Tiffany's is the Devil - Help me!

[gailrmv]

hi! I would keep an eye on signed pieces because they might have a 1 carat lucida on there before you need it. Do not worry about it being used - what do you think Tiffany does with the trade-up diamonds? Diamonds are used all the time.

Also if you change your mind, I have the vatche x prong and I compared it in person with the lucida. (I have a round stone, was not trying to replicate the lucida). Anyway, in person, it was very, very similar although perhaps not IDENTICAL. The prongs crossed in the opposite order if that makes sense and I also think the angle of them was just a tad different. But while I was in the store, the salelady commented on my lovely Lucida, which it was not.

 

[valeria101]

Date: 4/18/2006 1:01:24 AM
Author:salmon


Therefore, I figure I will spend at least 8,000 on the diamond and setting alone, which is only two grand short of the cost for a real Tiffany's Lucida I color, VS2 clarity, .92.

How's that - .9cts I/vS2 fancy-something shape would be around 3.5k. Mark's solitaires are not that expensive, are they?


Anyway... these rings are not a 'practical' purchase. And unless your girl would care for a larger diamond, it makes no sense to rationally optimize everything about it.

If she does... it could be 1.5cts square radiant instead.

 

[squarediamondlove]

I agree with Valeria, in that you can get the same or better quality diamond similar in cut to tiffany lucida with a much larger size. The thing is that the lucida diamond is a nicely cut but in large part its far from ideal. When I went to Tiffany a number of times I compared my diamond to Tiffany lucidas and my diamond clearly outperformed some of them. Also, my 1.97ct looked clearly and noticable larger than their 2.25ct. So its something to consider.

Take a look at this one at GOG - I am almost sure that the cut on this one is better than most Lucidas you will see in Tiffany and it is a 1.5ct F color for $8,380 somthing.

Also look into the square H&A at GOG, they are absolute knockouts when it comes to peformance of squarer cut stone - the peform very similarly to round H&A.

I do think however that you will pay a similar price (in the 8,000 range) for an ideal cut square that is about 1ct, but is D color VVS as you would for the Tiffany lucida I color VS2. So in that sense, if you don't care for color or size as much as you care about knowing its Tiffany, than I guess its worth it! Just make sue that you realize that many people may not notice that its Tiffany - so consider the price and the product with the question of do I still want it even though no one may ever notice its Tiffany?

I really love one of the Tiffany diamond wedding bands, but will probably go with GOG to replicate it for me if the price is substantially lower. However, if there is barely any difference in the price (which I doubt) I may just get the Tiffany.

 

[princessv]

Date: 4/18/2006 1:24:18 PM
Author: Kaleidoscopic
I agree with Valeria, in that you can get the same or better quality diamond similar in cut to tiffany lucida with a much larger size. The thing is that the lucida diamond is a nicely cut but in large part its far from ideal. When I went to Tiffany a number of times I compared my diamond to Tiffany lucidas and my diamond clearly outperformed some of them. Also, my 1.97ct looked clearly and noticable larger than their 2.25ct. So its something to consider.

Take a look at this one at GOG - I am almost sure that the cut on this one is better than most Lucidas you will see in Tiffany and it is a 1.5ct F color for $8,380 somthing.

Also look into the square H&A at GOG, they are absolute knockouts when it comes to peformance of squarer cut stone - the peform very similarly to round H&A.

So true....I was a Lucida girl (that''s what I wanted even if it was .75 ct and I knew I could get bigger elsewhere and this was pre-PS) until I was blown away by the Jubilee cut on PS. I''ve been in the Charlotte, NC Tiffany''s where a saleslady commented on my ring and asked me what cut it was, etc. She even let me compare it to a .95 ct Lucida (don''t remember the specs now) and my Jubilee clearly blew away the Lucida. Also, my Jubilee was in a trellis solitare setting similar to the Lucida''s and there was just no comparision.

I think it needs to be stated that it doesn''t seem like all Lucidas are cut equally...I have seen some that are better performers than others..same for the Legacy as well. If you do decide to purchase at Tiffany''s go in there with an Idealscope so you can compare the light return/leakage on the diamonds that they have picked for you.JMHO

 

[squarediamondlove]

Date: 4/18/2006 1:29:27 PM
Author: Princess V

Date: 4/18/2006 1:24:18 PM

Author: Kaleidoscopic

I agree with Valeria, in that you can get the same or better quality diamond similar in cut to tiffany lucida with a much larger size. The thing is that the lucida diamond is a nicely cut but in large part its far from ideal. When I went to Tiffany a number of times I compared my diamond to Tiffany lucidas and my diamond clearly outperformed some of them. Also, my 1.97ct looked clearly and noticable larger than their 2.25ct. So its something to consider.


