Tiffanys - where in the world & is NY worth it?

derpderpderp

Hello all,

I have made the decision to purchase a Tiffany ring. Yes, I know im paying for the name, and Im fine with that. So please save yourself the energy of typing up 'go elsewhere for cheaper'. I am only interested in Tiffany.

I have been in contact with the Grafton Street store, and was actually quite surprised to find that their prices are not totally over the top, considering Irelands general ways.

I saw a 9k ring, exact style I am looking for, for a F, .74ct,VS1 diamond. I thought this was pretty good and it DOES have something to be said that this is 'our local' Tiffanys. However I had considered going to London, and received the following:
0.74 - G - VVS2 - £7025 (€8200)
0.79 - H - VS1 - £7200 (€8400)
0.68 - H - VVS1 - £6275 - (€7,355)

So it is slightly cheaper, certainly with a Ryan Air flight, even going over one of the days, identifying and deciding, and then flying back over when its ready to collect.

However, this is my main question; is it worth going to NY? I am looking at a purchase in about April, so Ive a bit of time for booking, and can expect that to be about €550-€600 for a flight and accomodation for a night or two according to SkyScanner. Thing is I may need to fly back out so thats another 550-600. Not so much the point, but it means a ring saving would need to be in the region of €1000+. Of course I realise I am paying for an experience as well of going to NY.

I am also wondering what (if at all) I need to declare this purchase before. Obviously I am taking advantage of foreign markets and I have even considered Dubai (though have not much information from there and flights are $$$.). Do I need it declared here if I live here for insurance or anything?

Anything else would be of use. I know things already like they do not budge on a listed price but can do deals with wedding bands if you buy through them.

Penny Dreadful

derpderpderp wrote: »

Hello all,

I have made the decision to purchase a Tiffany ring. Yes, I know im paying for the name, and Im fine with that. So please save yourself the energy of typing up 'go elsewhere for cheaper'. I am only interested in Tiffany.

I have been in contact with the Grafton Street store, and was actually quite surprised to find that their prices are not totally over the top, considering Irelands general ways.

I saw a 9k ring, exact style I am looking for, for a F, .74ct,VS1 diamond. I thought this was pretty good and it DOES have something to be said that this is 'our local' Tiffanys. However I had considered going to London, and received the following:
0.74 - G - VVS2 - £7025 (€8200)
0.79 - H - VS1 - £7200 (€8400)
0.68 - H - VVS1 - £6275 - (€7,355)

So it is slightly cheaper, certainly with a Ryan Air flight, even going over one of the days, identifying and deciding, and then flying back over when its ready to collect.

However, this is my main question; is it worth going to NY? I am looking at a purchase in about April, so Ive a bit of time for booking, and can expect that to be about €550-€600 for a flight and accomodation for a night or two according to SkyScanner. Thing is I may need to fly back out so thats another 550-600. Not so much the point, but it means a ring saving would need to be in the region of €1000+. Of course I realise I am paying for an experience as well of going to NY.

I am also wondering what (if at all) I need to declare this purchase before. Obviously I am taking advantage of foreign markets and I have even considered Dubai (though have not much information from there and flights are $$$.). Do I need it declared here if I live here for insurance or anything?

Anything else would be of use. I know things already like they do not budge on a listed price but can do deals with wedding bands if you buy through them.

NYC is a great and wonderful city, I've been there many times and thoroughly enjoyed myself each and every time.
Would I have wanted to be there when I got engaged? Not particularly.
IMHO you can get the Tiffany ring you have decided you want here in Dublin or in London and get it without incurring the cost of a trip to NYC.
You will be spending a whack load of money (granted I'm assuming this but in general you will be spending more than the license fee on your wedding) in the relatively near future so why not keep the NYC cash for that or for a holiday at a different time.

derpderpderp

Penny Dreadful wrote: »

NYC is a great and wonderful city, I've been there many times and thoroughly enjoyed myself each and every time.
Would I have wanted to be there when I got engaged? Not particularly.
IMHO you can get the Tiffany ring you have decided you want here in Dublin or in London and get it without incurring the cost of a trip to NYC.
You will be spending a whack load of money (granted I'm assuming this but in general you will be spending more than the license fee on your wedding) in the relatively near future so why not keep the NYC cash for that or for a holiday at a different time.

