Was there something you ever really regretted not buying?

[T L]

I remember an antique Japanese oni bracelet once at a high end antique show. I always regret not buying it, and that was over a decade ago. I could have afforded it too, but at the time, I just thought, "oh, they probably sell those everywhere." Couldn't find one like it ever since.

 

[faegrace]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

TL ~

Great question! There was a vintage peridot ring on RubyLane that I eyed for months. I even e-mailed the seller to inquire about specifics. I waited, visited it often and then 'poof,' someone else bought it. Really my own fault for not giving myself permission to buy something just because I loved it.... It's unlikely I would ever find something similar and forget being able to afford recreating it with the old world craftsmanship and high end diamonds that embellished the ring so beautifully. I bet we all have at least one that got away.

~ faegrace

 

[LD]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

Where do I start? Yes!

There's only two rings that I've regretted not keeping (strangely both diamonds)!

My biggest regrets however are not buying the mountain of Paraiba Tourmaline, Bixbite and one or two other gems that I could have done about 10 years ago when there was much more on the market. I can't complain because I still managed to buy some lovely pieces but looking back at the prices/sizes/quality - well, it makes me cry now!

 

[Lady_Disdain]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

Yes. Quite a few unusual stones and, most of all, a Leon Mege ring. Yes, the anti-bling girl regrets not buying an expensive Leon Mege. It was a 1ct asscher diamond with graduated carre demantoids on the band. Simple, non blingy and gorgeous.

 

[JewelFreak]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

An exquisite squash-blossom necklace has always stuck with me. My mother & I were nosing around Colorado & Arizona after my sister's wedding about 30 yrs ago & saw it in a tiny store. It wasn't the usual tourist piece, more wearable art than simple jewelry. Wonderful quality turquoise & expert workmanship. It was expensive enough then that we considered splitting the cost & sharing the necklace. Decided in the end not to do it & I've never forgotten it. I don't remember the price but compared to today's dollars it was surely a pittance.

--- Laurie

 

[Fly Girl]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

The first year after we were married about 35+ years ago, we were on vacation in Colorado and beautiful turquoise pieces set in silver were everywhere. I have several nice pendants and rings from that trip. There was a men's turquoise ring set set in gold that fit DH perfectly. We didn't have much money then, and it would have been a stretch, so we didn't get it. I've never seen anything like it since.

The 1970s were the golden era of American turquoise when great pieces were plentiful and cheap. So, I learned years ago that colored stones come and go, and you need to scoop up beautiful gemstones that appeal to you when they are plentiful and cheap. Because, they won't stay plentiful and cheap.

Edit-Hey, JF, regrets from the same era.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

I agree!

I got my Mahenge pink quite early and I am sure it would cost an arm and a leg today. I am very glad I also have the sister piece of rough still to cut!

Right now, I would say to go for Welo opals. The prices are very low for the quality still and I am sure this won't last. This, of course, is not investment advice but only a warning to avoid future regrets

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

Sort of, I had a chance to buy a beautiful 1.7 ct or so OMC M color at a steal of a price, but wanted to think about it. By the time I thought about it and decided to get it, somebody else scooped it up. :/

I don't know if I would have regretted it though since it was an ebay thing and I've never seen M color diamonds anywhere but online, so who knows if I would have loved it as much as the photos in real life.

So not really a big regret I guess.

 

[FrekeChild]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

Yes, but then I ended up being able to buy both later...

I can't really think of anything I've let get away...

 

[ooo~Shiney!]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

Yes, and I am still kicking myself all over the place..... UGH ~~~~~

Not gonna say which particular stone, another PS'er has it, and
justifiably proud of it !!!!!!!!!!!
At least I get to see a few pictures

I too, remember nice turquoise. I wish I hadn't lost some of my pieces over the years
with all the moving I have done....

And then (YEARS ago) there was the gorgeous piece of turquoise set in GOLD that I loved
but it was given to me by some guy I wasn't crazy about, so I ended up giving
it back HOW ETERNALLY STUPID !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! UGH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[JewelFreak]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

The 1970s were the golden era of American turquoise when great pieces were plentiful and cheap. So, I learned years ago that colored stones come and go, and you need to scoop up beautiful gemstones that appeal to you when they are plentiful and cheap. Because, they won't stay plentiful and cheap.

Edit-Hey, JF, regrets from the same era.

