What Other Jewelry Brands Do You Buy/Wear?

[lynne_ross]

Each time I look at a bow ring in a photo (e.g. Noeud, Tilda's Bow, Picchiotti), I love them and think wow, so pretty.
I then try on the rings in real life, and I do love the cute bow design is. Ironically, cute for me, is also what I don't love. I see the bow ring being cute not so much for the size of the bow, nor how the bow is shaped, nor how many diaomonds. I see the bow design itself, when made into jewelry, as being a cute design idea. That's just me, and cute is not my look at this phase in my life.

I thought the Picchiotti bow looked more elegant when I saw it online. Well, anything looks elegant in a dressy outfit as in the model in the photo. Sure, that ring would look great going out, but I don't buy pieces to be worn only when going out. I buy pieces to wear everyday. After work hours, I dress very casual, and I like to wear serious bling to add a bit of chic elegance. For work, I'm in a conservative corporate environment, male-dominated, and I wear suits. Hence I also like to wear serious bling. So cute is definitely not my look in either scenario.

At the boutique today, I stood in front of a full length mirror to assess how I looked with the bow ring...
I saw a lady with a striped tee and skinny Bermuda shorts, wearing a cute bow ring. Ugh... too cute.
Then I envisioned myself wearing one of my suits, heels, and the bow ring. Ugh again... definitely not a serious look.

I showed my husband these photos when I got home (he did not come with me). He said, without any prompting, "the bows are nice and cute, but I like those flower rings more that you bought from that French company, you should get more flower rings."

Don't get me wrong, I love bow rings. But they are just not my look at the moment. That's just me of course.
So... bows are moving to the back of my list for now. I think I'll save the gorgeous bow ring for when I retire!
I can look cute all day, anytime I want!

Hope that helps explain my thinking for me. A bit disappointed today I will say. It’s a gorgeous piece.

That makes sense. I believe many see the bow rings as cute. How you describe your style I see the flower rings suiting you best. Have you tried Cosmo full pave line? That might give you impact you are looking for.

I don’t know about the other styles, but I adore the noeud ring. I find it elegant and feminine. The ring evokes the feeling of being at the ballet. It is my husband’s favourite of the styles and thinks it suits my style best. I wear a lot of flowery dresses and rompers. He finds the lotus more edgy or sophisticated, which suits my ‘going out’ style well. I am coming around to believe I could wear noeud to work whereas the lotus is just too much bling and reserved for weekends or nights out.

 

[glamourbag]

As promised, here are photos of the Bow ring… this is the small Picchiotti bow ring. The large Bow ring was sold, so the last photo is the actual small bow ring with a life size mockup of the large Bow ring (Picchiotti sent over color paper mockups of their bow rings.).
Of the two, I like the larger bow as it pops. However, after trying a few bow ring styles, Noeud, Tilda’s Bow, and now Picchiotti Bow, I concluded bow rings are not for me. They are so gorgeous, but not quite my look.

I did want to share these photos as the Picchiotti bow is my favorite of all.
Hope this was helpful.
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Thank you for sharing! That small is big enough for me (I think). Its beautiful. I also can see your decision to pass on these bow rings as they can make you feel cute. They can sometimes trend on the cute side of the spectrum. No point focusing on a design style which makes you second guess, so its probably best to focus on flowers like your husband encouraged you to do and @lynne_ross highlighted. Especially since you have his support that makes it easier! Flowers or semi/precious stone statement rings as I think those should never be excluded.

I know we discussed the onyx/ pave btf ring but I dont recall if you said if you tried (and like Lynne asked) the full pave Cosmos ring as it seems like it might fit into your collection. If you haven't is it because it is a lower profile ring (flatter) - perhaps that is not your preference for full diamond pieces; perhaps you prefer more dimension...

Regardless, thank you for your contribution to the thread re: bows and ribbon rings. Some of these are certainly worth a peek. more local store didn't have one at the time of call so I can ask closer to the date I stop in.

 

[wisconsin]

to be perfectly honest, I would sell the necklace in three seconds if he didn’t remember it. He does not remember most of the jewlery purchases, and he loses track of the bags, but this necklace and my engagement ring he remembers. I’m not sentimental, either, but he’s very particular about the engagement ring. I dont think he’s thrilled about my changing the necklace, and you’re right, I don’t know if I will wear whatever I do with it. The diamonds are beautiful, but the style is just not me, and I would love to create pieces that will go with what I have. To be continued…

My 2 cents. Don’t change it . Wear it occasionally layered with another VCA piece and pass it on to future daughters -in-law. The style is a classic like diamond studs and will come back in fashion.

