Tiffany's is the Devil - Help me!

[salmon]

Firstly, I just want to say thank you to everyone on this forum. Your honest and open advice has been beyond extremely helpful in my search for the perfect H&A diamond. Now for my rant: After several weeks of research on vendors and diamonds, I decided that I probably should include my gf in on the search for the prefect ring (Setting and Diamond). It''s her ring and I want to make sure she loves it, and stares at it every second of her life. As she lives in Central America and I live in Afghanistan, we decided to use Tiffany''s Website as a start. She loved the classic Tiffany setting the most on the website, but said she needed to see the ring on her finger first. Based on her intial perference for the classic Tiffany setting, I decided to start my search for the perfert H&A diamond and a classic Mark Morell Sunburst setting (A dynamic duo- Right?). I figured, I could out shine Tiffany''s and loved the ideal of going through the search for the perfect diamond, plus I would save a little money as well (1,000 only). At any rate, around the same time, just to be sure we covered all bases, I made a appointment for her to visit the Tiffany''s in Houston. Well once she went their, she feel in LOVE with the LUCIDA diamond and the setting. SHE HAD TO HAVE THIS RING! No matter what I said, or how many pictures I showed her of other rings(Sunburst), she always put LUCIDA on TOP! What is it about this damn ring? I mean my gf is a reasonable unmaterialistic women. Hell, we both spent years in the Peace corps living on bread and water and we still live and work in developing nations. We''re basically Hippies. I''ve never seen her behave like this before. She was nuts about this ring. I felt like she was kidnapped and replaced by a drone. And she knows all too well about the powerful marketing of Major Corporations, as she worked in Marketing in San Fran before we left for the Peace Corps. At any rate,, after reading a thousand threads, my heart dropped, because I realized while you can beat a Tiffany''s classic solitaire, it''s not that simple when it comes to the LUCIDA diamond and setting. I don''t know what to do! I only saw one thread where a dvatche and princess cut came close to the Real deal Lucida, I think the poster was "eyes on Texas". She had a beautiful ring and it looked like the real thing (she never posted the specs). Everything else I saw and read suggested that even if you go for the Lucere diamond or a cushion, they will cost as much as the Lucida, plus my style is too go for a beautiful Mark Morell setting ( inspired by the Lucida), So I can gurantee a good quality setting. 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. So now that you have any understanding of my situation, please help me with the following questions. I WOULD LIKE TO ESPECIALLY HERE FROM LUCIDA OWNERS AND PEOPLE WHO COPIED THE LUCIDA WITH THE DVATCHE SETTING AND PRINCESS (regent, lucere, cushion and etc.) Here are my questions:

1. On the "eyes of Texas" thread, what cut of diamond is that in the ring, anyone know the specs. That''s the best I''ve seen on copying the Lucida.

2. Why can''t anyone come close to producing a good replica of the Lucida as they''ve done with the classic Tiffany Setting (Excel diamonds)? IT''s in all of our interest to find a solution to this "Lucida Stress". I''ve read a lot of threads and I see a Lot of guys in my situation when it comes to their gf and the LUCIDA DEVIL RING.

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?

5. CAN ANYONE WITH PICTURES SUBMIT the best Lucida replica they''ve seen with the specs (Diamond and setting). I would love to hear the opinions of you lucida owners and guys who purchased them?

6, One request, no Tiffany bashing! Just the facts and informed opinions. THANKS! Bashing Tiffany is not going to get me anywhere this time. BY the way, sorry for wasting the valuable time of you guys at GOG and excel diamonds. (YOU"RE MY HEROES!!) Just find a way to relieve the LUCIDA STRESS of men like me!

7. Would especially like to hear from Sr. threaders like Mara, Fire&ICE, CUT NUT, BRIAN, GOG folk, and all you others. You know who you are!!

I LOVE YOU GUYS AND PEACE.

 

[windowshopper]

Salmon: while i may annoy you b/c I cant help you with your goal I would like to comment on your eloquent post: its very easy to bash Tiffany's as an overpriced marketing machine and for 70% of their merchandise I would agree. Their silver and simple solitaires are their money makers and they are massively overpriced for what they are. However in their defense-- for certain cuts and specialty items you get a very fine product at a premium price. I went into Tiffany's in NYC today. I have been on a hunt for a spectacular eternity band. I found a piece that is one of their reincarnations of their vintage deco pieces. I found a wide platinum band with foliate designs in diamonds, with the leaves and trellis in sapphires and emeralds of the most spectacular hues. The band is an obscene price but it is one of two in the US ...........My point is that the workmanship was perfect--the stones spectacular. My e-ring was a pricescope project and I am pleased but my setting is a bit lopsided and It wasnt quite what I wanted. I would buy her the Tiffany ring. The hunt is fun, saving money is great but I know I would love that blue box and the engraving inside that diamond ring that makes it a valuable heirloom that in some way may compete with the savings on the stone you would realize through pricescope. Just my two cents

 

[indecisive]

I don''t think there is anything inherently wrong with buying from Tiffany''s. You just have to know that you are paying for the name, which isn''t necessarily a bad thing. If she is truly in love with the Lucida it may be better to go with what you know makes her melt. I think the Lucida is a different look then princess cuts so I would think a cushion or another modified square/rectangle shape would work better. Good luck!