Take a look at this one at GOG - I am almost sure that the cut on this one is better than most Lucidas you will see in Tiffany and it is a 1.5ct F color for $8,380 somthing.


Also look into the square H&A at GOG, they are absolute knockouts when it comes to peformance of squarer cut stone - the peform very similarly to round H&A.

So true....I was a Lucida girl (that''s what I wanted even if it was .75 ct and I knew I could get bigger elsewhere and this was pre-PS) until I was blown away by the Jubilee cut on PS. I''ve been in the Charlotte, NC Tiffany''s where a saleslady commented on my ring and asked me what cut it was, etc. She even let me compare it to a .95 ct Lucida (don''t remember the specs now) and my Jubilee clearly blew away the Lucida. Also, my Jubilee was in a trellis solitare setting similar to the Lucida''s and there was just no comparision.


I think it needs to be stated that it doesn''t seem like all Lucidas are cut equally...I have seen some that are better performers than others..same for the Legacy as well. If you do decide to purchase at Tiffany''s go in there with an Idealscope so you can compare the light return/leakage on the diamonds that they have picked for you.JMHO

I would have suggested to him the Jubilee cut, but unfortunately I don''t think Johnathan at GOG sells it anymore. Personally I think the Jubillee shape looks much more attractive than the lucida. Also given GOG''s strict selection of diamonds, the diamond you will get there will definately outpeform the Lucida.

What PrincessV says is very imprtant when you go to Tiffany to select the ring - realize that they are NOT all equally cut and there is a lare range of quality of cut in the lucida, so you have hand pick the best cut you see. I too would suggest using the idealscope

 

[princessv]

I think if one is truly interested in the Jubilee cut, you could always call the cutter and get the 411 on what''s going on with the inventory. GOG unfortunately did not have any Jubilees in my specifications at the time we were looking...I decided to bite the bullet and call the developer in NY and he had one but also insisted on sending another one that he apparently knew I''d love to a jeweler he picked in our area. So I had the best of both worlds..PS searching and the ability to see the Jubs in person. Turned out I loved the one that he sent and picked that over the D VS smaller one

 

[diamond_quester]

Hi Salmon, does your GF know about Tiffany''s amazing lighting? I don''t mean to knock Tiffany''s. Was there this morning. The engagement rings were all stunning with fantastic worksmanship. Some Lucida rings were more sparkly than others and the best ones were absolutely beautiful. However, knowing that Tiffany''s round diamonds are not better than other top-of-the-line diamonds and then seeing them look so much better at the store makes me wonder how much of their attractiveness is due to the display. I expect that outside the store, those rings will still look great but not seem like they are leagues above everything else. That''s when one starts to second-guess the price premium. So, just saying that expectations of Tiffany vs other stores should be realistic.

 

[squarediamondlove]

diamond_quester is right about the lighting,

Next time you walk into Tiffany, bend down and look under to the display glass by the end of the counter. They put tons of little tinny lights right under the edge of the display case on top (so that you can''t see them). So the diamonds in the display case look a lot really really good. Also the lighting generally there is very good and you should not expect your diamond to look like that all the time once you buy it.

 

[mrssalvo]

Every jewelry stone has special lighting. Most people know there is premium to a Tiffany ring. To some it''s worth it, to others it''s not. Salmon''s gal may be hoping for the whole Tiffany experience and he is very willing to give it to her. Let''s not take that away from them

 

[diamond_quester]

Mrssalvo, I don''t mean to take anything away from their Tiffany''s experience and definitely think that Tiffany has nice rings. For me at least, at Tiffany''s it seems like all the diamonds have extra oomph and nothing else can possibly come close.

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 4/18/2006 3:42:39 PM
Author: diamond_quester
Mrssalvo, I don''t mean to take anything away from their Tiffany''s experience and definitely think that Tiffany has nice rings. For me at least, at Tiffany''s it seems like all the diamonds have extra oomph and nothing else can possibly come close.

I hope you didn''t think I was only responding to just you. Tiffany threads so easily go to how you can get better cut stones other places etc. for far less money, which I do believe is true. But to some, Tiffany still holds that something special and after Salmon posted he was going to do a 1 carat a bunch of posts came in with other options, better pricing, store lighting etc. Which is great if he asked what better options are out there, but he didn''t, so I was just saying let''s let them enjoy what they want

 

[princessv]

Date: 4/18/2006 3:49:18 PM
Author: mrssalvo

Date: 4/18/2006 3:42:39 PM
Author: diamond_quester
Mrssalvo, I don''t mean to take anything away from their Tiffany''s experience and definitely think that Tiffany has nice rings. For me at least, at Tiffany''s it seems like all the diamonds have extra oomph and nothing else can possibly come close.

