What Other Jewelry Brands Do You Buy/Wear?

[jennlt]

thank you again @Happyish , @missie1! Thank you, @Notorious Pink !


@jennlt, my family can be quite rude. DHs family can be deliberately needling and tenacious.

sometimes i say to mine, I got a massive deal on ebay (usually about Hermes bags) I found that when I bought them one or rehomed one, they stopped asking lol.

soemtimes I put my foot down with DHs family (but I’ve been married thirty years, so it took a while)
I say:

it was a hand me down from my family
Or
You don’t want to know; and I don’t want to tell you.
or
if I told you, it would kill you
or
i got it on Etsy

i did tell them that my unlogo-ed dior sweats were from a small shop in midtown.

good luck!

Thanks for your great suggestions! A friend suggested that I say "Why, do you want to buy it from me?" when someone asks me how much my bag/jewelry/shoes cost.

I've also been married 30 years and my in-laws are exasperating to say the least. I have had to put my foot down with them as you have. We don't see them as often as we did, so it's less of an issue now than it used to be.

My aunt once asked how much my handbag cost and I told her it was a gift (it was a gift from me, to me, so technically I was telling the truth). She then demanded, " Are you refusing to tell me how much that bag cost?!" and I demurred again, insisting it was a gift. I blush very easily when I am stressed and I could feel my cheeks burning but I stood my ground. She obviously got the message because she didn't ask me how much my Cartier watch cost when she saw it for the first time

My sister is extremely jealous and has a very quick temper which erupts without provocation. I once asked her when her day off was and she went on a ten-minute tirade about how unfair it was that she has to work when her friends don't. I just never know what will set her off and it makes it extremely stressful to spend time with her.

Several years ago, she tossed one of my bags away from herself as if she had been bitten by a snake. She yelled, "I thought it was a Kate Spade but it's a VALENTINO!" and went on a rant about my life versus hers. She then proceeded to give my Gucci pumps the hairy eyeball. That was the start of a (not) fun day together. She didn't speak to me for the next six months to punish me for my perceived sins and I have to admit it was a very peaceful six months lol

I've made some adjustments in what I wear; my Chanel bags are re-issues rather than classics and I have several Loewe Puzzle bags because their small logo is not recognizable to my family. And, of course, I wear less jewelry.

I have also given my sister several bags, some newly purchased for her birthday and some gently used, but I never see her with them. I've come to the conclusion that she immediately sells them so I re-home them myself now and use the proceeds towards my own new bags. I actually think giving her the bags increased her resentment rather than resolved anything.

Suffice it to say that my family does not put the fun in dysfunctional

 

[880]

Thanks for your great suggestions! A friend suggested that I say "Why, do you want to buy it from me?" when someone asks me how much my bag/jewelry/shoes cost.

I've also been married 30 years and my in-laws are exasperating to say the least. I have had to put my foot down with them as you have. We don't see them as often as we did, so it's less of an issue now than it used to be.

My aunt once asked how much my handbag cost and I told her it was a gift (it was a gift from me, to me, so technically I was telling the truth). She then demanded, " Are you refusing to tell me how much that bag cost?!" and I demurred again, insisting it was a gift. I blush very easily when I am stressed and I could feel my cheeks burning but I stood my ground. She obviously got the message because she didn't ask me how much my Cartier watch cost when she saw it for the first time

My sister is extremely jealous and has a very quick temper which erupts without provocation. I once asked her when her day off was and she went on a ten-minute tirade about how unfair it was that she has to work when her friends don't. I just never know what will set her off and it makes it extremely stressful to spend time with her.

Several years ago, she tossed one of my bags away from herself as if she had been bitten by a snake. She yelled, "I thought it was a Kate Spade but it's a VALENTINO!" and went on a rant about my life versus hers. She then proceeded to give my Gucci pumps the hairy eyeball. That was the start of a (not) fun day together. She didn't speak to me for the next six months to punish me for my perceived sins and I have to admit it was a very peaceful six months lol

I've made some adjustments in what I wear; my Chanel bags are re-issues rather than classics and I have several Loewe Puzzle bags because their small logo is not recognizable to my family. And, of course, I wear less jewelry.

I have also given my sister several bags, some newly purchased for her birthday and some gently used, but I never see her with them. I've come to the conclusion that she immediately sells them so I re-home them myself now and use the proceeds towards my own new bags. I actually think giving her the bags increased her resentment rather than resolved anything.

Suffice it to say that my family does not put the fun in dysfunctional

yep, disfunctional families. Big hug! I often feel like those who survive the disfunction deserve a reward themselves

i find this thread enjoyable; maybe you would like it too!
https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/say-something-you-cant-say-to-their-face.673405/page-878

 

[jennlt]

yep, disfunctional families. Big hug! I often feel like those who survive the disfunction deserve a reward themselves

i find this thread enjoyable to use; maybe you would like it too!
https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/say-something-you-cant-say-to-their-face.673405/page-878

Thanks for the thread recommendation! I haven't read that one in a while so it's time for me to reacquaint myself with it.

