Would you seek out and enjoy your branded pieces the same way if they weren't branded?

[Kim N]

Genuine curiosity for branded piece lovers: If the pieces weren't branded, and if they were priced commensurate with materials, labor, and profit for a no-name jewelry store, would you still seek them out and enjoy them exactly the same as you do now?

This can apply to clothing and accessories as well.

 

[Mrsz1ppy]

I buy pre-loved branded because they sell faster if I needed to sell them. But only if I love them!

 

[MissGotRocks]

Name brand merchandise used to always be associated with quality. That doesn’t always seem to hold true today but the draw is there for me. I like name brand purses and shoes for instance as I enjoy quality leather.

If the cut quality of an ACA diamond could have been found at Joe’s Jewelers, I would have had no problem buying it there. Sadly, I never saw or owned such a diamond from any random store. Branded pieces generally get recognition for something that sets them apart from others but it is still buyer beware. I guess for me it really depends on the item - hard to make a blanket statement that would apply to everything I buy. I don’t have to have a branded item but I do like quality merchandise. I don’t think you ever regret buying quality. I usually research what I buy and prefer to see it in person if possible. The internet can’t replace touch or smell - lol!

 

[kenny]

Brand Schmand!
I'm a quality guy, but not a status-brand guy.

I love that my Octavia did not come from a posh Octavia Boutique on Fifth Ave., costing a zillion bucks.
The only bragging right Octavia warrants is tip-top light performance, oh and extreme rarity.

But hey, who knows?
Maybe some day we'll be watching, "Breakfast at Octavias".
(It will star me, Kenny in drag as, "Tawdry Hellburn".)

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Yes a million times to Harry Winston CS rings!!!!! I did not give two figs about HW until I saw their Candy range!!!!!! It's just so colourful and fabulous and so very very very me.

Hehe I don't actually own anything branded but if I had the money, I'd buy a bunch of HW stuff purely because it's exactly everything I love about jewelry.

I think for me, I need to love the actual design. I love Radley bags but I only buy the ones with the dog, not their plain ones. I would only take a free LV or that Birken bag (is the the brand? The one with the wait-list) so I could sell it but I'd never actually want them even if I was mega rich. In the case of LV I find logos really ugly and go out of my way to avoid Logos on my clothes and bags. Cute prints all the way!!!

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

I'm genuinely curious about this as well. Branding isn't a top concern to me, I want it if it's made well or is truly unique in some way. Modern branded, even high branded, can sometimes be a bit cookie cutter ubiquitous. You pay a lot for that sameness.
If I'm paying big bucks, I'd go boutique or artisan for many things.
I want it to be one of a few, or hand made for me.

But for more pedestrian purchases branding can generally help for choice.

I need to be gilded age rich is what I'm saying. The only brand is me.

 

[sledge]

I’m not so much brand driven as I am quality driven. And I don’t perceive lowest price as best value. Just as high price doesn’t define great quality.

Rather than the name, my bigger issue with knock off’s are they usually mean lesser quality. But I also love custom made pieces, especially when you find a craftsman that loves what he/she does.

Several months back I was gifted some custom made combat axes made with much love by a Ukrainian craftsman. Brand name equivalents are about $3k or so for the pair. These are worth much more to me, yet bear no brand name.

 

[kenny]

Those will come in handy if PS brings back politics to increase traffic.

 

[LilAlex]

I'd buy a Hemmerle look-alike ring made by some nobody for a fraction of the price -- but so so far no luck...

 

[canuk-gal]

I'd buy a Hemmerle look-alike ring made by some nobody for a fraction of the price -- but so so far no luck...

Seem any Hemmerle you like on the secondary market? There are a few.

 

[LilAlex]

Seem any Hemmerle you like on the secondary market? There are a few

Really?! Not the ones I like -- those killer giant colored-stone rings in weird alloys or mixed metals (iron lined with gold, etc.) Then again, those are all six figures to start and it sounds like they only make a handful per year. But I will keep checking NextDoor and Craigslist

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

I think it depends. For jewelry - no question, I would totally buy unbranded from a jewelry store for the same piece, because I wear mostly unbranded anyway, and I buy jewelry for the design and quality.

Same goes for clothes.