Right on both counts, Fly Girl. That time was about the last when you could find really superb Indian turquoise pieces you could contemplate affording. As well, snapping up something when you see it: for instance, I'm so glad I bought my blue spinel cushion only a short time ago -- it wasn't cheap; I held my breath & hit "buy" -- but already they're harder to find & cost even more -- it's only going to get worse. Can't do it with everything but if a stone (or anything else) grabs you by the heart, it's worth sacrificing for.

--- Laurie

 

[marcy]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

I found a great deep color pear shaped aqua ring one time but didn't buy it because I already had a WG aqua ring (which is a medium blue). Even the lady at the store remembers that stone - we talk about it often.

 

[decodelighted]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

When I was ering browsing, I stumbled on an antique round stone that was set into a rounded square onyx. It was breathtaking ... but double the budget. I knew then it was one of a kind but didn't really have a *choice* to buy it or not. Honestly, I wouldn't trade my real ering for that ring -- but I'll ALWAYS remember it with .

Just a year or so ago I found some diamond studs that were surrounded with black enamel that gave a similar effect. When I was ready to purchase those: they were GONE! Again, I'm happy with a plainer, more classic stud for less $ but GAH. AGAIN!


ETA: Hee! I was curious to see if I could find my original "bookmark" from five + years ago. Well, the ring isn't still there obvs but it was at www.SJphillips.com and, though I hadn't remembered this detail, it was a signed Tiffany estate piece. I'm sure an image is somewhere on my hard drive ... hmmmm

 

[decodelighted]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

Ahhhhhh yes. That's the elusive sucker.

 

[blithesome71]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

2 years ago I found this very pretty coral pink 8ct untreated pakistani topaz from a high end jeweller. I put off buying it that time. A month later, its price doubled and someone has already got it... That was my chance to own something so rare (color,size & price) & yet I just let it slipped away

 

[simplysplendid]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

Gosh decodedelighted! That ring is beautiful!

I have always regreted not buying a very large piece of deco style pendant with a huge south sea pearl drop from my jeweler a few years ago when the price was reasonable. I think I will have to pay close to double for the same thing now.

 

[missy]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

Yes, I really regret not buying an antique diamond heart I found at my favorite estate jewelry store. It happened a couple of years ago. My dh and I were there and I saw it and I really loved it but I thought it was expensive for what it was so I was unsure as to what to do. So I decided to think about it but didn't ask them to hold it for a few days (they would have as I am a regular customer there) because I just never thought it would be sold so quickly as they just got it. A few days later we went back and it was gone- sold to an antiques dealer. Lesson learned and I will not make that mistake again. If I see something I love and I am not sure I think it is worth the price I will not leave the store without asking them to let me sleep on it or making a decision right there and then. I still am sad about not buying that lovely lovely necklace.

 

[y2kitty]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

Dana @ Master Cut Gems had a beautiful Asscher cut Burma Spinel on his page. I regret not buying it. Like, dream about it regret.

 

[marymm]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

Arrgh - this thread is making me totally re-think my decision to return two recent gems - a 3+ct oval Rubellite with amazing color that holds true in all lighting conditions but a not-so-amazing cut, and a 2ct round minty green Afghan Tourmaline which is spectacular in color and cut but is not more "blue" (go figure, the photo and the description were entirely accurate and I know from past experience with this vendor that the photos/description are accurate, but still... I thought maybe in person it would be more blue.)

I actually contacted both vendors to say I'd be returning them - and I planned on posting them out today -

But already last night in bed I decided I had to keep the Rubellite because the color is spot-on and really the cut issues are minor (very slight window which should close in right setting, and low crown height which I think I can live with). I've found color has been the more difficult factor in my quest for a Rubellite so I'd be foolish to return the one stone that meets my color specs because the cut is only adequate.

And the Minty Tourmaline - well, even though it is not the color I've been searching for, the color is mesmerizing in its own right, with a bit of a glow and richly saturated, and coupled with the gorgeous cut (nice high crown)... I really am coming to think I would regret returning this stone.

Shoot, I see where this is going... and there I was already in my mind spending the refund monies on new stones/projects.

[Thinking out loud / long ramble over - will keep stones - and thank you (I think) for this thread.]

 

[iLander]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

I am not a big believer in regret, I think it's a waste of mental energy. For myself, anyway. I trust that whatever decision I made at the time was a good one, and I had my reasons.

Yes, all very easy for me to say . . .

