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TIFFANY RING WORTH THE PRICE

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nerf14

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 13, 2007
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Hey there,

I am new to this forum - I am currently shopping for engagement rings and love the tiffany etoile.
My question is that is it worth the price?

I have tiny fingers (4.5 ring size) and would go with a smaller stone due to the band size being affected by the stone size and I would generally like a thinner band than a thick one.
To my understanding cut is the most important and if you purchase and ideal cut the colour and clarity make minimal differences....

Anywhoo I guess I am wondering if a tiffany ring is worth it or is it just overrpiced? I have not found this setting anywhere else here in TORONTO.

Thanks for your help in advance
Nerf
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Unless you are particular about having a Tiffany ring, you could definately get a fantastic stone in a similar setting for a fraction of the Tiffany price-tag. With Tiffany, you are paying a hefty pricetag for the name, so unless you are set on getting a Tiffany ring, which it doesn't really sound like you are, there are many, more cost effective options. You can get more diamond for your dollar elsewhere.

With the strong Canadian dollar, you may want to think about purchasing from one of the on-line vendors, such as Whiteflash or Good Old Gold, for example. They will work with you to find a fabulous stone that meets your criteria, and assist you in designing the ring to your specifications.
 
First question is do you have your mind set in getting a Tiffany and Co. ring? If so, why are you set on Tiffany and Co.? Are you open to other options (i.e. buying a stone and having it set?)
 
You have to decide if the tiffany brand, which commands a hefty premium, is worth paying for.

Can you get a similar quality stone and setting elsewhere? Yes and most likely it will be less expensive.

For the same amount of money can you get a stone with better specs? Yes.

This is a great time to buy in the US using non-US currency since the dollar is so weak. If you can avoid sales tax and GST, then the premium may be more bearable than those of us in the states.
 
for many, tiffany is overpriced, others find it worth it. yes, you are paying for a name, but also a well deserved reputation. There are a few Tiffany rings I wouldn''t try to replicate, the legacy being one and probalby the etoile. if it''s in your budget, i''d say go for the real deal. you will have a high quality heirloom ring that will retain it''s value for generations to come.
 
We bought a Tiffany lucida as there was no copy like it on the market and for us, we have never regretted it once. Will you be happy if you get a ring that resembles the etoile, but is not it exactly?
 
The question is if it is worth it to you. Yes you can get just as good or better quality stone for much less elsewhere, but it will not be exactly the etoile. It depends on how much you love it, and how much you would like to know you purchased it from Tiffany. You can also check signedpieces.com to see if they have any pieces there. They (signed pieces) have a good reputation, and as long as you don''t feel weird about someone else already owning your ring, it can be a nice price break!
 
I really like the etoile, but i am willing to look at cheaper options....
I am also concerned about warranty and how companies stand behind their product....in the sense that if something happens to the product they will help support it.
I know the reputation of tiffanys and their service but just not sure if an engagement ring is worth the hefty price...

Having said that i know its something to think about and i guess i wanted to post to see other peoples opinions....and i like how ppl who have bought from T&Co. have posted.

Thanks and keep the postings coming :)
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Whether or not a Tiffany ring is ''worth it'' really depends on each individual buyer.

For me as a buyer, it''s not worth it.....I can get an equally beautiful stone (if not a superior stone) at a significant savings from other sources, and I don''t care about having a "TIFFANY" piece.

But I''m not everyone, and to some people, the name is important. Only you can decide if the name is important enough to you to pay significantly more to get it.
 
Date: 11/13/2007 2:05:55 PM
Author: nerf14
I really like the etoile, but i am willing to look at cheaper options....
I am also concerned about warranty and how companies stand behind their product....in the sense that if something happens to the product they will help support it.
I know the reputation of tiffanys and their service but just not sure if an engagement ring is worth the hefty price...

Having said that i know its something to think about and i guess i wanted to post to see other peoples opinions....and i like how ppl who have bought from T&Co. have posted.

Thanks and keep the postings coming :)
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Can you please explain this? If something happens to their product? This is what jewellery insurance is for. It covers loss and damage. If you mean having the jeweller stand behind their product, then I agree with you. I only shop with trusted jewellers who are honest, are confident of the products that they sell, have a good upgrade/exchange/return policy.
 
My apologies for being unclear.
I did mean having the jeweller stand behind their product is important for me. Just as you mentioned.

I am new to buying jewelry so until now I didnt even think about insurance. Learn something new everyday:) - thanks for that

What jewellers would you recommend Chrono?
Also when looking at a the specs of the diamond you always see things like table, girdle etc...what is all that ? what does it mean? and what percentages are classified ideal cut diamonds.

Why does tiffany not get their diamonds certified by AGS or GIA for example?

I apologize for the million questions this is my first time shopping for a diamond so i guess i want to make sure i get a good one....
 