For bags I feel differently. While I would never buy a handbag I didn’t love (brand notwithstanding), I pretty much only carry branded handbags. It’s just a mental thing for me. So it’s not like I bought a specific LV bag because it’s LV and I couldn’t care less for the bag’s design - I would never do that because I’d never carry it. But if tomorrow LV as a brand didn’t exist, I think I would struggle to justify purchasing my LV bag designs - not because I don’t love them, but because I value the cachet of a branded handbag. I definitely would still want at least some of my bags to be branded ones.

 

[Rfisher]

I don’t think this is answering your question-

But I bought a knock off at a local jeweler many years ago, before I knew it was a knockoff.
I enjoyed it for what it was until I realized the brand and how recognizable it was.
Never travelled out of my local podunk area back then and never followed high fashion to know better.

 

[Kim N]

Great to read everyone's responses!

I'll play too. I own only one jewelry piece with a widely known (i.e. beyond PS) brand name. I bought it because the design is gorgeous and has sentimental meaning for me. While a small part of me likes the idea that the piece has some cachet, I would have liked it even more if I could have paid an unbranded price for an unbranded piece. It could have saved me thousands of dollars, and the piece would be no less beautiful or sentimental.

 

[Lookinagain]

I'm not really sure if I'm reading your question correctly. Are you asking about buying knockoffs vs. the original? Or just buy something that isn't branded? I don't have any issue with buying something that isn't branded if it is something I like, but I do not buy knock-offs. If I want something that looks like, say, a Balenciaga handbag, I'd buy a Balenciaga and not a copy. But if I saw a handbag that I liked that was just made by any company without an attempt to copy a designer bag, I would buy it. I'm not sure though, if this is the question you are asking.

 

[Kim N]

I'm not really sure if I'm reading your question correctly. Are you asking about buying knockoffs vs. the original? Or just buy something that isn't branded? I don't have any issue with buying something that isn't branded if it is something I like, but I do not buy knock-offs. If I want something that looks like, say, a Balenciaga handbag, I'd buy a Balenciaga and not a copy. But if I saw a handbag that I liked that was just made by any company without an attempt to copy a designer bag, I would buy it. I'm not sure though, if this is the question you are asking.

Hi Lookinagain, the question isn't about knockoffs. The question is for those who already collect branded pieces. If you collect branded pieces, do you buy and enjoy them because they are branded?

Or put another way, as an example, let's say a person currently collects Brand X's ABC pieces. If they can imagine a world in which Brand X had never created ABC design, and they happened to see a piece with a similar design at a no-name jewelry store at a regular unbranded price, would they still buy it? Or is the brand name a big part of the appeal?

LilAlex and Rfisher, I just realized how my question could be misconstrued.

 

[Lookinagain]

Hi Lookinagain, the question isn't about knockoffs. The question is for those who already collect branded pieces. If you collect branded pieces, do you buy and enjoy them because they are branded?

Or put another way, as an example, let's say a person currently collects Brand X's ABC pieces. If they can imagine a world in which Brand X had never created ABC design, and they happened to see a piece with a similar design at a no-name jewelry store at a regular unbranded price, would they still buy it? Or is the brand name a big part of the appeal?

okay, now I understand. I guess my answer is the brand isn't an appeal to me. It's quality and design whether in a branded or unbranded piece.

 

[Kim N]

Yes a million times to Harry Winston CS rings!!!!! I did not give two figs about HW until I saw their Candy range!!!!!! It's just so colourful and fabulous and so very very very me.

Hehe I don't actually own anything branded but if I had the money, I'd buy a bunch of HW stuff purely because it's exactly everything I love about jewelry.

I think for me, I need to love the actual design. I love Radley bags but I only buy the ones with the dog, not their plain ones. I would only take a free LV or that Birken bag (is the the brand? The one with the wait-list) so I could sell it but I'd never actually want them even if I was mega rich. In the case of LV I find logos really ugly and go out of my way to avoid Logos on my clothes and bags. Cute prints all the way!!!

I have to post a picture here because your post made me go down a rabbit hole, and these rings are completely delightful!