Hey,

srry, I wasnt clear; I was not planning to propose there, in fact it would be just me flying over; she wouldnt know. So the cost of the flight would simply be for myself, and I know someone there so accomodation wouldnt be an issue. I would only be there for a day or two and then home once the deal is done. But is it worth it, thats my question, and how can I get stung by bringing it home?

Penny Dreadful

derpderpderp wrote: »

Hey,

srry, I wasnt clear; I was not planning to propose there, in fact it would be just me flying over; she wouldnt know. So the cost of the flight would simply be for myself, and I know someone there so accomodation wouldnt be an issue. I would only be there for a day or two and then home once the deal is done. But is it worth it, thats my question, and how can I get stung by bringing it home?

You could get stung in the airport by customs. Thats the only way I can think of you getting caught but I could always be wrong. Apparently that happens occasionally:p

If your ring is a Tiffany ring then it will be a Tiffany ring anywhere. If it were me I'd save the cash you'd be spending on the flight to have a really nice weekend away here in Ireland or something simliar.

derpderpderp

Penny Dreadful wrote: »

You could get stung in the airport by customs. Thats the only way I can think of you getting caught but I could always be wrong. Apparently that happens occasionally:p

If your ring is a Tiffany ring then it will be a Tiffany ring anywhere. If it were me I'd save the cash you'd be spending on the flight to have a really nice weekend away here in Ireland or something simliar.

This is what Im trying to find out, if it is cheaper, with the flight, to go over to NY and make the purchase instead of buying through the Dublin Store. Already Ive found the London store to be a few hundred cheaper. By the seems of what I see online, its cheaper to get it in the US, but I wonder if its cheap enough to still save by flying over, staying a night, and then coming back. Ive decided it would be only the one flight and 2 days, nothing else, see ring one day and collect the next day, just make sure they have enough sorted with them to ensure sizing is close or done before I get there, so its just about mounting the stone I want.

As long as there are no questions when I go to insure the item about customs, I will probably be buying outside of Ireland. Not that I dont want to contribute to the Irish economy, but I honestly feel Ive done enough of that over the last few years and gotten nowhere. I feel for my lifes biggest purchase, I want the best but would like a deal; going elsewhere, outside of Ireland, seems to be the way to do it unfortunately. Thats why I am looking at NY; the glamour of it being from the flagship store, as well as the savings.

All EURO prices for Tiffany are the same; Ive established that much, it costs as much here as it does for the same in Belgium, France, etc. Its the other markets, like Switzerland, the UK, and specifically the US, that im interested in, as as far as I can tell from online reports and the two replies I have from Dublin and London.

Thanks for the replies!

Penny Dreadful

derpderpderp wrote: »

This is what Im trying to find out, if it is cheaper, with the flight, to go over to NY and make the purchase instead of buying through the Dublin Store. Already Ive found the London store to be a few hundred cheaper. By the seems of what I see online, its cheaper to get it in the US, but I wonder if its cheap enough to still save by flying over, staying a night, and then coming back. Ive decided it would be only the one flight and 2 days, nothing else, see ring one day and collect the next day, just make sure they have enough sorted with them to ensure sizing is close or done before I get there, so its just about mounting the stone I want.

As long as there are no questions when I go to insure the item about customs, I will probably be buying outside of Ireland. Not that I dont want to contribute to the Irish economy, but I honestly feel Ive done enough of that over the last few years and gotten nowhere. I feel for my lifes biggest purchase, I want the best but would like a deal; going elsewhere, outside of Ireland, seems to be the way to do it unfortunately. Thats why I am looking at NY; the glamour of it being from the flagship store, as well as the savings.

