Is it taboo...to mention price?

[Rhea]

I don''t see price as a big deal and would happily answer how much most things in my life cost. I''m not sure why, I just don''t mind. I don''t think it''s a bragging thing, I''m not a shopper, much less a bargain shopper.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 1/25/2009 3:11:39 AM
Author: Gypsy
Elegant, Ditto Kaleigh. I've had people ask, we all have. I usually post a range, unless it's something that can be easily looked up. One of the reasons for not giving an exact figure are that occasionally I've gotten a good deal, or the price of metals just skyrocketted and I beat the hike, and I don't want any vendor having what I paid being the metric for the price they have to give to another person. Also there is the PITA factor, which is something I think people overlook when they asking for pricing. If you are demanding and rude, occassionally, you will get the PITA price hike. Or if not a hike, you'll get MSRP and no discount If you are nice and reasonable, a vendor might be willing to work with you (especially with wedding stuff for example), and give you a better price. If a vendor gives me a break because I'm easier to work with or something, I'm not going to post the reduced price. It's just not right. You know what I mean.

Agreed. I think it would ruin the tone of the forum a bit if we all listed what we paid for our rings at the end of a post. Might make people feel badly. I also have no problem giving a ballpark figure, but part of me just thinks that in most posts there is more than enough information for a person to go to the vendor themselves and get a quote if they are really interested. And if you are really interested you need to put on your big girl/guy pants and just call the vendor. JMO though.

 

[iheartscience]

Date: 1/24/2009 11:47:36 PM
Author: Elegant

Date: 1/24/2009 11:32:24 PM
Author: thing2of2

Date: 1/24/2009 11:12:23 PM
Author: Elegant

Date: 1/24/2009 10:04:59 PM
Author: thing2of2

I think most PSers treat PS like real life, and I''m sure most PSers don''t ask or share the price of their jewelry in real life. Also, I think most of the time it''s pretty easy to figure out how much something cost. You can search for similar diamonds, settings, etc. And if you *really* want something you could contact the vendor for a quote.

However, if I was desperate to know the price of something because I really wanted one myself and I couldn''t figure it out, I''d probably ask and tell them that of course they didn''t have to share if they didn''t want to. And if someone asked me the price of something of mine because they wanted it for themselves, I wouldn''t mind sharing.

It seems silly but I think intent of the asker also matters. Are they just being nosy, like ''WOW that must have cost a ton-how much was it?'' or are they asking because they''re dying to get one for themselves?

I''ve done that before, kind of saw something here and researched it. It did give me a price range. Easy enough, right? I agree.

About treating the forum like real life, I would kind of disagree. I would NEVER ask someone how much their e-ring was, or any jewelry for that matter, but since this forum is here to show off our rings, jewels, and as a source of knowledge and reference, why not mention the price?

Really? Well if you wouldn''t ask in real life, why do you think people should share it here?

I would probably ask a good friend or close family member of mine how much a piece of jewelry was if I was interested in it for myself.

Seriously, I don''t ask. I remember one of my friends telling me about the 2ct. diamond ring her fiancee gave her and I thought it was nice and complimented her and she voluntarily told me that the diamond itself cost $60,000 (probably paid too much but whatever, none of my business...).

Again, the reason I think people might want to - I never said should - share is for reference/knowledge - just what I think this forum is all about. It is sharing and learning, right?

And please don''t get mad at me...I am just merely asking a question, I am not making a request or anything.

I''m definitely not mad at you...I don''t think I sounded mad!

 

[coatimundi_org]

If I want to know a price--I look up comparable stones and call or email vendors for setting prices. No need to ask if you do a little research.

Some people are comfortable discussing money--other people are not.

Date: 1/25/2009 10:31:16 AM
Author: Elegant
Again, the reason I think people might want to - I never said should - share is for reference/knowledge - just what I think this forum is all about. It is sharing and learning, right?

Yes, this forum is about sharing and learning, but basic etiquette should be heeded.

A little homework etc. can get you the answers you need when it comes to price.

