Tiffany & Co. : Myth or Truth?

[bgray]

Tiffany is a super marketing machine. Its just a huge company thats entire business model is predicated on the myth that their platinum is more pure, their stones more pure and finely cut, their silver more pure and so on...................

 

[diagem]

Date: 11/23/2008 5:55:59 PM
Author: bgray

Tiffany is a super marketing machine. Its just a huge company thats entire business model is predicated on the myth that their platinum is more pure, their stones more pure and finely cut, their silver more pure and so on...................

A bit exaggerating here..., dont you think?

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 11/23/2008 6:16:11 PM
Author: DiaGem

Date: 11/23/2008 5:55:59 PM

Author: bgray


Tiffany is a super marketing machine. Its just a huge company thats entire business model is predicated on the myth that their platinum is more pure, their stones more pure and finely cut, their silver more pure and so on...................

A bit exaggerating here..., dont you think?

a little but not much.
They aren''t the Tiffany that earned the reputation they are living off of now.

 

[diagem]

Date: 11/23/2008 6:28:00 PM
Author: strmrdr

Date: 11/23/2008 6:16:11 PM
Author: DiaGem

Date: 11/23/2008 5:55:59 PM

Author: bgray


Tiffany is a super marketing machine. Its just a huge company thats entire business model is predicated on the myth that their platinum is more pure, their stones more pure and finely cut, their silver more pure and so on...................

A bit exaggerating here..., dont you think?

a little but not much.
They aren't the Tiffany that earned the reputation they are living off of now.

None of these 100+ year old jewelry co. are..., but you must give them the credit they "still" deserve...
Saying Tiffany's "entire" business model is predicated on the "myth"???

Entirely out of line!

 

[Harriet]

Isn''t Tiffany ''just'' one of a number of sightholders?

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Date: 11/23/2008 6:35:08 PM
Author: DiaGem

Date: 11/23/2008 6:28:00 PM
Author: strmrdr

Date: 11/23/2008 6:16:11 PM
Author: DiaGem

Date: 11/23/2008 5:55:59 PM

Author: bgray


Tiffany is a super marketing machine. Its just a huge company thats entire business model is predicated on the myth that their platinum is more pure, their stones more pure and finely cut, their silver more pure and so on...................

A bit exaggerating here..., dont you think?

a little but not much.
They aren''t the Tiffany that earned the reputation they are living off of now.

None of these 100+ year old jewelry co. are..., but you must give them the credit they ''still'' deserve...
Saying Tiffany''s ''entire'' business model is predicated on the ''myth''???

Entirely out of line!

I agree DiaGem - Storm, behave yourself

.
But I personally think that part of their mystique is being lost as they become far to ''accessable''. What ever happened to NY, Paris, London, Rome? but if I were a shareholder I would not be so concerned about Tiffany in 2100. And what is wrong with using your reputation to the fullest?

 

[Harriet]

Date: 11/22/2008 8:07:27 PM
Author: bgray
and becasue they are a PUBLIC company they have to be very cautious about who they buy from. they have garbage for colored stones for the last few years because they cant buy from certain countries and entities

I am not the biggest fan of current Tiffany, but "garbage" is rather harsh. I know that they cannot buy from Burma. Who else does the ban extend to?

 

[coatimundi_org]

Date: 11/23/2008 5:55:27 PM
Author: DiaGem

Date: 11/23/2008 5:44:48 PM

Author: Moh 10

Who gives a hoot if Toofunny&Co DOES get first choice in rough?


A GIA F VS1 is a GIA F VS1.

Period!

What about a GIA F-VS1 vs. Tiffany (non GIA) F-VS1??

Now this is an interesting question.

As far as another deconstruction of Tiffany thread--really, hasn''t this all been played? They don''t exist in a vacuum of "mythology." I can think of about 30 companies off the top of my head that thrive off an interesting history. If one doesn''t buy into their marketing, one need not shop there. Big whooptidoo.

