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To Tiffany Or Not to Tiffany? Use employee discount?

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tiffanyornot

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 16, 2008
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I get a Tiffany employee discount. I live in Manhattan so I know I''m not going to have the biggest diamond. That said, my budget is approximately 20,000 inclusive of taxes and setting.

I want to get a round brilliant.

I''ve always thought I want a Tiffany''s diamond but I''m currently leaning toward purchasing from one of the pricescope internet retailers.

If I do go with Tiffany''s, I will select a few based on good dimensions/HCA score, and pick the ultimate one based on a good ideal-scope image.

Am I crazy to not go with Tiffany''s?

I was thinking that also it''s good to go with an internet dealer because I could upgrade my diamond in the future while if I do not work at Tiffany''s in the future, when I want to upgrade it''ll cost too much to upgrade. I do like the after-service aspects of Tiffany, but think I won''t really use it as much as I think. Then, I think of all of the jewelry stores that have either gone out of business or closed after one generation, and I am hesistant to go with an internet dealer as well.

Hard to choose! Please give me your advice.

Here are three I''ve looked at (first one seems to be a pretty good deal, correct me if I''m wrong):

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4495/
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-981003.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-737784.htm
 
If the Tiffany brand isn''t of paramount importance, I do think that you would be getting more bang for your buck using one of the trusted PS vendors.

I''ll let some of the diamond experts chime in on the diamonds that you posted, but it seems to me that you''ll have a lot of great options because of your budget.

Best of luck to you!
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Well I can tell you that I was in the NYC Tiffany store about 5 days ago seriously considering a ring. And I ended up going with a Pricescope vendor. I got so much more for so much less.
 
That depends on what percentage your discount is I guess. Are you getting a decent percentage off? Maybe we could suggest some stones and give you an idea of what you can get online.
 
It''s difficult to say about the discount because 1) I don''t know if as an employee I can say? (no idea? sorry!), and 2) the discount I''ve been told depends on the stone and the cost to Tiffany''s. Let''s just say generally that what others have said recently about the tiffany discount appears correct, and that discount also generally applies to Tiffany''s engagement rings (not because it''s a certain % off, but it ends up being similar).

I can honestly say, though, that the discount makes the prices very competitive, and with some of the internet dealers (good old gold, whiteflash) you pay a little bit more premium than other internet dealers anyway.

Also, obviously the diamonds are the same (and probably slightly inferior at Tiffany''s) but it''s hard to compare because at any of the internet dealers you have a lot of diamonds that are not that great. Many of the candidates I''ve put into HCA are in the sweet spot between AGS 0 and GIA EX but I may be lucky as well. I''m buying one, not buying an average Tiffany diamond.

But, to add to my original post, the biggest difference (in my eyes) between a Tiffany and non-Tiffany is the 1) perception of value and brand name, and 2) setting. The tiffany settings sits really low and I want to purchase a tiffany wedding band so I want to make sure they can go together.

I''ve searched on pricescope and I think there haven''t been many people with my dilemma so I hope you can help!
 
would Tiffany subpeona Pricescope for your email address/IP?
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Does Tiffany know your email address? (don't post at work!)
 
Date: 6/16/2008 11:38:34 PM
Author: tiffanyornot
It's difficult to say about the discount because 1) I don't know if as an employee I can say? (no idea? sorry!), and 2) the discount I've been told depends on the stone and the cost to Tiffany's. Let's just say generally that what others have said recently about the tiffany discount appears correct, and that discount also generally applies to Tiffany's engagement rings (not because it's a certain % off, but it ends up being similar).

I can honestly say, though, that the discount makes the prices very competitive, and with some of the internet dealers (good old gold, whiteflash) you pay a little bit more premium than other internet dealers anyway.

Also, obviously the diamonds are the same (and probably slightly inferior at Tiffany's) but it's hard to compare because at any of the internet dealers you have a lot of diamonds that are not that great. Many of the candidates I've put into HCA are in the sweet spot between AGS 0 and GIA EX but I may be lucky as well. I'm buying one, not buying an average Tiffany diamond.

