Tiffany sola/soleste

[rogersa]

Ohhh now THAT is a decision I can get behind! I've seen them in person, and they are DELICIOUS. IF you can swing a trip up there, do it. Then you can pick the stones in person, and they can ship the ring to you when it's done.

I'm so in love! I'm not sure if we can get there since its 6 hours away but maybe! I even found one that is a 2.02 I VS1, that have all the images and a video and I just can't believe it's taken me so long!
Do you know what the warranty is like with them?
I also emailed for a quote and more info

 

[ame]

There is no "warranty" usually with a jewelry store. That Spence thing, and the ShaneCo thing are usually not "Warranties" per se, they're service contracts. You have to go in every so many months for them to check everything, and if you don't it voids it. And you do pay for them, in the price of the ring being marked up a little higher than normal. But it's absolutely NOT a substitute for getting your rings insured. I don't really honestly believe those warranties are in any way a good value. And what exactly is it replaced with?

You need to get it insured to have it covered for loss, theft, damage, and that's your "warranty". They might cover any lost pave on the ring, but the main stone falling out (which is not really likely!) would be under your insurance policy.

 

[acrowcounted]

I agree with Ame on this one. This whole warranty issue is not something normal for reputable jewelry stores and sounds like a scam. Honestly , it sounds like a sales tactic to pull at the heart strings of people unfamiliar with buying jewelry. For that reason and others, I would avoid those places because it really seems like they are trying to manipulate you...

 

[acrowcounted]

Just wanted to add that when I went into Tiffany last week to have my ring cleaned, the SA sat down and examed my pieces carefully with a loupe for about five minutes to make sure everything was good. She told me that I should go in and have that done by them at least every six months so that the can "have the opportunity to take care of the ring in case any problems arise before they become disasters". Now this isn't a "warranty" per se, and I don't think they would replace my solitaire diamond if it fell out, but they would fix/tighten the prongs for free and I'm betting they would replace a pave stone for free as well. But for them (and many other reputable stores) that's just part of normal good customer service, not something they call a "warranty" to make you feel like its above and beyond.

 

[rogersa]

Just wanted to add that when I went into Tiffany last week to have my ring cleaned, the SA sat down and examed my pieces carefully with a loupe for about five minutes to make sure everything was good. She told me that I should go in and have that done by them at least every six months so that the can "have the opportunity to take care of the ring in case any problems arise before they become disasters". Now this isn't a "warranty" per se, and I don't think they would replace my solitaire diamond if it fell out, but they would fix/tighten the prongs for free and I'm betting they would replace a pave stone for free as well. But for them (and many other reputable stores) that's just part of normal good customer service, not something they call a "warranty" to make you feel like its above and beyond.

Ok im getting a bit nervous. Im worried because we live in Toronto, so I won't be driving to new york several times a year to get my ring inspected... I wonder if they will work with anyone here or something.

Basically, warranty or not, I just want to make sure that side stones etc and my ring in general is going to be looked after. Im not sure what insurance really covers but I also want someone to clean it and things like that.

 

[etk123]

I think many local jewelers would be willing to look after your ring for you. Looking over the prongs and making sure everything is nice and tight is not a hard thing to do. As at Tiffany, the SAs can do it, a bench jeweler is not even needed. Then if anything needs any attention, it goes to the bench jeweler. You could even send it to GOG for the repair. My jeweler ships my jewelry to me after cleaning/repairs all the time. And I'm only 45 mins away hehe. You can even buy a loupe and look at it yourself! No special skills needed. Your local jeweler can also clean/polish your ring as needed. The charge for this should be minimal. As far as melee/pave stones coming loose and falling out, that does happen. Just know that if you get a ring like that it may need a little bit of upkeep. If you purchased from GOG and the ring needed significant attention, just send it to them. Insured of course.

 

[acrowcounted]

Honestly I think you're getting too wound up by all the little extras that, compared to what you're spending on the ring, are meaningless. Ring ownership is, in general, pretty low maintenance. Most ladies here clean their rings themselves at home and take it to random jewelry stores once in a blue moon for an additional cleaning. Some have their own loupes to inspect the ring themselves. If this is really something that you're worried about then you should get one too (they're not expensive).

