Engagement Ring: Budget $10K-ish. Tiffany or not to Tiffany?
- Thread starter TXU
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Tiffanys really isnt that much of a markup. I read all these forums where people say that and its simply not as bad as its made out to be. I have a Tiffany & Co solitaire ering and when we got it I did alot of research and found that for the same price as we paid at Tiffanys, I could have gotten a BlueNile diamond (identical specs) that was only 0.11 cts bigger (1.33 ct compared to 1.44 ct). Maybe this was just a specific case (I actually believe that the markup for Tiffany may be alot more at critical carat points, like the big 1ct jump) but for an 8% size markup, I'll take a Tiffany ring that I can wear proudly and that reminds me everyday that my guy thinks I'm worth going the extra mile for. Also, something about the way Tiffany cuts them just makes the diamond *pop*. I haven't found another manufactures' ring that has even come close...
Tiffany's over charges and there is no doubt you can find diamonds of equal quality and hand made mountings from other jewelers. $10k is a lot of money and will buy a beautiful ring - at Tiffanny's however, this will not buy much. If the name is important to your girlfriend, I would buy from Tiffanny's, if a beautiful ring with a certain size diamond/unique mounting is important, I would go elsewhere where you are not paying for branding. Take a look at Daniel K for wonderful mountings that are truly unique. Also keep in mind that working with a diamond broker or shopping Blue Nile will save you a lot on diamonds!
In THAT case, see if you can get into The Gift Center on Brannon St. I believe. You'll need to know someone with a wholesale/retail license or anyone else to get in if you can't yourself but its TOTALLY worth it. I love that place! I just wish I could get access into the higher level departments. /sigh
You'll still need to do your homework though!
Other than that, theres always the Shane Company
... yea the one with the annoying voice on the radio. My mom's customers say its a very good place to shop for jewelry... oh and these people have tend to have major $$$, I've never been there but you can check it out. Or go to "little India" - Fremont - and check out the jewelry places there too. Good luck!http://www.gcjm.com/
Tiffany or Cartier all the way. No question. I got a Tiffany ring and I love it. Although I think the girl should get to pick out her ring, personally my fiance almost bought a ring that was a cut that I hated, poor guy, luckily he asked me what I wanted instead.
I very much appreciate the mention!
Personally, the reason I would not like some of the sites mentioned is that they have no photos of the diamonds.
There's a good reason becasue they don;t have the diamond, only lists of diamonds.
I feel that seeing a good photo will go a long way to helping folks decide.
I really think checking out Goodoldgold.com is worth it. They have photos of the stones, among other things--sarin reports, gemscans, etc. They run tons of tests on EVERY stone they sell to make sure you don't get a dud.
And you can get a gorgeous stone significantly cheaper than at Tiffany, etc.
And you can get a gorgeous stone significantly cheaper than at Tiffany, etc.
If you don't mind buying second hand, Signed Pieces has lots of Tiffany and Cartier engagement rings for sale. The prices are so much cheaper than buying new. They are a very reputable on-line source.
Great suggestion, they are. I have purchased both new rings (Facets Collection) and second-hand items through them and the quality is unmatched for new rings, and the service is unmatched in every aspect.
I am such a fan I should go freakin work there.
