What Other Jewelry Brands Do You Buy/Wear?

[Deleted member 626500]

That is so funny! Since you also like books, my favorite jewelry collection of all is Elizabeth Taylor's!
I also went to see her exhibition before it went to auction with Christie's. She had the best collection ever. I love her pieces, old world glamour, lots of colored gemstones which is my style. She had the best ruby and emerald set.

Here is her book in case you don't have it:
Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair with Jewelry: Taylor, Elizabeth: 8601416075631: Amazon.com: Books

OMG! Her emeralds!!! Bvlgari bought back that set on behalf of a client.
I have the Elizabeth Taylor book too. It's wonderful. Some I don't spend much time with, but this is one I go back to time and again. She had jewels, not just jewelry.
I also understand that she would demand that a producer or director provide a particular piece of jewelry at the end of a movie. No doubt it was written into the budget!
The other collection that was interesting, but no where near as superb, was Jacqueline Kennedy's. That's a fun auction catalog if you can find it.
Do you have Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor? https://amazon.com/Jewels-Duchess-Windsor-John-Culme/dp/0865650896/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CJ89P8F77Q2T&keywords=jewels+of+the+duchess+of+windsor&qid=1648955514&sprefix=jewels+of+the+duchess,aps,159&sr=8-1 That's also a great book. And finally, there's Jewels of the Tsar's https://amazon.com/Jewels-Duchess-Windsor-John-Culme/dp/0865650896/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CJ89P8F77Q2T&keywords=jewels+of+the+duchess+of+windsor&qid=1648955514&sprefix=jewels+of+the+duchess,aps,159&sr=8-1. Many of the pieces owned by the Tsars and their families were sold to the British royal family (their relatives) when they fled Russia and are now part of the crown jewels.
I love this stuff! I would love to go to gemology school just for the fun of it.

 

[Deleted member 626500]

I have small rings from them, which I wear everyday. I have had stones fall out 3 times from these rings but I just assumed that was because of how heavy I was wearing them. But since I have that experience and now this I am just really concerned… We’ll see. I‘ll contemplate for a few more days before returning.

I think this is a harbinger of what's to come. Unlike @BigAkoya, I would return and figure I dodged a bullet. Consider it a reminder of why we patronize VCA (not that you should run-off and buy VCA).
I'd hate to see you spend your hard-earned money, talk yourself into keeping these, and then regret that you didn't return something you knew was faulty when you had the opportunity to do so.

 

[kelsenia]

I think this is a harbinger of what's to come. Unlike @BigAkoya, I would return and figure I dodged a bullet. Consider it a reminder of why we patronize VCA (not that you should run-off and buy VCA).
I'd hate to see you spend your hard-earned money, talk yourself into keeping these, and then regret that you didn't return something you knew was faulty when you had the opportunity to do so.

I feel like putting this money towards a lapis butterfly ring and 3 motif earrings would probably be better spent? (especially the lapis ring, which Ive realized i cannot live without)

 

[880]

I have small rings from them, which I wear everyday. I have had stones fall out 3 times from these rings but I just assumed that was because of how heavy I was wearing them. But since I have that experience and now this I am just really concerned… We’ll see. I‘ll contemplate for a few more days before returning.

Many times gems that are hand set fall out. I don’t know if this is the case here, but I have antique aquamarines that are hand set. I just take them back to my jeweler who then tests each one. No big deal . However this combined with your desire for resale value may take them out of the running for you. Basically if you adore them enough to override the issues, then you should go for it; otherwise pass. Even VCA caliber jewelry may need a certain level of aftercare, so I’m not certain that I would take this as indicative of lesser quality. (I know nothing of this designer however). I am new to jewelry, but I try to get the worth out via cost per wear. agree with @Happyish that many jewelers including premier ones, not VCA, will offer a friends and family discount.

 

[Deleted member 626500]

I feel like putting this money towards a lapis butterfly ring and 3 motif earrings would probably be better spent? (especially the lapis ring, which Ive realized i cannot live without)

It sounds like you've made your decision so stop beating yourself up. If you love the lapis ring and 3-motif earrings, then that's the direction you should go. Don't let other things, such as these earrings distract you. The VCA ring and earrings are classics you can wear over and over and they will hold their value. These earrings, by contrast (forgive me) are fun but look a little too much like costume jewelry you can find on Etsy.

