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dari · Jan 9th, 2009, 11:13 PM

hi ladies,

i have a wonderful dilemma.....my mom has offered to buy me a watch and a pair of earrings.....she gave me a budget of $14,000-$16,000 only. i can go over that a little, but not too much. i am having a tough time deciding which it is i want, i have too many wants and not enough money to go around

can you ladies help me narrow it down:

2 or 3 tcw diamond studs with pave diamonds around the middle (around $7,000-$9,000)

3 tcw diamond hoops (around $3,000-$4,000)

rolex two tone ladies datejust with diamond markers and mop face ($8,640 at 20% off)

or the same rolex watch but instead of mop face, a silver face, and that would be $2,000 cheaper (is mother of pearl worth it for an additional $2,000?)

and last, a chanel j12 (plain, no diamonds).....around $4,000?

i know this is a wonderful problem to have in this economy and i realize my blessing (i hope i dont come across the wrong way to anyone)......i'm trying to figure out which would be the best way to spread the budget mom gave me. i would LOVE diamond pave studs, but i think hoops would go better with my life style (mom to 6 month old, very casual in dressing).....and while i have wanted the chanel j12 for a long time now, i am thinking in the long term a rolex would retain better value. and i am still undecided if the mother of pearl face is worth the extra two grand.

Loganz · Jan 9th, 2009, 11:22 PM

I love diamond studs - you can/will wear them always, and for all situations. However, I would not do studs with pave - I would just do a nice pair of 2-3 ctw studs. You can get 2ctw for $3-4k and probably get 3ctw for $6k or less (check pricescope).

Regarding the watch: I would think you could afford the Rolex and some studs if you went the solitaire stud route.

I have a j12 and really haven't been wearing it that much anymore. It is a nice watch - but, I wear my SS watches more often for some reason. The benefit of the J12 is its durability - you said you have a baby - the ceramic is VERY durable.

Well whatever your decision you will have fun shopping, that is for sure!

barcreperie · Jan 10th, 2009, 11:17 AM

I'd go with the 2 sets of earrings at the cheaper end of their range, and the Rolex. That should put you pretty much at budget. I'd pass on the J12, I think it'll soon look dated.

katyman · Jan 10th, 2009, 11:29 AM

It depends if you have a rolex already..

I would go for rolex then the J12 watch. I have a rolex watch before I bought the J12 and I agree with Loganz comments on the J12 that the watch is durable.

foxytnns · Jan 10th, 2009, 12:25 PM

I agree- I'd go with diamond studs as you'll get the most use out of them and the Rolex because it's just so classic and like you said will probably retain value over time. Congrats on whatever you get! You're a lucky lady!

jan228 · Jan 10th, 2009, 04:38 PM

I think the first thing you should do is go out and try on all of the watches/earrings you're considering to see what "speaks to you." I know a lot of people who think that diamond hour markers in Rolexes are definitely worth the extra money because it just refines the overall look of the timepiece. You might feel MOP is worth it after comparing the dials. You'll have to judge for yourself in person.

My husband, who is very well informed on jewelry, says that the best choice by way of getting something you like and getting something that will retain it's value is to go with a Rolex. The most desirable models at the moment are the ones with the meteorite faces. I saw a ladies Rolex the other week with stainless steel and rose gold with diamond hour markers on a meteorite face for $10k retail. It was gorgeous. If you decided on that, you'd still have enough for the pave hoop earrings.

The best price you will find on two 1 carat solitaires (2cttw) is around $8k if they're anything that's quality. On stones this big, you'd want at least SI1, and sticking around G-H color will get you the best value. Keep in mind $8k is like the diamond district price. Expect as high as double at a name brand retailer. Also make sure they exceed 1.00 carats (.99 is not a full carat).

Good luck with your decision. If your mom ever wants to adopt another daughter, I can send over my references. My MIL loves me!

yezero · Jan 11th, 2009, 06:27 AM

You're right that Rolex will tend to hold their value longer. However this is restricted to certain models of certain desirability. From experience women's Rolexes (i.e. Datejusts) tend to depreciate much faster compared to the male models; i.e. Submariner, Yachtmaster & Daytona etc.

