Cartier or Tiffany's for an Engagement Ring?

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#16
I can't speak to Cartier because I haven't shopped with them, but Tiffany's round diamonds are almost all triple Ex - and even their melee is full cut. I think it is generally assumed at Tiffany's that the diamonds are EX cut unless you ask. It is worth checking not assuming, obviously, because they aren't all EXEXEX, but they have much higher standards (on average) than just about anywhere else.

Also, why is nobody discussing ethics? For me that is the #1 reason to buy a branded diamond, if I know the brand is involved on a deeper level in ensuring the diamonds are acquired ethically (like Tiffanys). If you're buying non-branded you MUST buy Canadian.
 
#17
gonesburger said:
I can't speak to Cartier because I haven't shopped with them, but Tiffany's round diamonds are almost all triple Ex - and even their melee is full cut. I think it is generally assumed at Tiffany's that the diamonds are EX cut unless you ask. It is worth checking not assuming, obviously, because they aren't all EXEXEX, but they have much higher standards (on average) than just about anywhere else.
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Just because Tiffany's graded it tripleEX doesn't mean it's well cut, and more often than not, the angles indicate otherwise, in fact. They can call it whatever they want, they graded it in-house, it wasn't graded in a reputable third party lab. Without a report from a reputable third party lab, not the retailer's in house lab, one can take their grading with a grain of salt.

gonesburger said:
Also, why is nobody discussing ethics? For me that is the #1 reason to buy a branded diamond, if I know the brand is involved on a deeper level in ensuring the diamonds are acquired ethically (like Tiffanys). If you're buying non-branded you MUST buy Canadian.
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Does it need to be discussed?

While, yes, Canadian diamonds are 100% conflict free, that isn't the only means to guarantee you're getting conflict free stones. Most if not all vendors of that caliber doing business in the states are going to do all they can to avoid it. These things have trails and when something or someone within the field's been flagged, no one with a reputation to uphold is going to risk it.

Also, just for the record, Tiffany & Co gets their diamonds from the same siteholders as anyone else buying diamonds for resale, so they're not any more or less likely to be acquiring "ethically sourced goods."
 
#18
I don't want to start a back-and-forth, but Tiffanys grading is very consistent. GIA is considered the standard, and they have a flawed cut grading system. AGS does a better job, and every lab has their good/bad points, but the biggest marker for any lab is consistency. This would make Tiffany's lab one of the best.

And while (unfortunately) I am not Tiffany's diamond buyer, I feel pretty confident saying you are mostly incorrect. You might want to look up the Laurelton Mine and also Tiffanys exclusivity with the Ellendale Mine. These are two examples of unusual and outstanding efforts in ethical sourcing. Tiffany's also stopped selling coral during a time when it was extremely popular, and they are not selling rubies until the conflict resolves in Myanmar.

Ensuring the purchase of only ethical diamonds is, in most cases, against the economic interests of a company. Diamonds from the most trusted sources are usually more expensive, require more work, and are more limited in selection. It is rare to find retailers who are willing to do extra work, limit their stock, and pay premium prices.

If you would like to discuss this further maybe PM me? I felt those corrections were needed, but I don't want to hijack this thread with boring diamond stuff.
 
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#19
It's not boring when it's educational to all, however I am not interested in arguing with you in someone else's thread or in a PM. It's very important that people know that ensuring the purchase of ethical diamonds is the law of the land regardless of whatever cost they see imposed. If they wish to do business, that's a requirement, it's a cost of business in that industry.

Since rubies and coral were irrelevant to the conversation at hand, that's great that you did since their inclusion as evidence regarding ethics seems important to you. I know quite a bit about Tiffany sourcing, etc., probably more than I will ever share online, here or in PM, being a diamond nerd, and all. Ellendale provides them one type of stone, and that is a very small portion of their business not for lack of marketing attempts to rectify that. Laurelton Co. sources and cuts for them, but not all of their stones are sourced by and cut for Tiffany by Laurelton. Laurelton handles their proprietary stones such as their Legacy and their Lucida because they're Tiffany proprietary cuts and require complete control over all aspects of to maintain the brand, and most of their melee is also handled by Laurelton, they even built a facility specifically for it. Their standard rounds which is their biggest business, are from the same supply chain as everyone else, for now anyway. If you're in disagreement, you can take that up with me off this thread.

