I got cold feet on Perlee clover bracelet (how would you justify your VCA purchase)

[Sakong]

Hi VCA lovers,

I got cold feet on the WG Perlee clover bracelet... and need some advice.

Few years back, I was looking for a statement piece of diamond earrings which I can grow old together for my 5th anniversary. I studied and tried Cartier, Piaget, Bulgari, and Chaumet. I got my Alhambra and love bracelet in my 20s and enjoyed them everyday, but time had passed and they were no longer special for me anymore. Therefore VCA was not in my consideration. Then, one day I ran into a lady who elegantly wore YG vintage pave. She was 60s and was picking up her grandkids from the clinic. After 2 months of tumbling (but fun) debate between VA vs. frivole, I got my earrings and love them everyday (I was 50/50 on both, but my DH prefers VA since frivole seems too feminine to my outfit).

After I got my earrings, I got my radar on bracelets. Again researching and trials on Cartier, Piaget, and VCA.. I liked Perlee clover bracelet the most so started working on budgeting. I have finite budget, roughly 30K per year for my play money. It should cover clothing, girls’ out and etc. I have saved over two years and was planning to get it for my birthday next year.

Then my life got changed a lot... I used to live/work in a very hectic place, everyone is dressed up and works long hours. Now I live where everyone is outdoorsy and low key. I don’t work long hours anymore, I don’t eat out that often as I used to (found the charm in cooking), and adjust to the slow and quiet suburb life. Now my husband and I start discussing about FIRE and hope to retire in early 50s (I am turning to 40 next year) and I got concerned about my next big purchase. Do I need this bracelet, does it worth the money, should I get a watch instead, etc.

Until last year, I bought stuffs because I believe I deserve them. I used to buy Chanel in every season. I once had 20ish Chanel bags but sold most of them (now down to two). My friends entered Hermes world while I chose jewelry but now I can’t get rid of the second thought. Maybe it is just because of the price... I have never spent this big for one item. Maybe deep inside I think it is out of my reach.

Anyway I defer my plan to the 10th anniversary (which is in 2022). I still admire the bracelet, but does it suit me... should I get a diamond watch instead…(for the bigger bang for the buck)?

Thank you for reading such a long anecdote and really appreciate your input.

 

[Joeli7]

I think putting off the purchase for now is wise as you're not entirely sure that it's a good idea. You're giving yourself time to figure out how much more you can do with your "play money" given the change in lifestyle.
Do you think the plans for early retirement are what put a damper on your enthusiasm regarding this purchase? One way I make sure I am OK with a larger purchase is that I will tie it to putting a chunk of money into paying off my mortgage, buying stocks/mutual funds or even making a sizeable donation to a charity.

 

[Sakong]

I think putting off the purchase for now is wise as you're not entirely sure that it's a good idea. You're giving yourself time to figure out how much more you can do with your "play money" given the change in lifestyle.
Do you think the plans for early retirement are what put a damper on your enthusiasm regarding this purchase? One way I make sure I am OK with a larger purchase is that I will tie it to putting a chunk of money into paying off my mortgage, buying stocks/mutual funds or even making a sizeable donation to a charity.

Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

Yes I think “the retirement” becomes reality as I grow older. I fantasize about the bracelet, but the only occasion I can think of use is for dinner. I can say it is for self-satisfaction but I cannot convince myself considering my financial status. My husband and I have developed a portfolio for debt/investment/disposable over years and expected to earn our needs in 15 years. If I contribute my play money, we can expedite the retirement few years earlier... but not sure I would be very happy to retire without toys... (is 55 too young to retire?) Anyway I have enough time to think about while admiring others’ beautiful pieces.

 

[yurmanlover]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

Yes I think “the retirement” becomes reality as I grow older. I fantasize about the bracelet, but the only occasion I can think of use is for dinner. I can say it is for self-satisfaction but I cannot convince myself considering my financial status. My husband and I have developed a portfolio for debt/investment/disposable over years and expected to earn our needs in 15 years. If I contribute my play money, we can expedite the retirement few years earlier... but not sure I would be very happy to retire without toys... (is 55 too young to retire?) Anyway I have enough time to think about while admiring others’ beautiful pieces.

I don't think 55 is too early to retire as I am planning on doing that- I'll be 54 next year. If you have financially planned well, it is attainable! Since I work in healthcare, I have seen cases where people wait to retire and it's too late to enjoy their retirement. Anyway, the bracelet can be worn with casual outfits, going grocery shopping, etc. I wear mine on my days off to run errands and going out to dinner, etc. It is a truly spectacular bracelet and I adore looking at it when I am wearing it. Get the bracelet if it truly sings to your heart.

 

[Chanbal]

You have saved over 60K play money, so I suggest getting the bracelet ASAP. 55 is a great age to retire imo.

 

[Mali_]

I’m retiring early as well, even before 55, so my plan is to buy all the things I want before I do within the next few years, which includes this very bracelet. I don’t want to spend money on material items after I retire as I’m sure I’ll need the money for healthcare costs, house-related expenditures, emergencies, etc. I believe if you have a comfortable retirement plan, a healthy ‘just-in-case’ emergency fund, etc. set aside and have the extra money to spend, then do it. We only live once so might as well enjoy it in a manner befitting our interests, enjoyments, income, etc. Otherwise, whomever you leave an inheritance to will...and as well they should.

