Hey vinotastic, thanks for the reply! Many of you suggested the option of going to a jeweler. The thing is, I live in a country where a private jeweler is almost as expensive as e.g. Cartier. The price difference is really insignificant (for similar pieces) and in this case its just more worth it to get a "big name" brand instead to someone private, since I can't save that much money from going to a jeweler. Also, local jewelry stores are almost as expensive as big name brands here (really almost no difference, sometimes their pieces are even more expensive). I think getting a diamond from blue nile or similar would just be as expensive as a big name brand in where I live (taxes+private jeweler for setting the sone). So I am afraid thats not really a considerable option in my case.
Help! My first luxury jewelry item! Cartier/Tiffany/VCA??
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Hey vinotastic, thanks for the reply! Many of you suggested the option of going to a jeweler. The thing is, I live in a country where a private jeweler is almost as expensive as e.g. Cartier. The price difference is really insignificant (for similar pieces) and in this case its just more worth it to get a "big name" brand instead to someone private, since I can't save that much money from going to a jeweler. Also, local jewelry stores are almost as expensive as big name brands here (really almost no difference, sometimes their pieces are even more expensive). I think getting a diamond from blue nile or similar would just be as expensive as a big name brand in where I live (taxes+private jeweler for setting the sone). So I am afraid thats not really a considerable option in my case.
Love VCA and Cartier! Tiffany is nice too. I don't think you can go wrong with anything you pick. I made my first luxury jewelry investments with Tiffany and then Cartier and moving onto VCA now. In love with MOP- just need to figure out bracelet or necklace first. Let us know what you pick!
Just to clarify...BlueNile has “build-your-own” necklace, so you choose the exact stone you want (size, cut, clarity, GIA certificate, etc), then choose the setting, metal carat and color, and it’s made and shipped to you. So no involvement with a private jeweller at your end. The only thing that would affect total cost to you would be currency and duties, but those would be factors even ordering from a luxury house.
Hi! I would recommend the Tiffany DBTY. It is a classic, often copied, but never done the exact same way as the way Tiffany does their bezel. Sparkles like crazy, maintenance free, adds a glow to your face.
Many young ladies get this as their first fine jewelry piece. I think you will be happy.
There is a whole DBTY thread in the Tiffany forum where you can read up about it, including how to fix the poking if it bothers you.
Congrats to you!
Many young ladies get this as their first fine jewelry piece. I think you will be happy.
There is a whole DBTY thread in the Tiffany forum where you can read up about it, including how to fix the poking if it bothers you.
Congrats to you!
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hey BigAkoya, thank you so much for your reply and help! May I ask why you'd prefer the dbty over the dldc? Thanks! I've already read that thread 
still indecisive though between those two or if I should just wait and save more for a C de Cartier (and get something else for now instead).
Thank you, its a milestone (almost) achieved!
still indecisive though between those two or if I should just wait and save more for a C de Cartier (and get something else for now instead). Thank you, its a milestone (almost) achieved!
I would suggest Tiffany or Cartier on the preloved market. You will get more value for your money. Select a reliable dealer and enjoy. Tiffany has some nice pendants. Check out the Good Fortune charm. You can purchase it with the chain or without. It weighs close to 10 grams, solid gold (which is quite heavy), has a small diamond which really stands out, plus very appropriate for graduation and on. Can be engraved on the reverse side or worn on the reverse. Sold in silver, 18k rose or yellow gold. It is well within your budget and will always hold its value due to gold weight.
I have a DBTY and it is constantly turning to the reverse side, which I find so annoying!
I have a DBTY and it is constantly turning to the reverse side, which I find so annoying!