But if you really want to call out ethics and then say that this company in particular has stellar ethics within the industry, as far as their grading is concerned, they're simply not ethical. Since they're grading in-house, regardless of GIA's lack of solid cut grading system or whatever your thoughts on AGS might be, they are not providing the fairest or most accurate statement about the item they are selling. Their grading, however "consistent" it may or may not be, is still done by the retailer selling the stone which is not an outside and independent judge, and the retailer can call it whatever they choose to call it which in turn drives the price, which is never in the best interest of an equal playing field, nor is it particularly ethical. Doesn't stop millions from buying their diamond rings from them, however.

Back on topic. Superestrella I look very forward to seeing what you think when you've got all the bling around you and on your hands!
 
#20
Darling, this is not about brand conscious decision, it is about the design and the stone that you will wear everyday for the rest of your life. If you don't care about design, then go shop anywhere but if you love a certain design from Tiffany or Cartier, then shop with them.

Don't buy look alike design elsewhere because you will always have to answer to people "no this is not Tiffany, it looks like it only". And yes, you can get a beautiful stone from these brands too. My stone F color, VVS2, excellent cut..It will cost more from others but why short change yourself since this is something you wear forever.

Your boyfriend obviously can afford it and loves you so much that he doesn't care about money and give you the best. Embrace it dear!;)
 
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#21
To ame... It's funny the things you're saying are the same arguments I would make if I were an independent retailer trying to sell a copy of a brand-name ring. I would strongly encourage you to put Tiffany's grading to a fair test before you knock it. End of discussion, here at least. ;)
 
#22
gonesburger said:
To ame... It's funny the things you're saying are the same arguments I would make if I were an independent retailer trying to sell a copy of a brand-name ring. I would strongly encourage you to put Tiffany's grading to a fair test before you knock it. End of discussion, here at least. ;)
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Funny, you sound like a Tiffany employee sticking to a script.

As for "putting Tiffany grading to the test", I have, and I am also a G.G., which is why I am putting my educated and experienced input into this discussion, as I usually do when there's a diamond-related discussion around these parts, from a brand or otherwise. I also currently own, and have owned in the past, several items from Tiffany and other brands, including, but not limited to, my original engagement ring and my current wedding band, all but one of these items I purchased while holding my G.G. If you have an issue with me, send me a PM and don't hijack someone's thread.

Back to the topic at hand.
 
#23
whatsnext said:
Darling, this is not about brand conscious decision, it is about the design and the stone that you will wear everyday for the rest of your life. If you don't care about design, then go shop anywhere but if you love a certain design from Tiffany or Cartier, then shop with them.

Don't buy look alike design elsewhere because you will always have to answer to people "no this is not Tiffany, it looks like it only". And yes, you can get a beautiful stone from these brands too. My stone F color, VVS2, excellent cut..It will cost more from others but why short change yourself since this is something you wear forever.

Your boyfriend obviously can afford it and loves you so much that he doesn't care about money and give you the best. Embrace it dear!;)
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I agree with this! :tup:
 
#25
Did you say you guys were going this weekend to look? Call ahead to see if the store you're planning to visit has a few in stock of the Soleste and any other styles you're interested in available for viewing. Try everything on that you can. IF they let you take photos (some stores won't), do it, because then you have reference for later.
 
#26
ame said:
Did you say you guys were going this weekend to look? Call ahead to see if the store you're planning to visit has a few in stock of the Soleste and any other styles you're interested in available for viewing. Try everything on that you can. IF they let you take photos (some stores won't), do it, because then you have reference for later.
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Thanks for the advice :)
 
#27
Also been looking for a halo. Was thinking about Cartier .79 or maybe going custom from LM?

Was tempted to go with blue nile but I can't tell how good the pave looks. I know the Cartier is amazing.
Would have liked the Tiffany but there's no wedding band that sits flush
 
#28
Idk if anyone can attest for this but my coworker was telling me his plans to propose to his girlfriend and he said that he got a diamond from his grandmother and he plans to have it set in a setting at Tiffany (we work across the street from a Tiffany and Co). He also plans to buy the wedding bands there after he proposes.

I haven't done my research since I'm still quite young and single but perhaps it's an option to find a nice diamond elsewhere and have it set at Tiffany's? Just putting out more options.
 
#29
bambistyle said:
Idk if anyone can attest for this but my coworker was telling me his plans to propose to his girlfriend and he said that he got a diamond from his grandmother and he plans to have it set in a setting at Tiffany (we work across the street from a Tiffany and Co). He also plans to buy the wedding bands there after he proposes.

I haven't done my research since I'm still quite young and single but perhaps it's an option to find a nice diamond elsewhere and have it set at Tiffany's? Just putting out more options.
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They don't do that. The only exceptions that are made are when the stone is of special provenance.
 
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