 

[wisconsin]

I'm so glad to hear you like the second bracelet. You will have a lot of fun with your new piece I can tell.

Your husband will not mind at all reusing the stones. Styles change, tastes change, and it's perfectly okay to sell pieces or re-use stones. I have sold tons of pieces I no longer wear. It's really a romantic myth to think one has to love a piece forever. What I loved when I was 25 is completely different than what I love now. I would hope that my style has changed, and that I have matured for the better. I would hope I am not stuck in time wearing what I wore in my 20s/30s.

Since the necklace was a gift from DH, your new piece will be even more special using these sentimental diamonds. DH will just smile when he sees you wearing this new piece.

Short story...
I had an oval diamond solitaire as my engagement ring, slightly under a carat. I upgraded my engagement ring, so I stopped wearing it. I didn't want to get rid of my old engagement ring, yet it was too small for a pendant or earrings, so I just stuck it in a jewelry box. I am not sentimental with my possesions, but with this diamond ring, I was. We were young & broke, and he said he saved up to buy the best cut & quality and did not cheap out. He completely surprised me with that engagement ring; I was not expecting a proppsal. What a sweetie.

Flash foward...
I was having a new piece made. I wanted some decent sized diamonds. I didn't want to do a bunch of melee diamonds in pave. My DH says how about using your first engagement ring as one of the diamonds? Okay! Well, he then gets excited and gets really into it, working with the jewelry designer and providing his input. He knows I like bold pieces, so he kept blinging it out, add this, add that. I'm like... okay, sounds good, dear! You keep working with the designer, dear! Pile it on, dear!

So... definitely get hubby to participate in your new piece! He will love it and you will too. This will be your special piece you made together. You and hubby will be so proud of this piece, and he will be proud to see you wear it. Your hubby sounds like mine in that he truly appreciates fine jewelry and loves seeing you wear it.

My husband thinks he did such a great job he wants to design another piece.
I think you and your hubby will have fun planning and dreaming your new piece. I'm excited for you!

Are you a writer? I love your writings.

 

[BigAkoya]

That makes sense. I believe many see the bow rings as cute. How you describe your style I see the flower rings suiting you best. Have you tried Cosmo full pave line? That might give you impact you are looking for.

I don’t know about the other styles, but I adore the noeud ring. I find it elegant and feminine. The ring evokes the feeling of being at the ballet. It is my husband’s favourite of the styles and thinks it suits my style best. I wear a lot of flowery dresses and rompers. He finds the lotus more edgy or sophisticated, which suits my ‘going out’ style well. I am coming around to believe I could wear noeud to work whereas the lotus is just too much bling and reserved for weekends or nights out.

I was planning on trying on the Cosmos oynx BTF, but I will also add in the all diamond. The last time I flew to VCA was kind of a waste as inventory is so low now it's hard to get all the pieces in at the same time. I think I'm going to wait until after Christmas to make my trip worthwhile so I can actually take something home. The year is nearly gone, hard to believe it's already September, wow!

I love the Noeud ring, and if your style is flowery dresses and rompers, that would be a perfect look. I agree, it's a very light and airy look, yet it makes a statement and is feminine. A big plus for you is that it is mixed metals which you like, so that ring is a win-win for you!

As for wearing it to work, if you can wear it with your flowery dresses, I think you can definitely wear it to work. Take the VCA label and the price out the ring, and aethestically, it's just a big playful ring. I am sure you've seen many ladies at your work who wear big playful jewelry.

If you are not wearing your Lotus during the workday, I think you should get the Noeud first before another Clover. I know I sound like a broken record, but you have the loveliest fingers and hands. Rings looks stuning on you. I vote Noeud as your next piece! You can wear it all the time too... weekdays and weekends.

 

[Cool Breeze]

I'm in love with my RG Bvlgari Serpenti ring.
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It looks beautiful on your finger! Congratulations!

 

[skyqueen]

For anyone interested in buying other designers lol, Kwiat and Fred Leighton sale starts sept 10 at soiffer haskin (see link for location and other info) https://soifferhaskin.com/sale-schedule/

@BigAkoya, I forgot if I’ve asked you if you’ve tried Dior jewelry (only two blocks north of VCA lol). i tried on the Dior pave diamond bracelet (76K) from their modern collection for the second time (First pic below) This will be on my short list as DH liked it too; at this rate, I may not get back to VCA for a while lol. But, I mention it here bc I think the Dior bracelet could conceivably be a nice contrast to your VCA lotus earrings. To get the Dior bracelet on, you just push the opening onto the narrow part of your wrist and it gives enough to get it on, similar to the Bulgari serpenti.

