Out of curiosity: do you prefer branded/high end jewellery or unbranded - and why?

[lvpiggy]

I have both, it really depends on the style.

For basics (diamond studs, diamond drop earrings, simple solitaire or pavé band ring), I prefer to buy unbranded, focusing on the quality of the diamonds & the craftsmanship.

For statement pieces, I am choosing based on the style and the design, and for the moment I have not found a high-quality jeweler that makes pieces as delicate and elaborate as those I have been able to purchase from branded jewelers. However, I avoid their "classic" lines and prefer more elaborate/unique collections, as there are a lot of women wearing the classics where I live !

 

[Purrsey]

I have both and both give me equal joy.

Theres actually a fun factor in getting unbranded jewelry. I’ve learnt that nothing is of limit when it comes to customised jewelry pieces. In the past months, I have been adding customised pieces and I think now branded and unbranded jewelry share ~equal ratio in my jewelry case.

 

[GraffS]

I love jewelry. Period. And I don’t discriminate! Lol
But I do prefer something unique not standard love, vca and etc.

 

[jill39]

I am currently struggling with this as I fell in love with a Cartier ring that my local jeweler can make for a third of the price. It is a simple ring that does not look designer but there is something special—at least to me—with the Cartier ring. So my head is telling me to purchase with my local jeweler but my heart is nope—Cartier!

 

[blinggirl74]

If there is bling on it I love it, regardless if there is a name brand attached to it.

 

[jaskg144]

I am currently struggling with this as I fell in love with a Cartier ring that my local jeweler can make for a third of the price. It is a simple ring that does not look designer but there is something special—at least to me—with the Cartier ring. So my head is telling me to purchase with my local jeweler but my heart is nope—Cartier!

If it is a design specific to Cartier (Love, Juste un Cloud, etc.) I would purchase it from Cartier. If it is a general style, such as the DBTY from Tiffany, Cartier Trinity, etc. then I would have it made by a jeweller but that is just what I would do! Do what your heart tells you to do!

 

[jill39]

T

If it is a design specific to Cartier (Love, Juste un Cloud, etc.) I would purchase it from Cartier. If it is a general style, such as the DBTY from Tiffany, Cartier Trinity, etc. then I would have it made by a jeweller but that is just what I would do! Do what your heart tells you to do!

Yes! I agree! It is a general style that I can get at my local jeweler who has done amazing work for me—so I’m going to use them. If it was design specific that would be totally different! And this way—I can get other things on my wish list! lol

 

[jaskg144]

Wondering how everyone feels about mother-of-pearl motif designs from independent jewellers? I have seen a beautiful MOP butterfly bracelet and would love it... however don't want it to look like a knock-off VCA.

I know that a lot of jewellers now make MOP pieces; Chopard, Mouawad, Chaumet, even LV now have MOP motif bracelets... but unsure?

If anyone has a MOP piece from an independent, I would love to see it!

Here's the bracelet for reference:

 

[Christofle]

Wondering how everyone feels about mother-of-pearl motif designs from independent jewellers? I have seen a beautiful MOP butterfly bracelet and would love it... however don't want it to look like a knock-off VCA.

I know that a lot of jewellers now make MOP pieces; Chopard, Mouawad, Chaumet, even LV now have MOP motif bracelets... but unsure?

If anyone has a MOP piece from an independent, I would love to see it!

Here's the bracelet for reference:


View attachment 6092927

This one is pretty clearly inspired by the butterfly MoP VCA but it’s still very pretty!

 

[jaskg144]

This one is pretty clearly inspired by the butterfly MoP VCA but it’s still very pretty!

Hmm yes looking at it again, I agree!

 

[missie1]

Wondering how everyone feels about mother-of-pearl motif designs from independent jewellers? I have seen a beautiful MOP butterfly bracelet and would love it... however don't want it to look like a knock-off VCA.

I know that a lot of jewellers now make MOP pieces; Chopard, Mouawad, Chaumet, even LV now have MOP motif bracelets... but unsure?

If anyone has a MOP piece from an independent, I would love to see it!

Here's the bracelet for reference:


View attachment 6092927

This doesn’t look like VCA butterflies at all

 

[JessicaRabbit1]

i really like both for different reasons.

A local jewellery store can create anything that you dream of. They can source the right stones for you, and you can take more control of which type/colour/cost of the stones. So you can really personalise items to your taste, budget and requirements. Jewellery is so personal and can reflect your life milestones, so you can have something that you will treasure and be like a wearable memory.

The high jewellery brands have styles, and designs from some of the best designers in the world. They might be famous for a particular "look" or style. You can literally walk in and then out with the piece you really want. As designing it personally with a local jeweller will take time, this is like done for you and is presented to you. So it can be a really streamlined and easy process. A lot of styles are classic and timeless, or they are pushing the boundaries of jewellery design (especially their high jewellery). In terms of their high jewellery the big brands can get in some really astonishing gems (should you have the budget).

 

[luckylove]

Wondering how everyone feels about mother-of-pearl motif designs from independent jewellers? I have seen a beautiful MOP butterfly bracelet and would love it... however don't want it to look like a knock-off VCA.

I know that a lot of jewellers now make MOP pieces; Chopard, Mouawad, Chaumet, even LV now have MOP motif bracelets... but unsure?

If anyone has a MOP piece from an independent, I would love to see it!

Here's the bracelet for reference:


View attachment 6092927

I think this piece is very pretty. To me, It does not look like it is trying to be VCA, nor does it look like a cheap knock off of one. If you love it, I say go for it! Happy shopping!

 

[jaskg144]

I think this piece is very pretty. To me, It does not look like it is trying to be VCA, nor does it look like a cheap knock off of one. If you love it, I say go for it! Happy shopping!

This doesn’t look like VCA butterflies at all

It's a great price too... which makes it much more tempting! Nowhere near VCA pricing lol

 

[unhly_msqurade]

These days definitely unbranded. I went through a HUGE Tiffany, Cartier, Bvlgari, and VCA period. I have since sold everything except for a few Tiffany gold Elsa Peretti bean pieces and the gold Tiffany Paloma graffiti X earrings. I now put my money toward classic, timeless pieces from local jewelers: high-quality solitaire diamond pendant; diamond channel set eternity band; diamond, emerald, ruby, and sapphire studs; a sapphire band; a ruby solitaire in white gold; etc. I also bought some low-key pieces from a brand called Gabriel and Co. that I discovered at a local jeweler. I'm enjoying discovering jewelry beyond JUC, serpenti, Alhambra, Love, and the like and have had no regrets.