Wow, I'm shocked to hear about all these rude experiences some of you ladies have had with SAs.
I've been a fan of Tiffany since I was a teenager. Started out with the silver, went on to acquire many diamond/white/platinum pieces as I got older. I wanted to purchase my e-ring from Tiffany until I fell in love with HW Micropave. I'm still unengaged, but maybe one day, it will become a reality! Fingers crossed lol
The members of my family all have nice homes, cars, furniture, take nice vacations, etc. But when it comes to branded jewelry, they just don't swing that way.
They think it is "stupid" to spend so much just because of a branded setting/diamond. Obviously, the same stone can be purchased elsewhere for less, but to me the setting, craftsmanship, legacy, heirloom quality of the whole design is what draws me in.
I think its one of those things that you either buy into, or you don't. I know IF my bf and I ever get a HW e-ring, we will be judged until the cows come home. They have already been judgmental because they know thats what I want, I can only imagine how bad it will get if it becomes a reality.
I think it is beyond rude and hurtful, because I honestly dislike everyone's rings in my own family. I can just as easily say, I hate your cheap, non-branded ring, your setting is clunky and poorly made and your diamond is dull.
I have seen many non-branded e-rings that are beyond beautiful, so I realize it you can own a breathtaking custom made e-ring. That's why its best to just let everyone do what is comfortable for them. No reason for non-branded ring owners to call, for example, Tiffany ring owners stupid and assume they don't KNOW that they spent more because its a Tiffany. Everyone has their own reasons for making the decisions they make. Whose to say who is right and who is wrong?