REVscene - Vancouver Automotive Forum

hi-revs · 11-25-2012, 09:20 PM

Thinking of popping the question in the near future.

I saw a ring at Tiffanys that i really like. Possibly could be THE ring.
But was thinking it'd be cheaper to get one made for a fraction of price that doesnt carry the world-known label.

I'd likely go with Tiffanys because its backed up by years of experience, follow up service, band quality etc.. But at $30k, i'd like to know my options are in getting that EXACT same ring made to the most extent, with possible minor alterations.

So, can anyone recommend any local fine jewellers with exceptional craftsmanship?

For this particular Tiffany's ring & setting, none of the other big name jewellery stores carries this identical ring. Theres similar. But none to my liking. Even bluenile doesnt have it.
I'm wanting to stay with a local jeweller.

p.s. for conversations sake, would you personally go with a "name brand", or "custom"?
I'm leaning on the "name brand" just because it makes ME feel better about it in years to come, but like i mentioned, i'm wanting to know what my options are.

Looking for serious replies from experience!

SoulCrusher · 11-26-2012, 12:36 AM

Pm'd
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JKam · 11-26-2012, 12:18 PM

personally I would go custom. If I can get the exact same thing for a fraction of the cost, its a no-brainer for me. I'd rather dump the extra money into a down payment so we have somewhere nice to live rather than a "brand name" ring.

I understand the worth of quality service and warranty but that kind of coin (30k vs <10k) isn't all that easy to come by.

Sky_High · 11-26-2012, 02:54 PM

I know there won't be much females on this forum....but for those
rare few, I would be interested in knowing what are your thoughts too.

Would you rather have the guy purchase a branded name ring?
Or one that's custom made at a lower cost...so more $$$ could be spent on your wedding, down payment, etc?

hi-revs · 11-26-2012, 03:19 PM

Reason why im leaning towards Tiffany's is because of craftsmanship. Setting the diamond properly etc...
I know a diamond is a diamond. But craftsmanship isnt the same everywhere.

I'd rather shell out the money for something of quality built, than to have a loose diamond. Or worse, a missing diamond because it wasnt secured properly. - This actually happened to a friend of mine while they were on their honeymoon

And personally for me, just the fact that Tiffany's guarantees every aspect of the ring is extremely important to me.

Ive been doing some research on diamond forums and whatnot between "brand name" vs "custom", so i just want to know if its really worth it to go custom and save some.

I know that no one is going to know that its a Tiffany's unless theyre told, but i'll know.

Is it worth saving that money 10, 25, 50years down the road?

To me, a diamond is a diamond. But whats more important is the quality of the ring that the diamond sits on. That precision settling of the diamond.

I know im just rambling....But yeah... Tiffany's is a world known company...just sayin, lol

vvd · 11-26-2012, 07:53 PM

Look a little harder, find a reputable jeweler, custom make a ring, use the money to ball out on her dress or wedding or towards a payment on a place. Unless throwing away 10 or 20k is nothing to you. IF she really loses the diamond, I'm sure even if you buy her a new diamond to replace it, the total cost of the ring would STILL be cheaper than the Tiffany ring. I've looked at Tiffany's stuff and, honestly, as nice as it looks, it's not worth the price. You can say whatever you want, but the fact of the matter is you are paying for brand when you buy Tiffany and not much else. If you're looking for quality and craftsmanship I'm sure you can find better elsewhere for a much more reasonable price, if you look hard enough.

Ultimately though, it depends on whether or not you think it's worth it. Personally, I don't.

By the way, congrats, op!
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TheKingdom2000 · 11-26-2012, 08:41 PM

I've only bought one ring, but I know two friends that have gotten rings and one other family member who got a ring.
I don't want to generalize, but all four of us had this one thing in common. The girl didn't know shit about rings/diamonds.

Girls obviously want a pretty and shiny ring. Besides that, I've found that most girls don't know shit about diamonds.

I would go custom because you can get a far better diamond for the price. But, if money is no option then just buy the $30k Tiffany's ring.

btw. since you're worried about the setting. Are you going four prong or six prong setting?

miss_crayon · 11-27-2012, 03:09 AM

We took a look at tiffanys last year and tbh..not freaking worth it. A lot of girls (materialistic ones) want the "prestige" and the bragging rights to say they got the tiffanys blue box when it happened. But besides the brand...the cut/size/setting etc etc can all be done the same at a customized jeweller. Or at a normal jeweller store. We looked at something similar at People's for $10k and was better when the Tiffanys ring would have been something ridiculous. I think $50k? A girl who loves you could care less that it's from Tiffanys and would probably tell you to save the $30k and put it towards something morw useful like your house or the wedding! However, like someone said..if $$ isnt a factor then go for it. $30k is a lot of money and is a few thousands shy of a family's average household income yearly. Does it seem logical for your budget as well??

And it's true..a lot of girls dont know shiz about diamonds.
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MoBettah · 11-27-2012, 02:11 PM

I can't believe how successful these companies have been in brainwashing people.

Going custom is the way to go, and should have way more prestige than in it as it is unique to your choices and design. No different than a bespoke suit vs a pricey off the rack.

A diamond is graded to GIA standards, who cares what the "brand" is. A 5 Carat diamond is a 5 Carat diamond. Anyone who thinks a brand name adds to the value is just delusional. Why stop there though right? Why not start having LV bamboo flooring? or Gucci stainless steel? should I insist my next private jet have Cartier grade titanium?

If you think about it, the entire luxury goods market is just a huge sham.

InvisibleSoul · 11-27-2012, 02:16 PM

I got my wife's wedding ring custom made from these guys: Absolute Star Design | West Vancouver

stewie · 11-27-2012, 02:43 PM

PM'd you as well!

but, when you pop the question to her, congrats!

hi-revs · 11-27-2012, 05:16 PM

Thanks for all your opinions and help everyone.
I'll be looking into custom and i'm sure i'll be able to find something much "better".

flameboy54 · 11-30-2012, 10:32 PM

A bit late but I feel the need to chime in.

As someone that works in the industry, I can tell you that branded jewelry bullshit. As mentioned, a diamond is a diamond is a diamond. I'd like to say that gold is gold or platinum is platinum but it isn't the truth since there is different alloys available on the market but regardless of the alloy, any reputable goldsmith can make you a ring, any ring, to the same standards as Birks, Tiffany's, Cartier, etc. Especially with CAD/CAM technology, the most complicated designs (ie Tacori) can be copied and completed in a few weeks. I've copied rings for my clients that have came out better then the branded counterparts and it saved them a fist full of cash.

Bottom line is get what you can afford and willing to pay. If you need the peace of mind of having the seven letters stamped into the inside of the ring then more power to you.