I count myself very lucky to have a wonderful DH who is very supportive and understands how crazy my childhood was. He also thinks it's great that I reward myself occasionally. He's not quite as enthusiastic as your DH is about shopping but he's still a keeper

 

[etoupebirkin]

I temper my wardrobe, handbags, and jewelry when I visit DH's family. There's nothing else to be done. It keeps the peace.

My MIL has complained to me that "I have so much! And that her daughter (SIL) has so little." SIL made many ill-advised choices when she was young. She has an Ivy League education and has done little with it. She only dated actors and musicians -- the cool people -- doctors, lawyers, accountants, and professionals were B O R I N G. Her choices led to negative consequences. DH's family bought SIL her condo, paid for her lifestyle, vacations, etc. It was if her parents said to SIL, we don't think you can make it on your own, but here's enough so that you can get by and be dependent on us.

Over time, my relationship with my in-laws has evolved into a equilibrium of sorts. MIL and SIL know that once MIL passes, DH and I will be her only geographically close family.

There was a time when I was jealous that my in-laws paid for my SIL's condo and lifestyle. But then I realized that the struggle to be independent honed me. Working three jobs at the same time, no car, no health insurance, and little parental largesse made me the person I am now. You have to let your kids struggle (as painful as that is to witness) in order for them to grow into successful adults.

 

[etoupebirkin]

On a more fun note, do any of you like Irene Neuwirth? I am beginning to be enamored with her jewelry.

 

[BigAkoya]

On a more fun note, do any of you like Irene Neuwirth? I am beginning to be enamored with her jewelry.

I am not familiar with Irene Neuwirth. However, if you like that style of carved gemstones, you may also like Naomi Sarna. Her pieces are one of a kind. She is also known for her gemstone carvings and has won awards.

Here are some of her rings, but she has tons more pieces of course.
Shop Naomi Sarna Art Jewels, Fine Jewelry & Gemstone Sculpture

For rock crystal lovers, I love this bangle: Sophisticated Lady Bracelet Rock Crystal Bracelet | Naomi Sarna | Art Jewels

If you live in NYC, Wilensky Minerals carries a few of her sculptures and jewelry which you can take a look at in real life. Well, I should say they did in 2019. I have not been to the gallery since (it's down in the Chelsea Art District). If you are interested, I am sure they can contact her to bring in some pieces. They told me they have an ongoing relationship with her.

 

[Dextersmom]

I wanted to share a new purchase with all of you. A few weeks ago, I was strolling through a local outdoor mall and something caught my eye in the window display at Ben Bridge. It was a lovely light blue gemstone tennis bracelet. The afternoon light coupled with the showroom lighting made it sparkle and it stopped me in my tracks. I had never been in this jewelry store before and wasn't sure what to expect. A very sweet SA helped me and I tried on the bracelet, which she informed me was London blue topaz with accent diamonds. I loved it instantly and it complemented my other jewelry that I was wearing. I have never impulse purchased jewelry before, so I took her card and told her I loved the bracelet but wanted to think about it, which I did for 2 weeks before purchasing. I took a couple of pictures I will share with you here, but it will be wrapped up until Valentine's Day.

 

[880]

@Dextersmom, how lovely! What a wonderful Valentine’s Day present!

I am not familiar with Irene Neuwirth. However, if you like that style of carved gemstones, you may also like Naomi Sarna. Her pieces are one of a kind. She is also known for her gemstone carvings and has won awards.

Here are some of her rings, but she has tons more pieces of course.
Shop Naomi Sarna Art Jewels, Fine Jewelry & Gemstone Sculpture

For rock crystal lovers, I love this bangle: Sophisticated Lady Bracelet Rock Crystal Bracelet | Naomi Sarna | Art Jewels

If you live in NYC, Wilensky Minerals carries a few of her sculptures and jewelry which you can take a look at in real life. Well, I should say they did in 2019. I have not been to the gallery since (it's down in the Chelsea Art District). If you are interested, I am sure they can contact her to bring in some pieces. They told me they have an ongoing relationship with her.

Interesting! @etoupebirkin what are you thinking of getting?

i think they are both beautiful but stylistically very different. Irene neuwirth, in my layman’s opinion is closer to VCA floral renditions, perhaps a step or two more stylized, whereas Naomi Sarna seems far more abstract and fluid

on the family front, mine is quite generous with family members who are wastrels and idiots. I try not to think about that too much lol

 

[etoupebirkin]

I love Neuwirth’s floral renditions And the Candy pieces and charms. It’s likely I’ll focus my collecting on her pieces this year. I need to find the most advantageous way to acquire them. Whether through Bergdorf Goodman using my Neiman’s card or Neimans or another vendor who has loyalty points or price concessions.