@Notorious Pink, my mom and I were discussing how to style a graduated riviera necklace bc I was looking to borrow her riviera necklaces, tennis bracelets and an emerald ring for a more diamond intensive deco WG look to wear with a Dior cocktail dress. If you pile on other stuff (here with a rectangular cut Riveria and my tahitian pearls; then with moms tennis bracelet, and emerald ring, the effect is a bit more chanel than Dior, so it may not work. At the end of the day, depending on which outfit, I may just end up wearing the emerald ring and earrings. Or just piling on SS pearls, no gemstones

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OMG! Holy Mother of diamonds
Can I share your Mom with you...I'm a good daughter!

 

[lynne_ross]

I was planning on trying on the Cosmos oynx BTF, but I will also add in the all diamond. The last time I flew to VCA was kind of a waste as inventory is so low now it's hard to get all the pieces in at the same time. I think I'm going to wait until after Christmas to make my trip worthwhile so I can actually take something home. The year is nearly gone, hard to believe it's already September, wow!

I love the Noeud ring, and if your style is flowery dresses and rompers, that would be a perfect look. I agree, it's a very light and airy look, yet it makes a statement and is feminine. A big plus for you is that it is mixed metals which you like, so that ring is a win-win for you!

As for wearing it to work, if you can wear it with your flowery dresses, I think you can definitely wear it to work. Take the VCA label and the price out the ring, and aethestically, it's just a big playful ring. I am sure you've seen many ladies at your work who wear big playful jewelry.

If you are not wearing your Lotus during the workday, I think you should get the Noeud first before another Clover. I know I sound like a broken record, but you have the loveliest fingers and hands. Rings looks stuning on you. I vote Noeud as your next piece! You can wear it all the time too... weekdays and weekends.

You are so sweet!!! Wore my lotus day and it is such a special ring. You are right that I should focus on rings and earrings.

 

[BigAkoya]

Thank you for sharing! That small is big enough for me (I think). Its beautiful. I also can see your decision to pass on these bow rings as they can make you feel cute. They can sometimes trend on the cute side of the spectrum. No point focusing on a design style which makes you second guess, so its probably best to focus on flowers like your husband encouraged you to do and @lynne_ross highlighted. Especially since you have his support that makes it easier! Flowers or semi/precious stone statement rings as I think those should never be excluded.

I know we discussed the onyx/ pave btf ring but I dont recall if you said if you tried (and like Lynne asked) the full pave Cosmos ring as it seems like it might fit into your collection. If you haven't is it because it is a lower profile ring (flatter) - perhaps that is not your preference for full diamond pieces; perhaps you prefer more dimension...

Regardless, thank you for your contribution to the thread re: bows and ribbon rings. Some of these are certainly worth a peek. more local store didn't have one at the time of call so I can ask closer to the date I stop in.

Yes, I think I will try both the Cosmos oynx BTF and the standard diamond pave BTF. Thank you and @lynne_ross ' for suggesting that. I had dismissed the Cosmos all pave BTF ring earlier as I felt it was too flat. You described it perfectly.

However, what I have always liked about the Cosmos BTF ring is that it is truly two distinct flowers. Each flower appears to be floating on top of the fingers, like lily-pads. So dreamy.

On bows, yes, I'm a bit disappointed, but the bow has only moved down the queue. Everyone has different looks, especially through out the phases of our lives. You bet I'm going to go for the cute look in a few years!

To end on the cute theme... something cute to share on a lazy Saturday...
With my husband and I, we are often cute & sweet to each other which I think is so endearing.
I will say to him "How come you're so cute?" He will respond with a grin, "It's natural".
He will say to me "How come you're so cute?" I will respond with a grin, "Make that SUPER cute".

 

[BigAkoya]

Are you a writer? I love your writings.

I'm not a writer, but at my work, I speak and present a lot. Hence, I often have to think about and choose the words I use. The choice of words in speech has probably carried over in my writing. That's too funny. Thank you so much for the compliment; that made my day!

 

[glamourbag]

Yes, I think I will try both the Cosmos oynx BTF and the standard diamond pave BTF. Thank you and @lynne_ross ' for suggesting that. I had dismissed the Cosmos all pave BTF ring earlier as I felt it was too flat. You described it perfectly.

However, what I have always liked about the Cosmos BTF ring is that it is truly two distinct flowers. Each flower appears to be floating on top of the fingers, like lily-pads. So dreamy.

On bows, yes, I'm a bit disappointed, but the bow has only moved down the queue. Everyone has different looks, especially through out the phases of our lives. You bet I'm going to go for the cute look in a few years!