 

[Fly Girl]

Sometimes you just want to show off your pretties, and don''t want the price to be part of the discussion. Sometimes the point is that you can have something really pretty on a budget, and price is part of the discussion. So I have no problem posting it then. Agree that if you stick around here for a while, follow up on the posted links, you have a pretty good idea what an item should cost. A couple of years ago I used this knowledge to pounce on a deal at a local jeweler. Hanging around PS does educate you as to when a deal is a deal. It is not necessary to post the price on every item that you show off in order to learn about price.

 

[hoofbeats95]

I have also wondered about prices a LOT. I came here to learn more about prices. And not necessarily in reference to diamonds. IMO, those are the easiest prices to figure out. But often times I would like more detaisl on settings. Or on rings bought as a whole. Especially in the colored stone forum. I asked once I believe. After someone else asked in the same thread. I''m not sure it was answered which is fine. In my general feeling - as someone stated above - PS is a high class bunch. That applies in terms of wealth as well as manners in my opinion. I think most on here make quite a good deal more than I do judging by some of the responses to my threads and others that I have read. Often times I''d like to know if things are within or out of my price range. So I can have a realistic idea of what I can spend. Often times I feel like this is just like walking through a jewelery store - drooling at all the nice stuff in the cases but knowing you can''t afford it. Or thinking you can''t. Maybe not wanting to ask for fear that you can''t. Or wanting to ask so you have an idea of what you can afford or how much you need to save!

Make sense? In all honesty I''d much rather tell everyone on here what my jewelry cost then my nosey friend that is just trying to know how much was speant rather than learning from the price. JMHO.

 

[cellentani]

Not to re-hash what everyone else has said, but I would be much more willing to share prices with fellow PSers than with friends and family. People, even well-meaning loved ones, tend to make all sorts of assessments about your character/judgement/lifestyle when they know how much you paid for something. On the other hand, Pricescope is unique in that we all maintain some level of anonymity (and it''s harder to be judgemental when you don''t know someone''s background), and we''re drawn together by a common appreciation of jewelry, or a quest for information.

As to your question, I don''t think it''s taboo to mention prices, but I think people don''t immediately share dollar amounts out of a sense of modesty - we''re displaying our treasures, not how much money we have. However, knowing how much something costs (or should cost) is part of being an educated consumer, whether it''s a bargain or a luxury item. In fact, when reading the detailed stats of someone''s bauble, it does sometimes seem like a glaring omission to not list the price. It''s like those high-end brands who won''t list prices on their websites. However, I would never begrudge someone their decision to leave out the pricetag - it''s their choice to share what and how they want.

Anyone wanna know how much something costs?

 

[princesss]

I don''t feel like price really factors into my appreciation for a piece I see on here. I also feel like to list the price after all of the specs makes it seem like a piece up for auction and not like the sentimental pieces many people post. I have asked once, I believe, what the cost of something was (a Bev K band that I fully intend on having one day, possibly as a w-band), and the person I asked was very gracious about it.

The idea of listing price along with the specs just doesn''t appeal to me. It''s not any of my business what people spend on their jewelry, and I feel like price can vary so widely that it''s hardly worth asking unless I''m really searching for a piece just like it.

 

[Elmorton]

I don''t like the idea of listing prices with specs because the price has nothing to do with the stone''s beauty/qualities - which are the things we value over the dollar amount. In fact, I think it would take away from that, and we''d end up spending more time second-guessing if a person paid the right price, etc. If purchasing a diamond was only about getting the best price, that''s one thing, but I think PSers tend not to really focus on much of that because as a general rule we know the price range and differences for labels (Tiffany, Cartier), PS vendors, and chain retailers. Like others have said, if I''m curious, it only takes a minute or two to do research.

But it does seem a little more acceptable to ask/tell in threads where people talk specifically about finding a bargain or shopping within a budget. Things like "I found this on Ebay and the seller had no idea what they had, I got this for a song!" - I think it''s a lot more appropriate to respond with "Wow! Do you mind me asking what you ended up getting that for?!" Or, if someone says "I have a budget of $300, help me find a pair of small diamond studs" (btw, in the thread I made for my small studs thread, we discussed price like crazy since different vendors could vary by as much as 30 or 40% for the same advertised product). I think prices have been mentioned a lot in these kind of "hunter" threads and it''s not taboo at all.

