Tiffany Diamond Band E-ring

[Rick James]

Hello All,
First of all, let me just say that this is my first post, although I've been reading this board for a while and really appreciate all your insights and advice. I have done a lot of research into buying diamonds online, etc., but I am pretty much certain I will be going to the "darkside" (as some of you see it) and purchasing my e-ring from Tiffany's.
My gf and I went to a few different jewelers looking at styles, and when she tried on this ring at Tiff's I could tell right away that this was the one. It is not, however, the traditional solitaire setting, which doesn't do much for me. I am looking at the solitaire with channel set RB's on either side of the plat. band (see pic from Tiff's site attached).
The ring we looked at had a center RB H VS2 .75ct, and the total price of the ring was $7,400. I did not inquire further on the stone yet, and I am aware that this is about as low in color/clarity that Tiffany goes, but it looked better than most well-cut stones we had looked at before with higher color/clarity. And the size is perfect too, as she has small hands and is very petite.
I know full well the great debates that usually occur on Fridays, but they always seem to surround the traditional solitaire design. I'd like to know your thoughts on the possibility of getting a comparable cut loose diamond online (which I have seen for about $4-5k), with a setting that REALLY is as fine quality and design as Tiff's for less money? I personally have looked a lot and have not seen any channel settings like this that are as well made and beautifully designed, and I think that and all the other Tiffany sentimental tradition and service is more than enough to justify $7,500. Thanks for you help!

 

[valdo650]

Hey There,

I've looked into that Tiffany ring in the past. You can't find a copy of that ring on-line. You might be able to get the same diamond channel, but I haven't found anyone that does the prong settings like tiffany's for that setting. There are a number of channel settings I've seen from Vatche and Precision set. Vatche's X-Prong channel set is a good alternative, but it not as thin as that Tiffany ring. Precision set #7970 is another one that is similar. You could also probably get the ring custom made to suit your needs for less, but if you can afford the Tiffany ring just go with that. She likes it, you like it, and your not too worried about spending so much money. Seems like you found the one

.

Good luck to you and make sure you post pics for us when you propose.

 

[hoorray]

If you have the stamina to read all the way through the recent Tiffany's threads, you will see that most people simply want people to realize that they are paying a premium for the brand and specific setting. Comparable or better stones can be purchased for less elsewhere. There is nothing magic about their diamonds, but they are typicaly high quality. There is nothing wrong with buying Tiffany's as long as you make a conscious choice that all the various benefits you listed are worth paying a premium to you.

The big debate is when someone logs on and says "I want the best, so I assume that means Tiffany's......etc." You seem to know that the Tiffany's stones are comparable to stones you can buy many other places. There is nothing special about the stone specifically, but if the whole package makes it right for you, than go for it.

I think they have some beautiful designs that are often not well replicated (I won't go into the whole knock off thing here...

).

 

[ame]

My only comment about Tiffany's is that you better pray to whatever higher power you believe in that NOTHING Ever goes wrong with any part of it, that you NEVER need it cleaned or polished (if so go elsewhere) and that you never need it sized. Tiffany's has absolutely NO FREAKING IDEA how to do anythingother than sell that stuff.

*end rant*

Beyond that, its pretty and if you like it that's great. They never go below VS or H on stones to my knowledge, thats what makes it a "Tiffany" diamond or whatever that crock was.

 

[finerthings]

Ame you could not be more wrong. I have not had any problems with T&C. While there will always be someone out there that can share a bad experience with any company, I doubt that your hasty generalization about T&C holds any weight.

 

[baltneu]

I went to Tiff before buying from DI, my memory serves me that "I" is the lowest color, not "H".

 

[ame]

After two god-awful experiences with two different locations and now corporate in an over a year and a half debacle that still has not been fixed...never again..that company...no way. I cannot consider them anything positive because they tarnished their own reputation with me. T&C is the worst company I have ever had the displeasure to deal with. I won't buy from them other than the very occasional mail-order keyring as a gift.

I guess that's a hasty generalization.

I'm not saying other folks haven't had great experiences....my several horrible experiences just really plummeted any positive feelings toward what touts itself as the standard for excellent product and customer service.

That said, the ring really is gorgeous and if that's what you want, the tiffany name and that exact style, I say go for it. The reaction she had was the decider for you.

 

[MrsFrk]

I have seen many Tiffany's pieces in person, they are nice, but not mindblowing. The quality is better than say, Zales, but you could definitely find a stone as good as if not better online, and the same goes for the setting. If the name matters to you (nothing wrong with that, I drive an upmarket brand car, when a KIA would get me from point A to B just as well) than go for it. Consider this; Are you going to walk around announcing to everyone that it's from Tiffany's? Unlike a handbag with a logo, or a BMW, no one will know what "brand" it is unless you specifically point it out. 10 years from now, will you care if it's from Tiffany's? Personally, I wouldn't. You could save some $$$ buying online, and buy some earrings or a pendant for her to wear on your wedding day!

 

[Daniela]

I always advise people to get what SHE likes. She seems to like this ring, and it is indeed lovely.

PrecisionSet does have a mounting that's similar, but I think it is a four-prong. I guess you would have to figure out if she likes the Tiffany name or doesn't care one iota, and if she really likes that EXACT setting.