With a budget of $16,000; I think you should go crazy and pick up one of these. It's a J12 Reference H1339. (432 diamonds totalling 3.14 carats)

tweetie · Jan 11th, 2009, 10:06 AM

My bias is towards Rolex since I don't believe in buying watches from brands that are not primarily watchmakers. Agree with the comments about the ceramic J12 being a trend.

I would pick the Rolex that suits you best after trying them on, then use whatever money you have left for solitaire studs or hoops. I would skip pave personally.

Very generous mother BTW - I had to laugh when you said $14000 to $16000 only. I don't think my mother has ever given me sich a generous shopping budget aside from my wedding related stuff!

Kitsunegrl · Jan 11th, 2009, 10:19 AM

Have you thought about diamond studs and getting diamond jackets with them? That way you have 2 different looks for them?
What a generous mom!
Please let us know what you decide!

chanel-girl · Jan 11th, 2009, 11:42 PM

I would say the Rolex and Diamond studs since they are timeless and classic and you will wear them forever and they will never be out of style. I would go with the MOP since I love it and to me it was worth the extra money. You have to see it in person and decide to know for sure. I Would go with studs without pave diamonds around the stone and then as another poster suggested, buy jackets. That way you can wear them as simple studs or with the jackets. You may not always want the pave around the studs either. Also, as other posters have mentioned the prices you have listed for studs is around the diamond dealer price, NOT the retail price which is roughly double so you should expect to pay over $7000 for good quality studs of that size. Your so lucky to have such a generous mother! Have fun!

yslalice · Jan 11th, 2009, 11:50 PM

Originally Posted by Kitsunegrl

Have you thought about diamond studs and getting diamond jackets with them? That way you have 2 different looks for them?
What a generous mom!
Please let us know what you decide!

great idea!
i would do diamond studs (the jackets are a great way to change the look) and the rolex with the silver face.

ahertz · Jan 12th, 2009, 12:34 PM

^^ Ditto!

ambreit · Jan 12th, 2009, 02:05 PM

^^ditto ditto...

shells · Jan 13th, 2009, 09:58 PM

i vote plain diamond studs - they go with everything, and in my opinion are more casual that 3ctw diamond hoops....as for pricing of $8k for 2ctw, i think you can get a better deal unless u want amazing stones (and why would u, they are in ur ears!) G-I and an SI1 or SI2 clarity should be good enough for earrings, just make sure they are cut pretty well. i also vote rolex for its timelessness. good luck deciding, i wish i was in ur position!

dari · Jan 16th, 2009, 06:08 PM

thanks so much everyone for your responses! i love love love this forum. if i had posted this anywhere else i would have gotten not-so-nice comments, but you ladies are so helpful and friendly. after working on it all week, i finally found an authorized dealer who did 26.5% discount on the rolex....

so it comes up to almost $8,000......i have roughly $9,000 left i can spend. the same dealer said she could get a chanel j12 for 20% off for me....that would be $3,320 and would leave me with about $6,000 if i were to get the j12. i'm still thinking about the j12 though.

i went to look at diamond studs and the jeweler priced it so high. one diamond with a H color and SI1 clarity was priced at $6,xxx.....i thought that was much higher than what i saw on pricescope (thank you ladies for the pricescope recommendation). it makes me kind of want to give up on the studs though because i'm bad at negotiating prices and since that jeweler is selling it at almost doulble pricescope prices, its going to be tough getting him to come down.