But, to add to my original post, the biggest difference (in my eyes) between a Tiffany and non-Tiffany is the 1) perception of value and brand name, and 2) setting. The tiffany settings sits really low and I want to purchase a tiffany wedding band so I want to make sure they can go together.

I've searched on pricescope and I think there haven't been many people with my dilemma so I hope you can help!
Click to expand...
Probably because if you work there, the romance that Tiffany has doesn't apply. (that is, I assume most people buy there for the cachet.) Like if you work at Disneyland, it's definitely not as magical.

1. is only an issue if you ever want to sell it. in which case, you might be able to sell it much closer to your paying price because of the discount. this is rare.

2. ...the replicas are really good. But, yeah, the setting is amazing, isn't it?
 
1
Date: 6/16/2008 11:46:37 PM
Author: JulieN

Date: 6/16/2008 11:38:34 PM
Author: tiffanyornot
It''s difficult to say about the discount because 1) I don''t know if as an employee I can say? (no idea? sorry!), and 2) the discount I''ve been told depends on the stone and the cost to Tiffany''s. Let''s just say generally that what others have said recently about the tiffany discount appears correct, and that discount also generally applies to Tiffany''s engagement rings (not because it''s a certain % off, but it ends up being similar).

I can honestly say, though, that the discount makes the prices very competitive, and with some of the internet dealers (good old gold, whiteflash) you pay a little bit more premium than other internet dealers anyway.

Also, obviously the diamonds are the same (and probably slightly inferior at Tiffany''s) but it''s hard to compare because at any of the internet dealers you have a lot of diamonds that are not that great. Many of the candidates I''ve put into HCA are in the sweet spot between AGS 0 and GIA EX but I may be lucky as well. I''m buying one, not buying an average Tiffany diamond.

But, to add to my original post, the biggest difference (in my eyes) between a Tiffany and non-Tiffany is the 1) perception of value and brand name, and 2) setting. The tiffany settings sits really low and I want to purchase a tiffany wedding band so I want to make sure they can go together.

I''ve searched on pricescope and I think there haven''t been many people with my dilemma so I hope you can help!
Click to expand...
Probably because if you work there, the romance that Tiffany has doesn''t apply. (that is, I assume most people buy there for the cachet.) Like if you work at Disneyland, it''s definitely not as magical.

1. is only an issue if you ever want to sell it. in which case, you might be able to sell it much closer to your paying price because of the discount. this is rare.

2. ...the replicas are really good. But, yeah, the setting is amazing, isn''t it?
Click to expand...
I agree with #2, but I will never sell so #1 won''t be an issue. Employees, I bet, purchase a lot from Tiffany''s. I know I do! Just purchased the Gehry diamond torque ring haha.. Many employees purchase an engagement ring from Tiffany''s as well. I think the reason why a lot of these threads don''t show up if because there''s no dilemma involved. I If you work at Tiffany''s, you are going with Tiffany''s. No debate whatsoever for most.

I don''t think Tiffany''s as special as Disneyland, and it''s weird, because at Disneyland there''s all these things the public doens''t know, like there''s one floor below the whole amusement park, etc. Not as many surprises with working at Tiffany''s, I think.

A lot of folks on pricescopers (like myself) want to get validation from pricescopers on making the right decision. The difficult part is knowing that I can get validation from strangers on pricescope but the real world won''t know or care that the "internet, no-name" diamond is better than the Tiffany diamond. How much better is a Whiteflash ACA (for example) compared to a Tiffany diamond that I''ve got an HCA score on and used an ideal-scope on? Conversely, how much better/worse is a Tiffany setting rather than a normal non-Tiffany setting? Pretty darn difficult to say..
 
Do you mind me asking what the employee discount is?
 
Hmm, what a nice dilemma you have!

Do you foresee yourself possible wanting to change shapes/styles in the future? That might be a factor, given what you''ve already said about upgrading chez Tiffany (between the 2x price requirement and the possibility you won''t be working there in the distant future).

