I've never seen Tiffany's bashing, and while I know you weren't referring to this board, I think we do offer a very honest and broad set of opinions as there's a lot of people that still think Tiffany's is the only place that even sells great stones!
Why the Tiffany Bashing?
- Thread starter nld in nyc
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The Tiffany experience?! If you want the Tiffany experience, you buy a Tiffany ring. The design of a box doesn't make a difference to the engagement ring it holds, nor to the sentiment or love and hope upon which an engagement is based. Although this must be a 'thing' that's way more common than it should be because I'm sure I read on here a while ago that someone had been to an engagement/wedding where the couple displayed pictures of a 4 claw solitaire in a Tiffany box, obviously implying it was from there
As for the Tiffany bashing, I have no idea. I am aware this is a sweeping generalisation, but perhaps jealousy has a part to play in what you have experienced? Regardless of debates surrounding value for money, Tiffany engagement rings do carry an air of prestige but perhaps more importantly an indication of economic status, and in my experience, wedding planning does bring out shall we say the greener shades of many women.
I have a similar experience to what you are referring to. In my previous job, I got engaged a few months earlier than a coworker in the office. My DH got me my dream ring, the Victoria E-ring from Tiffany and when my coworker saw it, she told me it was the biggest and the most beautiful ring she's ever seen and she absolutely loved it. Then a few months later, she got engaged as well and her DF got her a 1ct classic Solitaire from the jewelry district which to me was absolutely beautiful.
Shortly after that, while we were having an open conversation with a few other ladies in the office, my coworker expressed how she didn't understand why people would go to Tiffany, it's so much more $$ for the same thing. She turned to me and said, "I know you like Tiffany so I am not saying there is anything wrong with that, I am just saying I would never go there...it's so not worth it"
I just smiled.
Now I am not sure if I am being too sensitive but to me, I felt like she was trying to defend herself or her E-ring, explaining why it's not from Tiffany when no one was comparing to begin with?! I think that was a sign of insecurity.
Now I am not sure if I am being too sensitive but to me, I felt like she was trying to defend herself or her E-ring, explaining why it's not from Tiffany when no one was comparing to begin with?! I think that was a sign of insecurity.
This actually raises a really interesting point... I've had coworkers, and even friends of mine, make comments in front of me about what a waste of money it is to spend money on things like designer items and the like. But then, out of all of us, I'm the only one with a boyfriend who is in the position to afford such things right now. I hate to be "that girl" who thinks everyone is jealous of her (SO not the case!) but it's hard to not feel like maybe sometimes jealousy or insecurity is the driving force behind remarks like that. I never know how to respond, either.
Totally agree that it's personal preference. I love my luxury hand bag, shoes and clothing. My view point on Jewelry is that if I like a unique signature piece from a reputable jeweler I will def. want to get it from that brand. but since my dream e-ring is less tied to any specific design, i rather focus on getting a good loose stone and setting it to whatever I want. Also for example I would buy the motif necklace from VCA but probably wouldn't buy a pair of round plain earring stud from VCA. It's kind of like buying un-branded white t-shirts for 500 bucks. But heck, if Hermes sells dresser drawer lining papers then there is a market for everybody's taste and liking 
^^ I think there are two sides of the coin in those situations. I realized that sometimes some people voice their opinion really without any more thought to it, so it's not necessarily that they are being defensive or insecure, that might actually be how they feel. I think most people are more considerate in voicing a strong opinion on money related things depending on who they are talking to (ie. if someone loves luxury items might not be good sense to undermine it in front of them or directed towards them)
VivianYY I would enjoy your fabulous ring and not think too much about what the motives of the comments are
^^ I think there are two sides of the coin in those situations. I realized that sometimes some people voice their opinion really without any more thought to it, so it's not necessarily that they are being defensive or insecure, that might actually be how they feel. I think most people are more considerate in voicing a strong opinion on money related things depending on who they are talking to (ie. if someone loves luxury items might not be good sense to undermine it in front of them or directed towards them)
VivianYY I would enjoy your fabulous ring and not think too much about what the motives of the comments are
I love Tiffany's! It's the only place close to me where I can go try on different e-ring stone sizes on my hand. I love that it's already set in a ring and that gives me a great idea of what I want.
