Tiffany's Diamond Solitaire
- Thread starter Michael
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Michael. . . it's true you can definitely find like quality stones for less at other places. . . Tiffant's has a lot of advertising and rent space to pay for
BUUUT! I agree, w/ someone else, what matters is the feeling it conjures up insode YOU when you hold it and think of the big step you're about to make.
It's VERY symbolic and you should buy EXACTLY what your heart wants.
BUUUT! I agree, w/ someone else, what matters is the feeling it conjures up insode YOU when you hold it and think of the big step you're about to make.
It's VERY symbolic and you should buy EXACTLY what your heart wants.
Michael-
Everyone has an opinion and here comes mine!
I think you are making a smart move with your purchase.
Yes, pretty much every diamond can be flawed, but I would like to add flaws can be quite different. I have a great deal of experience with diamonds and I can assure you there is a reason for Tiffany's higher prices besides just the name.
Tiffanys does set themselves to higher standards when it comes to their diamonds and what they purchase. It is so much more than just saying VS/D if you know what I mean? The cut of their stones are wonderful and that is pretty much a key factor in the whole picture here. You will most likely be purchasing a well cut stone which gives off the sparkles and brilliance you are looking for. Yes, stores play with lighting and their displays, but when the diamond is outside of the boutique and even when it is filthy a Tiffany diamond will twinkle.
I feel you will never regret your purchase at any point down the road. IF and I say IF you come across a diamond in the future with anything close to the parameters of the one you are thinking of purchasing...I would almost bet the Tiffanys stone will come out the winner. It is a large investment, but I have no regret on my diamond purchase from them. I just have to suck up and take peoples opinions when they don't believe in Tiffanys and that is fine.
Anyway...do you really need to announce you purchased it from Tiffanys anyway?
It all comes down to...how much do you want to spend? If I were you...I would go in and have a figure in your mind of a comfortable dollar amount that you want to spend. Remember...save a little bit for the wedding band as well.
It is all about how wonderful you feel about the purchase and also the factor of love which is what it is really all about in the first place.
I am excited for you!
Everyone has an opinion and here comes mine!
I think you are making a smart move with your purchase.
Yes, pretty much every diamond can be flawed, but I would like to add flaws can be quite different. I have a great deal of experience with diamonds and I can assure you there is a reason for Tiffany's higher prices besides just the name.
Tiffanys does set themselves to higher standards when it comes to their diamonds and what they purchase. It is so much more than just saying VS/D if you know what I mean? The cut of their stones are wonderful and that is pretty much a key factor in the whole picture here. You will most likely be purchasing a well cut stone which gives off the sparkles and brilliance you are looking for. Yes, stores play with lighting and their displays, but when the diamond is outside of the boutique and even when it is filthy a Tiffany diamond will twinkle.
I feel you will never regret your purchase at any point down the road. IF and I say IF you come across a diamond in the future with anything close to the parameters of the one you are thinking of purchasing...I would almost bet the Tiffanys stone will come out the winner. It is a large investment, but I have no regret on my diamond purchase from them. I just have to suck up and take peoples opinions when they don't believe in Tiffanys and that is fine.
Anyway...do you really need to announce you purchased it from Tiffanys anyway?
It all comes down to...how much do you want to spend? If I were you...I would go in and have a figure in your mind of a comfortable dollar amount that you want to spend. Remember...save a little bit for the wedding band as well.
It is all about how wonderful you feel about the purchase and also the factor of love which is what it is really all about in the first place.
I am excited for you!
Michael, since this was written by Tiffany and is on their website I would take it with a grain of salt.
I got engaged in December 2002 and married in May 2004. We looked at every place imaginable. Tiffany, Cartier, mall stores, wholesalers, etc. The ring that matched our specs at Tiffany was about $35K. We went to a wholesaler instead and spent 1/3 the price on basically the same stone in platinum. Now I realize diamond prices have gone up since then, but you get the comparison.
I would never ask a man to NOT spend money on me -- but you can get more diamond for less money if you do your research.