We bought my ring from Tiffany (RB with pears), and I love it - still do. But now that I''ve had it 5 years I''ve gotten the itch for something different - kinda like I''d love for my engagement ring to "grow" the way my relationship with hubby has grown
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I didn''t think they would, but my tastes have changed over time. Now I sort of wish I had gone with a PS vendor b/c it would make the upgrade more realistic. As it is, if/when we upgrade it will likely mean buying a whole new ring and keeping the T&Co 3-stone as a RHR - not that that''s a bad thing!
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But it changes the timing a little, financially

Just food for thought...
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Date: 6/17/2008 12:27:55 AM
Author: Love Street
Hmm, what a nice dilemma you have!

Do you foresee yourself possible wanting to change shapes/styles in the future? That might be a factor, given what you''ve already said about upgrading chez Tiffany (between the 2x price requirement and the possibility you won''t be working there in the distant future).

We bought my ring from Tiffany (RB with pears), and I love it - still do. But now that I''ve had it 5 years I''ve gotten the itch for something different - kinda like I''d love for my engagement ring to ''grow'' the way my relationship with hubby has grown
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I didn''t think they would, but my tastes have changed over time. Now I sort of wish I had gone with a PS vendor b/c it would make the upgrade more realistic. As it is, if/when we upgrade it will likely mean buying a whole new ring and keeping the T&Co 3-stone as a RHR - not that that''s a bad thing!
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But it changes the timing a little, financially

Just food for thought...
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Click to expand...
First, Diamond Confused check the recent threads for Tiffany discount ideas. I''m not going to give it out because I''m an actual employee. And, why would it matter, in any case? If you don''t work there or don''t know someone who does, you should not let it affect you. Everyone gets a discount somewhere, right?

As to Love Street, thanks for your thoughts. There are a lot of divorces, people''s preferences change, and so the purchases of e-rings may be all for nothing. I hear you regarding ithe concern of preferences changing. But that''s a luxury to have, and many don''t even have the chance to upgrade! Last night on one of the tv news shows (20/20 or 60 minutes, I forget which), they said denmark is the happiest country because they have low expectations. When you have the money to buy a bigger diamond, that''s when you think about upgrading your ring. Further, I know many couples who can upgrade but choose not to because of the sentiment/emotions attached to the original e-ring. Whatever that floats your (or my) boat.

At the same time, a lot of jewelry shops close down, or they may change their policy regardng trade-ins? Who knows? It''s hard to tell.. thus, my dilemma. Hindsight is 20-20. If you had gone with a pricescope dealer, you may have wished you had gotten a Tiffany.
 
I say to Tiffany. While I am sure the vendors on PS think they will never go out of business...they might (have you seen the James Allen video on the first page? Let''s just say marketing it NOT his forte.) Plus should you ever go to sell the ring, you will get much more in return, considering your discount. Buying here will be like driving a new car off the lot. It will be hard to see for what you paid for it. Go Tiffany all the way.
 
Date: 6/17/2008 2:18:57 AM
Author: Futuremrss
I say to Tiffany. While I am sure the vendors on PS think they will never go out of business...they might (have you seen the James Allen video on the first page? Let's just say marketing it NOT his forte.) Plus should you ever go to sell the ring, you will get much more in return, considering your discount. Buying here will be like driving a new car off the lot. It will be hard to see for what you paid for it. Go Tiffany all the way.
Click to expand...
Except when you want an upgrade. I think that the various upgrade policies are definitely something to look at. With Tiffs you have to buy something that's 2x the value of what you first bought, right? And you only get one upgrade ever right? (Unless you're diamondfan
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) But with Whiteflash, James Allen and Good Old Gold, you have a lifetime upgrade policy and you can trade in your diamond for something that is slightly above it's equivalent but a different shape for example. Am I correct? (This is all info I've gathered while lurking on the diamond boards...) Now that I have looked them up, it seems as though JA has a 2x price too, but the bonus there is that it's still a lifetime thing.