 

[geckodani]

I concur that it really does depend on the thread. If someone has posted their ering and was assaulted with, "Holy crap how much did that cost?" I think it's inappropriate. But - if someone genuinely wants to know, because they want something similar, I don't see a problem with it. When I got my bezel band, people asked how much it was, and I was happy to reply - with the disclaimer that metal prices change all the time and that the quote I got wouldn't necessarily be what they would be quoted. *shrug*

I also think that, like Elmorton said, a lot of the hunt/search threads discuss price all the time, with no problems whatsoever.

I think price comes up in RT a lot more than in SMTR, because most of the RT posts are hunts and *most* of the time in SMTR we're just oooohing and aaaahing.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/25/2009 10:49:26 AM
Author: coatimundi
If I want to know a price--I look up comparable stones and call or email vendors for setting prices. No need to ask if you do a little research.

Some people are comfortable discussing money--other people are not.

Date: 1/25/2009 10:31:16 AM
Author: Elegant
Again, the reason I think people might want to - I never said should - share is for reference/knowledge - just what I think this forum is all about. It is sharing and learning, right?

Yes, this forum is about sharing and learning, but basic etiquette should be heeded.

A little homework etc. can get you the answers you need when it comes to price.

Ditto.

 

[Miss Fortune]

I think if it's a specialty piece from Leon or something, it's a little rude to ask for the price but if it's a band or setting that is ready made and that everyone can order, I have no problem telling somebody.

I just ordered a band from Singlestone and someone asked for a ballpark figure because she'd been admiring the ring for a long time. No big whoop, she'd be able to find out on her own anyway. I have to admit that I'm always curious as to what people spent.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Another example is that Leon Mege solitaire settings are fairly popular here. If someone asks me the price, I''d tell them that mine was around $1600 but the price will vary depending on the current price of platinum, the size of their stone, and their ring size. If someone buys a ring from WhiteFlash, one can easily figure the price by looking up similar stones on the WF site and then the setting. Other sites such as Pearlman''s also list prices on designer settings. So there are various ways to get prices. I think we are sometimes more tempted to ask when it is a custom piece, because for example, if it was extremely expensive, perhaps we''d not even bother calling the maker about it if it was out of our price range.

 

[FrekeChild]

Date: 1/25/2009 11:27:08 AM
Author: hoofbeats95
I have also wondered about prices a LOT. I came here to learn more about prices. And not necessarily in reference to diamonds. IMO, those are the easiest prices to figure out. But often times I would like more detaisl on settings. Or on rings bought as a whole. Especially in the colored stone forum. I asked once I believe. After someone else asked in the same thread. I''m not sure it was answered which is fine. In my general feeling - as someone stated above - PS is a high class bunch. That applies in terms of wealth as well as manners in my opinion. I think most on here make quite a good deal more than I do judging by some of the responses to my threads and others that I have read. Often times I''d like to know if things are within or out of my price range. So I can have a realistic idea of what I can spend. Often times I feel like this is just like walking through a jewelery store - drooling at all the nice stuff in the cases but knowing you can''t afford it. Or thinking you can''t. Maybe not wanting to ask for fear that you can''t. Or wanting to ask so you have an idea of what you can afford or how much you need to save!

Make sense? In all honesty I''d much rather tell everyone on here what my jewelry cost then my nosey friend that is just trying to know how much was speant rather than learning from the price. JMHO.

I answered your question about price. I actually typed out a short novel.
Link So if anyone wants to know exactly (to the penny) what was paid for my current (reset in the future) ering, you can find it here.

 

[DiamanteBlu]

It is not always inappropriate to ask for price as a reference. In fact, I did that yesterday with some lower colored stones Allison had and she told me. I asked because she is Whiteflash''s rep here and because I am lazy. It saved me the time to go searching here.

