If you're not discussing unpopular opinions, then you're off topic. BE KIND and please stay on topic 
What's your unpopular jewelry opinion?
- Thread starter Tremere
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I don't like rose gold. There are a few popular designer pieces that many love, but I don't. Quite frankly, who cares what taste I like as long as people make themselves happy. The pieces I have and love others probably don't either. Oh well! whoop-tee-doo! I like having a wardrobe of watches.
@songofthesea, ITA re the pandemic. These are first world problems. But, I enjoy reading threads like this that demonstrate or celebrate our diversity of opinion. Just because @muddledmint posts above that Diamond studs aren’t for her doesn’t affect how much I love mine. (But she makes me think about more artistic diamond earrings designs 
So, I almost learn more from differing opinions than I do from ones that share my aesthetic.
Thanks to TPF, I’ll post my definitive opinion ( for example, I gave up on Chanel RTW and bags in 2008 to switch to Hermes (@docride started me on that journey and her preferences for patinated heritage leather and sustainable consumption still figure in all my bag choices). . . Then I’ll read a TPF thread that will make me eat my words. (in my case an so black chevron reissue mini and all of the members on the Chanel RTW thread who have posted on various current chanel offerings like the pink fluffy collared sweater, white jackets and open weave and fit (the posts of @pigleto972001, @911 snowball, @periogirl28 @TraceySH, and @grace kelly to name only a few off the top of my head). I don’t share all of their aesthetics or budgets (am still not a pink or white jacket person) but their posts have helped inform, edit and change my own decision process.
Re jewelry, I thought I loved Cartier watches and was tired of Rolex. . . Now I am reversing and thinking about an Alange watch of my own. . I also posted earlier that I only like VCA and Cartier jewelry on others but not myself, as I’m more of a Verdura person. . . And, now I’m thinking about the VCA lotus ring, the Jackie O Etruscan cuff and a Leanne necklace, and am looking at vintage VCA too (via appts at VCA, Verdura Belperron and Briony Raymond etc). I also benefit from reading about the TPF experience of others on a similar quest and am trying to work out how my dream of a Verdura cuff can work on my shorter curvier forearm and wrist. A couple of belperron (owned by Verdura) pieces certainly does work though. . . I couldn’t have evolved on the jewelry journey without reading from lots of TPfer posts like those of (@kipp, @etoupebirkin, @RT1, @tlamdang08 @Notorious Pink, @Comfortably Numb, @papertiger, @willeyi, @TraceySH, @Tasha1, @rileygirl, @Canturi lover, and @Rockerchic, to name only a few. . . TPF has opened up my first world horizons, first with respect to Chanel and Hermes and duret and delvaux, and now with respect to my newbie jewelry journey. . . I’m learning a lot and having fun admiring their eye candy!
Due to covid world restrictions and the worrying terminal health issues of a family member, I actually need TPF as a distraction and way to pass time. It’s part of retail therapy when you may be afraid to venture outside or shop in person or don’t want to think about doctors and treatments. apologies for the digressions and length of this post!
So, I almost learn more from differing opinions than I do from ones that share my aesthetic.Thanks to TPF, I’ll post my definitive opinion ( for example, I gave up on Chanel RTW and bags in 2008 to switch to Hermes (@docride started me on that journey and her preferences for patinated heritage leather and sustainable consumption still figure in all my bag choices). . . Then I’ll read a TPF thread that will make me eat my words. (in my case an so black chevron reissue mini and all of the members on the Chanel RTW thread who have posted on various current chanel offerings like the pink fluffy collared sweater, white jackets and open weave and fit (the posts of @pigleto972001, @911 snowball, @periogirl28 @TraceySH, and @grace kelly to name only a few off the top of my head). I don’t share all of their aesthetics or budgets (am still not a pink or white jacket person) but their posts have helped inform, edit and change my own decision process.
Re jewelry, I thought I loved Cartier watches and was tired of Rolex. . . Now I am reversing and thinking about an Alange watch of my own. . I also posted earlier that I only like VCA and Cartier jewelry on others but not myself, as I’m more of a Verdura person. . . And, now I’m thinking about the VCA lotus ring, the Jackie O Etruscan cuff and a Leanne necklace, and am looking at vintage VCA too (via appts at VCA, Verdura Belperron and Briony Raymond etc). I also benefit from reading about the TPF experience of others on a similar quest and am trying to work out how my dream of a Verdura cuff can work on my shorter curvier forearm and wrist. A couple of belperron (owned by Verdura) pieces certainly does work though
. . . I couldn’t have evolved on the jewelry journey without reading from lots of TPfer posts like those of (@kipp, @etoupebirkin, @RT1, @tlamdang08 @Notorious Pink, @Comfortably Numb, @papertiger, @willeyi, @TraceySH, @Tasha1, @rileygirl, @Canturi lover, and @Rockerchic, to name only a few. . . TPF has opened up my first world horizons, first with respect to Chanel and Hermes and duret and delvaux, and now with respect to my newbie jewelry journey. . . I’m learning a lot and having fun admiring their eye candy!Due to covid world restrictions and the worrying terminal health issues of a family member, I actually need TPF as a distraction and way to pass time. It’s part of retail therapy when you may be afraid to venture outside or shop in person or don’t want to think about doctors and treatments. apologies for the digressions and length of this post!