Here is GOG's upgrade policy:
"This policy is for all diamonds featuring our "Lifetime Guarantee" and is stated on each individual diamonds web page. Diamonds qualifying for lifetime trade up are round & square Hearts & Arrows diamonds, princess cuts, asschers, cushions and any diamond listed with our "Lifetime Guarantee". Trading up is simple. Trade back the diamond you purchased from Good Old Gold for the full amount of the purchase price (less shipping). At any time you can trade in the diamond you purchased from Good Old Gold and get exactly what you paid (less the cost of shipping) toward a diamond of at least a $500.00 greater value than your past purchase. Once you trade up for another diamond, there are no refunds. You can only trade up again. The diamond cannot be chipped, burned or altered in any way different than how you received it from us in order for us to honor your refund or upgrade. If your trade-in does require a minor re-polishing to bring it back to its original condition, only the cost of the re-polishing, a new (GIA/AGS) grading report and any loss of points on the diamond from the re-polishing would be deducted." link

James Allen's upgrade policy:
"Lifetime Upgrade Policy - Any loose diamond purchased from jamesallen.com can be exchanged at 100% credit for any replacement diamond of at least 2x or greater in value. The diamond being upgraded must be in original condition and accompanied by original laboratory grading document." link

Whiteflash's upgrade policy:
"Do you accept trade-ins if the diamond was purchased from Whiteflash?
Yes. We have a lifetime trade-up policy. We will credit you with 100% of the original diamond purchase price towards a diamond of greater value."

So, are you still going to be working at Tiffany's in 10 years? Would you ever want to sell your ring for an upgrade? Are you going to want an upgrade? In how long? And will you be able to afford the 2x part? These are questions you'll want to ask yourself...

I would say that Tiffs is more of a driving the car off the lot-because you can only return/exchange it under their conditions, and the diamond immediately decreases in value-although with your discount that doesn't hurt as badly. But I think that the upgrade policy is very significant here, and definitely something to consider. And I think that if you're already considering it...then you need to give it some serious thought.

Honestly, I'd go for one of the online vendors. Heck, they'll stay in business forever just because of PSers!
 
Ok, since you asked.

For rounds, I would NOT go with Tiffany.

Others can simply do this too well as a specialty and at a much more competitive price point. (I can't really factor the discount in an actual comparison because you won't reveal what it is-- this is, by the way, why people are asking you what it is, but I wonder whether the discount would make similar stones the equivalent price- I doubt it.)

Personally, I'd get a Whiteflash ACA.

And no, the maintenance issues are really simple.

Good luck!

(BTW, I AM a fan of Tiffany, and if I could buy their $140,000 tanzanite and diamond necklace, I would.
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)
 
If the price was comparable or slightly higher to an internet stone and I knew that I got the pick the best of the bunch cutwise and got something that preformed as well why not :).
 
If I could get the same quality and size diamond for the same price at a internet vendor and at Tiffany, I''d go with Tiffany just for the ease of having a store in a lot of cities for repair/polishing etc.

If there was a price difference, I would absolutely get it from an internet vendor. I don''t care enough about the brand to get a smaller/more expensive ring!

If I were you, I think I''d do what sna77 did - get a whopper of a stone from the internet vendor of your choice and put it in a replica from superbcert. Then I''d get a Tiffany shared prong wedding band so it fits perfectly. Use your discount to get that!

Great dillema though - :-)
 
You're right, not many can say they have this kind of delimma :) I think it's great that you have this option and I have no doubt that you will be buying a great stone no matter which route you go--you were absolutely right when you said you were buying one stone from Tiffany, not the average.

If you were buying a Legacy or a Lucida or something that couldn't be replicated by another vendor, I'd say go with Tiffany, but it sounds like a round solitaire is what you're leaning towards, which makes the decision tough.

So, I think what it comes down to is the likelihood of an upgrade. Would you say there is a 50% chance of an upgrade in the future? 75%? 100%? Are you or your FF very sentimental (thus wouldn't be as likely to upgrade?) Have you talked to FF about upgrading the e-ring as opposed to getting a new ring? If you are nearly certain that you will want an upgrade in the future, then I'd go with one of the PS online vendors, but if you feel iffy about an upgrade or buying a second ring in an option, then I think Tiffany might be the way to go. It sounds like if all things were equal, you'd go with the Tiffany, which is why I would only go with a PS vendor if the upgrade is likely.
 
would you buy from tiffany without the discount? is it something that is special to you?