Michael,
As long as you do your research, you can decide where to get it. We did TONS of research, and in the end, still ended up with a 'brand-name' (not tiffanys) ring, and I am glad I did. A lot of times you just have to get what you like and what you trust trust in, and what you think your gf will like. Don't think of it as getting ripped off! You ARE getting your money's worth with the service, quality, assurance, craftsmanship. Other 'tiffany-style' settings just won't look the same. Buying an engagement ring is not ONLY about the diamond, it is about the ring as a whole...so don't compromise on the setting just to get a bigger diamond.
As long as you do your research, you can decide where to get it. We did TONS of research, and in the end, still ended up with a 'brand-name' (not tiffanys) ring, and I am glad I did. A lot of times you just have to get what you like and what you trust trust in, and what you think your gf will like. Don't think of it as getting ripped off! You ARE getting your money's worth with the service, quality, assurance, craftsmanship. Other 'tiffany-style' settings just won't look the same. Buying an engagement ring is not ONLY about the diamond, it is about the ring as a whole...so don't compromise on the setting just to get a bigger diamond.
Some communications received from Tiffany's themselves....enjoy!
Thank you so much for your interest in Tiffany & Co. It sounds like you have done a tremendous amount of research, and I would love the opportunity to discuss the true difference we offer here at Tiffany. I can assure you that we do not "sell the same thing that everyone else does." Our diamonds are the absolute highest quality ones in the world for many reasons.
Tiffany & co. is and has always been the leading company in selling engagement rings for over 160 years. In fact, in a recent article in the New York Times on January 7th , "When Buying Jewelry start with a Mouse," the article mentions how the web based company Blue Nile is ranked number two behind Tiffany & co. when it comes to engagement ring sales.
Tiffany & co. diamond rings are sold based on the superb quality and craftsmanship. Most jewelry company's would like to compare with us but when you take a closer look at our merchandise and our outstanding customer service you'll see why we are number one. It's not easy being at the top when all other jewelry want to be competitors try to down play our products. But the fact remains that if we weren't the best at what we do you wouldn't even be considering us as an option. In addition, if price is your only concern then I would advise that you take a look at what Blue Nile has to offer. However, I guarantee that when that special lady in your life is wearing her Tiffany diamond ring all of her friends, family and passer bys will comment on how beautiful her diamond sparkles.
Not only do we carry high quality diamonds but our parameters are just as strict as G.I.A. if not better, and we have a 32 point inspection that our diamonds go through before they are even considered for being placed into a mounting and sold. For example, we use color: D-I; Clarity: IF- VS2; the total depth % we use is 59-62.9; the table % is 53-60; crown angle: 33.4 degree -35.5 degrees; girdle thickness: very thin -slightly thick, polish and symmetry: good- excellent but most importantly every single Tiffany diamond has a precision of cut: Excellent and there are no exceptions.
So you see we don't need to compare our selves to no one. There really isn't any jewelry stores that we feel are our competitors. And the only reasons why people may not choose a Tiffany diamond is because they are not really sure they want the best diamond for the person they feel is the best choice for them or they would rather get an addition on a house or plan a vacation.
In conclusion, when you are comparing a Tiffany diamond to another jewelry company the best idea is to definitely take a look at both diamonds, look at the over package, such as the quality and reputation of the company. A company can sell rings on there reputation however, when it comes down to those who really do their homework and realize that for a few thousand dollars more for the best quality rather than the second best or third it's usually worth coming here.
Our diamonds are certified and is guaranteed to be the color and clarity that is reported on the certification. I'm sorry that you have to go through this just to buy a diamond. I know that you want to make the right choice for that special lady in your life and she deserves the best.
Tiffany & Co. stands behind the color and clarity ratings on our diamonds. If you read the fine print on a GIA certificate, it states that it is not a guarantee but an approximation. You could receive a lower color/clarity combination than thought. For clarity, we carry only clear or white inclusions. A Tiffany diamond is the BEST cut diamond. We accept NO extra facets,misshaped facets, surface breaks, knots or naturals on the diamond. We make sure the crown and pavilion are at the proper angles. The table is centered as is the culet(if there is one). GIA has come up with five diamond cut grades in the past year and a half. I don't know how the diamond you are comparing is rated. GIA is an organization that grades diamonds for a fee. They will grade any diamond. Unfortunately, GIA has been plagued with grading scandals in the past year or two. I did my diamond grading training through GIA. They are one of the largest services the the nation. Our prices our based on the qualities of our ring: color/clarity/cut and craftsmanship of the mounting. [SIZE=+0] [/SIZE]
I have been thinking of the various couples who come back to look at our diamond counter, and many have second thoughts about not chosing the Tiffany diamond. One couple even checked about returning their purchased ring, and wouldn't you know, the jeweler did take it back. Rachel is truly thrilled with her diamond now! I have three sons, and I would truly encourage each to shop at Tiffany's. (One has already purchased a Lucida) I only mention these situations, because I want you to know how sincere I am, and am not giving you just a sales pitch. You must be the happy one.
