Pros/Cons to buying retail vs preloved (Love)

[100700]

If only cheaper several hundred dollars then definitely buy from cartier. I buy preloved jewelry only it has 40%or more off retail price.

 

[Caspin22]

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.

This is one of the main reasons I bought my Love ring and bracelet directly from the boutique. They seem to be selling for very close to retail used anyway, so why not have the experience?

 

[Lillianlm]

I’m one of the early users of eBay (starting buying from them in 1997) and in the ‘good old days’ I would frequently buy preloved designer jewelry. I bought two Cartier watches and a diamond trinity ring back in the day when you could take the purchase to Cartier and they would provide a written insurance appraisal. They don’t do that anymore. Typically, one could expect to pay (at that time) about 40 -50% off new retail and, of course, I would carefully check the sellers’ feedback and even exchange messages before bidding/buying to satisfy any concerns. I’ve never been burned but I stopped buying expensive goods from eBay a long time ago, as the quality and quantity of listed fakes exploded. Now, when I look at preloved sites like The Real Real and note the slight (and I mean slight) discount they offer on popular Cartier pieces like the Love and JUC lines, I just don’t think it’s worth buying secondhand (and really taking chances on authenticity) for such a minimal discount. Sure, I’m still eyeballing the Tiffany Elsa Peretti silver cuffs on second hand sites, but the discount is substantial (40% off retail), the chances of fakes are minimal (I think), and the dollar amount spent is worth the risk to me. But I wouldn’t buy a Cartier love bracelet at a 7% discount from retail. Not in this day and age.

 

[Pop Art Suzy]

My first LOVE bracelet I bought pre-loved on eBay. I had it for 7 years and then it broke. I never got it fixed but ended up selling it as-is. When I bought it, we saved a lot of money and for us, it was worth it. It didn't break because of anything that was done pre-loved, it was me. I didn't have the box, which was fine by me because I wore it 24/7, so I didn't need the box. But as long as I had the certificate of authenticity, I was good with that.

I don't regret it and as long as you do your research to ensure it's authentic, it's worth it. With my new LOVE, I had to purchase online anyway because we don't have a Cartier here anymore. But I have to admit, I do love that it's brand new and only worn by me. And when it arrived in its box and packaging, I was excited.

 

[Pop Art Suzy]

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.

See, for $500 savings, I don't think that's worth it without that CoA. When I bought mine on eBay, we saved a few thousand dollars, so that was worth it, and I still had the CoA.

 

[880]

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.

There are now CAD computer replicas that are very difficult to discern. Of course if you want the old system and have a reputable source, that is a different matter. But, for the most part, ease of mind is worth paying retail.

if you are a fan of vintage cartier design that is a bit off the beaten path, that is a different story provided you go to a reputable dealer or you can trace the provenance of a particular piece.

 

[Classy Collector]

I took a chance and bought a Cartier watch from consignment store. It’s a trusted one in my city though. I “saved” over a grand. I brought it to two different Cartier places and no one refused to service it or said it’s not genuine.

 

[Classy Collector]

Clarification: It was actually well over 2 grand. I “saved” over 2 grand. Big price difference.

 

[mskatvb]

I have the same dilemma as well. If I will go for brand new or preloved which will make me save 60% off retail. Its fairly used, comes with pouch and box. I didn't see the papers in the photo though but its verified as authentic by their inhouse authenticators.

What do you think? Should I go for a brand new small love or preloved regular love bracelet?

I'll drop by the consignment store later to try it on and check. I will update

 

[Pop Art Suzy]

repeated post