Brand or No Brand

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

marialc121

marialc121

O.G.
Sep 25, 2010
929
287
#1
This question has come across to me ever since I got engaged and I thought it would be interesting to see what everyone thinks about purchasing jewelry/e-ring from a brand name or not. One of my girlfriends have a hard time accepting the fact that I got my e-ring at Harry Winston, whereas, I could have gotten something much bigger and better (in her terms) at the jewelry district or at some other places with the amount my DF spent.

So...if you had a choice, for the same amount of money, would you buy brand or no brand? :p
 
#2
All depends - We didn't go with a brand name designer for my engagement ring but I selected a quality ring in my opinion. Since you had the option to buy at HW, you are very very fortunate!:woohoo:
 
#3
marialc121 said:
This question has come across to me ever since I got engaged and I thought it would be interesting to see what everyone thinks about purchasing jewelry/e-ring from a brand name or not. One of my girlfriends have a hard time accepting the fact that I got my e-ring at Harry Winston, whereas, I could have gotten something much bigger and better (in her terms) at the jewelry district or at some other places with the amount my DF spent.

So...if you had a choice, for the same amount of money, would you buy brand or no brand? :p
Click to expand...

That is crazy talk. Tell me, what in the world can be "bigger and better" than your HW E-cut e-ring???
 
#4
I think as a general answer, it would depend on the style of the ring. If a style is specifically screaming the brand like Tiffanys (a la the soleste/ribbon/legacy etc) or Cartier (a la ballerine etc)... then I would go with the brand! If it's something simple like a solitaire or three stone I would probably go with a no brand setting and max out the diamond because I don't see too much "special" with the design.... so it depends on the completed look of the ring.

Don't worry about your friend! It goes for several things and not just engagement rings. My friends have a hard time stomaching how much I spend on bags and shoes.. but it's not for them and if you wear it and it makes your heart flutter and skip a beat then without a doubt that is the engagement ring for you!
 
#5
I generally go with no brand, unless the style is so unique that I can't find a similar no-brand piece. Usually that only happens with Bulgari, so most of my jewelry is no brand.
 
#6
whoops said:
I think as a general answer, it would depend on the style of the ring. If a style is specifically screaming the brand like Tiffanys (a la the soleste/ribbon/legacy etc) or Cartier (a la ballerine etc)... then I would go with the brand! If it's something simple like a solitaire or three stone I would probably go with a no brand setting and max out the diamond because I don't see too much "special" with the design.... so it depends on the completed look of the ring.
Click to expand...

I TOTALLY agree with this....
I NEVER thought I would go with the branded ring...
but I fell in LOVE with the cartier ballerine and that is what's sitting on my finger. Sure I could have gone a carat or two bigger if I went with a diamond district store...but let me tell you I love my 2 carat ballerine more than any carat size could ever dictate :D
 
#7
its really a matter of paying for a specific DESIGN. Most stones are owned by diamond dealers and on memo to HW Bulgari etc. My priority was the cut of the stone. I designed my own ring. I would only pay if I wanted Schlumberger or Cartier or a Van Cleef design etc. HW has never been known for its designs--in fact it doesnt do designs. It has always been known for stones. However they dont cut their own stones anymore. Quality certainly but not worth a premium to me
 
#8
There are 2 issues here. Will the jeweller stand behind what they sell? AND What is the quality?

If I have a guarantee and quality assurance, then NO BRAND is my choice.

Since no one will ever have access to the inside of my ring but me, is the tiny stamp inside worth it to me? Not really.

And for the record, I love both brand and NO name pieces of jewellery. It really is a personal decision.
 
#9
Contessa said:
There are 2 issues here. Will the jeweller stand behind what they sell? AND What is the quality?

If I have a guarantee and quality assurance, then NO BRAND is my choice.

Since no one will ever have access to the inside of my ring but me, is the tiny stamp inside worth it to me? Not really.

And for the record, I love both brand and NO name pieces of jewellery. It really is a personal decision.
Click to expand...

well said!
 
#11
Wow, I think your friend was a bit out of line, to be completely honest. You obviously got what you loved, so why is she raining on your parade after such a spectacular proposal and dream ring? I don't want to be harsh, but there appears to be a negative undertone to her comment as opposed to being helpful. That ship has sailed, and your ring is on your finger. So not sure why she is attempting to make you second guess your choice? You have an amazing 2.5 carat (approximately) HW on your finger, and she is talking about getting "more" down at the jewelry district? :nogood:

To me, it is absolutely worth it. HW is heirloom quality and its not just about the "stamp" inside the ring. It has a legacy and history behind it. As far as I'm concerned, you are wearing a piece of art on your finger. I don't have any issues whatsoever with non-branded rings, but I grow tired of lucky ladies like yourself having to defend your decision to purchase a branded e-ring. It's a very personal choice and to each his own.

ETA: I'm curious as to why in general it seems to be ok for ladies with branded rings to be questioned about their choice, but it's distasteful to question someone with a non-branded ring and suggest that they should of gone with Tiffany, Cartier, HW instead.
 
#12
Bentley1 said:
Wow, I think your friend was a bit out of line, to be completely honest. You obviously got what you loved, so why is she raining on your parade after such a spectacular proposal and dream ring? I don't want to be harsh, but there appears to be a negative undertone to her comment as opposed to being helpful. That ship has sailed, and your ring is on your finger. So not sure why she is attempting to make you second guess your choice? You have an amazing 2.5 carat (approximately) HW on your finger, and she is talking about getting "more" down at the jewelry district? :nogood:

To me, it is absolutely worth it. HW is heirloom quality and its not just about the "stamp" inside the ring. It has a legacy and history behind it. As far as I'm concerned, you are wearing a piece of art on your finger. I don't have any issues whatsoever with non-branded rings, but I grow tired of lucky ladies like yourself having to defend your decision to purchase a branded e-ring. It's a very personal choice and to each his own.

ETA: I'm curious as to why in general it seems to be ok for ladies with branded rings to be questioned about their choice, but it's distasteful to question someone with a non-branded ring and suggest that they should of gone with Tiffany, Cartier, HW instead.
Click to expand...


i am not sure why you are even asking these questions: we are answering the OP'S question--not giving her a hard time.
 
#13
Hermesaholic said:
i am not sure why you are even asking these questions: we are answering the OP'S question--not giving her a hard time.
Click to expand...

Wasn't trying to give her a hard time. Maybe that's your view, but that wasn't my intention. I was giving my opinion based on a comment she made and I'm not sure why you feel the need to call me out. I stayed within the topic that was posted. You respond how you see fit and I will do the same. ;) If she has an issue with my post, then I will gladly apologize to HER. Thanks.
 
#14
Well my stone is branded but not from a store like hw or tiffs so I'm kind of in the middle. Normally I don't think brands are worth it-- brands like hw and tiffs-- but when it's a design that is perfect and well made it's not worth copying it elsewhere and the money is well spent.

I honestly think your friend needs to get over it. It's not her ring or her money nor is it any of her business where the ring came from. Sure you could get a bigger ring elsewhere but the style and Brand was important to you as a couple.
 
#15
Bentley1 said:
Wasn't trying to give her a hard time. Maybe that's your view, but that wasn't my intention. I was giving my opinion based on a comment she made and I'm not sure why you feel the need to call me out. I stayed within the topic that was posted. You respond how you see fit and I will do the same. ;) If she has an issue with my post, then I will gladly apologize to HER. Thanks.
Click to expand...


I am sorry I meant no offense. I think you misunderstood me! I wasnt saying that you were giving OP a hard time but that you seemed to think some of us were ..........oh well. :smile1:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top