I hope you didn''t think I was only responding to just you. Tiffany threads so easily go to how you can get better cut stones other places etc. for far less money, which I do believe is true. But to some, Tiffany still holds that something special and after Salmon posted he was going to do a 1 carat a bunch of posts came in with other options, better pricing, store lighting etc. Which is great if he asked what better options are out there, but he didn''t, so I was just saying let''s let them enjoy what they want

I agree I wasn''t trying to talk him out of going to Tiffany''s and I apologize if it came across that way. I definitely see the allure of Tiffany''s and it''s a great place to purchase a diamond from (one could do much much worse

Zales anyone?) I was just giving my 2c on the experiences I''ve had Tiffany''s.

 

[widget]

Author: widget
Wow!!! This is the most ''Tiffany-friendly'' thread I''ve ever seen on PS!!!

I guess I spoke too soon....

I''m with you, mrss!


widget

 

[Diam100]

Salmon - Get her the Tiffany Ring. I''ve said it before in other threads & I''ll say it again here "listen carefully to what she wants!"

Just an fyi.... My ring came from T&Co and I have yet to find a GIA pear with excellent on symmetry/polish. It took the Pepsi/Coke challenge next to my new 2.5ct RB (non-tiffany) and I have to tell you the Pear stood up pretty well.

So get her what makes her happy if it''s not bankrupting you...

 

[Jelly]

Did you read the Salmon's first post?

Date: 4/18/2006 1:01:24 AM
Author:salmon

3.Should I just go ahead and get the real thing, since that's what she wants and it will probably be only two thousand more expensive than A good copy? It's not the money, I just enjoy the damn HUNT!!!!!!!! and putting it together myself. I feel Like it's better and far more romantic than walking into Tiffany's and handing over a wad of cash.

4. Are there any other options I can explore?

 

[Small]

I like the idea of scheduling other appts with WF or on a jewelers row just to get her out and looking. I was given the first and only shape I tried on 7 years ago(because that''s what I wanted) and to this day I wish I would have not been so narrow minded (even I did that with my wedding dress

) and would have been open to trying on other shapes to see what they looked like. While I still like my original e-ring (marquise) I definitely would not choose it today and in fact just purchased a RB that I wear pretty much daily.
IF she goes out and sees what else there is to be had and tries on more square cuts...ie radiants, cushions, jubilees, etc and still prefers the tiffany lucida then by all means get her what she wants. But I really do encourage you to try and get her out to see what else is available...if for nothing else but comparison sake. Good luck!

 

[portoar]

Hi, it''s easy to be concerned about being ripped off by Tiffany''s. Sure, if she wasn''t fixed on the Lucida (gorgeous diamond and setting) you can save some money by buying ring and setting somewhere else. The important thing to remember is that Tiffany''s jewelry is, for the most part, very beautiful. If that''s what she wants, go for it. I am shopping for a gold bangle and after looking at all my options, will probably go with Tiffany and not mind the markup.
I was going to suggest Signed Pieces but see that someone beat me to it. That''s a great route to go as well. I''ve purchased from SP and have been happy with my jewelry.

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 4/18/2006 4:18:17 PM
Author: Jelly
Did you read the Salmon's first post?

Date: 4/18/2006 1:01:24 AM

Author:salmon


3.Should I just go ahead and get the real thing, since that's what she wants and it will probably be only two thousand more expensive than A good copy? It's not the money, I just enjoy the damn HUNT!!!!!!!! and putting it together myself. I feel Like it's better and far more romantic than walking into Tiffany's and handing over a wad of cash.


4. Are there any other options I can explore?

Did you read his later post?

Date: 4/18/2006 10:26:54 AM
Author: salmon
Well,


I have to say you guys have been nothing but honest and open about this purchase. So, i'm going to take your advice and go for the 1 carat Lucida. I guess that means no imported beer eh! I'll purchse it in September, when I head to the States again. I'll make sure to purchse it in a Tax Free state. And because you guys have been so cool, I'm, make certain to post the pictures. I haven't seen many pictures of Lucida around here with the exception of 'Eyes on Texas'. Maybe I can live my dream of finding here the perfect H&A diamonds online via earrings. Yeah, that sounds like a plan. I'll pick up the ring at Tiffany's and get earrings at Excel or GOG. Man, YOU GUYS ARE TOOOOO COOOL! Thanks for relieving the Lucida Stress. I'm glad I don't have to think about this anymore. Have a beautiful day guys! It's getting dark over here, and I need to get to the house. See Ya!!

After he asked for options, he said the above..then more options kept coming. that was the only point I was making

 

[Jelly]

I apologize. I just didn''t see anything wrong with discussing other options besides Tiffany''s.

