Help! My first luxury jewelry item! Cartier/Tiffany/VCA??

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ugaugauga

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Jan 30, 2021
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#1
Hi all! New member here :smile:

I would like to buy myself a birthday/graduation gift soon and with that, starting my (luxury) jewelry collection. I don't have any jewelries yet (only some Swarovski that I wouldn't wear anymore + a watch) and for the first item, I would like to buy something that can be worn every day (at work (office), holiday, restaurant,...) and something that I will still like in many many years. My budget is around 1000$-2000$. I am a bit unsure about getting a necklace, bracelet or ring, since I dont have any of them. So far I have been eyeing these items:

1. Cartier diamant legère in the small size (0.09ct) + Cartier love wedding ring --> I really like the ring but am unsure about the necklace. The diamond is pretty small for the price and I am not sure if I will still love it in a few years? On the other hand, it's classy and really beautiful. I am 5"7 (175cm) and quite slim (56kg) so not sure if the diamond will be too small for my size?

2. Cartier diamant legère in the large size (0.17ct) --> Not sure if the upgrade of the diamond size is worth the extra $1000? Is there even a noticeable difference between the sizes? But this is also a classic piece with a classic design, so... Or should I wait and save for an C de Cartier, which I also like a lot? (But then I have to wait some time and this wouldn't be a graduation gift).

3. Cartier diamant legère bracelet in the small size (0.09ct) + Cartier love wedding ring --> love the bracelet and ring but idk, a necklace would be nicer than a bracelet (I work a lot on computer and cook a lot, it might get in the way. And it's not that "visible")

4. An other option would be the Tiffany DBTY. But I've read a lot of critics about this necklace (poking) and I think the chain is a bit too thin. The design and diamond are amazing though. If you recommend this necklace, which size should I get?

5. Tiffany T smile in the small size. Really a beautiful necklace but I am not sure about the very thin chain.

6. VCA RG or carnelian necklace or bracelet in the sweet size --> I actually plan to get a VCA MOP in the vintage size some day (but not as a first item since it can not be worn 24/7) so maybe rather a Cartier/Tiffany first? What do you think?

Or does anyone has other suggestions? I am open for other options :smile: Earrings would also be nice

As you might have noticed, I am quite indecisive. I don't have any experience with luxury jewelry items. As a student, I've worked hard to save the money and want it to be well spend. Can someone help me? :smile:
 
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#2
Since you saved up the money, I would suggest you go to a local/private jeweler. You will get the most bang for you buck there. The pieces may not be signed, but if you aren't into the resale market, why would it matter what their reselling price would be?

You could also buy loose diamonds, and then bring them to a jeweler to set. This can be very economical, especially if you opt for lab diamonds instead of natural. You can google companies that sell loose diamonds, and ideally each diamonds should have it's own photo and 360 video to view online. James Allen is an example of one website.

If you insist on luxury, I would put Tiffany's at the bottom of the heap. Tiffany diamonds are certified by Tiffany, whereas the "gold standard" for certified diamonds are GIA diamonds. Cut can really affect how a diamond reflects light, and Tiffany's idea of a "perfect" cut differs from everybody else, and well, math. I used to really want a Tiffany Soleste, until I tried it on. Maybe it was the store, but all the Solestes weren't as sparkly as I hoped they would be.

As for what kind of jewelry, consider what you currently wear most often. I don't really wear rings, yet I buy fine jewelry rings... still don't wear them. I love earrings though, since I can always wear earrings.

What line of work do you expect to do? Not all office jobs are strictly office jobs. If your qualifications also line up with on-site work, like some engineering positions, jewelry can be seen as a potential hazard and/or it might get ruined easily.

Lastly, you're young. There's nothing wrong with wearing Swarovski if that's in your budget. Since you are young and just starting out, it might be better to put your savings toward more lucrative investments. I have a friend that will be 28 this year (she's older than me), and she still lives off of an allowance from her parents. Ever since we met in college, and up to now, she still blows her paycheck and allowance on frivolous things.