Thank you so much for your interest in Tiffany & Co. It sounds like you have done a tremendous amount of research, and I would love the opportunity to discuss the true difference we offer here at Tiffany. I can assure you that we do not "sell the same thing that everyone else does." Our diamonds are the absolute highest quality ones in the world for many reasons.
Tiffany & co. is and has always been the leading company in selling engagement rings for over 160 years. In fact, in a recent article in the New York Times on January 7th , "When Buying Jewelry start with a Mouse," the article mentions how the web based company Blue Nile is ranked number two behind Tiffany & co. when it comes to engagement ring sales.
Tiffany & co. diamond rings are sold based on the superb quality and craftsmanship. Most jewelry company's would like to compare with us but when you take a closer look at our merchandise and our outstanding customer service you'll see why we are number one. It's not easy being at the top when all other jewelry want to be competitors try to down play our products. But the fact remains that if we weren't the best at what we do you wouldn't even be considering us as an option. In addition, if price is your only concern then I would advise that you take a look at what Blue Nile has to offer. However, I guarantee that when that special lady in your life is wearing her Tiffany diamond ring all of her friends, family and passer bys will comment on how beautiful her diamond sparkles.
Not only do we carry high quality diamonds but our parameters are just as strict as G.I.A. if not better, and we have a 32 point inspection that our diamonds go through before they are even considered for being placed into a mounting and sold. For example, we use color: D-I; Clarity: IF- VS2; the total depth % we use is 59-62.9; the table % is 53-60; crown angle: 33.4 degree -35.5 degrees; girdle thickness: very thin -slightly thick, polish and symmetry: good- excellent but most importantly every single Tiffany diamond has a precision of cut: Excellent and there are no exceptions.
So you see we don't need to compare our selves to no one. There really isn't any jewelry stores that we feel are our competitors. And the only reasons why people may not choose a Tiffany diamond is because they are not really sure they want the best diamond for the person they feel is the best choice for them or they would rather get an addition on a house or plan a vacation.
In conclusion, when you are comparing a Tiffany diamond to another jewelry company the best idea is to definitely take a look at both diamonds, look at the over package, such as the quality and reputation of the company. A company can sell rings on there reputation however, when it comes down to those who really do their homework and realize that for a few thousand dollars more for the best quality rather than the second best or third it's usually worth coming here.
Our diamonds are certified and is guaranteed to be the color and clarity that is reported on the certification. I'm sorry that you have to go through this just to buy a diamond. I know that you want to make the right choice for that special lady in your life and she deserves the best.
Tiffany & Co. stands behind the color and clarity ratings on our diamonds. If you read the fine print on a GIA certificate, it states that it is not a guarantee but an approximation. You could receive a lower color/clarity combination than thought. For clarity, we carry only clear or white inclusions. A Tiffany diamond is the BEST cut diamond. We accept NO extra facets,misshaped facets, surface breaks, knots or naturals on the diamond. We make sure the crown and pavilion are at the proper angles. The table is centered as is the culet(if there is one). GIA has come up with five diamond cut grades in the past year and a half. I don't know how the diamond you are comparing is rated. GIA is an organization that grades diamonds for a fee. They will grade any diamond. Unfortunately, GIA has been plagued with grading scandals in the past year or two. I did my diamond grading training through GIA. They are one of the largest services the the nation. Our prices our based on the qualities of our ring: color/clarity/cut and craftsmanship of the mounting. [SIZE=+0] [/SIZE]
I have been thinking of the various couples who come back to look at our diamond counter, and many have second thoughts about not chosing the Tiffany diamond. One couple even checked about returning their purchased ring, and wouldn't you know, the jeweler did take it back. Rachel is truly thrilled with her diamond now! I have three sons, and I would truly encourage each to shop at Tiffany's. (One has already purchased a Lucida) I only mention these situations, because I want you to know how sincere I am, and am not giving you just a sales pitch. You must be the happy one.