All EURO prices for Tiffany are the same; Ive established that much, it costs as much here as it does for the same in Belgium, France, etc. Its the other markets, like Switzerland, the UK, and specifically the US, that im interested in, as as far as I can tell from online reports and the two replies I have from Dublin and London.

Thanks for the replies!

If you're happy to run the risk of not being stopped / being stopped by customs in Dublin then go for it.

derpderpderp

Penny Dreadful wrote: »

If you're happy to run the risk of not being stopped / being stopped by customs in Dublin then go for it.

Never have been in my life so I'll take the chance. It'll be grand. Im sure...

Just out of interest, and to help users that may search this thread in the future, heres where its cheaper cause of tax:
SALES TAX
Local taxes, if applicable, will be added to your order. Tiffany & Co. collects sales tax for all states and the District of Columbia, except for Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon.

leeomurchu

I've been to and purchased form Tiffany & Co. in Zurich.

I'm not to sure why you consider it such a high end label the bragging rights will wear off quickly.

Anyway if your heart is set on a Tiffany ring they're very good quality my wife tried on rings priced from €10k to €160k

The later being a ridiculously ugly canary yellow monstrosity. You get the usual lip service as you would from any sales person who thinks you've a million to blow on diamonds.

The prices are over inflated expecting customers like yourself.

pwurple

Does the price online include local taxes? Often american prices don't include the tax until you get to the payment stage.

derpderpderp

leeomurchu wrote: »

I've been to and purchased form Tiffany & Co. in Zurich.

I'm not to sure why you consider it such a high end label the bragging rights will wear off quickly.

Anyway if your heart is set on a Tiffany ring they're very good quality my wife tried on rings priced from €10k to €160k

The later being a ridiculously ugly canary yellow monstrosity. You get the usual lip service as you would from any sales person who thinks you've a million to blow on diamonds.

The prices are over inflated expecting customers like yourself.

Not what I asked for and didnt ask for your judgement. I asked was it cheaper there compared to here.

pwurple wrote:

Does the price online include local taxes? Often american prices don't include the tax until you get to the payment stage.

You are correct, they dont include it, but getting that figure and adding 10% or whichever state (see Delaware, New Hampshire, no sales tax) it can be worked out that way.

leeomurchu

derpderpderp wrote: »

Not what I asked for and didnt ask for your judgement. I asked was it cheaper there compared to here.

I don't recall judging you!!

I'm not even arsed now

derpderpderp

leeomurchu wrote: »

I don't recall judging you!!

I'm not even arsed now

Thats even worse cause you didnt realise it then with lines like "I'm not to sure why you consider it such a high end label" and "The prices are over inflated expecting customers like yourself."Pretty obvious if you ask me especially with what was written in the first post.

Further to this, I have been looking up flights; Delaware and New Hampshire are cheap enough to get to, about 600 rtn. No sales tax is a big incentive.

xpletiv

Interesting topic. I often scour the weddings forum for things like this.

Obviously its going to be cheaper if you go away; what you need to do is work out the difference in exchange rate, add commision/charge for credit card, and then flights and accomodation. I wouldnt say that NY is cheaper but then again I have not been in their HQ there, only the one here in Dublin and that was some time ago. Those prices were similar to what you have above so it doesnt look like its changed in a while. Which is good. Cause the dollar has gone a bit down

If/when you find out the US prices for what you are looking for, post them up, could be very interesting to others.

pwurple

derpderpderp wrote: »

Not what I asked for and didnt ask for your judgement. I asked was it cheaper there compared to here.


You are correct, they dont include it, but getting that figure and adding 10% or whichever state (see Delaware, New Hampshire, no sales tax) it can be worked out that way.

New york has both state and city taxes from what I remember? Just be sure to tot it up.

I would be sure to factor in any time off work as a cost. I doubt you will manage to fly out on the saturday and back on the sunday. Days off aren't free either.