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I like costume jewelry because I don't want the stress of losing real jewelry and I like to wear trendy designs.
Here are some opinions I have:
I do not really like diamonds, especially pave ones.
LOVE and Clou feel like McDonalds luxury almost. I am sure the wearers feel like a million dollars, but in general, I think it just looks very basic when I see someone with multiple pieces from these lines, and then with the base model Hermes or Chanel bag or LV bag. I feel like many people (secretly or not secretly) wear these items and feel special, but it just looks like they are a "luxury" zombie. In a vacuum, I like the designs of both in their original form.
I am shocked how many of the fine jewelry houses try to push their variation or answer to Alhambra or Love --- come up with something original!!!!!
A lot of Tiffany's jewelry (silver and gold) is not well crafted. Not all but some --- particularly the non-designer pieces.
I think it is shocking how Tiffany and Cartier are pushing like thin hollow pieces that can easily get warped - like the small clou and tiffany T wire bracelets.
Designer jewelry has generally gotten much daintier but much much more expensive. Often they don't even make bigger pieces anymore like they did in the 80s and 90s. Costs too much to produce the big stuff and not enough people will buy it. You can see this also with watch Brands - for instance Patek makes very very few gold bracelet watches (particularly mens or unisex models) today - when most models came on them (or had option to come on them) in 80s and 90s.
I am wondering where fine jewelry can go next? I can't imagine smaller pieces being made. Do they move into silver (the ones that don't already offer it?)
Those are just some that come to mind RN.
I do not really like diamonds, especially pave ones.
LOVE and Clou feel like McDonalds luxury almost. I am sure the wearers feel like a million dollars, but in general, I think it just looks very basic when I see someone with multiple pieces from these lines, and then with the base model Hermes or Chanel bag or LV bag. I feel like many people (secretly or not secretly) wear these items and feel special, but it just looks like they are a "luxury" zombie. In a vacuum, I like the designs of both in their original form.
I am shocked how many of the fine jewelry houses try to push their variation or answer to Alhambra or Love --- come up with something original!!!!!
A lot of Tiffany's jewelry (silver and gold) is not well crafted. Not all but some --- particularly the non-designer pieces.
I think it is shocking how Tiffany and Cartier are pushing like thin hollow pieces that can easily get warped - like the small clou and tiffany T wire bracelets.
Designer jewelry has generally gotten much daintier but much much more expensive. Often they don't even make bigger pieces anymore like they did in the 80s and 90s. Costs too much to produce the big stuff and not enough people will buy it. You can see this also with watch Brands - for instance Patek makes very very few gold bracelet watches (particularly mens or unisex models) today - when most models came on them (or had option to come on them) in 80s and 90s.
I am wondering where fine jewelry can go next? I can't imagine smaller pieces being made. Do they move into silver (the ones that don't already offer it?)
Those are just some that come to mind RN.
Extremely large stacks are tacky. Two or three bracelets are fine, but when there starts to be four+ bracelets, or people start to mix three or four dissimilar designers, it starts to look a little odd.
Studs of ANY kind look better than any type of dangly earring.
Studs of ANY kind look better than any type of dangly earring.
Everyone to their own. If something makes them happy I’d say absolutely go for it!
When considering buying jewelry pieces, I put more importance on investment/gold content. I’m gonna be direct with my opinion below but just my thoughts...
Most Cartier pieces are stunning IMO. I love my Love bracelet but I agree re: practicality of some pieces.
I know I’ll be alone in this but Cartier boxes are ugly particularly the gold motif on top - makes the box look dated instead of classy. Also, you have to ask for a travel pouch despite spending 5-figures already?! I mean that travel pouch probably cost just £10 at most to produce jeez include them when purchasing as standard!
Regarding VCA Alhambra, Ok design but super overpriced for what they are. I agree re: practicality. With increased focus on cleanliness, I don’t want to worry about wetting my bracelet whenever I wash my hands. Despite looking attractive, I’m also not 100% convince the value of the semiprecious stones they use for their Alhambra pieces.
Concerning ceramics and costume jewelries, if it’s not at least 18k
gold I wouldn’t touch it with a 10 foot pole - includes silver jewelries from Tiffany.
When considering buying jewelry pieces, I put more importance on investment/gold content. I’m gonna be direct with my opinion below but just my thoughts...