Jan 9th, 2009, 11:13 PM	#1
dari OP Member Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 312	too many wants and not enough money hi ladies, i have a wonderful dilemma.....my mom has offered to buy me a watch and a pair of earrings.....she gave me a budget of $14,000-$16,000 only. i can go over that a little, but not too much. i am having a tough time deciding which it is i want, i have too many wants and not enough money to go around can you ladies help me narrow it down: 2 or 3 tcw diamond studs with pave diamonds around the middle (around $7,000-$9,000) 3 tcw diamond hoops (around $3,000-$4,000) rolex two tone ladies datejust with diamond markers and mop face ($8,640 at 20% off) or the same rolex watch but instead of mop face, a silver face, and that would be $2,000 cheaper (is mother of pearl worth it for an additional $2,000?) and last, a chanel j12 (plain, no diamonds).....around $4,000? i know this is a wonderful problem to have in this economy and i realize my blessing (i hope i dont come across the wrong way to anyone)......i'm trying to figure out which would be the best way to spread the budget mom gave me. i would LOVE diamond pave studs, but i think hoops would go better with my life style (mom to 6 month old, very casual in dressing).....and while i have wanted the chanel j12 for a long time now, i am thinking in the long term a rolex would retain better value. and i am still undecided if the mother of pearl face is worth the extra two grand.
dari OP Member Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 312	__________________

Jan 10th, 2009, 11:17 AM	#3
barcreperie Member Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,538	I'd go with the 2 sets of earrings at the cheaper end of their range, and the Rolex. That should put you pretty much at budget. I'd pass on the J12, I think it'll soon look dated.
barcreperie Member Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,538

Jan 10th, 2009, 11:29 AM	#4
katyman Member Joined: Jul 2006 Location: Bruneian but not in Brunei... Posts: 143	It depends if you have a rolex already.. I would go for rolex then the J12 watch. I have a rolex watch before I bought the J12 and I agree with Loganz comments on the J12 that the watch is durable.
	__________________ My Shopping Blog

Jan 10th, 2009, 04:38 PM	#6
jan228 Sofa King Banned Joined: May 2008 Posts: 1,650	I think the first thing you should do is go out and try on all of the watches/earrings you're considering to see what "speaks to you." I know a lot of people who think that diamond hour markers in Rolexes are definitely worth the extra money because it just refines the overall look of the timepiece. You might feel MOP is worth it after comparing the dials. You'll have to judge for yourself in person. My husband, who is very well informed on jewelry, says that the best choice by way of getting something you like and getting something that will retain it's value is to go with a Rolex. The most desirable models at the moment are the ones with the meteorite faces. I saw a ladies Rolex the other week with stainless steel and rose gold with diamond hour markers on a meteorite face for $10k retail. It was gorgeous. If you decided on that, you'd still have enough for the pave hoop earrings. The best price you will find on two 1 carat solitaires (2cttw) is around $8k if they're anything that's quality. On stones this big, you'd want at least SI1, and sticking around G-H color will get you the best value. Keep in mind $8k is like the diamond district price. Expect as high as double at a name brand retailer. Also make sure they exceed 1.00 carats (.99 is not a full carat). Good luck with your decision. If your mom ever wants to adopt another daughter, I can send over my references. My MIL loves me!
jan228 Sofa King Banned Joined: May 2008 Posts: 1,650

Jan 11th, 2009, 10:06 AM	#8
tweetie Member Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,624	My bias is towards Rolex since I don't believe in buying watches from brands that are not primarily watchmakers. Agree with the comments about the ceramic J12 being a trend. I would pick the Rolex that suits you best after trying them on, then use whatever money you have left for solitaire studs or hoops. I would skip pave personally. Very generous mother BTW - I had to laugh when you said $14000 to $16000 only. I don't think my mother has ever given me sich a generous shopping budget aside from my wedding related stuff!
tweetie Member Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,624	__________________ Highlights of tweetie's collection

Jan 9th, 2009, 11:22 PM	#2
Loganz raining cats & dogs Joined: Dec 2005 Location: in the doghouse Posts: 4,531	I love diamond studs - you can/will wear them always, and for all situations. However, I would not do studs with pave - I would just do a nice pair of 2-3 ctw studs. You can get 2ctw for $3-4k and probably get 3ctw for $6k or less (check pricescope). Regarding the watch: I would think you could afford the Rolex and some studs if you went the solitaire stud route. I have a j12 and really haven't been wearing it that much anymore. It is a nice watch - but, I wear my SS watches more often for some reason. The benefit of the J12 is its durability - you said you have a baby - the ceramic is VERY durable. Well whatever your decision you will have fun shopping, that is for sure!