 

[KristyDarling]

Salmon -- it sounds like your gf will not be happy unless you get her exactly what she wants. Clearly she has very strong feelings for the Lucida, and it''s great that you really probed her and offered her multiple options in order to confirm her preference. It''s actually reassuring that she *consistently* preferred that Lucida over everything else. You are actually a lucky guy that you now know precisely which ring will bring her the most happiness.There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying from Tiffany -- the workmanship is sure to be exceptional and the thrill of being presented with that little blue box, and knowing that what is inside is something that you LOVE (not just like), is probably worth the hefty price tag. Even though you know what your money can buy elsewhere (Mark Morrell, truly a rock star around here), in the end it''s about what she is dreaming of and lusting over! If you can swing it, I would say get the Lucida. Since that is the ONE ring that she wants, I''m guessing that anything else would probably be a disappointment to her, regardless of how beautiful it is. My two cents, from woman''s perspective!

 

[JulieN]

eyes of TX''s Lucida came from Tiffany.

 

[diamondfan]

I would have to agree with the other replies. If this is her dream ring and you can do it, you are a hero off the bat, not that you are not already! Funny, but we women can get our hearts set on something and then nothing else, no matter how nice, quite satisfies us! I think she would be more than thrilled, more like overwhelmed to see that box and get that ring!

 

[jewelryjunkie]

If you do decide to get a ring from Tiffany''s I recommend buying the Lucida on Signed Pieces and then upgrading it. Tiffany''s will allow one upgrade on all their diamond engagement rings. This way you can still get the size of stone you want but you will have saved a little money and still get the authentic ring your girl wants. And if you upgrade the ring, you will end up with a new ring even though you started with a second hand ring. Also if you upgraded the stone you get to pick the stone for the new ring.

I bought a Tiffany etoile solitaire from Signed Pieces and had the ring authenticated, and at some point I may upgrade the size of my stone. I''ll always come out ahead because I didn''t pay the full price for the original ring.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I would get the real thing from Tiffany''s. It sounds like she really wants it.

 

[salmon]

Hey guys! Thanks for a woman''s opinion and the honest reply. It confirms my Thoughts! If I go the Tiffany''s route, the benefit is, it will save me the time and effort of trying to coordinate the ring from GOG or excel to Mark and from Mark to the appraiser without having ever seen the ring. That''s a little relief, as I''m in Afghanistan. I still would like to hear other opinions and see pics. BY THE WAY JEWELRY JUNKIE, THANKS FOR THE SIGNED PIECES INFO. Is that really true? I can upgrade, even though I''m not the original owner of the ring? Great Option! I wonder how much is will cost me? Plus, I''ll get a new ring! Now that''s an option! Now we''re talking. I''ll look into it! I still need some time to save a little more cash. I want to pay for this ring in cash and be done with it forever, no credit please! Humm, The " Eyes of Texas" ring is an original Tiffany''s, that explains the authentic look! Thanks for the info Julien.

Shannon

 

[Jelly]

"...At any rate, around the same time, just to be sure we covered all bases, I made a appointment for her to visit the Tiffany''s in Houston."

That was your mistake.

It sounds like you''re stuck with Tiffany''s unless you can show her the light.

Here are some ideas.

1. Send her to Pricescope and we''ll set her straight. Or, show her what you can buy online with the same budget. If she''s a level headed gal like you said, she may have a change of heart.

2. Take her shopping to other jewelers to show her there are tons of other beautiful rings besides Tiffany rings.
The first time my fiance and I went shopping for rings, I immediately fell in love with a designer piece by Jean Francois Albert that was 10K. For the longest time I was sentimental about that ring because "it was the first time we had shopped for a ring together....wasn''t it romantic...blah blah blah."

The more I shopped, the more I fell in love with other settings. Don''t just show her pictures, get out there and let her try other beautiful rings on.

