Pretty set that my next purchase will be a Love. I'm not new to buying high end/lux items (mostly bags) but this will be my first Cartier purchase and I'm trying to decide between buying preloved (certificate but no box so a little bit of savings) vs retail. Other than walking out with that special bag and experiencing that high, what would you say are other pros to buying retail? Esp considering I'm hearing so much about lack of customer service these days? Are there any major benefits? Do I absolutely need the box (I don't plan on ever reselling)?
Pros/Cons to buying retail vs preloved (Love)
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Pros: Lower price
Cons:
1) Does not 100% guarantee authenticity. If you go to a 3rd party authenticator, then it is probably okay.
2) Pre-loved gold will have shown previous wear and tear (if that matters to you) But that is not only external but also internal. You do not know how often the previous person has taken off and put on the bracelet. That may lead to the screws getting a little worn down which may affect the security of the closure mechanism over time as you wear it.
3) After wearing the pre-loved bracelet over time, what if there are any flaws, quality issues, or damages? What are you going to do? If you bought it in store, you have the ability to bring it back to the store for evaluation, repair, exchange, and/or return because on record, they know that you bought and own the piece. (I'm not saying they won't do it if you bought it pre-loved, but it may get a little tricky, and may depend on the store and the SA.)
Having a box or not is up to you. I think what matters more (to most people) is that certificate of authenticity. In general though, most people prefer a complete set (box, screwdriver, certificate of authenticity).
"I don't plan on reselling" is something I've told myself for some bags and RTW. And then as time passes by, I change and I do eventually sell them. Not saying you will change your mind, but never say never!
Even the most steadfast of us surprise ourselves years down the line on what we say to ourselves, vs what we eventually do!
I personally don't care too much about customer service. They don't have to wine and dine me (especially since I'm not a frequent buyer). But they just need to be polite, professional and respectful. It's not like my SA is my best friend. She is professional and that's good enough for me.
If I had to chose between buying a bag vs fine jewelry pre-loved. I'd go for a pre-loved bag over pre-loved fine jewelry any day. I like to buy my jewelry brand new and have the wear and tear be done by me, and me alone.
I am very aware that the Love bracelet is expensive and the price is only going to go up. It's not an easy decision to make and if you don't feel comfortable buying it full priced, it's still a lot of money to buy it pre-loved. You need to think about how much you love the bracelet and how worth it is to you. Good luck and happy shopping!
Cons:
1) Does not 100% guarantee authenticity. If you go to a 3rd party authenticator, then it is probably okay.
2) Pre-loved gold will have shown previous wear and tear (if that matters to you) But that is not only external but also internal. You do not know how often the previous person has taken off and put on the bracelet. That may lead to the screws getting a little worn down which may affect the security of the closure mechanism over time as you wear it.
3) After wearing the pre-loved bracelet over time, what if there are any flaws, quality issues, or damages? What are you going to do? If you bought it in store, you have the ability to bring it back to the store for evaluation, repair, exchange, and/or return because on record, they know that you bought and own the piece. (I'm not saying they won't do it if you bought it pre-loved, but it may get a little tricky, and may depend on the store and the SA.)
Having a box or not is up to you. I think what matters more (to most people) is that certificate of authenticity. In general though, most people prefer a complete set (box, screwdriver, certificate of authenticity).
"I don't plan on reselling" is something I've told myself for some bags and RTW. And then as time passes by, I change and I do eventually sell them. Not saying you will change your mind, but never say never!
Even the most steadfast of us surprise ourselves years down the line on what we say to ourselves, vs what we eventually do!I personally don't care too much about customer service. They don't have to wine and dine me (especially since I'm not a frequent buyer). But they just need to be polite, professional and respectful. It's not like my SA is my best friend. She is professional and that's good enough for me.
If I had to chose between buying a bag vs fine jewelry pre-loved. I'd go for a pre-loved bag over pre-loved fine jewelry any day. I like to buy my jewelry brand new and have the wear and tear be done by me, and me alone.
I am very aware that the Love bracelet is expensive and the price is only going to go up. It's not an easy decision to make and if you don't feel comfortable buying it full priced, it's still a lot of money to buy it pre-loved. You need to think about how much you love the bracelet and how worth it is to you. Good luck and happy shopping!
Just following on from lill_canele - I'm also an infrequent Cartier client. Bought my two standard base model Love bracelets recently and I have completed my collection.