Anyway my point is that these little things really shouldn't sway you. You should look to shop somewhere where you feel respected and comfortable and like you can trust them and where you find a design that you love at a reasonable price. Picking a style and a color/clarity range are infinitely more important than free cleanings.

 

[rogersa]

I think many local jewelers would be willing to look after your ring for you. Looking over the prongs and making sure everything is nice and tight is not a hard thing to do. As at Tiffany, the SAs can do it, a bench jeweler is not even needed. Then if anything needs any attention, it goes to the bench jeweler. You could even send it to GOG for the repair. My jeweler ships my jewelry to me after cleaning/repairs all the time. And I'm only 45 mins away hehe. You can even buy a loupe and look at it yourself! No special skills needed. Your local jeweler can also clean/polish your ring as needed. The charge for this should be minimal. As far as melee/pave stones coming loose and falling out, that does happen. Just know that if you get a ring like that it may need a little bit of upkeep. If you purchased from GOG and the ring needed significant attention, just send it to them. Insured of course.

Im not sure of many local jewelers around me actually, let alone one I would trust. Im wondering if It would be a better idea to just get the diamond from GOG and then have the setting custom made here?
Im only concerned and a little nervous about this process because if I were to get a ring from tiffanys, it's all right there for me, free cleaning and if I stone fell out they would replace it easily. I can hear my boyfriend already saying " Why worry about paying to have it looked at and cleaned or repaired if Tiffanys does that for free" hmmmmmmmmm

 

[rogersa]

I've actually got quite a bit of anxiety surrounding this now. Is there anybody on here that is from Ontario, or canada or something that has gone with GOG? I don't want things to start going wrong and this expensive piece be ruined and eventually be garbage... does that make sense?

 

[ame]

I really think you're over-analyzing this. I don't live anywhere geographically near GOG, and I sent things back and forth with them all the time--insured of course, AND the item is also insured by me. If something needed tightening or replacement, you send to them or drive there over a weekend and let them fix and then you go back home and if it wasn't an on the spot fix he ships to you. You can check your ring out at home with cleaning and all that. If you notice looseness you ship to GOG, it's very easy.

I wouldn't go near Spence with a ten foot pole frankly, esp not with a ring from elsewhere, but the size of Toronto would allow for there are TONS of shops that are probably perfectly capable of checking on your ring that would love to earn your business even if you bring in a ring you bought elsewhere. And I bet GOG could recommend a few they know of.

But if that sounds like a serious issue for you, Tiffany still sounds like what you need/want, at least in terms of service. Then you know you take it to them and you have whatever you need checked out.

And not to freak you out more, but I have many items that were made into garbage, including by Tiffany's, who not only damaged my ring, but then lost it TWICE.

 

[Miss Kris]

I've actually got quite a bit of anxiety surrounding this now. Is there anybody on here that is from Ontario, or canada or something that has gone with GOG? I don't want things to start going wrong and this expensive piece be ruined and eventually be garbage... does that make sense?

Whew girl, try not to worry so much! You are mths away at this point. It is a huge investment, but you aren't talking about shoddy places here. It will all work out and be ok. I was slightly nervous,as I let my DF handle the whole thing, but now that I have it, I am so happy with what he picked. I'm sure it will be the same for you! Just remember to enjoy the engagement side of it and try not to worry so much about the "perfect" ring! It will all be ok! Just be sure to insure it once you get it and then wear it and admire it! Also, you may want to check smaller shops around you. Sometimes smaller is better and they will cater to your every need and build a relationship with you!

 

[rogersa]

I just need to relax and enjoy it. And remind myself of that! I just wanted to point out a diamond I love, even though it'll be gone I still know what I like! If you have any advice for the future that would be great!
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8214/

We're actually talking about a trip down this summer, and I'm thinking of getting a smaller diamond pendant, maybe around .4! That's what I'll try to think about for now hahaha

 

[surfergirljen]

Hey Rogersa! I agree - you need to take a deep breath, buy from one of these reputable places we've all mentioned here (Tiffany's, GOG, Blue Nile ...) You have to put the word "warranty" OUT of your diamond-shopping vocabulary and replace with "home insurance rider" and just leave it at that.

