearlmans!

 

[denverappraiser]

Shay,

I agree that it''s often helpful for a customer to show up with an idealscope in order to help make their selection. It''s having me as an appraiser show up in the showroom with one to rank the various stones in comparison to each other and to stones available elsewhere that I''m resisting. I have no problem at all with your advice of taking an idealscope on your shopping trip. It also has the side affect of telling the staff that you are an internet educated customer where cut quality is an important element for you. The fact that you have it at all can shortcut a lot of time and grief in getting to the correct stone.

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

 

[Patty]

Date: 11/25/2005 10:38:32 AM
Author: moremoremore
''Breakfast at Pearlmans” isn’t the same, even with an Idealscope in hand''

I just wet my pants!!! Good one! I''d rather have breakfast at Pearlmans!

Hey, Sam''s Club is offering a free breakfast this morning. You could get breakfast AND a diamond...if you get there before 11 a.m., I believe.

 

[mepearl53]

For those who want the Tiffany shopping experience and who want to own a genuine Tiffany ring registered in their name, it’s only available at Tiffany’s. “Breakfast at Pearlmans” isn’t the same, even with an Idealscope in hand.

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

Hay! Wait a minute Neil

Son Jason, graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and is a master chef. And I do some of the best Eggs Benedict that you will ever experience

Bet Tiffany''s doesn''t have one of those on staff

 

[mepearl53]

Date: 11/25/2005 10:38:32 AM
Author: moremoremore
''Breakfast at Pearlmans” isn’t the same, even with an Idealscope in hand''

I just wet my pants!!! Good one! I''d rather have breakfast at Pearlmans!

MMM your more than welcome to have breakfast with Jason and me. We''ll let Neil have his in the Sam''s club isles

 

[sxn675]

Hi there! I know you''re set on Tiffany''s, but I''d suggest talking to your girlfriend first. My husband was pretty set on Tiffany''s and he told me and I freaked out and told him that I''d rather have a bigger ring from somewhere else (he''s a resident, so money is tight!). So, maybe see if you can feel her out and see what''s important to her (is she set on a name? Does she want a big ring?). I know that you''re prepared to pay a bit more, but if she is a size girl or wants some sort of intricate handmade setting, then you might want to rethink your strategy. If that''s not an option, then I would suggest also checking out Cartier.

Good luck to you, whatever you decide Keep us posted, I''m sure that whatever you choose will be lovely!

 

[denverappraiser]

Date: 11/26/2005 1:53:51 PM
Author: mepearl53

Hay! Wait a minute Neil

Son Jason, graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and is a master chef. And I do some of the best Eggs Benedict that you will ever experience

Bet Tiffany''s doesn''t have one of those on staff

Bill,

You''ll notice that I didn''t say that breakfast at Pearlman''s was inferior, only that it was different.

Perhaps some day I''ll come by and test. I''ll bring my own Idealscope.

Congratulations to your son.

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