I bought an Elsa Peretti gold piece I'd been eyeing last Monday and I'm glad I did! But yeah, the price increases this time were ridiculous. Not 2-3%, but more like 10-45% almost entirely across the board! For the price they're charging for gold you could easily go to Cartier, which, in most people's opinion, has a more valuable brand name.
I like affordable, well-made jewelry. I probably won't buy from Tiffany's now except for once a year, in new silver designs. Since I'm getting into gold now, and Cartier seems to offer the same price per ounce for gold as Tiffany's, I'd rather go with the Cartier pieces, which are serial numbered and come with certificates of authentification.
In 2005 the Atlas ring cost a mere $175 and in 2006 the titanium 1837 debuted at $275. Now they are $275 and $400, respectively. Who are they kidding with these monstrous price tags?
I usually buy something every month but no thanks, Tiffany. I love your designs, but your round of price increases has turned me off. Possibly for years.