If it was me, I would really like to be taken to new york by my boyfriend for this brilliant trip... Instead finding out I was left at home while he picks out a ring. But that ups the expense a bit I'd say.


Consider getting the wedding bands there as you are at it if you know her size. And one for you. Depends on the style you go for, but some rings need a specific wedding band to fit them.

Also bear in mind you are losing any aftersales service. Sometimes ring settings seem a bit loose after a bit of wear. A local jeweller will usually fix this after the sale if you bought it there. Make sure you can get that service here if possible.

marc96

derpderpderp wrote: »

Hey,

srry, I wasnt clear; I was not planning to propose there, in fact it would be just me flying over; she wouldnt know. So the cost of the flight would simply be for myself, and I know someone there so accomodation wouldnt be an issue. I would only be there for a day or two and then home once the deal is done. But is it worth it, thats my question, and how can I get stung by bringing it home?

I bought my fiancé ring in Cape Town South Africa,I carried in my jacket pocket throughout the flight and didnt declare it here in Ireland,didnt pay customs or anything like that.

drunkmonkey

Is Canada not cheaper than New York?

ABajaninCork

If you're worried about paying VAT, then just fly over to London and have done with it. It'll be VAT paid in the EU, so no worries about Customs stopping you and all that. IMO it'll work out cheaper than paying hundreds to fly to the States (possibly more then once) and back.

derpderpderp

Portland has no sales tax and flights about 500. Not bad. Far though.
NY has 8.875% rate. But the lure of being from the HQ. Flights about 500 as well and closer. More romantic and has the option for returning with her to buy wedding rings.

LizT

derpderpderp wrote: »

Portland has no sales tax and flights about 500. Not bad. Far though.
NY has 8.875% rate. But the lure of being from the HQ. Flights about 500 as well and closer. More romantic and has the option for returning with her to buy wedding rings.

I don't really understand why you are so fixed on getting the ring from the Tiffany HQ if there's not a massive saving to be had. I have a few pieces of Tiffany jewellery, some bought in NYC, some here and in London. No one knows where I got them, the bits I got in NYC are not anymore special than the ones I got here.

Tiffany sell the same jewellery worldwide, if you're really fixated on it, my advice would be to buy it in London and then book a mini break for you and your future fiancee to pick out your wedding rings in NYC. The experience will be much more enjoyable if she's by your side.

derpderpderp

I will look into it. Im curious about Portland, and must find out more about if its worth it to travel further for savings.

Millem

derpderpderp wrote: »

Hello all,

I have made the decision to purchase a Tiffany ring. Yes, I know im paying for the name, and Im fine with that. So please save yourself the energy of typing up 'go elsewhere for cheaper'. I am only interested in Tiffany.

I have been in contact with the Grafton Street store, and was actually quite surprised to find that their prices are not totally over the top, considering Irelands general ways.

I saw a 9k ring, exact style I am looking for, for a F, .74ct,VS1 diamond. I thought this was pretty good and it DOES have something to be said that this is 'our local' Tiffanys. However I had considered going to London, and received the following:
0.74 - G - VVS2 - £7025 (€8200)
0.79 - H - VS1 - £7200 (€8400)
0.68 - H - VVS1 - £6275 - (€7,355)

So it is slightly cheaper, certainly with a Ryan Air flight, even going over one of the days, identifying and deciding, and then flying back over when its ready to collect.

However, this is my main question; is it worth going to NY? I am looking at a purchase in about April, so Ive a bit of time for booking, and can expect that to be about €550-€600 for a flight and accomodation for a night or two according to SkyScanner. Thing is I may need to fly back out so thats another 550-600. Not so much the point, but it means a ring saving would need to be in the region of €1000+. Of course I realise I am paying for an experience as well of going to NY.

I am also wondering what (if at all) I need to declare this purchase before. Obviously I am taking advantage of foreign markets and I have even considered Dubai (though have not much information from there and flights are $$$.). Do I need it declared here if I live here for insurance or anything?