 

[nala]

I think that brands offer reassurance that you are buying a piece that will retain more equity than a non name brand. Louis Vuitton has skyrocketed. I regret selling one of mine to my niece bc I never wore it much. That same purse has tripled in price in 10 years!! Rolex. Same. Price has increased and I’m lucky I didn’t sell mine off. Just a few examples.

I don’t buy branded jewelry, but I think most people here would buy a replica Tiffany setting with a stellar diamond.
I don’t buy designer clothing or shoes unless they are on sale but usually, they aren’t branded. Usually, I gravitate to their design and quality.
I could never get myself to buy certain brands bc I don’t think their price equals their quality. Bc their designs are soo highly recognizable, I avoid seeking them in non brands for fear that it seems I’m carrying a knock-off.

 

[Jambalaya]

I find that jewelry from the brand names that I have has much higher quality finishes than generic jewelry. Any beveled edges are perfect, clasps are sturdy and tight, the workmanship is really good, the pieces are overall weightier than generic pieces, the semi-precious colored stones are good specimens and well-cut, plus the aftercare service is great. I'm thinking of my pieces from Kiki McDonough, Tiffany, and Cartier. I would absolutely love them as much if they weren't branded, but you don't tend to get such lovely quality in non-branded pieces.

But I do get an extra boost from wearing something from a luxury brand, I'll admit.

The majority of my jewelry is non-branded. I love it as much as the branded pieces, but I can see that they're not the same quality. However, I don't need to have the very best quality to love my jewelry. I have MANY pieces that wouldn't pass the loupe test, but which I really love.

I judge jewelry on a piece-by-piece basis. Maybe I'm in denial, but I truly don't think I buy something because of the brand. I buy something because I love it and I think it's gorgeous. Sometimes that piece happens to be from a luxury jeweler, sometimes it's a pre-loved piece from an estate section.

 

[missy]

I am an odd duck I guess because I don't care about branded pieces. At all.
One of my rings is a Cartier ring. I would love it just as much if it was a no name ring.
For me it's the beauty and rarity of the piece not the name of the piece. I am the same about clothes and cars and everything else. I buy what I love and truly could not care less about the brand. Quality over all else. And beauty for my bling. That is #1 and honestly the only thing that matters to me

Here's my Cartier ring. I am sure most of us can agree if this was a no name ring it would not be less beautiful

 

[Austina]

I like what I like, and I wouldn’t seek out ‘branded‘ pieces for the name, or pay the premium for them.

 

[Kim N]

I find that jewelry from the brand names that I have has much higher quality finishes than generic jewelry. Any beveled edges are perfect, clasps are sturdy and tight, the workmanship is really good, the pieces are overall weightier than generic pieces, the semi-precious colored stones are good specimens and well-cut, plus the aftercare service is great. I'm thinking of my pieces from Kiki McDonough, Tiffany, and Cartier. I would absolutely love them as much if they weren't branded, but you don't tend to get such lovely quality in non-branded pieces.

But I do get an extra boost from wearing something from a luxury brand, I'll admit.

The majority of my jewelry is non-branded. I love it as much as the branded pieces, but I can see that they're not the same quality. However, I don't need to have the very best quality to love my jewelry. I have MANY pieces that wouldn't pass the loupe test, but which I really love.

I judge jewelry on a piece-by-piece basis. Maybe I'm in denial, but I truly don't think I buy something because of the brand. I buy something because I love it and I think it's gorgeous. Sometimes that piece happens to be from a luxury jeweler, sometimes it's a pre-loved piece from an estate section.

I don't own a ton of jewelry, but from what I do have, I agree with you. My one branded piece has nearly perfect finish, and I can't say that about any of the others. However, I don't own anything yet from any of the "loupe-clean" jewelers around here. But like you, I don't need "loupe-clean" in order to love a piece.

It's great to see you back, Jambalaya!

 

[Tonks]

Buying jewelry from high end brands is generally an easy way to be very sure that quality is high. Yes, I’m sure you can get that same quality in non branded pieces if you search, but I really don’t want to loupe every inch of a bracelet.

I primarily buy VCA and Cartier. They are incredibly consistent. The melee is super high quality. I have never seen anything sparkle like my VCA pave. The finish is loupe perfect, the catches are tight. And if I have an issue with any of it, I can drop my SA an email, she’ll send me a label, I will ship the piece off and she will have it repaired.