I love a good deal, but don''t do it unless it really is exactly what you want.



that said, if I or my hubby worked at tiffany''s and could get a discount, I''d choose the Tiffany ring. I love all the PS vendors and have purchased from a few of them but if something goes wrong with my ring, I''ve got to ship it to michigan and then it will have to be shipped to the designer in NY for any type of repair. it would be so nice to just hit the Tiffany''s that is 5 miles from my house for a good cleaning or if there is a problem, they ship it to NY to be taken care of. That extra bit of customer service would be a nice perk for me.
 
I would start crunching the numbers/figures. Only you know what the possible discount is. I would figure out the cost of Tiffany''s w/ the discount versus PS online vendor without discount. I would go with the lower price but quality stone.
 
That GOG diamond looks so gorgeous, why can''t you get it and then get the Tiffany wedding band you want?
 
To me it seems to come down to the upgrade policy. As an informed consumer, you''re not going to get a bad stone from on online vendor or from Tiffany. If the discount really puts you at or near the same price point/ct, then really, you can''t go wrong.

So would you (or your s/o) likely want to upgrade? If so, try an online vendor. If probably not, go with Tiff''s. Call in some stones in your range and pick a real killer one. If you do decide to upgrade later you can always have the e-stone re-set and start from scratch with another vendor.

Maybe the best place to start is to cruise the Tiff''s inventory in your size/price range and see if there''s anything ideal enough for you. If you aren''t satisfied with your options, go online and get a super idea.
 
Date: 6/17/2008 3:18:45 AM
Author: FrekeChild

Date: 6/17/2008 2:18:57 AM
Author: Futuremrss
I say to Tiffany. While I am sure the vendors on PS think they will never go out of business...they might (have you seen the James Allen video on the first page? Let''s just say marketing it NOT his forte.) Plus should you ever go to sell the ring, you will get much more in return, considering your discount. Buying here will be like driving a new car off the lot. It will be hard to see for what you paid for it. Go Tiffany all the way.
Click to expand...
Except when you want an upgrade. I think that the various upgrade policies are definitely something to look at. With Tiffs you have to buy something that''s 2x the value of what you first bought, right? And you only get one upgrade ever right? (Unless you''re diamondfan
2.gif
) But with Whiteflash, James Allen and Good Old Gold, you have a lifetime upgrade policy and you can trade in your diamond for something that is slightly above it''s equivalent but a different shape for example. Am I correct? (This is all info I''ve gathered while lurking on the diamond boards...) Now that I have looked them up, it seems as though JA has a 2x price too, but the bonus there is that it''s still a lifetime thing.

Here is GOG''s upgrade policy:
''This policy is for all diamonds featuring our ''Lifetime Guarantee'' and is stated on each individual diamonds web page. Diamonds qualifying for lifetime trade up are round & square Hearts & Arrows diamonds, princess cuts, asschers, cushions and any diamond listed with our ''Lifetime Guarantee''. Trading up is simple. Trade back the diamond you purchased from Good Old Gold for the full amount of the purchase price (less shipping). At any time you can trade in the diamond you purchased from Good Old Gold and get exactly what you paid (less the cost of shipping) toward a diamond of at least a $500.00 greater value than your past purchase. Once you trade up for another diamond, there are no refunds. You can only trade up again. The diamond cannot be chipped, burned or altered in any way different than how you received it from us in order for us to honor your refund or upgrade. If your trade-in does require a minor re-polishing to bring it back to its original condition, only the cost of the re-polishing, a new (GIA/AGS) grading report and any loss of points on the diamond from the re-polishing would be deducted.'' link

James Allen''s upgrade policy:
''Lifetime Upgrade Policy - Any loose diamond purchased from jamesallen.com can be exchanged at 100% credit for any replacement diamond of at least 2x or greater in value. The diamond being upgraded must be in original condition and accompanied by original laboratory grading document.'' link

Whiteflash''s upgrade policy:
''Do you accept trade-ins if the diamond was purchased from Whiteflash?
Yes. We have a lifetime trade-up policy. We will credit you with 100% of the original diamond purchase price towards a diamond of greater value.''