 

[Dextersmom]

@Dextersmom, how lovely! What a wonderful Valentine’s Day present!



Interesting! @etoupebirkin what are you thinking of getting?

i think they are both beautiful but stylistically very different. Irene neuwirth, in my layman’s opinion is closer to VCA floral renditions, perhaps a step or two more stylized, whereas Naomi Sarna seems far more abstract and fluid

on the family front, mine is quite generous with family members who are wastrels and idiots. I try not to think about that too much lol

Thank you @880.

 

[cafecreme15]

One of my fave places to acquire jewelry is this lovely women-owned boutique in Soho (in NYC) called Soho Gem. They have a great combination of classic and unique pieces, and the ladies there are always so helpful and knowledgeable. They’ve brought special pieces into the store for myself and my friends if we just describe what we are looking for, and they make it magically appear! They also work with their loyal clients on pricing, which is always appreciated! I stopped in there yesterday with a friend who was buying some earrings, and I tried a few things on. Was in a sapphire mood and their speciality is sapphires. Sorry the quality of the pics isn’t great!

 

[cafecreme15]

Thanks for your great suggestions! A friend suggested that I say "Why, do you want to buy it from me?" when someone asks me how much my bag/jewelry/shoes cost.

I've also been married 30 years and my in-laws are exasperating to say the least. I have had to put my foot down with them as you have. We don't see them as often as we did, so it's less of an issue now than it used to be.

My aunt once asked how much my handbag cost and I told her it was a gift (it was a gift from me, to me, so technically I was telling the truth). She then demanded, " Are you refusing to tell me how much that bag cost?!" and I demurred again, insisting it was a gift. I blush very easily when I am stressed and I could feel my cheeks burning but I stood my ground. She obviously got the message because she didn't ask me how much my Cartier watch cost when she saw it for the first time

My sister is extremely jealous and has a very quick temper which erupts without provocation. I once asked her when her day off was and she went on a ten-minute tirade about how unfair it was that she has to work when her friends don't. I just never know what will set her off and it makes it extremely stressful to spend time with her.

Several years ago, she tossed one of my bags away from herself as if she had been bitten by a snake. She yelled, "I thought it was a Kate Spade but it's a VALENTINO!" and went on a rant about my life versus hers. She then proceeded to give my Gucci pumps the hairy eyeball. That was the start of a (not) fun day together. She didn't speak to me for the next six months to punish me for my perceived sins and I have to admit it was a very peaceful six months lol

I've made some adjustments in what I wear; my Chanel bags are re-issues rather than classics and I have several Loewe Puzzle bags because their small logo is not recognizable to my family. And, of course, I wear less jewelry.

I have also given my sister several bags, some newly purchased for her birthday and some gently used, but I never see her with them. I've come to the conclusion that she immediately sells them so I re-home them myself now and use the proceeds towards my own new bags. I actually think giving her the bags increased her resentment rather than resolved anything.

Suffice it to say that my family does not put the fun in dysfunctional

Ugh! The worst. My husband‘s family thinks I’m an absolute nut case with this stuff, and I’m pretty sure my own thinks that as well but they know better than to say anything at this point LOL

 

[Deleted member 626500]

I am not familiar with Irene Neuwirth. However, if you like that style of carved gemstones, you may also like Naomi Sarna. Her pieces are one of a kind. She is also known for her gemstone carvings and has won awards.

Here are some of her rings, but she has tons more pieces of course.
Shop Naomi Sarna Art Jewels, Fine Jewelry & Gemstone Sculpture

For rock crystal lovers, I love this bangle: Sophisticated Lady Bracelet Rock Crystal Bracelet | Naomi Sarna | Art Jewels

If you live in NYC, Wilensky Minerals carries a few of her sculptures and jewelry which you can take a look at in real life. Well, I should say they did in 2019. I have not been to the gallery since (it's down in the Chelsea Art District). If you are interested, I am sure they can contact her to bring in some pieces. They told me they have an ongoing relationship with her.

Thank you for sharing--that's a jeweler I've never heard of . . . her work looks amazing!

 

[DS2006]

I definitely carefully consider what I wear when we visit DH's family. They are financially similar to us, but they don't seem to be interested in fine/designer jewelry and do not buy many luxury items. So I am low key on jewelry when we visit.

 

[Deleted member 626500]

I definitely carefully consider what I wear when we visit DH's family. They are financially similar to us, but they don't seem to be interested in fine/designer jewelry and do not buy many luxury items. So I am low key on jewelry when we visit.

You have to be. A little prudence can save a lot of aggravation.
If I don't have time to go home and change in-between appointments, I may tuck my jewelry inside a shirt, or take to off only to put it on for my next visit. I don't want the antagonism, envy or other adverse consequence . . .