 

[bgray]

most of tiffanys profit now comes from silver jewelry, china and other mass market products. they have romanced their origins to ehance their reputation--i have no problem with that. most of their jewelry is machine made now--it is not the tiffamy of the early days. most of their colored stones are treated/heated and entirely mediocre ....

and no i dont think its exaggerated at all. Tiffanys of the myth doesnt exist anymore --they have retained that only at the very top % of their market

 

[Harriet]

Date: 11/23/2008 7:31:47 PM
Author: bgray
most of tiffanys profit now comes from silver jewelry, china and other mass market products. they have romanced their origins to ehance their reputation--i have no problem with that. most of their jewelry is machine made now--it is not the tiffamy of the early days. most of their colored stones are treated/heated and entirely mediocre ....

and no i dont think its exaggerated at all. Tiffanys of the myth doesnt exist anymore --they have retained that only at the very top % of their market

I agree with you that Tiffany''s has lost some of its lustre. But, to say that their gems are "entirely mediocre?" Give us all a break.

 

[bgray]

i said colored stones-except for the top percent of one of a kind.

 

[Harriet]

Mea culpa. I have a habit of using "gem" to refer to "coloured stone." A coloured stone does not have to be "one of a kind" to be more than "entirely mediocre."

 

[coatimundi_org]

Date: 11/23/2008 10:57:10 PM
Author: Harriet
Mea culpa. I have a habit of using ''gem'' to refer to ''coloured stone.'' A coloured stone does not have to be ''one of a kind'' to be more than ''entirely mediocre.''

Yup, ditto Harriet.

 

[cup_of_t]

heated/treated and entirely mediocre? ouch!

the little blue booklet does say that, and it refers to Laurelton Diamonds (mentioned earlier).

 

[diagem]

Date: 11/23/2008 7:31:47 PM
Author: bgray
most of tiffanys profit now comes from silver jewelry, china and other mass market products. they have romanced their origins to ehance their reputation--i have no problem with that. most of their jewelry is machine made now--it is not the tiffamy of the early days. most of their colored stones are treated/heated and entirely mediocre ....

and no i dont think its exaggerated at all. Tiffanys of the myth doesnt exist anymore --they have retained that only at the very top % of their market

Can you elaborate on your writing? "most of tiffanys profit now comes from silver jewelry, china and other mass market products."

bgray..., can you please explain to me how a Company like Tiffany (or any other of approx. equal size) can market non-machine made (or hand-made) jewelry in the quantities they are able to sell?

How about sourcing "colored (gem) stones"? Is it even possible for Tiffany to source the quantities needed in what (I suppose) you would identify as higher(than mediocre) quality?

 

[Harriet]

DiaGem, if I may add to your list of questions: What is wrong with heat treatment of coloured stones, Bgray?

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 11/24/2008 4:07:36 AM
Author: DiaGem

Date: 11/23/2008 7:31:47 PM

Author: bgray

most of tiffanys profit now comes from silver jewelry, china and other mass market products. they have romanced their origins to ehance their reputation--i have no problem with that. most of their jewelry is machine made now--it is not the tiffamy of the early days. most of their colored stones are treated/heated and entirely mediocre ....



and no i dont think its exaggerated at all. Tiffanys of the myth doesnt exist anymore --they have retained that only at the very top % of their market

Can you elaborate on your writing? ''most of tiffanys profit now comes from silver jewelry, china and other mass market products.''


bgray..., can you please explain to me how a Company like Tiffany (or any other of approx. equal size) can market non-machine made (or hand-made) jewelry in the quantities they are able to sell?


How about sourcing ''colored (gem) stones''? Is it even possible for Tiffany to source the quantities needed in what (I suppose) you would identify as higher(than mediocre) quality?

That is exactly my point above they have become a mass market company.

 

[diagem]

Date: 11/24/2008 12:05:23 PM
Author: strmrdr

Date: 11/24/2008 4:07:36 AM
Author: DiaGem

Date: 11/23/2008 7:31:47 PM

Author: bgray

most of tiffanys profit now comes from silver jewelry, china and other mass market products. they have romanced their origins to ehance their reputation--i have no problem with that. most of their jewelry is machine made now--it is not the tiffamy of the early days. most of their colored stones are treated/heated and entirely mediocre ....



and no i dont think its exaggerated at all. Tiffanys of the myth doesnt exist anymore --they have retained that only at the very top % of their market

Can you elaborate on your writing? ''most of tiffanys profit now comes from silver jewelry, china and other mass market products.''


bgray..., can you please explain to me how a Company like Tiffany (or any other of approx. equal size) can market non-machine made (or hand-made) jewelry in the quantities they are able to sell?