Jan 10th, 2009, 12:25 PM	#5
foxytnns Member Joined: Sep 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 137	I agree- I'd go with diamond studs as you'll get the most use out of them and the Rolex because it's just so classic and like you said will probably retain value over time. Congrats on whatever you get! You're a lucky lady!

Jan 11th, 2009, 06:27 AM	#7
yezero [Insert Quote Here] Joined: Dec 2008 Location: Sydney Posts: 36	You're right that Rolex will tend to hold their value longer. However this is restricted to certain models of certain desirability. From experience women's Rolexes (i.e. Datejusts) tend to depreciate much faster compared to the male models; i.e. Submariner, Yachtmaster & Daytona etc. With a budget of $16,000; I think you should go crazy and pick up one of these. It's a J12 Reference H1339. (432 diamonds totalling 3.14 carats)

Jan 11th, 2009, 10:19 AM	#9
Kitsunegrl Cartier in 2009! Joined: Nov 2006 Location: Cajun Country Posts: 7,768	Have you thought about diamond studs and getting diamond jackets with them? That way you have 2 different looks for them? What a generous mom! Please let us know what you decide!
	__________________ Lorretta

Jan 11th, 2009, 11:42 PM	#10
chanel-girl Member Joined: Jun 2007 Location: CT Posts: 930	I would say the Rolex and Diamond studs since they are timeless and classic and you will wear them forever and they will never be out of style. I would go with the MOP since I love it and to me it was worth the extra money. You have to see it in person and decide to know for sure. I Would go with studs without pave diamonds around the stone and then as another poster suggested, buy jackets. That way you can wear them as simple studs or with the jackets. You may not always want the pave around the studs either. Also, as other posters have mentioned the prices you have listed for studs is around the diamond dealer price, NOT the retail price which is roughly double so you should expect to pay over $7000 for good quality studs of that size. Your so lucky to have such a generous mother! Have fun!

Jan 12th, 2009, 12:34 PM	#12
ahertz Member Joined: Jul 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 4,256	^^ Ditto!
	__________________

Jan 12th, 2009, 02:05 PM	#13
ambreit bag/acc luvr Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 698	^^ditto ditto...
ambreit bag/acc luvr Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 698

Jan 13th, 2009, 09:58 PM	#14
shells will work for bags! Joined: Nov 2007 Location: nj Posts: 916	i vote plain diamond studs - they go with everything, and in my opinion are more casual that 3ctw diamond hoops....as for pricing of $8k for 2ctw, i think you can get a better deal unless u want amazing stones (and why would u, they are in ur ears!) G-I and an SI1 or SI2 clarity should be good enough for earrings, just make sure they are cut pretty well. i also vote rolex for its timelessness. good luck deciding, i wish i was in ur position!
	__________________ dreaming of more chanel....

Jan 16th, 2009, 06:08 PM	#15
dari OP Member Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 312	thanks so much everyone for your responses! i love love love this forum. if i had posted this anywhere else i would have gotten not-so-nice comments, but you ladies are so helpful and friendly. after working on it all week, i finally found an authorized dealer who did 26.5% discount on the rolex.... so it comes up to almost $8,000......i have roughly $9,000 left i can spend. the same dealer said she could get a chanel j12 for 20% off for me....that would be $3,320 and would leave me with about $6,000 if i were to get the j12. i'm still thinking about the j12 though. i went to look at diamond studs and the jeweler priced it so high. one diamond with a H color and SI1 clarity was priced at $6,xxx.....i thought that was much higher than what i saw on pricescope (thank you ladies for the pricescope recommendation). it makes me kind of want to give up on the studs though because i'm bad at negotiating prices and since that jeweler is selling it at almost doulble pricescope prices, its going to be tough getting him to come down.
dari OP Member Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 312	__________________

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