Very nice correspondence. But I still say you can get the same type of diamond at other jewelers if you request the same specs as what Tiffany carries. In the end, if you're happy and your future wife is happy, that's all that matters, so if you're completely set with purchasing from Tiffany and you have the funds to do so, then by all means, purchase the ring from them. I have no idea what your financial situation is but for me personally, that's a lot of money to spend on an engagement ring.
How nice of them to write! I hope it helps you get the ring you want! And try NOT to stress out over the purchase! Have FUN laying out some BIG bucks for you honey!
My husband still smiles whenever he catches me looking at my sparkle-y hand! He says it (buying a big 'ol ring @ Tiffany's) made him feel like a "big shot"--and I'm glad they (Tiffany's) made the buying experience as fun as the GETTING experience was (for me!).
Good luck!
My husband still smiles whenever he catches me looking at my sparkle-y hand! He says it (buying a big 'ol ring @ Tiffany's) made him feel like a "big shot"--and I'm glad they (Tiffany's) made the buying experience as fun as the GETTING experience was (for me!).
Good luck!
oh my gosh, now reading this email, I remember what happened. I went into Tiffany with my guy friend to look at rings(he is doing research as to what to get for his gf.) And the WHOLE time, the SA just kept saying that Tiffanys has the BEST diamonds, and no other stores has better diamonds. He just kept pushing that point...it got me annoyed a bit. I would say they do have great diamonds, it probably ranks as the top 10% with other stores, but he didn't have to put down other stores. Then he showed my friend a lot of color I diamonds(to say that even their I's are better), compared to an F, but my friend can't see the color difference in the Tiffany rings...so my friend asked me to put the Tiffany ring on my finger next to my ring to see if he can tell the difference between an I and an E. Then he immediately says, oh...I can tell the tint now." Now the SA got a bit defensive and asked, "Where did you get your ring from?" I told him. After that, he didn't push the point that only Tiffanys is the BEST. 
Seems like they are trained to tell customers that only they have the bestest diamonds in the world.
I do agree with the email that it's the whole package!
Seems like they are trained to tell customers that only they have the bestest diamonds in the world.
I do agree with the email that it's the whole package!
i'm starting to feel like maybe this thread is not what i first thought it was. am i mistaken?
Well I am not sure what you thought this thread was about. This thread is about me gathering information so that I feel like I am making the best decision for myself and my beautiful future wife to be. It was about people's opinion/thoughts/comments on Tiffany's Diamond Solitaire's.
Quick update btw I have been introduced to Harry Winston which I had heard of before but didn't even think of looking into. So now I am. Because I have been doing so much research I will in fact decide between either Tiffany's or Harry Winston Diamonds.
Thank you everyone for all of your comments /advice/words of wisdom. I will get back to you guys later. The sun is shining in Ohio so I am going out to enjoy the weather!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Michael
hahaha...good for you to discover Harry Winston...she is one lucky gal! HW has wonderful diamonds!!! THEY sparkel like mad, and the best customer service too!
If you're looking at spending that sort of money and you are shopping for stones above a 1.5, go through a diamond broker and focus on getting an idea cut stone (that is what really makes it sparkle). Colour is a personal choice after that, and with a perfect cut you can go down to VVS2 or even SI1 clarity and you wont lose anything in sparkle. There are many designers who make beautiful solitaire settings. Check out danielk.net You pay a premium at Tiffany's for the brand. If you are up for choosing your stone loose and choosing your own setting, you can save money while getting an excellent stone and beautiful setting. On the other hand, if Tiffany's is a big deal to her, then go for it.
Apologies, I made a few typos above. I mean to say an "ideal cut" stone is the most important. And going down to "VS2" or even SI1 saves you a lot of money w/o compromising quality and sparkle factor. Sorry for the sloppy typing!