How about sourcing ''colored (gem) stones''? Is it even possible for Tiffany to source the quantities needed in what (I suppose) you would identify as higher(than mediocre) quality?

That is exactly my point above they have become a mass market company.

Karl..., Tiffany was considered a mass market company 20-30+ years ago as well....
In my opinion they became better as they grew in the last few decades..., todays Tiffany is better than 20-30 yrs ago...., that reflects their professionalism.

And most of all..., I salute them

for being able to deliver awesome quality in such a mass market business model...

And even more, their one of a kind pieces are hard for most competitors to by-pass!

Lets give respect where respect is due

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 11/24/2008 1:08:01 PM
Author: DiaGem
Lets give respect where respect is due

The people that I respect in the industry are those that put there own blood sweat and tears into delivering a product/service for consumers.
People such as yourself, Jon, Wink, Neil, Dave A,Paul , John, Mark Morrell, Drew Dorland, Garry, Serg, and Richard Homer to just name a few.
I have little respect for companies only people.

 

[diagem]

Date: 11/24/2008 1:22:36 PM
Author: strmrdr

Date: 11/24/2008 1:08:01 PM
Author: DiaGem
Lets give respect where respect is due

The people that I respect in the industry are those that put there own blood sweat and tears into delivering a product/service for consumers.
People such as yourself, Jon, Wink, Neil, Dave A,Paul , John, Mark Morrell, Drew Dorland, Garry, Serg, and Richard Homer to just name a few.
I have little respect for companies only people.

I appreciate your feelings..., but remember Companies dont run by themselves...

There are a lot of people like you mentioned above out there (PS is just a small drop in the ocean)..., and even some of who you have mentioned above are somehow responsible for Companies like Tiffany''s and other''s success...

 

[tiffanyornot]

Date: 11/24/2008 1:22:36 PM
Author: strmrdr

Date: 11/24/2008 1:08:01 PM
Author: DiaGem
Lets give respect where respect is due

The people that I respect in the industry are those that put there own blood sweat and tears into delivering a product/service for consumers.
People such as yourself, Jon, Wink, Neil, Dave A,Paul , John, Mark Morrell, Drew Dorland, Garry, Serg, and Richard Homer to just name a few.
I have little respect for companies only people.

I don''t agree. Robbers employ the same logic as you when they think it''s ok to steal from big corporations but not from small merchants. Robbery = robbery. People are employed at Tiffany''s just like people are employed at small merchants.

Just like in this thread, so many people bash Tiffany yet imitate and copy them to the n-th degree. How does this make sense? Tiffany''s is a brand, just like Harvard or BMW. Do people complain they can''t afford BMW''s or can''t get into Harvard?
How many people are employed because of what Tiffany''s started? Not just Tiffany employees but the jewelry industry free-rides off of Tiffany''s marketing and products. Tiffany replicas and Tiffany reproduction... these are Tiffany fakes. It''s irritating to me that a consumer has no qualms about going to get a fake Tiffany setting (even getting it custom designed), and loves it when people think it''s from Tiffany''s! How many of you feel comfortable with telling a bag maker to make a Louis Vuitton handbag for you?

 

[WinkHPD]

Date: 11/24/2008 1:22:36 PM
Author: strmrdr

Date: 11/24/2008 1:08:01 PM
Author: DiaGem
Lets give respect where respect is due

The people that I respect in the industry are those that put there own blood sweat and tears into delivering a product/service for consumers.
People such as yourself, Jon, Wink, Neil, Dave A,Paul , John, Mark Morrell, Drew Dorland, Garry, Serg, and Richard Homer to just name a few.
I have little respect for companies only people.

Mercy Buckets! Than you for including me in that illustrious list!

I appreciate it!