Good luck!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/18/2006 1:39:04 AM
Author: diamondfan
I would have to agree with the other replies. If this is her dream ring and you can do it, you are a hero off the bat, not that you are not already! Funny, but we women can get our hearts set on something and then nothing else, no matter how nice, quite satisfies us! I think she would be more than thrilled, more like overwhelmed to see that box and get that ring!

get her what she wants!

 

[Jelly]

"If I go the Tiffany''s route, the benefit is, it will save me the time and effort of trying to coordinate the ring..."

(I must have posted my last post at the same time as your last post)

Salmon,

I am always impressed with how men who come to pricescope come here to buy the best e-ring that their money can buy. It''s romantic how much time and effort they will put into ring shopping.

PS''ers might disagree with me, but don''t take the easy way out unless you are sure it''s the right way to go.

 

[salmon]

Jelly,

Thanks for the brutal honesty. I would love to take her out to look at more rings, but that''s impossible. As I mentioned before, she lives in Central America and I live in Afghanistan/Pakistan. The best I can do is send pictures from the net or set up the Tiffany''s appointments (The one in houston is closer to her). I want to purchase this ring by September, that''s when i''ll see her again. Thanks again for your honest advice.

 

[bex891]

Hi Salmon,

It''s got to be the Tiffany ring! Give her the ring she has fallen in love with!

 

[crafftygrrl]

Hi Salmon,

I don''t know your budget, but this (Lucinda) ring is at the Signed Pieces website. I have persaonally done business with Signed Pieces for years and have always been completely satified.

Buying the ring this way circumvents the Tiffany mark up and you get the Tiffany ring that your fiance wants.

http://www.signedpieces.com/item.cfm?item_id=2531

Best of luck and thanks for your service in Afghanistan.

 

[stermag]

Thought I'd add my 2c, even if this isn't the majority opinion right now:

Tiffany's was the first place BF and I went to when we started ring shopping. When we came home, I announced that I wanted a Tiffany solitaire, no questions. I was convinced. 100% certain.

I agreed to visit other stores because I wanted to show that my conviction was strong enough to withstand competition, but in the end, it was not.

I guess what I'm saying is that it is possible your girlfriend LOVES the Lucida because that was only the second engagement ring style she has seen on her finger (not counting the classic solitaire). I don't doubt or question her conviction right now, but what if, once you both get back to the States, where Jewelery rows are aplenty, and she has access to countless eye candy, she realizes she didn't explore her tastes and preferences enough?

She might continue to love the Lucida, but she might say "gosh, there probably are other styles I would have loved more, had I had the chance to see them on my finger."

I realize you're in a tough situation, being so far away and without access to more jewelers... but, since she already took a trip to Houston to visit Tiffany's, how about a trip to Whiteflash (also in Houston, I believe)? They might be able to line a few things up for her and give her the chance to, at the very least, solidify her opinion.

I would say that, in the big scheme of things, that little bit of extra effort is well worth it, considering what's at stake.

 

[diagem]

no short-cuts here..., no one can legaly copy the lucida!!!, and nothing comes close to it in visuality...

I your GF wants it, you are in trouble...
But look at the bright side, you are buying a ring that will turn classic with no doubt..., and you get the "Tiffany" brand, which is off-course one of the finest jewelry brands in the world today...

Good luck

 

[firebirdgold]

Go for the real deal! Nothing can beat a Tiffany''s Lucinda, and if I received one I know I''d be estatic and grateful. I think the ring appeals to a lots of women. Personally, I''ve only mentioned the Lucinda in passing to my bf since it''s not in our budget range. Did she see/try on the Lucinda bezel set?

 

[rainbowtrout]

signed pieces all the way, that's my advice.

and I have to say, at the end of this whole process, there are days when I really wish we HAD gone to Tiff's--sometimes it just isn't worth the headache.

 

[windowshopper]

BUT do we know for sure that he can upgrade the Signed Pieces ring at Tiffany''s?

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 4/18/2006 9:02:03 AM
Author: windowshopper
BUT do we know for sure that he can upgrade the Signed Pieces ring at Tiffany's?

definitely double check and make sure you can upgrade a SP ring.

There is much debate about Tiffany's on here. If she's inlove with the Tiffany ring, and you can afford it, I'd say go for it. PS is a great educational resorce and is super when trying to help people find the best deals out there. Most people buying Tiffany know they are not getting a deal, they are buying not only the diamond ring, the romantic feelings that the "tiffany blue box' brings. i think the Lucida in Gorgeous.

and Jelly, I don't think salmon was trying to take the easy way out. He was willing to do the whole custom thing if that was what his GF wanted. She doesn't and now he's grateful that he's not going to have to try and coordinate a custom project which is hard enough just being out of state. Custom always has a chance of going astray, with Tiffany's you know exactly what you are getting

ETA: whenever I see or here 'salmon" I now think of kellie on AI when she pronounced it saLmon

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 4/18/2006 1:14:00 AM
Author: windowshopper
My e-ring was a pricescope project and I am pleased but my setting is a bit lopsided and It wasnt quite what I wanted.