I am not sure people necessarily want to know the exact price, I expect they would be happy knowing an approximation [for instance, the Leon setting is in the $8-10k range without the stone, the stone is over $100k, etc.]

 

[Madam Bijoux]

The price is meaningless if the item was bought a long time ago. For example: If something cost $2500.00 USD in 1971, it would be difficult to say what it would cost today. Also, if it''s an estate piece, it would be difficult to say how much it would cost to make it today. If someone asked me the price of a new item, I wouldn''t mind.

 

[elle_chris]

Like others have said, it''s easy to get a ballpark figure for a stone just by using the "diamond price comparision" on the main page here. As for settings, if it isn''t a custom job it becomes pretty easy to call a vendor and get the price.
Most people (including myself) have a budget when looking for a stone/ring. After reading numerous posts, doing searches on stones, looking at various vendors web pages, not to mention B&M stores, you know what things cost and whether or not you can afford it. So if I still have to ask, I probably can''t afford it

 

[MMMD]

Actually I think the posters here do a great job of asking prices respectfully, like Kaleigh suggested. I don''t think there is anything wrong with giving a ballpark price or stating that you don''t feel comfortable stating any price. Everyone has different views on that. A high majority of PSers ask for ballpark prices to guage what they should spend not find out everyones net worth (like IRL.)

My close friend and I laugh about my jewlery because I''m the only one out of our group that is obsessed. When I turned 40 I bought myself a yellow sapphire RHR. After wearing it a few months this close friend asked what it cost and I told her. Then she told me she doesn''t like the ring so much anymore!! LOL.

 

[CharmyPoo]

I would only offer up prices if someone asked because they wanted to make something similar or needed guidance. Or if that was the nature of the discussion - ex. Cheap LOGR settings.

I find it awfully tacky when I see prices posted almost like a brag - the problem is that in most of those cases - they paid way too much and was proud. I have no problems with people posting and asking if they post a diamond and ask if the price is approriate.

 

[Elegant]

Date: 1/25/2009 2:42:32 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 1/25/2009 10:49:26 AM

Author: coatimundi

If I want to know a price--I look up comparable stones and call or email vendors for setting prices. No need to ask if you do a little research.

Some people are comfortable discussing money--other people are not.

Date: 1/25/2009 10:31:16 AM
Author: Elegant
Again, the reason I think people might want to - I never said should - share is for reference/knowledge - just what I think this forum is all about. It is sharing and learning, right?

Yes, this forum is about sharing and learning, but basic etiquette should be heeded.

A little homework etc. can get you the answers you need when it comes to price.

Ditto.

I completely agree as well...

 

[Elegant]

Date: 1/25/2009 2:53:16 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Another example is that Leon Mege solitaire settings are fairly popular here. If someone asks me the price, I''d tell them that mine was around $1600 but the price will vary depending on the current price of platinum, the size of their stone, and their ring size. If someone buys a ring from WhiteFlash, one can easily figure the price by looking up similar stones on the WF site and then the setting. Other sites such as Pearlman''s also list prices on designer settings. So there are various ways to get prices. I think we are sometimes more tempted to ask when it is a custom piece, because for example, if it was extremely expensive, perhaps we''d not even bother calling the maker about it if it was out of our price range.

Yeah - custom pieces are different in price range because it''s custom, so that''s a whole other factor.

 

[Elegant]

Date: 1/25/2009 4:26:36 PM
Author: MMMD
Actually I think the posters here do a great job of asking prices respectfully, like Kaleigh suggested. I don''t think there is anything wrong with giving a ballpark price or stating that you don''t feel comfortable stating any price. Everyone has different views on that. A high majority of PSers ask for ballpark prices to guage what they should spend not find out everyones net worth (like IRL.)

My close friend and I laugh about my jewlery because I''m the only one out of our group that is obsessed. When I turned 40 I bought myself a yellow sapphire RHR. After wearing it a few months this close friend asked what it cost and I told her. Then she told me she doesn''t like the ring so much anymore!! LOL.