Wink

 

[LtlFirecracker]

Date: 11/24/2008 7:50:14 PM
Author: tiffanyornot

Date: 11/24/2008 1:22:36 PM
Author: strmrdr

Date: 11/24/2008 1:08:01 PM
Author: DiaGem
Lets give respect where respect is due

The people that I respect in the industry are those that put there own blood sweat and tears into delivering a product/service for consumers.
People such as yourself, Jon, Wink, Neil, Dave A,Paul , John, Mark Morrell, Drew Dorland, Garry, Serg, and Richard Homer to just name a few.
I have little respect for companies only people.

I don''t agree. Robbers employ the same logic as you when they think it''s ok to steal from big corporations but not from small merchants. Robbery = robbery. People are employed at Tiffany''s just like people are employed at small merchants.

Just like in this thread, so many people bash Tiffany yet imitate and copy them to the n-th degree. How does this make sense? Tiffany''s is a brand, just like Harvard or BMW. Do people complain they can''t afford BMW''s or can''t get into Harvard?
How many people are employed because of what Tiffany''s started? Not just Tiffany employees but the jewelry industry free-rides off of Tiffany''s marketing and products. Tiffany replicas and Tiffany reproduction... these are Tiffany fakes. It''s irritating to me that a consumer has no qualms about going to get a fake Tiffany setting (even getting it custom designed), and loves it when people think it''s from Tiffany''s! How many of you feel comfortable with telling a bag maker to make a Louis Vuitton handbag for you?

I don''t understand why do many people bash Tiffanys because they are a corporation. Have you been to the LIW form? There are a ton of pricescopers on here with beautiful engagement rings and they are better quality than most of the stuff on the market, and they are over the moon about their rings. The purpose of jewelry for most women is to have something beautiful to wear, regardless of the arguments over who has the best of the best diamonds ect, I think it is fair to say that Tiffanys does make beautiful jewelry. I have only seen 2 rings from Tiffany''s in real life (i.e on someones hand outside of the store). I knew nothing about the diamonds, but I can tell you that they were bright enough and sparkling enough for me to take a second look at them then reconize that it was a tiffany setting (both girls confirmed they were from there when I got to know them better). I have seen a lot of women out there with well cut diamonds, but then they are stuck in this setting that is way to big for the diamond, and I wonder, why do so many people focus on the diamond and not the ring. The reason so much of the stuff at Tiffany''s is copied (by so many vendors here) is because it is beautiful.

On the flip side, I know where to get top line diamonds other than Tiffanys. When I got my diamond studs, I was not willing to pay a huge mark up for a generic design, so I bought elceware. 2 days ago, there was a young guy at work. He asked one of the nurses where to get his girlfriend some jewelry for Christmas. She sent him to the Tiffanys website. I saw him sitting there looking at some tiny diamond studs and shaking his head in disblief at the prices. I promptly redirected him to Whiteflash, gave him a crash course in diamonds, and showed him how much things could cost. He seemed a little calmer after that.

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 11/24/2008 7:50:14 PM
Author: tiffanyornot
It's irritating to me that a consumer has no qualms about going to get a fake Tiffany setting (even getting it custom designed), and loves it when people think it's from Tiffany's! How many of you feel comfortable with telling a bag maker to make a Louis Vuitton handbag for you?

1: Tiffany did not originate the design of many of the settings they sell.
2: I design almost all my own settings.
3: If I wanted an expensive bag I would design that too and have a local leather shop make it. (Since I am a guy I dunno why I would)

I very much prefer not to deal with sales drones the first time someone says I have to ask the boss I am out the door/hanging up/adding them to my spam list.
I will not have my time wasted in that way therefor I don't deal with them and take my money to hard working folks who are willing to earn my money with personal service.

 

[coatimundi_org]

Date: 11/24/2008 10:29:40 PM
Author: strmrdr

Date: 11/24/2008 7:50:14 PM


I will not have my time wasted in that way therefor I don't deal with them and take my money to hard working folks who are willing to earn my money with personal service.

You may not want to give your money to a corporation. I see no problem with that, but don't insult the hard working support staff of those corporations. Cup_of_t is an employee of Tiffany's, and she seems to put a lot of care into what she does. There are plenty of people who work hard at places like Tiffany. Don't denigrate their work.

Also, it is in poor taste to bash other companies in the trade.