She looks down on me for having contemporary bags and Swarovski jewelry, even though my luxury collection is actually larger than hers. What I'm trying to say is, don't feel like you have to chase luxury just yet. Stick to what you can afford and build your savings, so that when the time comes, you have a healthy cushion of fun money.
 
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#3
daisy913 said:
Since you saved up the money, I would suggest you go to a local/private jeweler. You will get the most bang for you buck there. The pieces may not be signed, but if you aren't into the resale market, why would it matter what their reselling price would be?

You could also buy loose diamonds, and then bring them to a jeweler to set. This can be very economical, especially if you opt for lab diamonds instead of natural. You can google companies that sell loose diamonds, and ideally each diamonds should have it's own photo and 360 video to view online. James Allen is an example of one website.

If you insist on luxury, I would put Tiffany's at the bottom of the heap. Tiffany diamonds are certified by Tiffany, whereas the "gold standard" for certified diamonds are GIA diamonds. Cut can really affect how a diamond reflects light, and Tiffany's idea of a "perfect" cut differs from everybody else, and well, math. I used to really want a Tiffany Soleste, until I tried it on. Maybe it was the store, but all the Solestes weren't as sparkly as I hoped they would be.

As for what kind of jewelry, consider what you currently wear most often. I don't really wear rings, yet I buy fine jewelry rings... still don't wear them. I love earrings though, since I can always wear earrings.

What line of work do you expect to do? Not all office jobs are strictly office jobs. If your qualifications also line up with on-site work, like some engineering positions, jewelry can be seen as a potential hazard and/or it might get ruined easily.

Lastly, you're young. There's nothing wrong with wearing Swarovski if that's in your budget. Since you are young and just starting out, it might be better to put your savings toward more lucrative investments. I have a friend that will be 28 this year (she's older than me), and she still lives off of an allowance from her parents. Ever since we met in college, and up to now, she still blows her paycheck and allowance on frivolous things.

She looks down on me for having contemporary bags and Swarovski jewelry, even though my luxury collection is actually larger than hers. What I'm trying to say is, don't feel like you have to chase luxury just yet. Stick to what you can afford and build your savings, so that when the time comes, you have a healthy cushion of fun money.
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Hi daisy913, thank you so much for taking time to help!
As for your first point, I actually live in a country where local/private jewelers are almost as expensive as the luxury brands such as Cartier, Tiffany's etc. The price difference is really insignificant and an item from a well known brand hold its value better than a private jeweler - so from the value point of view, I really prefer a luxury brand.

What you said about Tiffany - I agree. I just think the price does not justify its quality. They have really nice designs however. But you're right, I prefer much more a Cartier piece tbh. As for the price point, I've put every month a bit on the side for buying a (luxury) jewelry :smile: I do plan my finances carefully and have already some investment plans. As I have achieved a "milestone" in life (masters degree), I just want something nice to treat myself :biggrin:
My job will be fully in an office in front of a computer. It will be entirely inside a building/office. I don't want something that is outstanding and chunky. It should be something nice, that fits both in an office AND a nice evening out. I would say as a first luxury item I would prefer a necklace, ring or eventually a bracelet over earrings.
 
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#4
It sounds like you really like the idea of a diamond station necklace, and I think this would a great classic 24/7 forever piece. But I’d strongly suggest you not focus on Cartier or Tiffany for such a piece.

Bluenile and James Allen both offer build-your-own diamond bezel-set pendants, and for less than $1000 you can get a 1/4 carat or even bigger, rather than the measly stones offered by Cartier. For this style, no one will know what brand it is...it’s all about the stone itself!

Then if you want to get a brand piece, you can get something like a Love ring or VCA Alhambra piece, something that is classic and synonymous with the brand.
 