So, are you still going to be working at Tiffany''s in 10 years? Would you ever want to sell your ring for an upgrade? Are you going to want an upgrade? In how long? And will you be able to afford the 2x part? These are questions you''ll want to ask yourself...

I would say that Tiffs is more of a driving the car off the lot-because you can only return/exchange it under their conditions, and the diamond immediately decreases in value-although with your discount that doesn''t hurt as badly. But I think that the upgrade policy is very significant here, and definitely something to consider. And I think that if you''re already considering it...then you need to give it some serious thought.

Honestly, I''d go for one of the online vendors. Heck, they''ll stay in business forever just because of PSers!
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You totally do not get it. Have you ever seen how much more signed pieces go for? Have you never watched antique road show? They always say if the piece had the name signed in it it would be worth so much more. Assuming she gets a good discount then it would be worth it and she can sell it and upgrade later. This really depends how much of a discount she gets to make it worth it.

Also, if you are scientific at all, you are assuming that these vendors will be around forever. I am speaking clearly from hypothetical here. We are going to go through a hard recession and jewelry gets hit hard during those times. I am just saying!
 
Are you really wanting to buy an ering or do you work for T&Co and are simply trying to get some info from PS? I ask because there is no reason not to share what the T&Co employee discount is, unless you dont know it. Nobody will know who you are so why not tell us? Nobody can give you a proper answer unless we know the employee discount, can we? You''re asking us a hypothetical question without a key part of the equation. It sounds like it''s a percentage of the purchase price if it''s dependent on how much you spend...

And as others have said, a signed T&Co piece will always command a higher valuation/re sale price as a comparable unsigned piece, it''s just how the jewelry market works. Not good or bad, it just is what it is.
 
Date: 6/17/2008 11:19:24 AM
Author: Futuremrss
Date: 6/17/2008 3:18:45 AM
Author: FrekeChild
Date: 6/17/2008 2:18:57 AM
Author: Futuremrss
I say to Tiffany. While I am sure the vendors on PS think they will never go out of business...they might (have you seen the James Allen video on the first page? Let's just say marketing it NOT his forte.) Plus should you ever go to sell the ring, you will get much more in return, considering your discount. Buying here will be like driving a new car off the lot. It will be hard to see for what you paid for it. Go Tiffany all the way.
Click to expand...
Except when you want an upgrade. I think that the various upgrade policies are definitely something to look at. With Tiffs you have to buy something that's 2x the value of what you first bought, right? And you only get one upgrade ever right? (Unless you're diamondfan
2.gif
) But with Whiteflash, James Allen and Good Old Gold, you have a lifetime upgrade policy and you can trade in your diamond for something that is slightly above it's equivalent but a different shape for example. Am I correct? (This is all info I've gathered while lurking on the diamond boards...) Now that I have looked them up, it seems as though JA has a 2x price too, but the bonus there is that it's still a lifetime thing.
So, are you still going to be working at Tiffany's in 10 years? Would you ever want to sell your ring for an upgrade? Are you going to want an upgrade? In how long? And will you be able to afford the 2x part? These are questions you'll want to ask yourself...

I would say that Tiffs is more of a driving the car off the lot-because you can only return/exchange it under their conditions, and the diamond immediately decreases in value-although with your discount that doesn't hurt as badly. But I think that the upgrade policy is very significant here, and definitely something to consider. And I think that if you're already considering it...then you need to give it some serious thought.

Honestly, I'd go for one of the online vendors. Heck, they'll stay in business forever just because of PSers!
Click to expand...
You totally do not get it. Have you ever seen how much more signed pieces go for? Have you never watched antique road show? They always say if the piece had the name signed in it it would be worth so much more. Assuming she gets a good discount then it would be worth it and she can sell it and upgrade later. This really depends how much of a discount she gets to make it worth it.

Also, if you are scientific at all, you are assuming that these vendors will be around forever. I am speaking clearly from hypothetical here. We are going to go through a hard recession and jewelry gets hit hard during those times. I am just saying!
Click to expand...
Do you really think that Signed Pieces takes in NO PROFIT?

