Tiffany & co and other big name jewellers

[northwest monkey]

beanbag said:

northwest monkey said:

People like brands. I don't know what car you drive, or what car you would like to drive, but I'm guessing it's an "aspirational" car.

My analogy does work. A BMW is in reality no better than a Ford, yet people will still pay a premium for a BMW.

I agree with the principle but the example you quoted is very wrong!

Go on.

[Neil H]

Parsnip said:

I think your autocorrect kicked in there.

What you obviously typed was "Sorry, it was a bit of a stty thing to say"

If you wouldn't say it to someone in the pub (and I'm pretty sure you wouldn't call a guys Mrs a brand we for wearing Tiffany jewellery in the pub) then don't say it on the internet.

Great story, really enjoyed it.

[markoc]

I bought my wife Tiffany diamond earrings as a wedding day present. I know I could have got an equivalent somewhere else for less, but the Tiffany brand image is all conquering.

She got to unwrap a little blue box with Tiffany diamonds in. On that occasion, nothing else would have had the same effect.

[northwest monkey]

You're a mug, she should have been happy with something from Argos and a kick in the sponge etc. etc.

This place is full of bullstters or nasally voiced virgins it seems at times.

Anyway, I'm off now as I need to ween (sic) my OH off her like for nice things.

[Adam B]

northwest monkey said:

People like brands. I don't know what car you drive, or what car you would like to drive, but I'm guessing it's an "aspirational" car.

My analogy does work. A BMW is in reality no better than a Ford, yet people will still pay a premium for a BMW.

No it doesn't.

A Tiffany diamond is a lump of carbon, a diamond from anywhere is an identical lump of molecules when on your finger is identical in ever way.

A BMW has a different body, badge, components and looks - and is completely obviously not a Ford



A

[NailedOn]

Over the years I have treated Mrs.NO to several Tiffany items.
Her response is always Yes!

[Harry H]

Adam B said:

No it doesn't.

A Tiffany diamond is a lump of carbon, a diamond from anywhere is an identical lump of molecules when on your finger is identical in ever way.

A BMW has a different body, badge, components and looks - and is completely obviously not a Ford



A

I'd go for a Mondeo over the BMW any day. Nothing says "brand we" more than a 3 series.


Back on topic. I've got the Mrs a few things from Tiffany's over the years and the Brand does make a huge difference but, as someone else has suggested you can trump Tiffany's every day of the week with something that you've had "specially made for her". Wimmi are funny things. How much you've spent is important to them but not as much as how much effort you've put in.

So the ultimate knicker dropper has got to be a ring made by Tiffany's that you've designed (nicked from a web site picture). Obviously expensive and a lot of effort.

[Dand E Lion]

Adam B said:

A Tiffany diamond is a lump of carbon, a diamond from anywhere is an identical lump of molecules when on your finger is identical in ever way.


A

You're not much of a gemologist, are you?

To the OP - it's a gift, for the woman you love, you know her and we don't. Make her happy, that's what matters.

[Adam B]

Dand E Lion said:

You're not much of a gemologist, are you?

No but surely you get my drift?

A 1 carat diamond of VVS1, colour H, with very good polish and symmetry - is going to look the same whether Tiffany or not

A BMW doesn't look the same and isn't made the same as a Mondeo, whichever you prefer

Dand E Lion said:

To the OP - it's a gift, for the woman you love, you know her and we don't. Make her happy, that's what matters.

Agreed, I was expressing my opinion that I don't think the blue box is worth it for expensive diamond gifts as the premium is too great. On cheaper things like a silver necklace maybe the feelgood factor is worth it as the premium is on a smaller cost.

As I said above, each to their own

[MrBarry123]

My aunt and uncle run a very well regarded independent jewellers near J14 of the M4.

I won't name them on here however if you'd like more details, just flick me a PM.

[InductionRoar]

Harry H said:

I'd go for a Mondeo over the BMW any day. Nothing says "brand we" more than a 3 series.

Nothing?

[Cotty]

Mashedpotatoes said:

This is what I'm not sure about, I mean it's not like the name is plastered over the studs like it is over a watch, so is it just the knowledge of where it comes from? Surely diamonds and there quality/grade/weight and so on are what gives there value.

"Diamonds are intrinsically worthless, except for the deep psychological need they fill" -De Beers chairman Nicky Oppenheimer
http://www.ivetriedthat.com/2014/04/24/diamond-eng...

[soad]

With Tiffany, you're paying for the name, not necessarily the quality. That's not to say that Tiffany doesn't have high quality jewelry.

They REALLY mark them up. You can buy the stone loose from a reputable jeweller, spend less and get a better stone! Think of a really neat way to give it to her (without a box) and with all the money you save - you can take her to the Caribbean to give it to her!
Good Luck! Just remember get a fine cut!

[northwest monkey]

Adam B said:

No it doesn't.

A Tiffany diamond is a lump of carbon, a diamond from anywhere is an identical lump of molecules when on your finger is identical in ever way.

A BMW has a different body, badge, components and looks - and is completely obviously not a Ford



A

They both have a body, badge, components and looks though and although not the same, they both fulfil the same function in pretty much the same way - the BMW is not "better".

Yet people pay a premium for some things.

Twice as good as a Phantom?

http://www.pistonheads.com/road-tests/astonmartin/...

[Adam B]

northwest monkey said:

They both have a body, badge, components and looks though and although not the same, they both fulfil the same function in pretty much the same way - the BMW is not "better".

Not sure if you are being willfully obstinate or just a bit dim

Who said anything about better? Not me

Can you or can you not tell one is a BMW and one is a Ford and they are a different shape when looking at the two?

[Cotty]

Adam B said:

Not sure if you are being willfully obstinate or just a bit dim

I think obtuse is the word you are looking for.

[Adam B]

Cotty said:

I think obtuse is the word you are looking for.

thank you, although I think both work

[Thankyou4calling]

Adam B said:

No it doesn't.

A Tiffany diamond is a lump of carbon, a diamond from anywhere is an identical lump of molecules when on your finger is identical in ever way.

A BMW has a different body, badge, components and looks - and is completely obviously not a Ford



A

I'm sure Tiffany have their own diamond mines that only they gave access too, branded ones.

Same as the Evian plant at the foot of a Swiss glacier and the Ralph Lauren polo shirt factory.

That's why you pay more :-)

[PompeyM3]

If you're due to go on holiday to somewhere like the Caribbean or the US anytime soon, wait to buy anything from Tiffany there as I've found it a bit cheaper than what you'll pay over here.

The little blue box is a big part of the appeal to Tiffany I think.

[toohuge]

T&CO also have a number of excellent locations throughout the world - none of this comes cheap and hence, the larger than normal mark up.

That said, they do have a nice product - even if you can get something similar from an independent, it is nice to have access to their customer service around the world.

We frequently use Tiffany for any cleaning / adjustments on our jewellery and their customer service has always been superb, nothing is too much of an effort and shipping to far corners of the world as a gesture of good will has always been appreciated.

Their New York flagship store is staggering - it's good fun, if a little pricey.