 

[Rick James]

Valdo,
I have looked at that Vatche setting, and it is pretty similar to most others I've found online, and like you said not as thin surrounding the sidestones. I'm not sure if I've seen the Precision Set #7970, where could I see a pic of that?

I appreciate your help. I have tried to remain open minded about finding a ring online, or getting a custom setting made, so I appreciate you all trying to help me find something that is truly comparable. Keep the suggestions coming. I am the type of person that will fully do his homework before such an important purchase, and I am generally very conservative with my spending (both of us are). So I appreciate getting advice from similar minded people who know how to get the most for their money. Thanks again!

 

[rms]

The Precision Set website is:
http://www.precisionset.com/

The #7970 is here:
http://www.precisionset.com/diamondsm2.html

I have seen Precision set in person and I love their line. Very clean and lovely. They were my first choice for a while with a very similar e-ring to what you are showing. I also spoke with a jeweler about a different Precision Set ring and asked if it could be customized a bit, and they said yes, so you might consider asking about this if you want it modified some.

Good luck!

 

[pulp_princess]

----------------
On 7/20/2004 9:49:06 PM finerthings wrote:

Ame you could not be more wrong. I have not had any problems with T&C. While there will always be someone out there that can share a bad experience with any company, I doubt that your hasty generalization about T&C holds any weight. ----------------

No, I'm with Ame. I've had problems with them too and hope that I never have to see anyone that works in their repairs department again!

Back to the original topic, I don't think you could find that setting anywhere else and it sounds like you like it too. If that's the one she wants, go on and buy it!

 

[Daisy2418]

Shot in the dark, but if you're looking for something similar, you might want to try something from A. Jaffe.

I think Mara posted awhile back about some very thin Jaffe bands with the diamonds. I believe those were wedding/eternity bands, but they might make one for an e-ring too!

Also, you might look at the Vatche Royal Crown setting with channel sets. You said that you had already looked at the Vatche, but I didn't know if that meant the X-Prong or RC.

 

[KittenKat]

Tiffany & Co... bleh.

I buy their crystal products as gifts - which is fabulous! They have gorgeous 'home' items. (Yes, they DO have beautiful jewelry too!!)

However, I wouldn't spend my money on their diamonds.

One issue that made me reluctant to purchase through them: a family member's $189,000 T&C diamond ring was 'untrackable' when she needed the prongs fixed.

I am sorry - but spending almost $200k on a ring and they cannot keep track of it? That's BAD business. (It was many months before the ring was returned with a shoddy job.)

I literally live around the corner from the Beverly Hills location - it is the one store I do not go into when I take looky-loo, weekend strolls on Rodeo.

*This is just my own personal opinion but - if you HAVE to have a diamond from a high-end jeweler.... go chat with Harry Winston. Excellent service, better quality and their prices are actually a little less than T&C. Surprisingly enough, you do not get the T&C-type attitude when you go in their store.

 

[Rick James]

I live in Chicago. I went to the Harry Winston website and couldn't find if they had a store here. I would think I could find their products here, but didn't know if they sold through other retailers or only their boutiques. Anyone know?

 

[KittenKat]

The do not sell through other retailers.

You can always call them in NYC or LA to find out how they can help you.

I am a big fan of Harry

 

[fire&ice]

Not a Tiffany fan - but -

Did she like the style of the ring or the fact is came from Tiffany's? Or both?

That Tiffany ring may have her name written all over it. Only you know your gal though.

 

[chialea]

----------------
On 7/22/2004 11:06:01 AM fire&ice wrote:



That Tiffany ring may have her name written all over it. Only you know your gal though. ----------------

Only she knows... he can only guess

 

[Rick James]

Well we had been looking all day at styles, and she was actually looking mostly at princess and emerald cuts, just because she thought that's what she liked most. She had tried on other round stones, even some hearts on fire and other nice RB's at Bailey Banks and Biddle. We had not planned to go to Tiffany's, but figured what the heck, might as well see if there's a style there that she likes, thinking we could maybe get it duplicated somewhere else. She tried that ring on, though, and I could see her heart just melt, and she couldn't stop smiling the rest of the afternoon.
I guess that is just the reaction i wanted her to have and continue to have everytime she looks at her ring. That's the ring that prompted it, after looking all day. I know she would not be dissappointed at all if I got something similar elsewhere, but I still feel like there is that special connection to that ring. Also, a bit of background, we met in college and have been together for about 3.5 years, and have lived together in Chicago for a year since we graduated. So I want to rekindle that fire and passion we had when we met in college as we proceed into this next phase, and I could see that in her eyes ever since we saw that ring. I am such a sentimental. I'll stop now, before I start making you all gag. Thanks for the help.

 

[fire&ice]

O.K. as long as she knows she can get a larger stone and/or save the money that is the reality of the Tiffany premium. Then, sometimes sentimentality prevails.

And, sometimes something just feels so right. After an exhaustive search of trying to find a water-proof watch, I ended up with a Rolex. Nothing else felt right on my arm. Nothing. Yep, paid a ridculous price for what I got - I haven't regretted it though.

Can't believe I'm falling into the buy the Tiffany camp. I must hear a duck quacking (inside joke).