.39ct I VVS1 $3720
.44ct H VVS1 4490
.44ct G VVS1 4920 .43ct G VS1 $4340
.44ct F VVS1 5400 .39ct F VVS2 4650

above are prices and specs...remember this is US $
and there would be no tax either...
 
I believe Tiffany used to carry GIA stones but now they have their own in-house lab do the grading.

All the table, depth, crown, pavilion, etc. information tells a person about the cut of the stone. If you are up to a lot of reading, try this: http://www.pricescope.com/diamond-knowledge.aspx You''ll probably be reading for days.
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For a quick shortcut, here are the specifications for rounds that I like:
table 54-57%
depth 60-62%
crown angle 34-35
pavilion angle 40.7 to 41
polish and symmetry should be at least very good to excellent

The other thing to decide is whether you feel comfortable purchasing online or in a local Brick & Mortar store to you. Online stores like Whiteflash, JamesAllen, WinkJones, EngagementRingsDirect, etc. offer great prices because they don''t have a showroom; just an office but you can visit with an appointment. Pearlman''s, GoodOldGold, etc offer great competitive online pricing, online purchasing but have an actual store and showroom that you can visit too.

For local shopping, learning about cut and armed with your own idealscope will be your best bet.
 
Date: 11/13/2007 3:38:16 PM
Author: nerf14
.39ct I VVS1 $3720
.44ct H VVS1 4490
.44ct G VVS1 4920 .43ct G VS1 $4340
.44ct F VVS1 5400 .39ct F VVS2 4650

above are prices and specs...remember this is US $
and there would be no tax either...
The clarity of those stone are really high; you can''t see anything with the naked eye for stones down to VS2 in rounds.
For those on very tight budget, I''d recommend I SI1.
For those who like something "safe", G VS2 is a sweet spot.
For those who are colour sensitive and eagle eyed, F/G and VS1/2 would be my recommendation.
 
If Tiffany & Co pricing was not worthwhile, you''d be seeing a very highly profitiable company in big trouble. Instead, we find them doing rather well. Tiffany knows how to foster its brand''s recognition and reputation.

Just like dining out at an expensive restaurant, or buying a high end car, you make the choice if you value great service and high quality. You can get much the same for less elsewhere sometimes, but not with the degree of dependability offered by a truly top level establishment/product. Some folks would never pay full retail and would be very unhappy if they paid more than necessary. Some people would think it immoral to spend a years wages on a car. That''s fine, but other people just think and act differently.

Every business needs a standard bearer. Tiffany & Co is one of the many icons of business which people rightly associate with "The Best".
Average consumers can work around the fringes, save a few or many dollars and find comparable products for less money. Maybe they don''t have the blue box, but they may be good products of virtually equivalent quality and value.
 
AHHH...im so torn....
 
I think that this is a matter of personal choice. For me, I would rather put the money into a bigger stone than into the T&Co name. There is nothing wrong or right about it, just whatever you feel comfortable with.
 
Date: 11/13/2007 4:09:39 PM
Author: nerf14
AHHH...im so torn....


In my humble opinion, if you''re actually "torn" about buying the Tiffany ring or not, then you''re not dead-set on the Tiffany and probably would be happier with a better quality/bigger stone in a less expensive (but still high quality) setting.
 
Date: 11/13/2007 4:09:39 PM
Author: nerf14
AHHH...im so torn....

I can kind of understand how you feel. I was always dead set on getting a lucida until I joined here and realised that I could get bigger for the same money. The more I thought of it though, I didn''t really want much bigger than a one carat anyway and the lucida was still my dream ring and we could afford it. We must have looked in about 40 different stores here and abroad and none of the lucida like settings and stones were as nice as the real thing to me so we went for it. If this is your dream ring you could drop the clarity a bit to VS2 to reduce the price a bit(I think this is the lowest that Tiffany do). I got an I colour and it is so so white and I''m thrilled that I went for this colour. For me it was worth the price as it is my dream ring. Best of luck picking your ring!
 
Having recently bought a Tiff ring. I will say it was totally worth it. I didn''t even get one of their exclusive designs. Just a tiffany solitare setting with channel set diamonds. It is dazzling on the FI''s hand. She didn''t require it and in fact thought the ring was coming from somewhere else entirely.

The diamond argument is valid. You can get comparable and probably better stones by the standards used on PS for the same and less money.

The workmanship though is not. I looked at some of the retailers who do versions of Tiffany rings. I just wasn''t as impressed.

The workmanship wasn''t as fine to me and the design wasn''t as elegant.

Granted I am an absolute Tiffany honk and hope to have my wedding ring be from there.
 