 

[BigAkoya]

I have small rings from them, which I wear everyday. I have had stones fall out 3 times from these rings but I just assumed that was because of how heavy I was wearing them. But since I have that experience and now this I am just really concerned… We’ll see. I‘ll contemplate for a few more days before returning.

Stones falling out three times is not a good sign. If it was the same stone, then it was probably just that one prong that needed to be checked. If each time it was a different stone, I'd probably pass as it seems they cannot get their prong=-work correct.

I will say though, the earrings are gorgeous. They are very unique and definitely do look like a custom piece.
Maybe call the boutique, tell them the stones are missing and clasp needs repair. Tell them also you are thinking of returning them due to their poor quality (say that word "poor" to make a point). See how they respond, and you will know your answer.

Nothing is perfect (you have read VCA posters about their problems with their pieces); it's how a brand reacts and their customer service for aftercare that is equally important.

 

[kelsenia]

It sounds like you've made your decision so stop beating yourself up. If you love the lapis and 3-motif earrings, then that's the direction you should go. Don't let other things, such as these earrings distract you. The VCA ring and earrings are classics you can wear over and over and they will hold their value. These earrings, by contrast (forgive me) are fun but look a little too much like costume jewelry you can find on Etsy.

Honestly I wouldn‘t mind having them made in costume jewelry materials! A happy (and much cheaper) compromise.
I know there is a whole debate between cost per wear etc, but I am very confident that I will wear the lapis ring and 3-motif earrings much more regularly than these, especially the ring.

 

[880]

OMG! Her emeralds!!! Bvlgari bought back that set on behalf of a client.
I have the Elizabeth Taylor book too. It's wonderful. Some I don't spend much time with, but this is one I go back to time and again. She had jewels, not just jewelry.
I also understand that she would demand that a producer or director provide a particular piece of jewelry at the end of a movie. No doubt it was written into the budget!
The other collection that was interesting, but no where near as superb, was Jacqueline Kennedy's. That's a fun auction catalog if you can find it.
Do you have Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor? https://amazon.com/Jewels-Duchess-Windsor-John-Culme/dp/0865650896/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CJ89P8F77Q2T&keywords=jewels+of+the+duchess+of+windsor&qid=1648955514&sprefix=jewels+of+the+duchess,aps,159&sr=8-1 That's also a great book. And finally, there's Jewels of the Tsar's https://amazon.com/Jewels-Duchess-Windsor-John-Culme/dp/0865650896/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CJ89P8F77Q2T&keywords=jewels+of+the+duchess+of+windsor&qid=1648955514&sprefix=jewels+of+the+duchess,aps,159&sr=8-1. Many of the pieces owned by the Tsars and their families were sold to the British royal family (their relatives) when they fled Russia and are now part of the crown jewels.
I love this stuff! I would love to go to gemology school just for the fun of it.

The duchess of Windsor had many pieces from Suzanne Belperron and others. In fact, I think when Belperron worked for her friend and partner Hein I think there was a story about how they received a 100 pound check from the Prince of Wales/Edward VII pre abdication . They were so proud of it but needed the money and had to cash it.

 

[BigAkoya]

OMG! Her emeralds!!! Bvlgari bought back that set on behalf of a client.
I have the Elizabeth Taylor book too. It's wonderful. Some I don't spend much time with, but this is one I go back to time and again. She had jewels, not just jewelry.
I also understand that she would demand that a producer or director provide a particular piece of jewelry at the end of a movie. No doubt it was written into the budget!
The other collection that was interesting, but no where near as superb, was Jacqueline Kennedy's. That's a fun auction catalog if you can find it.
Do you have Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor? https://amazon.com/Jewels-Duchess-Windsor-John-Culme/dp/0865650896/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CJ89P8F77Q2T&keywords=jewels+of+the+duchess+of+windsor&qid=1648955514&sprefix=jewels+of+the+duchess,aps,159&sr=8-1 That's also a great book. And finally, there's Jewels of the Tsar's https://amazon.com/Jewels-Duchess-Windsor-John-Culme/dp/0865650896/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CJ89P8F77Q2T&keywords=jewels+of+the+duchess+of+windsor&qid=1648955514&sprefix=jewels+of+the+duchess,aps,159&sr=8-1. Many of the pieces owned by the Tsars and their families were sold to the British royal family (their relatives) when they fled Russia and are now part of the crown jewels.
I love this stuff! I would love to go to gemology school just for the fun of it.

