BRILLIANT post about Tiffany diamonds by Todd from Nice Ice

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#31
This is a great post, thanks for the information Ame!

From my experience with Tiffany, the SA's are able to provide details (angles, depths etc) prior to the purchase of a diamond as they have this information on hand in the boutiques.

However, they are not able to provide the inclusion plot (not sure what it's called exactly) as it's sent directly from head office I believe, after the purchase (which may take up to 3 weeks to receive!). I am a little worried about this (I'm currently going through an upgrade with Tiffany searching for the right diamond with Ame's amazing knowledge and support!), however, since I have no choice in receiving this plot beforehand, I'm hoping that if I stick to ideal angles/numbers and a VS2, I'll hopefully receive something I can live with!

I have also experienced Bluenile (helping a family member with the purchase of an e-ring) and received it last week on his behalf. It is BEAUTIFUL! The customer service was also really quick in terms of answering my questions and it sparkles like crazy (thanks Ame again! lol).
 
#32
Dany_37 said:
^^ But I don't understand why you wouldn't be able to give out specific details. If I am spending my money, I should know as much about the product I'm purchasing as possible and if you can't tell me, then you don't get my money!! Now I do understand them maybe not wanting you to take paperwork of theirs out of the store for fear you'll go somewhere else and comparative shop BUT you can do that anyway so I don't get the 'secret society' of it all. It just make them look sneaky if you ask me and kind of deceptive...not saying Tiffany's is, just seems that way.

All in all, my experiences at Tiffany's have all been quite satisfying BUT of course my DH wasn't purchasing something as major as an engagement ring. I love my ring and don't think I would ever want to change it BUT if I ever did, my experiences going the custom route have been excellent. If I ever did go the designer route, I'm thinking VC&A or Harry Winston's. I've heard good things about them from friends...have you all?
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Just based on my own shopping experiences there, I'd say they're about the same, in terms of secrecy and more concerned about color and clarity than they are about cut quality. That's just my experiences in going in there. When I would ask to view reports they would ask me "why do you ask, all of our stones are of the highest color and clarity available". And I would say "because I like to know the angles to confirm cut quality, which is more important to me, as well as actual plots. They would simply say, in the snottiest tone ever, "well I assure you, we wouldn't sell something inferior." Well your assurance means jack diddly to me!

Regarding your first point/question...more than likely it's "the less you know, the easier you are manipulated." They're also most likely playing on your emotions, hoping you or he falls in love with something and does whatever it takes to get it, even if it's not the best cut there is, or slightly out of reach financially. I think they're banking on a less educated consumer, more interested in the brand and what it implies, than an educated one coming in with the money to spend. I firmly believe a truly educated diamond consumer wouldn't go with a brand unless the brand really evoked something emotional for them or it was a specific cut or unique setting or stone not out there in any way elsewhere.
 
#33
aaluv said:
This is a great post, thanks for the information Ame!

From my experience with Tiffany, the SA's are able to provide details (angles, depths etc) prior to the purchase of a diamond as they have this information on hand in the boutiques.

However, they are not able to provide the inclusion plot (not sure what it's called exactly) as it's sent directly from head office I believe, after the purchase (which may take up to 3 weeks to receive!). I am a little worried about this (I'm currently going through an upgrade with Tiffany searching for the right diamond with Ame's amazing knowledge and support!), however, since I have no choice in receiving this plot beforehand, I'm hoping that if I stick to ideal angles/numbers and a VS2, I'll hopefully receive something I can live with!

I have also experienced Bluenile (helping a family member with the purchase of an e-ring) and received it last week on his behalf. It is BEAUTIFUL! The customer service was also really quick in terms of answering my questions and it sparkles like crazy (thanks Ame again! lol).
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YAY! I am glad it is amazing! Why are there no friggin pics...???

The good thing, hopefully, is that when those rings (that ring? how many will you finally get to see at the end of that eternity!!??) you can hopefully see them under a microscope, and view the inclusions. Stones are graded at 10x magnification as "standard" so they'll likely show you at that power, and maybe greater power. But what you need to do first is see the stone(s) bare eyed and see what you think then. THEN view under magnification to see that plot that way. The paper report with the plot coming later is pretty idiotic. But that's their mode of operating...I still think it's absolutely bogus crap that you have to wait this long to get one sent to you. They can seriously overnight anything, it's not that big of a process. Fedex, anyone!?
 
#35
ame said:
YAY! I am glad it is amazing! Why are there no friggin pics...???



The good thing, hopefully, is that when those rings (that ring? how many will you finally get to see at the end of that eternity!!??) you can hopefully see them under a microscope, and view the inclusions. Stones are graded at 10x magnification as "standard" so they'll likely show you at that power, and maybe greater power. But what you need to do first is see the stone(s) bare eyed and see what you think then. THEN view under magnification to see that plot that way. The paper report with the plot coming later is pretty idiotic. But that's their mode of operating...I still think it's absolutely bogus crap that you have to wait this long to get one sent to you. They can seriously overnight anything, it's not that big of a process. Fedex, anyone!?
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No pictures yet because I would feel guilty taking pics of a ring (that doesn't belong to me) and before he even proposes lol

I know, this waiting is crazy. Apparently with Tiffany it's a customs thing. From Asia to US to Canada - atleast 3 weeks longer to wait. =(
 
#36
ame said:
You maybe should look into getting a 10x loupe in advance, and learn how to use it with your current ring.
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That's a good idea, maybe I should do that! They might think I'm crazy, but I'm so interested in seeing it now - especially with all my new found knowledge! lol Where in the world do you suggest I purchase one of these and are they super expensive and difficult to use? =)
 
#37
Who cares what they think. It's something that will give you a chance to see what you're buying. You're coming in more educated with a tool to prove that you are educated.