I agree with what Ty Cobb has said. It is true that not all Tiffany diamonds are AGS0''s and you can find great diamonds for much cheaper elsewhere. But for me I really loved the setting, and I just didn''t want to get a copy from somewhere else. Their service was also impeccable. My husband and I move between N.A. and Asia a lot because of work, and it''s good to know that whereever we go there''ll be a Tiffany''s store to go to if something accidentally happens to the ring.
 
bee and ty cobb,

For me its not even about size as much as its quality and i know i love that ring bc i keep looking at it online.
I have tried on their other rings, been to birks and peoples, tried the legacy, six prong, lucida all the legends and the etoile i love ....
I have been looking online for similar rings but its hard to tell b/c you cannot try them on and i dont know if i want to deal with the hassle of returning...this ring i have seen and know i love...

and when i called them for a price for a small stone...they quoted me .38 G VS2 for 3700 which is less in CAD$ right now...

I have to figure out how to ask for this but also keep searching maybe i will find something cheaper.

We also plan to travel for a while abroad and so knowing that there are stores around the world makes me feel better...

More thoughts are welcome as it will help me be less torn....

Thanks everyone:)
 
Why don''t you see if Leon Mege would make it? I bet it would be gorgeous and he has beautiful pieces.
 
Hey Skippy123
I am not sure I am familiar with Leon Mege....? any leads?
i found a site but i am not sure if the right one...
 
Thanks Kissmark,
this is also important to me...
size isnt an issue as much as quality and service as i mentioned.
Also, in toronto its hard to find trust worthy jewlers and to know you arent being jacked ...
I also prefer to purchase from a store knowing im getting the product i want ....
lets see i will have to talk to the bf about this....I know he wants to buy and for me not to know...but i would hate for him to purchase and me not like it
 
Nerf14- Whether or not Tiffany's is worth it is really up to you! I have changed my opinion over the past few years...

I find the Etoile bands are a bit thick, did you not want a thick band?

I am going to go against some by saying for the Etoile, I would go with the Tiffany ring, if you find one you like in your price range. I have seen some nice similar rings elsewhere, but none thrilled me as much in-person. You can be fairly sure that while the diamonds may not be perfect, most are well-cut and Tiffany does have good standards for their diamonds. If you are worried about going with smaller jewelers, and prefer buying from a store, I would go with a Tiffany Etoile (once again, ONLY if you find one in your price range that you like!).

Some perks of owning a Tiffany ring, that are a bit fun (though not worth purchasing just for!), is that they clean and polish it for free, whenever/wherever (meaning, if you are ever on vacation, just walk in and have cleaned!). I also got mine re-sized for free twice. They also come with two certs on most diamonds, the Tiffany and the GIA Report. You will also receive an appraisal. Additional ones thereafter are $100 I believe.
 
Date: 11/13/2007 11:05:20 PM
Author: UCLABelle
Nerf14- Whether or not Tiffany''s is worth it is really up to you! I have changed my opinion over the past few years...

I find the Etoile bands are a bit thick, did you not want a thick band?

I am going to go against some by saying for the Etoile, I would go with the Tiffany ring, if you find one you like in your price range. I have seen some nice similar rings elsewhere, but none thrilled me as much in-person. You can be fairly sure that while the diamonds may not be perfect, most are well-cut and Tiffany does have good standards for their diamonds. If you are worried about going with smaller jewelers, and prefer buying from a store, I would go with a Tiffany Etoile (once again, ONLY if you find one in your price range that you like!).

Some perks of owning a Tiffany ring, that are a bit fun (though not worth purchasing just for!), is that they clean and polish it for free, whenever/wherever (meaning, if you are ever on vacation, just walk in and have cleaned!). I also got mine re-sized for free twice. They also come with two certs on most diamonds, the Tiffany and the GIA Report. You will also receive an appraisal. Additional ones thereafter are $100 I believe.
They also served us champaign, chocolate, coffee, and tea in those nice Tiffany''s china on several occations :) But at the Tokyo Tiffany''s they only chean for free, and charge a small fee for polish.
 
Hi,

I have an Etoile ring that my fiancee and I chose earlier this year. Like you, I wasn''t set at all on getting a Tiffany''s ring, in fact I was a bit against it! But when we were looking it was my favourite ring and the Etoile-inspired rings I saw didn''t look as good, and for me the price difference wasn''t worth it. I''m not saying you can''t get good Etoile-type rings because I''ve seen some very nice ones on this forum but the ones I saw in person weren''t as good, and we didn''t want to buy a stone and get it set. It depends on how much trouble you''re willing to go to, we loved being able to go to Tiffany New York and get one that fit the specs we wanted and get it resized all on the same day (we also got great customer service and champagne!).

The good thing about the Etoile is that you don''t have to get a big diamond as it suits smaller ones, and as you mentioned the band gets wider as the diamond gets bigger and it sounds like you don''t want it to get too wide. It depends on your priorities, I was never set on getting the biggest diamond, just a ring I love. You can also ask Tiffanys to get in the specific colour and clarity specs you want to make it fit your budget better. I have a 0.54 (size 5 1/4) and wouldn''t want it any bigger (I tried on a smaller one and would''ve been happy with that too). Here''s a hand shot to give you an idea of the size (not a great pic to show off the ring though!):

DSC01748.JPG
 
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