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Hi! If you like that style necklace, Tiffany wins to me in several ways: the bezel is made so perfectly it highlights the diamond, it does not compete with it with the bezel being too thick. The Tiffany diamond sparkles like mad. Tiffany is also in platinum, and if you are getting a white metal, platinum hands down always wins over white gold. And finally, after care. Tiffany customer service is the best. They are super friendly and will cater to your needs. I say this because this is your first fine jewelry piece, and you may need some aftercare.hey BigAkoya, thank you so much for your reply and help! May I ask why you'd prefer the dbty over the dldc? Thanks! I've already read that thread
Thank you, its a milestone (almost) achieved!
One more thought I want to share as this is your first fine jewelry piece.
Buy something now that is within your reach; don't wait and save for that big purchase. Once you get into fine jewelry, and if you find you love jewelry, there will always be something more you want and more expensive. You can then start saving for bigger purchases.
You are just beginning to know your style and preferences. So for you, buy something now that gives you an ear to ear smile. Wear it, enjoy the moment, enjoy your graduation.
Congratulations to you on your graduation AND your first piece of fine jewelry!
hey gwendo, thanks a lot for your suggestion and the picture!! I am already checking the preloved market but haven't found anything suiting yet. But I'll definitely keep an eye on it! Tiffany does have nice pendants! I personally like the keys the best (e.g. the heart key or the round one). I think it also looks nice with the dbty/dldc layered! The good fortune pendant looks interesting, but I dont think it will go with my style. But I'll definitely check the tiffany pendants. Thanks for the info on the dbty, that really can be annoying!
Hey BigAkoya, thanks for your suggestion! I guess I have to check that out in the store (once lockdown is over)
Thanks! Since now I am still a student, I only have 1000-2000$ budget (small job next to university) but since I'll graduate soon I'll get a job working full time soon (and then I will be more flexible with the budget) - and then it will be much easier to have the budget for something more expensive. But you're right, for my graduation gift I will get something within my reach! And build everything up there. Thank you so much! I will be posting whatever I bought! (But may take some time due to lockdown and my graduation will be in a few months).
Between the Cartier and Tiffany diamond pendants, I would choose the DBTY. It's more classic imo, and the Cartier pendant flips around due to the weight of the tail. The poking actually isn't an issue for the vast majority of people, but there are ways to fix it. Also, with DBTY, you can choose a lot more of the characteristics for your stone.
I'm not a big fan of the sweet size, also the pendant is loose, so it moves along the chain, which I don't like. However, if you were deciding between the carnelian vintage and the Tiffany diamond by the yard, I would go with the VCA vintage Alhambra carnelian.
I'm not a big fan of the sweet size, also the pendant is loose, so it moves along the chain, which I don't like. However, if you were deciding between the carnelian vintage and the Tiffany diamond by the yard, I would go with the VCA vintage Alhambra carnelian.
I would choose a vintage Alhambra or the Cartier you like, these seem to appeal you more. The sweet Alhambra will look small on you in my opinion.
I suggest you just wait to save enough for one of the two you like, even if it means not having it on your graduation day but a few months later.
You say you're going to purchase it anyway, so don't settle and buying directly what you want will make you spare some money in the end.
I should have understood this when I was in my twenties.
I suggest you just wait to save enough for one of the two you like, even if it means not having it on your graduation day but a few months later.
You say you're going to purchase it anyway, so don't settle and buying directly what you want will make you spare some money in the end.
I should have understood this when I was in my twenties.
Thanks for your advice!! I agree. Since graduation is not now yet (in summer), I think I will still have some time to decide. As you might have noticed, I am a very indecisive person and there are sooo many beautiful pieces. But nevertheless, I think I'll definitely go with a Cartier piece as my first luxury jewlery, but still not sure which one lol. I am still torn between the dldc necklace, bracelet and the love wedding ring (love all three), and I think I will get one of these 3. I'll wait and see which one I still love and want after may or so. As for the vca, I think I will go for it after getting a real job after graduation as its more expensive.
I would get the love wedding band and legers bracelet but if your more of a necklace person get that. I have the pink sapphire legers bracelet and I wear it 24/7 and it doesn't get in the way at all