Okay so I'm a Tiffany's girl (I'm in Toronto too) and I have to say the service is exceptional. You can walk into Bloor St. any time to have it cleaned, checked, and even polished back to brand new (band and all) for free within minutes (cleaning/check) to hours (polish to new). When your boyfriend says "they'll do it for free..." it's SORT of true... obviously part of the considerable mark-up there is covering that service and convenience (it's very relaxing to be able to take what is probably the single most expensive item you own in and "drop it off" knowing you'll get the same one back that day without doubt, and you sound like someone who would worry about that!! I would too honestly) you get from them... but to many of us that is worth it in the long run. Also, they have a lovely upgrade plan! Not that everyone is into that but it's nice to have that in your back pocket!

Incidentally I've had very small diamonds (.5 I think?) replaced in my wedding band twice and it was about $60. Not a big deal.

There are tons of reputable jewellers in Toronto that can service your ring! But I'm going to bring up the obvious now that I know where you live... what about Birks? You can pay probably $20 every six months to have Birks check any diamond ring for you if you're nervous and trust that they'll take care of it! As I'm sure you know they're highly reputable and have a terrific service dept. at Bloor Street.

Also, have you considered buying from Birks? Not as high a mark up as Tiffany's but great quality and service... also, my sister had her independent-jeweller-made diamond e-ring re-set by them (something Tiffany's doesn't do) in their classic four prong setting for about $800 or so, so you COULD definitely buy a diamond from GOG and have it placed in a Birks setting if you like Birks, and I'm pretty sure that would put you in their service plan (but please check! I know for sure you can choose a setting there and "bring your own diamond" if you wish).

Buy for the diamond and the setting... then have it insured.

 

[VivianYY]

To me, the White Soleste looks best on you, but I can understand why you want a 2ct + solitaire diamond! Good Luck with your choice and I am sure you will find your perfect ring!

 

[rogersa]

Hey Rogersa! I agree - you need to take a deep breath, buy from one of these reputable places we've all mentioned here (Tiffany's, GOG, Blue Nile ...) You have to put the word "warranty" OUT of your diamond-shopping vocabulary and replace with "home insurance rider" and just leave it at that.

Okay so I'm a Tiffany's girl (I'm in Toronto too) and I have to say the service is exceptional. You can walk into Bloor St. any time to have it cleaned, checked, and even polished back to brand new (band and all) for free within minutes (cleaning/check) to hours (polish to new). When your boyfriend says "they'll do it for free..." it's SORT of true... obviously part of the considerable mark-up there is covering that service and convenience (it's very relaxing to be able to take what is probably the single most expensive item you own in and "drop it off" knowing you'll get the same one back that day without doubt, and you sound like someone who would worry about that!! I would too honestly) you get from them... but to many of us that is worth it in the long run. Also, they have a lovely upgrade plan! Not that everyone is into that but it's nice to have that in your back pocket!

Incidentally I've had very small diamonds (.5 I think?) replaced in my wedding band twice and it was about $60. Not a big deal.

There are tons of reputable jewellers in Toronto that can service your ring! But I'm going to bring up the obvious now that I know where you live... what about Birks? You can pay probably $20 every six months to have Birks check any diamond ring for you if you're nervous and trust that they'll take care of it! As I'm sure you know they're highly reputable and have a terrific service dept. at Bloor Street.

Also, have you considered buying from Birks? Not as high a mark up as Tiffany's but great quality and service... also, my sister had her independent-jeweller-made diamond e-ring re-set by them (something Tiffany's doesn't do) in their classic four prong setting for about $800 or so, so you COULD definitely buy a diamond from GOG and have it placed in a Birks setting if you like Birks, and I'm pretty sure that would put you in their service plan (but please check! I know for sure you can choose a setting there and "bring your own diamond" if you wish).

Buy for the diamond and the setting... then have it insured.

Lots of great info! We had gone to birks actually, and we did like one of the settings. I would definitely want to take it to them if they allowed it if we did go with GOG for everything. We love the halo setting, it looks just like the HW micro pave. I might stop in today (at sherway) and ask them if they could inspect it etc

But insurance is a must, and I just have to remember that!