I completely agree.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 1/25/2009 2:53:16 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Another example is that Leon Mege solitaire settings are fairly popular here. If someone asks me the price, I'd tell them that mine was around $1600 but the price will vary depending on the current price of platinum, the size of their stone, and their ring size. If someone buys a ring from WhiteFlash, one can easily figure the price by looking up similar stones on the WF site and then the setting. Other sites such as Pearlman's also list prices on designer settings. So there are various ways to get prices. I think we are sometimes more tempted to ask when it is a custom piece, because for example, if it was extremely expensive, perhaps we'd not even bother calling the maker about it if it was out of our price range.

DS
thanks for posting the price on a LM setting. i've always wonder how much Leon charge for a simple solitaire setting. how wide is your E-ring band? 2.5 MM ?

 

[Deelight]

Date: 1/25/2009 2:53:16 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Another example is that Leon Mege solitaire settings are fairly popular here. If someone asks me the price, I''d tell them that mine was around $1600 but the price will vary depending on the current price of platinum, the size of their stone, and their ring size. If someone buys a ring from WhiteFlash, one can easily figure the price by looking up similar stones on the WF site and then the setting. Other sites such as Pearlman''s also list prices on designer settings. So there are various ways to get prices. I think we are sometimes more tempted to ask when it is a custom piece, because for example, if it was extremely expensive, perhaps we''d not even bother calling the maker about it if it was out of our price range.

Ditto to DS

I have no issues telling PS''ers the ballpark figure for my LM, but I wouldn''t tell anyone IRL EVER I also would not tell anyone how much the diamond IRL cost either - I don''t need the judgment or bitching

.

 

[tlh]

I agree with cellentani I think it is a little different on pricescope, because I would never want someone I knew in reallife to say, "what are the specs on your diamond?" That question in real life would INFURITE ME. The same goes with someone asking HOW MUCH my ring cost, and HOW BIG IS YOUR DIAMOND... grrr.

It depends on the intention behind the question... but I think we all have the resources to find out that information, I mean, they sorta give you a blue print for $$ amount. If you were about to BUY A DIAMOND and wanting to know if you are being had on price... I would list out all the specs on a different post all its own and say...

"I am wanting to buy a round brilliant diamond 7.5x7.5x4.5 , floro none, D, IF, 1.5 carats etc, what is the ballpark for this diamond, is 30K too much?"

However in the same regard, I had a girlfriend who thought she could get a Harry Winston, Cartier, or Tiffany 2-3 carat D IF diamond for around 10-12K. I mean, what do you say to that? I think she would have died if she knew that some 1 carat diamonds cost MORE than that.

So I guess that is what fuels my hatred for those questions. The people that tend to ask them, don''t know anything about diamonds in the first place. I would say on this forum people are more educated, and you don''t really HAVE to post the price, because posting exact specs, really already gives you that information.... and soo ends my long winded soliloquy.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

I''d have no problem telling the price if someone asked...only problem is, I forgot how much money it was originally. Isn''t that horrible? Oh well.

 

[Sizzle]

Date: 1/26/2009 2:21:04 PM
Author: Italiahaircolor
I''d have no problem telling the price if someone asked...only problem is, I forgot how much money it was originally. Isn''t that horrible? Oh well.

Honey, sometimes we NEED to forget!!!!

 

[DiamanteBlu]

I think that sometimes people like to ask here [to get a ballpark] because it can be tedious to get a ballpark quote from a vendor when you are in the beginning stages of maybe kinda sorta thinking about doing something with a yet to be purchased stone of unspecified size for your 40th birthday next year or something. The vendor may want more specifics than you have before you are given a quote.

With a ballpark [it's closer $1k instead of $10k] one can get an idea whether their anticipated project may be feasible - or how much they need to save up in order to get it done.

 

[Diamond*Dana]

I would have no problem sharing the price if another PS''er was asking because they were interested in a similar piece.

 

[allycat0303]

I don''t mind asking for price on the forum. This is a consumer diamond forum (primarily) I feel that the goal of PS is to help consumers get the best value for their money (which would be hard if no one mentioned price). I don''t think it''s proper IRL to ask for price though. Unless it''s family or a close friend. Then anything goes.