To end on the cute theme... something cute to share on a lazy Saturday...
With my husband and I, we are often cute & sweet to each other which I think is so endearing.
I will say to him "How come you're so cute?" He will respond with a grin, "It's natural".
He will say to me "How come you're so cute?" I will respond with a grin, "Make that SUPER cute".

That is totally adorable! Special moments make the best memories

 

[Notorious Pink]

My 2 cents. Don’t change it . Wear it occasionally layered with another VCA piece and pass it on to future daughters -in-law. The style is a classic like diamond studs and will come back in fashion.

I appreciate it, but I don’t even own Diamond studs or a tennis bracelet. In the ten years I’ve owned this necklace, I’ve worn it less than ten times. I will try to use it, but I have gotten some really exciting suggestions about what to do with it.

 

[880]

thank you all @skyqueen, @Cool Breeze, all for your kind words!

I love these two quotes that center on whether a piece of jewelry fits our character or personality:

don’t know about the other styles, but I adore the noeud ring. I find it elegant and feminine. The ring evokes the feeling of being at the ballet. It is my husband’s favourite of the styles and thinks it suits my style best. I wear a lot of flowery dresses and rompers. He finds the lotus more edgy or sophisticated, which suits my ‘going out’ style well. I am coming around to believe I could wear noeud to work whereas the lotus is just too much bling and reserved for weekends or nights out.

o end on the cute theme... something cute to share on a lazy Saturday...
With my husband and I, we are often cute & sweet to each other which I think is so endearing.
I will say to him "How come you're so cute?" He will respond with a grin, "It's natural".
He will say to me "How come you're so cute?" I will respond with a grin, "Make that SUPER cute".

and for @BigAkoya, here is a noeud ? Bow ring that I don’t think is cute, but rather classic, glamorous and splendid (alll of her attributes plus, I have to confess, I can imagine you wearing it with a striped sweater and bermudas

Van Cleef Arpels Noeud Mysterieux ring

The Van Cleef & Arpels Noeud Mystérieux between the finger ring showcases two of the house's trademarked techniques: Mystery Set stones and an architecture that appears to make the bow float above the hand. Van Cleef & Arpels trade mark protected the term 'between the finger ring' and designs...

www.thejewelleryeditor.com

plus, here is an article I thought was interesting (at the top was a mention of holographic jewel technique which reminded me of @Notorious Pink ’s Stephen Webster doublet turquiose bracelet, and at the bottom was a mention of Tasaki, the largest Akoya farmer in the world)

Canary in the coal mine: our run down of high jewellery 2021

From Boucheron's use of holographic film to Pomellato's luxury up-cycling, we assess what high jewellery looks like in 2021 and you may be surprised.

www.thejewelleryeditor.com

 

[BigAkoya]

I appreciate it, but I don’t even own Diamond studs or a tennis bracelet. In the ten years I’ve owned this necklace, I’ve worn it less than ten times. I will try to use it, but I have gotten some really exciting suggestions about what to do with it.

I just thought of another idea!
If you don't want another bangle but prefer a bracelet, how about creating a Palmyre? You could sprinkle the diamonds all over and add pink sapphires or another colored gemstone. Since you like PG, the Palmyre style will definitely show off the pink metal.
When I was trying to find a bracelet to match my Frivole, I tried on the 3-row Palmyre, but it doesn't go with Frivole at all. I posted the photo below so you can get an idea of a 3-row width vs. a 5-row width. If you have enough stones to do a 5-row width (or maybe add more stones), I would definitely do a 5-row as I thought the 3-row was neither here nor there. It was neither delicate nor bold (see photo below). It depends on the look you want of course.

I actually think Palmyre looks better with colored gemstones. It's kind of boring to me with just diamonds due to the style, but that’s just me. Here are some links:
All diamond 5-row version: Palmyre bracelet - VCARO3R300 - Van Cleef & Arpels (vancleefarpels.com)
Pink sapphire and diamond 5-row version : Brume de saphir bracelet - VCARP40L00 - Van Cleef & Arpels (vancleefarpels.com)

I would make the pink sapphires the highlight of the bracelet and not the diamonds. The pink sapphires will really give it a punch. This would be really simple for a jeweler to do also.

 

[couturequeen]

Could you kindly post a modeling photo?

I tried the Sweet-Perlee clover a couple weeks back (posted the photo in case someone wants to compare to modeling shots hopefully someone will post here for the Roberto Coin) and saw 2 women I know with them this week, one with one in YG, and the other had stacked a RG and WG, and they were so under impressive for $16,000. I couldn’t believe the one who had stacked them and paid $32,000, instead of getting the full size. She told me she was on the waitlist for that one, lol.
I’d love to see how these look, and at its price point for sure if they are cute....

My go-to stack right now.