WS, I never knew your setting was a bit lopsided. I have heard other similar stories from others which makes me kind of nervous. I was thinking of having setting made my him in the future. I am VERY, VERY, picky, probably to the extreme, so this might pose a problem. can you elaborate?

p.s. sorry salmon for the threadjack

 

[widget]

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

I agree with everyone else. For many people there really is magic in the name Tiffany, and clearly your GF is one of those people!

I say: GO FOR IT! She''ll have a beautiful, well crafted classic that she''ll treasure forever...

Author: windowshopper
BUT do we know for sure that he can upgrade the Signed Pieces ring at Tiffany''s?

Good question, Windowshopper.

widget

 

[windowshopper]

Date: 4/18/2006 9:36:22 AM
Author: mrssalvo

Date: 4/18/2006 1:14:00 AM
Author: windowshopper
My e-ring was a pricescope project and I am pleased but my setting is a bit lopsided and It wasnt quite what I wanted.

WS, I never knew your setting was a bit lopsided. I have heard other similar stories from others which makes me kind of nervous. I was thinking of having setting made my him in the future. I am VERY, VERY, picky, probably to the extreme, so this might pose a problem. can you elaborate?

p.s. sorry salmon for the threadjack

yes--its most definitely is not perfect and not saitisfactory but it took so long --so much longer than promised and i was so thrown by all the changes to the design or lack of completion that i wanted the horrible stuff fixed and to be done with it. When they first said it was ready--from Leon--it was just terrible. Aside from the fact that it was not made as we had agreed(dimensions, size of side stones, general design--wrong prongs, only partially pave'd, the list goes on) but one side (holding the side stones) was lower than the other and there were dings and pimples in the smooth area where the bezels hold the side stones, and the beaded edge of the bezel had some inddentations where the beading was ...messed up. It is still slightly lopsided....Furthermore Leon (or whoever did the work) pave'd some parts but not others, although the diamond vendor agreed it was not what we agreed on and it needed to be fixed/completed Leon still demanded we pay him more for the additional pave even though it was not supposed to be additional--I would never use him again

 

[mrssalvo]

thanks WS very good to know. It seems to be hit or miss with him right now..or others are just more picky

I know you will be able to find a new setting that will be perfect.
and a bigger stone sure won''t hurt either

 

[windowshopper]

I am not sure what i am going to do. i really wanted the ring to be more of a solitaire with small traps but i dot what the expense of another elaborate setting for the same stone...........i may wait til i can do a real upgrade --about 1 carat and then re-use these traps with the larger stone........they wont seem so large with a bigger center...........a ways off-- $$$$$$$

 

[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!!

 

[salmon]

On yeah,

Indie Jones, she did try on the Bezel setting, but I don''t think she liked it as much. I think it has to do with the size of here fingers. She wears a size 6, but she''s very finicky about things like this. One funny story: When she was at Tiffany''s, the salesman brought out some rings above 1 carat. She told the sales person she didn''t like the bigger diamonds because "it was too big for her fingers. The Sales person responded by saying " I''ve been working at Tiffany''s for 10 years, and I don''t think I''ve ever heard a women say a diamond was too big for her fingers!

they both got a good laugh out of it! Ok guys, gotta go. Just thought I would share.

 

[angelainjapan]

Congratulations, salmon, she''s going to love the Lucida! I know I would!

I found another Pricescope member who owns a 1.07 Lucida. Here are some pics:

link

 

[TravelingGal]

Congrats Salmon, I think you will be happy with your decision...

I went to Tiffany''s recently in Seattle...their saleslady was so much nicer than the one here in Beverly Hills. I told her I was just looking and not planning on purchasing, but she must have been bored because she let me try on everything I was looking at! The Lucida IS a beautiful ring...the craftsman ship is stunning. I have tried on a vatche x-prong and it doesn''t feel quite the same. Despite rumors that Vatche does the tiffany Lucida setting, i do not think it is the same ring.

With your situation living so far away, I think the most important thing is to make this process as stress free as possible. I think you''ll be able to come here, get great service, and get the ring of your girl''s dreams. Just remember than when you go to pay for it and your heart is in your throat because of the price tag, that it will be all worth while when your girlfriend''s heart skips a beat when she sees it (and I daresay yours will go pitter patter too!)

Best of luck to you both!