Would I buy e-rings from Tiffany's? No. I'd rather go and get Cartier IF I plan on paying a premium on a brand name.
Would I buy e-rings from Tiffany's? No. I'd rather go and get Cartier IF I plan on paying a premium on a brand name.
I don't bash Tiffany's - I respect them for what they are, and I love some of their designs, particularly the proprietary cuts. But while one of the things I respect most about them is how they've built themselves into a brand, one of the things that gets my back up most is the effect this has on some of their more fawning admirers. It's sort of a "Please, Jesus, save me from your followers!" kind of a thing.
EDIT: Just to avoid misunderstandings, I am not thinking of anybody on this thread when I say this! It's actually a woman from another board who springs to mind - she started a gazillion threads singing Tiff's praises, and stormed off in a huff when people wouldn't accept their universal superiority. It was sort of like dealing with a Mac fanatic.
EDIT: Just to avoid misunderstandings, I am not thinking of anybody on this thread when I say this! It's actually a woman from another board who springs to mind - she started a gazillion threads singing Tiff's praises, and stormed off in a huff when people wouldn't accept their universal superiority. It was sort of like dealing with a Mac fanatic.
LMAO!!!!
I use both formats, Macs are cool, but they aren't the end-all. I know the type though. This made me chuckle.
Wow, I think that is exactly the problem and you pinpointed it Hekate, the biggest problem is the snobbery some people exhibit like only what they like is good and many may not be able to afford it and then it is really offensive or some may be able to afford it but choose something else instead. I could afford some Tiffany pieces but for the moment I have none. I am a huge Swarowski fan at the moment and while I love gemstones since I studied them it may be that at the moment fine jewelry does not fit my style which does not mean what I love is junk or that I cannot appreciate the fine jewelry others are wearing. Diversity is a great thing and we must remember to respect others' choices. It is simply rude and cruel to belittle others for their choices.
I've also been in THE infamous Tiffany store mentioned by PPs, and while they have always been nice to me... My FI claims that they are so rude when he goes in alone.
The Nashville store is absolutely fabulous. When I asked them about purchasing my vintage Tiffany e-ring, one of the girls joked that if I didn't buy it to let her know because she would!
We purchased my wedding band in Chicago at Old Orchard and the service was really great. They cleaned my e-ring while we looked at bands, offered to size my wedding band and put in size shots in my e-ring (as well as polish the platinum) for free. The girl at CS even gave me a cleaning kit for when I got my diamond ring back.
We didn't exactly pay the premium on the diamonds, but we would have if we didn't find my ring. We just could afford a solitaire instead of a three stone... And the diamonds would have been VS instead of VVS. Customers at work don't know that my ring is Tiffany, but I get compliments on the apparent quality all the time. So I feel like that for people that would rather pay a premium to have all the searching/researching done for them, Tiffany does sell quality diamond jewelry that is beautiful.
We've gotten a few wedding gifts from Tiffany as well and my fiancé LOVES them. Especially the rock cut crystal bowl... I might have to post a picture of his face when we opened it at our bridal shower. We registered there since we found their housewares to be priced around Bloomingdales AND they have some great modern designs.
The Nashville store is absolutely fabulous. When I asked them about purchasing my vintage Tiffany e-ring, one of the girls joked that if I didn't buy it to let her know because she would!
We purchased my wedding band in Chicago at Old Orchard and the service was really great. They cleaned my e-ring while we looked at bands, offered to size my wedding band and put in size shots in my e-ring (as well as polish the platinum) for free. The girl at CS even gave me a cleaning kit for when I got my diamond ring back.
We didn't exactly pay the premium on the diamonds, but we would have if we didn't find my ring. We just could afford a solitaire instead of a three stone... And the diamonds would have been VS instead of VVS. Customers at work don't know that my ring is Tiffany, but I get compliments on the apparent quality all the time. So I feel like that for people that would rather pay a premium to have all the searching/researching done for them, Tiffany does sell quality diamond jewelry that is beautiful.