You can get them a lot of places and in a lot of price ranges. They are easy to use but take some getting used to. I would try it on a non-important ring first so you can get used to holding it and not whack anything.

A few options:
A great one, one I use a lot:
http://www.ottofrei.com/Bausch-and-Lomb-Hastings-Triplet-Loupes.html
from amazon canada if you don't want to pay US:
http://www.amazon.ca/BAUSCH-LOMB-Ha...8735852&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=Bausch+&+Lomb


Less expensive option, great quality. I have a 10x and a 30x from here, besides my higher end stuff, that I carry in my purse so my good loupes are not lost/stolen.
http://www.widgetsupply.com/product/BCU40.html
 
#38
Ame, thanks so much for posting this article!

I literally laughed out loud while reading it... then I started thinking about how Tiffany seemingly [read: *purposely*] dupes its disciples, err, I mean PATRONS! ...yeah, that's it, their patrons - and it made me a little nauseated. :sly:

Now, I'm sure Tiffany has some gorgeous stones... they do... somewhere they do... :cue crickets: :D

It really makes me sick that ppl think, "if it's from T&Co, it's the best..." Ummm, wait a minute - NO. That has been proven time and time again on TPF and PS. It simply means that you or your SO plunked down a lot of money for a name, with ZERO knowledge of what you were purchasing, trusting that they sell "only the best". I cannot BELIEVE the SAs will not give angles or show a freaking plot! I mean... wait a minute - WHAT??!! :eek:

Sadly, unless a shopper comes in with the proper education, knowing what they want (AND the determination to stand firm), I'm afraid they'd be completely taken advantage of... which, unfortunately, seems to be what T&Co depends on. It's sad that our society will just take their word for something of such importance and EXPENSE. Hell, I know men and women that do more research on running shoes than that! :what:

Fortunately for Tiffany, there are thousands of consumers who will happily "drink the blue-box Kool Aid" and assume their ring is awesome. I mean, it HAS to be... it is from TIFFANY, after all. :D

Disclaimer: Tiffany has some gorgeous settings, and I truly believe some are real works of art... There is nothing wrong with dreaming of owning a Tiffany ring. What I have a problem with is the misconception that every diamond Tiffany sells is of only the best quality, simply because Tiffany sold it.

This concludes my rant. *stepping softly off my soapbox*

Carry on. :D
 
#40
ame said:
Who cares what they think. It's something that will give you a chance to see what you're buying. You're coming in more educated with a tool to prove that you are educated.

You can get them a lot of places and in a lot of price ranges. They are easy to use but take some getting used to. I would try it on a non-important ring first so you can get used to holding it and not whack anything.

A few options:
A great one, one I use a lot:
http://www.ottofrei.com/Bausch-and-Lomb-Hastings-Triplet-Loupes.html
from amazon canada if you don't want to pay US:
http://www.amazon.ca/BAUSCH-LOMB-Ha...8735852&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=Bausch+&+Lomb



Less expensive option, great quality. I have a 10x and a 30x from here, besides my higher end stuff, that I carry in my purse so my good loupes are not lost/stolen.
http://www.widgetsupply.com/product/BCU40.html
Click to expand...

Thanks Ame for the loupe info! ..may try your less expensive option! So with this loupe, I'll actually be able to see inclusions? I'm afraid I won't know what I'm looking for and will miss things. With a VS2, do you think inclusions would be obvious under the loupe? tks!
 
#41
luciness said:
When I bought my ring the SA said he can't print out the inclusion map because it'll be deceptive if there is a black spot or dirt on the paper..
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:wacko::push:
aaluv said:
Thanks Ame for the loupe info! ..may try your less expensive option! So with this loupe, I'll actually be able to see inclusions? I'm afraid I won't know what I'm looking for and will miss things. With a VS2, do you think inclusions would be obvious under the loupe? tks!
Click to expand...

Yes and in a VS2 they will be very obvious under a loupe. Get your report out so you can get the plot in front of you and see what you're looking for.
 
#42
msop04 said:
Ame, thanks so much for posting this article! D
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Sure thing. I don't want to discourage anyone from getting what they want. I just want to make sure they go in educated and don't let themselves get taken. It's easily done in the heat of the moment. Get the best for your money, and make the SA do the work and take the time to FIND the best.
 
#43
ame said:
Sure thing. I don't want to discourage anyone from getting what they want. I just want to make sure they go in educated and don't let themselves get taken. It's easily done in the heat of the moment. Get the best for your money, and make the SA do the work and take the time to FIND the best.
Click to expand...

...since we can't all have the "Sweet Home Alabama" experience... :p
 
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