For me, as they were investment and hopefully forever pieces, buying new from my local store was the best decision for me. Authenticity being the first reason and after sales service. Not sure if same applies for returning to Cartier with items not purchased from them but I have returned for jewelry cleaning and will return if there are issues with screws etc.
I don't use my boxes but they are monogrammed and will always hold fond memories of my purchases for me. Also, being such costly items, it's good to know I have tailor made storage for mine.
Another person who'd buy pre loved handbags to have more in the budget for new jewelry.
For me, as they were investment and hopefully forever pieces, buying new from my local store was the best decision for me. Authenticity being the first reason and after sales service. Not sure if same applies for returning to Cartier with items not purchased from them but I have returned for jewelry cleaning and will return if there are issues with screws etc.
I don't use my boxes but they are monogrammed and will always hold fond memories of my purchases for me. Also, being such costly items, it's good to know I have tailor made storage for mine.
Another person who'd buy pre loved handbags to have more in the budget for new jewelry.
Thank you all! To clarify I have the money set aside for retail, I just thought "hey, if I can save a few bucks why not!" You are now convincing me of buying direct. The headaches of IF something ever happened outweigh the $3-500ish dollar savings. I have seen a few screw issues so I'd hate to be turned away or something trying to get serviced. Sometimes you just need to hear an outside opinions to help you decide one way or another!
Another question, does anyone know if the cert can be used for appraisal purposes/proof. We have jewelers insurance and I'd want to get it insured immediately!
Another question, does anyone know if the cert can be used for appraisal purposes/proof. We have jewelers insurance and I'd want to get it insured immediately!
Another question, does anyone know if the cert can be used for appraisal purposes/proof. We have jewelers insurance and I'd want to get it insured immediately!
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My insurance carrier required me to provide an Appraisal, which is a different from the Cartier receipt or the certificate. I called Cartier and they provided me with a typed Appraisal of my diamond JUC.
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My insurance carrier required me to provide an Appraisal, which is a different from the Cartier receipt or the certificate. I called Cartier and they provided me with a typed Appraisal of my diamond JUC.
My insurance carrier required me to provide an Appraisal, which is a different from the Cartier receipt or the certificate. I called Cartier and they provided me with a typed Appraisal of my diamond JUC.
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Perfect, good to know. Will ask when I go in for purchase. TY!
My insurance company said a receipt for Cartier was fine. Appraisal for any diamonds.
Thanks lille_canele. I too am at the same dilemma. I saw a savings of $500 on used one, but no COA. I am feeling that for my first full LOVE, I should buy for boutique.
I would buy from the boutique, there are some very good fakes out there with Cartier serial numbers (usually the serial number is real and corresponds to a different Cartier jewelry item, like a necklace). The only way to know for sure when buying pre-loved is to take the piece to Cartier and they look it up in their database.
Just wanted to add that preloved can have it's pros too!
I purchased a preloved Love primarily as I wanted the old screw system as that seemed less problematic. I purchased from a very reputable source but just to be safe took the bangle into Cartier and requested engraving. They did this for me without any purchase receipt and with no charge. I can't speak for everywhere, but not having a proof of purchase was not an issue and I've been happily wearing my bracelet for over three years now and the screws have never loosened
I purchased a preloved Love primarily as I wanted the old screw system as that seemed less problematic. I purchased from a very reputable source but just to be safe took the bangle into Cartier and requested engraving. They did this for me without any purchase receipt and with no charge. I can't speak for everywhere, but not having a proof of purchase was not an issue and I've been happily wearing my bracelet for over three years now and the screws have never loosened
Sounds like you made your decision already but I would also vote to buy new for something like the Love bracelet. For me, this piece has extra sentimental value and there’s something cool about knowing that all of the scratches on my bracelet were made by me alone since this piece really “lives” with you 24/7. Good luck and hope you enjoy your new bracelet once you get it!
since this piece really “lives” with you 24/7. Good luck and hope you enjoy your new bracelet once you get it!
I’d hate to wear jewelry that was lived in and scratched up by someone else, so retail all the way for me. If you take care of your Love it will look new for years and years. Also takes away the sentimental value if it’s preloved IMO.
I have had these thoughts before, however after extensive research I have found that it seems that Cartier, including the love is some of the easiest branded jewelry to fake. Like a specific batch of chanel superfake CFs that hit the market a few years ago, love bracelets have tons and tons of superfakes floating around. I would go direct to cartier for this specific reason.
One other potential negative for buying preloved is not knowing if or how many times the bracelet has been fully polished.