If you buy a Elsa Peretti Platinum Diamond Stacking Band From Tiffany's, you pay $1050. There is one on Signed Pieces for $495. Guess what? Whoever they got it from, got MAYBE half of what they originally paid-but probably not even close. That's including the fact that metal/diamond prices are currently going up and Tiffany just upped their prices by quite a bit. The profit margin for SP needs to be enough to cover all expenses that come from selling the ring but also enough for them to make money off of it. Yes, Tiffany pieces hold their value better than other pieces, but in this case, does that really matter?

You say that jewelry gets hit hard around a recession-guess what? That includes Tiffany. Fred Leighton just filled for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, what makes you think that Tiffany won't go through the same thing? A diamond is a diamond is a diamond. If the OP were wanting a forever ring-I'd tell her to hit up an online vendor-no ifs ands or buts. Because she seems to be contemplating the upgrade it becomes much trickier. However, I'm willing to bet that if in fact she bought a diamond from an online vendor, and that online vendor went under because of the recession-I bet she could sell it to another online vendor or through consignment with them and bring in most or perhaps even all of what she paid.

And frankly, if we're talking about making a profit off of a Tiffany ring-why doesn't she just go and buy one using her discount, and then turn around and sell it for a profit? And then go and buy another bigger one?

Your tone is very rude.

Link to Tiffany's Elsa Peretti ring
Link to Signed Pieces' Elsa Peretti ring
 
PS vendor for ER and Tif for WB would be my vote.
 
Date: 6/17/2008 11:28:16 AM
Author: surfgirl
Are you really wanting to buy an ering or do you work for T&Co and are simply trying to get some info from PS? I ask because there is no reason not to share what the T&Co employee discount is, unless you dont know it. Nobody will know who you are so why not tell us? Nobody can give you a proper answer unless we know the employee discount, can we? You're asking us a hypothetical question without a key part of the equation. It sounds like it's a percentage of the purchase price if it's dependent on how much you spend...

And as others have said, a signed T&Co piece will always command a higher valuation/re sale price as a comparable unsigned piece, it's just how the jewelry market works. Not good or bad, it just is what it is.
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Agreed! I guess it depends on the discount if I was willing to make that purchase and I also agree w/Mrs. Salvo's thoughts.
 
Can I change my vote? Get the nicest, tightest, largest stone you can easily afford and put it in a Leon Mege solitaire. That way you have a signed piece, a true work of art and an amazing stone.

I''d covet a Leon long before Tiffany and since you''re already in Manhattan, why not?
 
I''d get the ring from Tiffany''s. Hands down.
 
I think really the issue here is this, as you said..."The difficult part is knowing that I can get validation from strangers on pricescope but the real world won''t know or care that the "internet, no-name" diamond is better than the Tiffany diamond." ....and said another way.... " But, to add to my original post, the biggest difference (in my eyes) between a Tiffany and non-Tiffany is the 1) perception of value and brand name, and 2) setting. "
I don''t want to mis-characterize your dilemma, but it seems like from your posts that you are essentially struggling with this issue: Tiffany is a name brand with cache, you like that. This is not right or wrong, it just is the way it is. Some like Harry Winston, some like Tacori settings, etc. Some people don''t care at all. Perhaps the Tiffany name, etc. is important to you and to your social circles. The problem is that you have come to recognize that you can easily get a better diamond, at a better price, outside of Tiffany (even with your discount). So, I think this is making you uncomfortable. I guess what you need to decide is how important is it to you personally, and also to strangers, friends, co-workers, etc. to have a Tiffany ring for the sake of the name? Only you know the honest answer and it is not right or wrong. I have the feeling that if you went into work super excited about your new engagement and everyone want to see and know about "the ring", you would be disappointed slightly at telling them it is a AGSOOO from Whiteflash, etc.
Either way you cut it, it is still a great problem to have.
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Date: 6/17/2008 12:30:08 PM
Author: mercoledi
Can I change my vote? Get the nicest, tightest, largest stone you can easily afford and put it in a Leon Mege solitaire. That way you have a signed piece, a true work of art and an amazing stone.

I''d covet a Leon long before Tiffany and since you''re already in Manhattan, why not?
Click to expand...
Like Harriet''s!!!!

Oooo....
 
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