So in my mind you are paying for consistency, quality, and service. All worth it.

 

[AprilBaby]

I have several “ high end” pieces that I bought on Etsy for a song. I don’t care about the brand, I just love the look.

 

[MamaBee]

Yes a million times to Harry Winston CS rings!!!!! I did not give two figs about HW until I saw their Candy range!!!!!! It's just so colourful and fabulous and so very very very me.

Hehe I don't actually own anything branded but if I had the money, I'd buy a bunch of HW stuff purely because it's exactly everything I love about jewelry.

I think for me, I need to love the actual design. I love Radley bags but I only buy the ones with the dog, not their plain ones. I would only take a free LV or that Birken bag (is the the brand? The one with the wait-list) so I could sell it but I'd never actually want them even if I was mega rich. In the case of LV I find logos really ugly and go out of my way to avoid Logos on my clothes and bags. Cute prints all the way!!!

I have a Radley bag! I love the dog..which is why I purchased it!

 

[yssie]

Genuine curiosity for branded piece lovers: If the pieces weren't branded, and if they were priced commensurate with materials, labor, and profit for a no-name jewelry store, would you still seek them out and enjoy them exactly the same as you do now?

This can apply to clothing and accessories as well.

This is an interesting question! I think if you asked this same question in alternate venues you might get very different responses…

For me it’s not just about the piece itself - it’s also how it fits and the story behind it.

- - - - -

I have a branded necklace that’s wood in gold. It isn’t an especial design in and of itself - it’s just slabs of clover-shaped wood mounted into a gold outline. Anyone could make it.

But the wood was from a stash found in the attic of the brand’s first location. That’s a story that speaks to me, and no other creator could claim that history.

- - - - -

My ears don’t face forward exactly the same. I have a pair of branded dangly earrings that were adjusted (angled differently) to suit my ears.

It was a routine adjustment for the house - because their earrings are manufactured to allow this adjustment. They’d already considered the possible need and designed for it, no effort required on my end except to specify “how much”. That’s in stark contrast to the flabbergasted confusion I get from most custom vendors when I explain what I need.

- - - - -

I have opal drop earrings and an opal bangle that were custom pieces - made by a vendor whom I consider a friend.

We both put so much thought into those pieces. I spent months finding the right stones. She spent hours designing.

No branded pieces I’ve ever seen can compete with them, either in memories or in looks.

- - - - -

I want a pair of huggies. I tried on a branded pair and they looked and felt perfect. I don’t value this brand at all, but I’m probably going to buy those earrings because I’ve not found anything off-the-shelf that I like as much, and having them custom made would require describing everything that made them such a good fit for me - which I doubt I can do without actually owning them!

Paying the brand premium for a brand I have no personal investment in or regard for rankles, though, which is why I haven’t actually bought them yet!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

When I look at the Craftsmanship/finishing of my Cartier Caresse d'Orchidees ring I know why I love it so much. Not sure I could find this product just OTC anywhere. It isn't just the finish, it is the perfection in design and feel. And Cartier customer service (IMHO) is divine.

I have many unbranded, but custom pieces. Like @yssie @missy they represent something to me outside of being beautiful objects. And I love every last one of them (I recall how I felt when I designed them and where I was in my life. Sentimental I suppose). Besides, I love to support hardworking folks in locally owned businesses.

cheers--Sharon

 

[Kim N]

HI:

When I look at the Craftsmanship/finishing of my Cartier Caresse d'Orchidees ring I know why I love it so much. Not sure I could find this product just OTC anywhere. It isn't just the finish, it is the perfection in design and feel. And Cartier customer service (IMHO) is divine.

I agree with you, Sharon. It's my one branded piece which I fell in love with when yssie shared hers in SMTB. When I think of the details in the design (the proportions, curves, choice of onyx, and the little fingers of metal curving around the onyx), I think I wouldn't be able to find it off the shelf either. Adding a gratuitous photo here.

 

[Kim N]

Slightly off topic, but there is a VCA Alhambra piece I covet so strongly, but I struggle with the idea of buying a ubiquitous design. Like I feel like a piece from a less recognizable line would feel more special? It is a lot of money for me, so I don't want to have any regrets either way.