help me decide. Birkin or Jewelry?

[Christiflora]

To me, jewelry isn't a big deal unless we are talking about very high quality diamonds of at least one carat. If it is ordinary jewlery such as a gold necklace with small diamonds or semi-precious stones, I would no doubt choose a birkin.

Based on the items discussed here, I guess we are talking about some money about $10,000. If it were me deciding, I would sell the stocks (which can be risky to keep) and invest in some moderate risk mutual funds for 5 to 7 years. Per my experince, this investment can easily double in this time period. By then, I'll use the money to buy myself a birkin with change (for shawls and scarves perhaps) or a better rock, (because I know for sure that the apperciation rate for either a birkin or regular jewelry will at best increase by 30%-50%)

 

[LaBoheme]

Ok TPF. I have done the research. I have realized I have to pay a reseller for an overpriced Birkin because I don't live anywhere near a store. So here is the question. I just recieved stock benefits which are purely for fun and do not affect me financially whatsoever. My husband will never buy me a handbag as much as a birkin costs in my lifetime. This is my only play money I will ever have without my husbands say in it. I have always wanted a Birkin.
But there are other desires of course... A Van Cleef and Arpels Magic Alahambra Necklace with a 6 point motif and a Chaumet White Gold, double chain, Half Diamond Paved, Spider Web Necklace with an Amythest middle. Both pieces of jewelry are easily obtainable unlike the birkin. AND this type of jewellry will be heriloom quality.
An overpriced birkin costs just as much as both pieces of jewelry. So do I buy the jewelry or the bag? I feel bad cashing in stock money to buy something overvalued. I feel like I should buy something worthy at fair retail value, but I don't think my husband will ever fork over cash for an overpriced birkin from a reseller.
So what does a gal do? Does she splurge on an overpriced bag of her dreams from a reseller or does she buy baubles of her delight at fair value that will stay in great value? And should I just wait to find a birkin on ebay, talk my husband into it, find one in Paris, or here is a creative- when I am in a five star hotel in Europe make my butler go to the Hermes store and fetch me a birkin (with a large tip involved)...

I saw one in a magazine at my mom's over the weekend. It's such a cute design! I want a bracelet now. arrggh!ush:

 

[frankswife]

LOL! I'm descended from a long line of purchase-smuggling, closet cleaning, Goodwill-donatin' women..

I thought I was the only one whose purchases had to spend time in the purgatory that is the trunk of my car waiting until the coast was clear!

I think you just have to ask yourself what feels the most special?

 

[alice87]

I vote for the birkin. Somebody once explained to me when I started wearing glasses (after being told they are AGE-related! I was SO insulted!) that you should never skimp on your glasses frames or even the lenses, because you wear them every day.

So the real question for you is: would you wear the jewelry a lot, or would it be "special occasion"? If the answer is special occasion, get the birkin, because believe me, you will wear it every day and enjoy it every day! And it's shown that it will stand the test of time - it's been fashionable for a long time, and will be for years to come. The others here will let you know more about how/where to get one if that's what you choose. Oh, and I think all the jewelry you mentioned is first-rate, too. Best of luck to you!

I really like Van Cleef Arpel line and it is very wearable for everyday wear. But between handbag and jewelry I would probably vote for jewelry, although I almost 100% agree with the above statement.

 

[mistikat]

I'd like to know what the OP decided.... having bought and sold jewelry for a long time, I can say that unless you are getting a real statement piece, generally by an established designer, there is very little value in jewelry resale, to most people's shock when they do try to resell.

But ... you should always go with what really moves you. And there will always be other opportunities for both bags and jewelry so don't feel as though it's a now or never decision. Hope it worked out!

 

[chaneljewel]

I'd have to say the Birkin since my DH buys me jewelry...like some others said, my DH doesn't even begin to understand my love of fab bags/shoes so would never spend the dollars on them. It's also about how often you'll wear the jewelry vs. the Birkin. I think all of us would have different opinions on this so it really depends on how much you want each. Let it 'set' for awhile and maybe the answer will just 'happen'. I personally wouldn't pay huge amounts over retail for the Birkin but, as I'm doing now, would be patient to get one from my SA. Good luck with your decision..these things are rarely easy for any of us!

 

[oregonfanlisa]

I'd like to know what the OP decided.... having bought and sold jewelry for a long time, I can say that unless you are getting a real statement piece, generally by an established designer, there is very little value in jewelry resale, to most people's shock when they do try to resell.

Absolutely true. Thank you Mistikat.

I want to know what she did too!! I hate threads that dangle ...