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 11/24/2008 8:00:14 PM
Author: Wink

Date: 11/24/2008 1:22:36 PM

Author: strmrdr

Date: 11/24/2008 1:08:01 PM

Author: DiaGem

Lets give respect where respect is due

The people that I respect in the industry are those that put there own blood sweat and tears into delivering a product/service for consumers.

People such as yourself, Jon, Wink, Neil, Dave A,Paul , John, Mark Morrell, Drew Dorland, Garry, Serg, and Richard Homer to just name a few.

I have little respect for companies only people.

Mercy Buckets! Than you for including me in that illustrious list!


I appreciate it!


Wink

Hey Wink even if we disagree from time to time you earned a place on that list way back when I bought the diamond for my ring from you.

 

[Harriet]

Strm,
1. What is a corporation besides an organisation of people? Has anyone bumped into an entity named "Tiffany?"
2. Have you seen Tiffany''s Blue Book?

 

[tiffanyornot]

Date: 11/24/2008 10:29:40 PM
Author: strmrdr

Date: 11/24/2008 7:50:14 PM

Author: tiffanyornot

It''s irritating to me that a consumer has no qualms about going to get a fake Tiffany setting (even getting it custom designed), and loves it when people think it''s from Tiffany''s! How many of you feel comfortable with telling a bag maker to make a Louis Vuitton handbag for you?

1: Tiffany did not originate the design of many of the settings they sell.

2: I design almost all my own settings.

3: If I wanted an expensive bag I would design that too and have a local leather shop make it. (Since I am a guy I dunno why I would)


I very much prefer not to deal with sales drones the first time someone says I have to ask the boss I am out the door/hanging up/adding them to my spam list.

I will not have my time wasted in that way therefor I don''t deal with them and take my money to hard working folks who are willing to earn my money with personal service.

Corporations are everywhere. I don''t know why shopping for jewelry is any different than shopping for a car, clothes, or anything else. You have to see a "drone" at some point.

To respond to your points.

1. Tiffany originated the most famous setting which is copied by everyone and their mother. Even if Tiffany took a design and added their own touches, which I''m not so sure about, Tiffany''s is the one that made it famous. Think, Microsoft.
2. I admire that you design your own settings but no one is ripping down the wall to copy your settings without your authorization.
3. I was talking about telling a bags maker to make a Louis Vuitton handbag, which is like telling a jeweler to copy a Tiffany setting. I''m not proffering about designing your own bag and telling the bag maker to make it for you.

The jewelry market is big enough for everyone and I think the vendors know that. The consumers seem to be the trouble makers on this board for one reason or another. Tiffany = overpriced, salespeople suck, diamonds suck, they''re evil! Yet, Tiffany replica setting = GOOD!! Bash Tiffany''s yet imitate it? How to explain?

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 11/24/2008 11:43:24 PM
Author: Harriet
Strm,

1. What is a corporation besides an organisation of people? Has anyone bumped into an entity named ''Tiffany?''

2. Have you seen Tiffany''s Blue Book?

corporation n. A body that is granted a charter recognizing it as a separate legal entity having its own rights, privileges, and liabilities.

I shared a pizza with a gal named Tiffany does that count? Did her parents rip off tiffany?

Yes...

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 11/24/2008 11:50:30 PM
Author: tiffanyornot

You have to see a 'drone' at some point.
Wrong, closest I come to that is the checkout at the grocery store and gas station

To respond to your points.


1. Tiffany originated the most famous setting which is copied by everyone and their mother.
BBBZZZZZZZTTTT Wrong

2. I admire that you design your own settings but no one is ripping down the wall to copy your settings without your authorization.

has happened

3. I was talking about telling a bags maker to make a Louis Vuitton handbag, which is like telling a jeweler to copy a Tiffany setting. I'm not proffering about designing your own bag and telling the bag maker to make it for you.
dont know nor care who or what Louis Vuitton is....


The jewelry market is big enough for everyone and I think the vendors know that. The consumers seem to be the trouble makers on this board for one reason or another. Tiffany = overpriced, salespeople suck, diamonds suck, they're evil! Yet, Tiffany replica setting = GOOD!! Bash Tiffany's yet imitate it? How to explain?
Simple the rules prohibit vendors from doing so. Us troublemakers as you call us is what makes this board what it is.