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 4/18/2006 6:49:00 PM
Author: Jelly
I apologize. I just didn't see anything wrong with discussing other options besides Tiffany's.

there isn't anything wrong with it. I just think once he said he made his decision, throwing out tons of options and starting to pick on Tiffany's should be reserved for a different thread. Just my .02. obviously, ya'll can post whatever you want and Salmon can chose to do whatever he wants

 

[Jelly]

Mrs. Salvo, I see your point.

Salmon must post pics when he gets that ring and I''ll eat my words! hehe

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 4/18/2006 7:04:04 PM
Author: Jelly


Salmon must post pics when he gets that ring and I''ll eat my words! hehe

He said he''d come back and post pics..only time will tell. We will all probably be a long forgotten memory by then

 

[Diam100]

Date: 4/18/2006 7:06:41 PM
Author: mrssalvo

He said he''d come back and post pics..only time will tell. We will all probably be a long forgotten memory by then

Yeah that maybe true but He''ll never forget my "Neon Blue Radioactive Struttin Kitty" forever on this thread..

 

[Jelly]

LOL Diam, or my dancing Hurley and Charlie. (hope you LOST fans can appreciate my avatar)

 

[Allisonfaye]

I see some lucidas on ebay. I don''t know if you would consider that or not but you might check it out.

 

[squarediamondlove]

I think most of us just wanted him to have KNOWLEGE of ALL THE FACTS before deciding to go with Tiffany. This way we are sure he made an informative decision and will likely not regret this decision.

 

[Mara]

PS is all about education, options, discussions....and honestly to me it doesn't matter if someone may have made a decision....people can still add their two cents or opinions of course, they may fall on deaf ears. No biggie.

I am totally late to this thread, salmon (lol i totally think of pick pickler too!!)...I don't have too much to offer other than that if you do want to get the Tiffany for your gal, go for it!! But if you are still exploring other options, definitely check into pricing more. I do agree with the others who said that you could probably get a larger stone in a similar shape to the Lucida (Regent or Jubilee or Square H&A) with probably better light performance for the same price as a smaller Tiffany. BUT yes of course it's not the authentic thing and it doesn't come in the blue box etc.

So in the end you really know your gal a little better than we do...does she like size or does she like knowing she has a ring that came from Tiff? For me personally, I'm a size gal and I'd love a larger, better performing stone but that's just me.

Anyway, you asked for other options and opinions and you got a lot here...in the end whatever you choose people on here will still ooh and ahhh over your stone and ring! Please do post pictures.

Lastly, if by 'Tiffany Friendly' implies that it's positive ONLY if everyone says rah rah get the Tiffany's...I tend to disagree....we can be respectful and polite with opinions and still not always agree.

 

[aljdewey]

Most people know there is premium to a Tiffany ring.

Yes, that's true......but most also mistakenly think that the premium is partly do to *superior* stone quality not available elsewhere, and that's not true.

I'm all in favor of folks buying wherever they want, including Tiffany's. I'd just hate for people to mistakenly think that the Tiffany premium covers 1) the Tiffany experience, 2) the "brand', and 3) superior stone quality.

For those who know and understand that comparable quality diamonds can be obtained elsewhere, and that they are paying for the brand and the experience, that's fabulous. Go for it. To some people, the Tiffany's experience or the 'authentic Tiffany setting' IS worth the premium, and if it is, they should choose Tiffany's without hesitation.

 

[aljdewey]

Oh....almost forgot. I DO see merit in a discussion continuing regardless. It''s likely that the OP won''t be the only person facing such a situation, so suggestions could be helpful to folks down the line.

Also, I personally don''t think people shouldn''t have to keep good ideas to themselves just because they came in late to a thread. Could be that someone brings a new perspective that makes someone rethink yet again. It''s all good.

I often think that people''s preferences ARE subject to change as they become exposed to a wider range of options/choices. When I hadn''t really gone "shopping", I had seen a radiant and fell in love with that look. If I hadn''t seen anything else, it likely would have absolutely been what I wanted. But as I saw more options and looked at more stones, my preferences changed.

I often think the same is true for many others.....she sees a ring at one store (Tiff''s or Robbins, or BBB, etc.), and loves it......becuase it''s the nicest she''s seen to date. No telling, though, if she saw more choices.....would her "dream ring" change?

I think that life experience stuff is helpful to folks.

 

[squarediamondlove]

Aljdewey, its so totally true.

Sometimes, something seems sooo great, then when you learn more and get exposed to more when you go back to it, it may not seem so great anymore. I know when I knew nothing about diamonds, I used to think lucidas were the most beautiful cut I had ever seen. However now, after getting exposed seeing so many diamonds, when I went back to see the lucida I don't know what I saw that was so special. I can tell right away where the leakage areas are and the shape doesn't seem as unique anymore. However, it is still a great cut, don't get me wrong. I think your perspective changes the more you know.