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#8
missie1 said:
I would go with diamond station necklace with the largest stone I could afford. Also you might want to consider a stone from a vendor with great upgrade policy. I currently love VCA and a sweet necklace would be awesome piece that you can dress up or down. Also it would be start of your VCA journey.
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BrandSnob said:
I’d personally want either the large Cartier necklace or the vca sweet necklace. Both timeless, classy and feminine.
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Thank you both! I was/am unsure about the sweet size since a lot of people mentioned that it would be too small. What do you think? Or would it be better to save and get the vintage size? If the sweet size, which stone would you recommend? MOP, carnelian or RG? also, bracelet or necklace?
 
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#9
ugaugauga said:
Thank you both! I was/am unsure about the sweet size since a lot of people mentioned that it would be too small. What do you think? Or would it be better to save and get the vintage size? If the sweet size, which stone would you recommend? MOP, carnelian or RG? also, bracelet or necklace?
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I prefer MOP as first piece as it will go with more. I do think vintage size necklace will be needed at some point as I find the sweet good necklace good for layering.
I current have MOP lucky butterfly necklace and the sweet butterfly bracelet. I plan to add rg sweet heart necklace to layer with lucky butterfly. Here’s a pic of what I have and one with me wearing the sweet butterfly bracelet. I think the sweet bracelet can be layered with so many things. It was my first purchase.

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#11
missie1 said:
I prefer MOP as first piece as it will go with more. I do think vintage size necklace will be needed at some point as I find the sweet good necklace good for layering.
I current have MOP lucky butterfly necklace and the sweet butterfly bracelet. I plan to add rg sweet heart necklace to layer with lucky butterfly. Here’s a pic of what I have and one with me wearing the sweet butterfly bracelet. I think the sweet bracelet can be layered with so many things. It was my first purchase.

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Beautiful!!! Thanks for the photos! (The lucky bracelet (the one at the bottom on the first picture), not sure what it is called is really breathtaking!!!! I think I will save for a vintage size as a necklace. The sweet size would be just too small at some point. The MOP butterfly bracelet is beautiful too! How do you handle with washing hands? Since the MOP cant get wet...
 
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#12
ugaugauga said:
Beautiful!!! Thanks for the photos! (The lucky bracelet (the one at the bottom on the first picture), not sure what it is called is really breathtaking!!!! I think I will save for a vintage size as a necklace. The sweet size would be just too small at some point. The MOP butterfly bracelet is beautiful too! How do you handle with washing hands? Since the MOP cant get wet...
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Thanks it’s actually called the lucky bracelet. The sweet has jump ring so I wear it tighter. Also never had problem with washing hands. Which vintage necklace are you considering
 
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#13
missie1 said:
Thanks it’s actually called the lucky bracelet. The sweet has jump ring so I wear it tighter. Also never had problem with washing hands. Which vintage necklace are you considering
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Thats good to know! I've been eyeing the vintage MOP Alhambra for quite a long time. I'll get it some day for sure. But probably not as the first item, as its rather versatile. For now, I am really looking for something that can be worn everyday :) Although a vca piece would be nice, I will buy it later due its higher cost (vintage size). I will probably get the love wedding ring and/or the diamant legere bracelet SM for graduation. I kinda agree with everyone who said that the size of the stone matters; the diamant legere necklace is just too small for its price. As a bracelet however it would be fine. Thanks to everyone who helped!! Further recommendations are welcomed as well :) I will be posting a picture of whatever I get (but may take some time).
 
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#14
I will almost always pick VCA over cartier or tiffanys because I prefer the motifs, but sweets as a necklace are quite small (exception for the pave) and the vintage in general is a better size, especially as you get older. Sweet bracelets tho are great because you can easily stack with others. However, in your case I agree with others that maybe you should go to a jeweler to check out DBTY styled options. I know the desire of getting into that name brand piece. For what you are drawn toward, you can save a few at a local place (or even blue nile, etc) and whatever you have leftover you can put toward a higher priced item for later.
 
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