Meanwhile, I should have purchased an opal strand, that was similar to these, but EVEN BETTER. All the beads were the color of the golden orangy ones, there were no white beads. It was stunnng, but at $700, a bit much for beads.

But I am in contact with the bead show guy and he has gotten 2 more strands in. Cross your fingers that they don't look quite as boring as this strand, and that he will give me a deal. He's supposed to send me a photo, but it is taking FOREVER.

If this works out, great. If not, that's fine too. I have learned that, over time, there are very few things that I really treasure. At the same time, I am aware that they are only material objects, and that they, in and of themselves, have no meaning.

At least that's what I tell myself.

 

[PrecisionGem]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

When the Mozambique paraiba type tourmaline first came out, I had a chance to buy a large parcel, but it was near $200,000. I should have done what everyone else in the US did, and refinance my home and buy it. I was able to buy a much smaller parcel and that produced a few stones that I'm sure you all here have seen. Had I bought the the large parcel I could have turned that into over million dollars and been retired by now.

 

[iLander]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

When the Mozambique paraiba type tourmaline first came out, I had a chance to buy a large parcel, but it was near $200,000. I should have done what everyone else in the US did, and refinance my home and buy it. I was able to buy a much smaller parcel and that produced a few stones that I'm sure you all here have seen. Had I bought the the large parcel I could have turned that into over million dollars and been retired by now.

Oh, you would be so bored if you were retired. Shuffleboard isn't all it's cracked up to be . . .

 

[VapidLapid]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

There was a bug-eye sprite I had the opportunity to get and I passed for worrying where to house it.
And there was a perfectly cut mauve zircon I missed that I still feel sad about.

Does regret over not buying something get balanced out by regret for HAVING bought something?

 

[T L]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

When the Mozambique paraiba type tourmaline first came out, I had a chance to buy a large parcel, but it was near $200,000. I should have done what everyone else in the US did, and refinance my home and buy it. I was able to buy a much smaller parcel and that produced a few stones that I'm sure you all here have seen. Had I bought the the large parcel I could have turned that into over million dollars and been retired by now.

Was that the batch that the famous Leon/Widget stone came from?

 

[Aerix]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

Recently-I regret not buying this diamond ring I saw. It would've been for my mother in law (who was on the lookout for a larger diamond ring) but she wouldn't have been able to pay me back for it until months later. It was a good deal though. There are other things I've seen over the years that I regret not buying, but the feeling goes away since there are always new things popping up that catch my eye. I regret impulsively buying things sometimes too-like a stone I see newly listed that I like but I'm not sure if I like it that much so I end up purchasing it then deciding I don't like it that much (but it is pretty), but afraid if I didn't buy it that I'd regret it later. There are a couple of things I regret reselling too... I got a killer deal on a vintage 484 Van Craeynest setting (the seller didn't know the brand) but ended up reselling it since I needed the money for some other things I wanted and now I'm kicking myself for the price I sold it for... Oh well.

 

[colorluvr]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

There are lot of them, but somewhat recently this Jeff White stone came up for resale and at first I didn't have the funds and when I did, it was sold.... sigh.......

 

[canuk-gal]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

HI:

Several pieces from Barbara S. Sizeable HOT pink sapphire comes instantly to mind. Red beyrl. Dendritic agate earrings. When she posted her annual "sale", I called, and ALL the pieces I coveted were GONE. Posting in this thread is like rubbing salt into a wound!

cheers--Sharon

 

[PrecisionGem]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

When the Mozambique paraiba type tourmaline first came out, I had a chance to buy a large parcel, but it was near $200,000. I should have done what everyone else in the US did, and refinance my home and buy it. I was able to buy a much smaller parcel and that produced a few stones that I'm sure you all here have seen. Had I bought the the large parcel I could have turned that into over million dollars and been retired by now.

Was that the batch that the famous Leon/Widget stone came from?

Yes that was it. I did at the time buy just a few stones, a few of them like Widget stone were very very nice. The expensive parcel had some large stone that would have cut 15-20 ct stones.

 

[lavatea]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

There are lot of them, but somewhat recently this Jeff White stone came up for resale and at first I didn't have the funds and when I did, it was sold.... sigh.......

I kept that same stone bookmarked until it resold. I couldn't get the money together in time, either.

 

[packrat]

Re: Was there something you ever really regretted not buying

BEG's Barry green tourmaline Lotus when it was on DB. I hemmed and hawed about it and when I made up my mind I had to have it, it was too late.