We've gotten a few wedding gifts from Tiffany as well and my fiancé LOVES them. Especially the rock cut crystal bowl... I might have to post a picture of his face when we opened it at our bridal shower. We registered there since we found their housewares to be priced around Bloomingdales AND they have some great modern designs.
I also guffaw'd. I hope I am not one of those ridiculous fanatics...but for what I do, a PC would never cut it.LMAO!!!!
I use both formats, Macs are cool, but they aren't the end-all. I know the type though. This made me chuckle.
It is OBNOXIOUS. I had great experiences in NYC and in the Michigan Ave. stores, but this local one is in need of either a shutdown or a clearout of employees to hire people who like to sell things and aren't a-holes.
I also get stalked by security in Neimans EVERY TIME I go in there!!! I don't look like a thief I'd hope, but evidently they think I do!
I hate it when security does that! I live in Europe and it is so bad around here. I feel really weird when they do that and no longer want to shop there so I would rather go elsewhere. It is just that I need peace to be able to make decisions. I have no idea why they pick certain people because I am always well dressed since I work at a law firm and my style is not that casual anyhow, I just do not get it why they stalk me))
))
I get stalked by security in Kohls. At least you must look like a high end thief...lol!
Gimmethebag makes a very good point. "So I feel like that for people that would rather pay a premium to have all the searching/researching done for them, Tiffany does sell quality diamond jewelry that is beautiful. "
Very True. DH would probably rather pay the premium to keep me off the internet/forums doing all the searching and researching...LOL. I shutter to think how much time I spent researching diamonds.
Gimmethebag makes a very good point. "So I feel like that for people that would rather pay a premium to have all the searching/researching done for them, Tiffany does sell quality diamond jewelry that is beautiful. "
Very True. DH would probably rather pay the premium to keep me off the internet/forums doing all the searching and researching...LOL. I shutter to think how much time I spent researching diamonds.
Hahaha you girls need to be in china! ). I've had sales people in stores follow me and then proceed to talk to each other in Chinese about me. People tell me I don't look fully Chinese so a lot of people assume that i don't speak or understand. But I do! Lol
And DF regrets everyday that I learned so much about diamonds. I get overly worried right now about white gold yellowing and he wishes that he had gone to Cartier or tiffany to shut me up and suck up the cost. But if it was platinum then he also knows that I'd be a crazy person with the polishing. So I'd want white gold then!... He can't win. Haha
I have a similar experience to what you are referring to. In my previous job, I got engaged a few months earlier than a coworker in the office. My DH got me my dream ring, the Victoria E-ring from Tiffany and when my coworker saw it, she told me it was the biggest and the most beautiful ring she's ever seen and she absolutely loved it. Then a few months later, she got engaged as well and her DF got her a 1ct classic Solitaire from the jewelry district which to me was absolutely beautiful.
Shortly after that, while we were having an open conversation with a few other ladies in the office, my coworker expressed how she didn't understand why people would go to Tiffany, it's so much more $$ for the same thing. She turned to me and said, "I know you like Tiffany so I am not saying there is anything wrong with that, I am just saying I would never go there...it's so not worth it"
I just smiled.
Now I am not sure if I am being too sensitive but to me, I felt like she was trying to defend herself or her E-ring, explaining why it's not from Tiffany when no one was comparing to begin with?! I think that was a sign of insecurity.
Well, the bolded part is true. The same ring in terms of cut/clarity/color/carat can be bought for much less at a private jeweler or from a jewelry district. But I do think that it was an unnecessary comment on her part and maybe is a sign of insecurity. Different people spend money on different things, and if a Tiffany's e-ring is what you've always wanted, I can't see why you shouldn't get one just because it's marked up. As someone else mentioned, you pay a premium for all designer things, whether it's from Tiffany's or Gucci or CL.
I'm not engaged yet (few more years to go haha!) but I am more picky about the design/clarity/carat weight of my diamond than where it's from. However, my best friend has wanted a Tiffany's E-ring since the day she got her first piece of Tiffany's sterling silver jewelry, and I completely understand why -- their rings are beautiful!
As for the bashing, I haven't seen any, but I also haven't been on tPF for too long. I think it's just an expression of opinion -- some people would never spend $1000 on a pair of CL's but others would. Same thing with E-rings or any purchase.