The Bulgari emerald set was amazing as was the ruby set. Just wow! La Peregrina was a big disappointment... looked like her dog chewed it. (joking... I know that pearl is ancient and more for historical value).
Yes. I have the Duchess of Windsor book too! Fabulous pieces as well!

 

[kelsenia]

Stones falling out three times is not a good sign. If it was the same stone, then it was probably just that one prong that needed to be checked. If each time it was a different stone, I'd probably pass as it seems they cannot get their prong=-work correct.

I will say though, the earrings are gorgeous. They are very unique and definitely do look like a custom piece.
Maybe call the boutique, tell them the stones are missing and clasp needs repair. Tell them also you are thinking of returning them due to their poor quality (say that word "poor" to make a point). See how they respond, and you will know your answer.

Nothing is perfect (you have read VCA posters about their problems with their pieces); it's how a brand reacts and their customer service for aftercare that is equally important.

One ring in yellow gold a baguette sapphire fell out, no obvious reason why. Another rose gold ring a different baguette sapphire fell out, also no obvious reason why. Same rose gold ring had a diamond fall out, but I banged it pretty hard accidentally, so I forgave that one a bit (and rescued the diamond!).
Well I bought these through Net a Porter, not the brand itself…I have bought all my other pieces (5 small rings, pair of studs) directly from the brand though.

 

[BigAkoya]

Honestly I wouldn‘t mind having them made in costume jewelry materials! A happy (and much cheaper) compromise.
I know there is a whole debate between cost per wear etc, but I am very confident that I will wear the lapis ring and 3-motif earrings much more regularly than these, especially the ring.

As @Happyish said... I think you just made up your mind! Return and go for the lapis ring and earrings!

 

[Deleted member 626500]

The Bulgari emerald set was amazing as was the ruby set. Just wow! La Peregrina was a big disappointment... looked like her dog chewed it. (joking... I know that pearl is ancient and more for historical value).
Yes. I have the Duchess of Windsor book too! Fabulous pieces as well!

There's a book that tells the story of La Peregrina--you MUST read. Each chapter is on the history of a given stone including a chapter on pearls. Did you know that the real reason Queen Isabella sent Christopher Columbus to the New World was to look for pearls? Now that's a girl after my own heart--but for Torquemada and the Inquisition. There's a chapter on emeralds, another on rubies, and so on. It's called Jewels, A Secret History https://amazon.com/Jewels-Secret-Hi...ix=the+secret+history+of+jewel,aps,147&sr=8-1 If you haven't read it already, you'll love it.

 

[kelsenia]

As @Happyish said... I think you just made up your mind! Return and gp for the lapis ring and earrings!

Hopefully they can make the lapis (I need a 62 which would be MTO)! My SA today was pretty confident that she could get it for me, but you never know, especially after your Hellebore ring.

 

[Deleted member 626500]

The duchess of Windsor had many pieces from Suzanne Belperron and others. In fact, I think when Belperron worked for her friend and partner Hein I think there was a story about how they received a 100 pound check from the Prince of Wales/Edward VII pre abdication . They were so proud of it but needed the money and had to cash it.

She was a great collector. When she was older, David Webb gave her frogs that she wore all the time.

 

[880]

One ring in yellow gold a baguette sapphire fell out, no obvious reason why. Another rose gold ring a different baguette sapphire fell out, also no obvious reason why. Same rose gold ring had a diamond fall out, but I banged it pretty hard accidentally, so I forgave that one a bit (and rescued the diamond!).
Well I bought these through Net a Porter, not the brand itself…I have bought all my other pieces (5 small rings, pair of studs) directly from the brand though.

Okay this doesn’t sound good. Hard pass IMO