Most Cartier pieces are stunning IMO. I love my Love bracelet but I agree re: practicality of some pieces.
I know I’ll be alone in this but Cartier boxes are ugly particularly the gold motif on top - makes the box look dated instead of classy. Also, you have to ask for a travel pouch despite spending 5-figures already?! I mean that travel pouch probably cost just £10 at most to produce jeez include them when purchasing as standard!
Regarding VCA Alhambra, Ok design but super overpriced for what they are. I agree re: practicality. With increased focus on cleanliness, I don’t want to worry about wetting my bracelet whenever I wash my hands. Despite looking attractive, I’m also not 100% convince the value of the semiprecious stones they use for their Alhambra pieces.
Concerning ceramics and costume jewelries, if it’s not at least 18k
gold I wouldn’t touch it with a 10 foot pole - includes silver jewelries from Tiffany.
My unpopular opinion is that gold plated jewellery can be worth the price but you really need to shop around. My Monica Vinader pieces tarnished/faded almost immediately. However, my Missoma & Alighieri pieces are amazing & have lasted years
Just thought of another. If you’re buying a high end watch you should buy from a specialist watch house - not somewhere who does general jewellery like Cartier, Chanel, VCA etc. And you should buy automatic, never quartz. Now I know this is a VERY unpopular opinion!
This is exactly what I’ve been thinking about some of the Van Cleef pieces. Malachite, turquoise, lapis, coral, etc. These stones are not generally expensive, and are often set in sterling silver with other designers. I saw a 20 motif turquoise necklace for 60k on a reseller site the other day. It’s a rare piece, but 60k is really expensive for that. Plus, with the issue of getting wet, this is why I prefer the plain gold pieces like the guilloche.
I don’t like lots of Loves stacked together. At one point it starts to look like one huge cuff bracelet
My unpopular opinions:
- Mined diamonds are overrated, they're pretty but not worth the price for me. I'd much rather drop 4 months salary on a fantastic holiday, a car, or stocks.
- Similarly, I am a fan of synthetic gems, same characteristics, better quality, better durability (as they don't have inclusions), lower price, possibly a lower environmental impact. What's not to like? Jewellery is not a good investment most of the times, it is almost always sold at a loss, so why should I pay premium for "natural", when lab grown gives me the same, or better, beauty and durability at a lower price point?
- Mined diamonds are overrated, they're pretty but not worth the price for me. I'd much rather drop 4 months salary on a fantastic holiday, a car, or stocks.
- Similarly, I am a fan of synthetic gems, same characteristics, better quality, better durability (as they don't have inclusions), lower price, possibly a lower environmental impact. What's not to like? Jewellery is not a good investment most of the times, it is almost always sold at a loss, so why should I pay premium for "natural", when lab grown gives me the same, or better, beauty and durability at a lower price point?
Why not enjoy different types of natural jewels? I’m not sure why you would bother to wear synthetic. They are not always durable or have less inclusions it depends on the way they were made. Please, make informed choices about jewelry and I’m sure you will find many natural jewels that not only have low impact on the environment but also help people in low economic areas.
I bother to wear synthetics because I have done my research, looked at the science, and found the results convincing. There's varying quality in everything, but it is indisputable that your average lab grown stone will be better quality than its average natural counterpart, and generally (not always) more environmentally friendly (and more ethical overall) than natural mined stones. I get that people like natural for the romantic and traditional element it has, and that's completely fine, but I personally don't subscribe to that way of thinking. Gemstones are just pretty rocks for me, they're minerals, as long as chemical/optical/physical properties are the same, and the stone is good looking and durable, I couldn't care less if they were grown in the earth or in a lab. This doesn't mean I don't buy or wear natural at all, and there are some stones, like opals or other gems with interesting patterns (like salt and pepper diamonds), that simply are not as pretty when artificially made. I have plenty of natural jewellery, but generally I buy second hand (unless I know where the stones come from, so I know they're ethically sourced). If I just want a clear stone with a pretty colour, synthetic is the best choice imho.Why not enjoy different types of natural jewels? I’m not sure why you would bother to wear synthetic. They are not always durable or have less inclusions it depends on the way they were made. Please, make informed choices about jewelry and I’m sure you will find many natural jewels that not only have low impact on the environment but also help people in low economic areas.
I think it can depend on the importance one puts on how unique something is. So a mined diamond is one of a kind (with its imperfections) but a lab created diamond is created, in great numbers, to a set formula. Yet People (myself included) could spend thousands on mass produced jewellery pieces (Cartier, Tiffany etc) yet insist on mined diamonds (again - me). It’s an odd logic. Very interesting topic
It makes sense because feelings are factored into the purchase. When you're buying a commodity, that "feel good" factor is part of what you're buying, and for some people it is worth the price. I do not attribute that much value to that element, so I'm choosing something else, but it's not up to me to tell people how they should spend their money.