 

[Sakong]

Thank you @yurmanlover @Chanbal and @Mali_ for your advice.

I was reading another thread few days ago about this bracelet by a person, who was older and seems more successful financially than I am, longed it for a while but still hesitant to buy because of her early retirement. It got me to rethink about my purchase whether it is impulsive and emotional decision. I had experienced that things got old even though I once loved them so much (like my love bracelet and Chanel etc.) I am afraid what if one day this bracelet becomes so plain, no longer wanted... and more importantly what if I regret my 30K purchase.

I also know substitutes never be satisfactory and eventually I will be ended up spending more and leaving with unwanted goods. Nonetheless I am not sure for now so should not get it yet. What can I say, VCA is truly dangerous!!!

 

[Sakong]

You have saved over 60K play money, so I suggest getting the bracelet ASAP. 55 is a great age to retire imo.

Ah... I played a little so only saved the exact amount for the bracelet lol

 

[Phoenix123]

Thank you @yurmanlover @Chanbal and @Mali_ for your advice.

I was reading another thread few days ago about this bracelet by a person, who was older and seems more successful financially than I am, longed it for a while but still hesitant to buy because of her early retirement. It got me to rethink about my purchase whether it is impulsive and emotional decision. I had experienced that things got old even though you once loved them so much (like my love bracelet and Chanel etc.) I am afraid what if one day this bracelet becomes so plain, no longer wanted... and more importantly what if I regret my 30K purchase.

I also know substitutes never be satisfactory and eventually I will be ended up spending more and leaving with unwanted goods. Nonetheless I am not sure for now so should not get it yet. What can I say, VCA is truly dangerous!!!

This says it all.

 

[Sakong]

I’m retiring early as well, even before 55, so my plan is to buy all the things I want before I do within the next few years, which includes this very bracelet. I don’t want to spend money on material items after I retire as I’m sure I’ll need the money for healthcare costs, house-related expenditures, emergencies, etc. I believe if you have a comfortable retirement plan, a healthy ‘just-in-case’ emergency fund, etc. set aside and have the extra money to spend, then do it. We only live once so might as well enjoy it in a manner befitting our interests, enjoyments, income, etc. Otherwise, whomever you leave an inheritance to will...and as well they should.

I didn’t think about it but it is a good point that I should not spend big money on toys after I retire. Should be done before I quit my job!!

 

[Grande Latte]

I would put off getting the bracelet. It doesn't seem like you NEED this bracelet at this moment in time and your lifestyle has changed drastically over the years.

TBH, you can never save enough for retirement. You haven't factored in healthcare, emergency, and other random expenses that might be thrown your way. And your retirement age is a figure, you might get older and realize that you can't really leave your job.

My interpretation of your cold feet is your subconscious telling you not to buy at this point.

 

[Sakong]

Hi @Phoenix123 ,

I really adore your beautiful pieces and thank you for your input. May I ask why you want to add another Perlee bracelet instead of any others?

 

[Phoenix123]

Hi @Phoenix123 ,

I really adore your beautiful pieces and thank you for your input. May I ask why you want to add another Perlee bracelet instead of any others?

Thank you.

I really love the Perlee Clover bracelet in RG. It was my very first VCA purchase. It's so so so gorgeous. I love it so much that I want another one in WG. But I'm not too sure that I will, as I am longing for the Magic pave bracelet in WG instead.

 

[Joeli7]

I would put off getting the bracelet. It doesn't seem like you NEED this bracelet at this moment in time and your lifestyle has changed drastically over the years.

TBH, you can never save enough for retirement. You haven't factored in healthcare, emergency, and other random expenses that might be thrown your way. And your retirement age is a figure, you might get older and realize that you can't really leave your job.

My interpretation of your cold feet is your subconscious telling you not to buy at this point.

A lot of people like to travel more once they're retired. My grandmother travelled internationally past her 85th birthday and my parents are now taking several long haul flights a year. Personally I'd skip the jewellery and invest the money so I could enjoy some extras in my retirement.

 

[DS2006]

Please don't retire until there is plenty of extra money for more than just needs. If you retire at 55, you may have 30 or more years where you want to buy luxuries and take trips. Trust me, I haven't been working for several years but I like to look at jewelry even MORE due to having extra time! You are a long way away from adding the social security checks which add some extra play money. I retired before 55 and my husband worked until 62 which worked out great for us. Keep in mind that women very easily find things to fill their time, but many men don't do well retiring early if they don't have an almost fulltime hobby. My husband does and he is busy with that many hours a week and not hanging around the house!

As to the bracelet, I totally relate to the dilemma. I adore that bracelet. But my lifestyle is SO casual that I can't see wearing it more than a very few times a year (I already have a diamond tennis bracelet that I seldom wear). I'd be buying it just to look at it around the house which seems pretty crazy to me! I can easily wear the plain gold or stone Alhambra pieces casually, and those I plan to continue collecting. I do have the wg vintage pave pendant and earclips, and that is all the pave I plan to buy other than possibly a yg or rg pair so that I can give one set to each daughter later on.

So waiting is a good plan, and thinking about pieces that you can wear in your more casual lifestyle would make sense. Never buy a piece of jewelry that you have doubts about! Buy only things you truly love and will wear!