Anything else would be of use. I know things already like they do not budge on a listed price but can do deals with wedding bands if you buy through them.

Derpderpderp, has your girlfriend tried on a similar setting ring here? If not I would get her to. As someone who got recently engaged, rings look different on everyone. You planning on spending a lot of money on the ring which she will be wearing everyday for the rest of her life and if you get it in NYC I presume changing it is not an option. Also with regard to the bands again I really think they need to be tried on. I got my ring at Christmas and I never realised all the different shapes and widths of plain wedding bands!

lazygal

A few points.

Tiffany jewellery is the same no matter where you buy it. I have some pieces, not super pricey but there really isn't that much of a price differential. It's a multinational company that wants to maintain consistency so the prices are quite similar all over.

Has your girlfriend tried on the rings and does she like them? I ended up with a completely different ring, I saw one in the window, thought it was 'the one' but hated it on my finger.

No one is going to know its a Tiffany ring, so the cachet really isn't something to factor in. Most jewellers will have rings in a Tiffany setting, so for the money you've mentioned you could be getting a better quality ring for the same money. I know people who went for a Tiffany ring because of the name and the excitement of getting engaged and the blue box, in a year or two no one will remember where the damn ring came from.

I'd find it odd that my boyfriend took a trip on his own to save a few bob on my ring. That's just me. I'd be wondering why it was so important to save a few quid that I wasn't included. Especially if it was a trip to a place like New York. If the explanation was 'I wanted to save a grand on your ring darling', honestly I'd wonder why all the fuss to save money when we could have had a nice time choosing a ring together and having a nice weekend away closer to home. I don't think the savings are going to be worth it for the money you're talking about.

Sleepy

Why not take a look on ebay?

I'm sure there'll be loads of Tiffany rings for sale there for half the price (or less) they try to charge in store.

We all know the line about fools and their money, why not take advantage of a fool who paid retail price for something not worth a fraction of it instead of being the next one in-line?

lazygal

There's no way I'd buy fine jewellery online from eBay. The risk of fakes and stone swapping is far too high and you've little comeback if anything goes wrong. I know someone who got stung with a 'bargain' ring that was not the same as the certs when they went to get it valued for insurance.

Theboinkmaster

derpderpderp wrote: »

Hello all,

I have made the decision to purchase a Tiffany ring. Yes, I know im paying for the name, and Im fine with that. So please save yourself the energy of typing up 'go elsewhere for cheaper'. I am only interested in Tiffany.

I have been in contact with the Grafton Street store, and was actually quite surprised to find that their prices are not totally over the top, considering Irelands general ways.

I saw a 9k ring, exact style I am looking for, for a F, .74ct,VS1 diamond. I thought this was pretty good and it DOES have something to be said that this is 'our local' Tiffanys. However I had considered going to London, and received the following:
0.74 - G - VVS2 - £7025 (€8200)
0.79 - H - VS1 - £7200 (€8400)
0.68 - H - VVS1 - £6275 - (€7,355)

So it is slightly cheaper, certainly with a Ryan Air flight, even going over one of the days, identifying and deciding, and then flying back over when its ready to collect.

However, this is my main question; is it worth going to NY? I am looking at a purchase in about April, so Ive a bit of time for booking, and can expect that to be about €550-€600 for a flight and accomodation for a night or two according to SkyScanner. Thing is I may need to fly back out so thats another 550-600. Not so much the point, but it means a ring saving would need to be in the region of €1000+. Of course I realise I am paying for an experience as well of going to NY.

I am also wondering what (if at all) I need to declare this purchase before. Obviously I am taking advantage of foreign markets and I have even considered Dubai (though have not much information from there and flights are $$$.). Do I need it declared here if I live here for insurance or anything?

Anything else would be of use. I know things already like they do not budge on a listed price but can do deals with wedding bands if you buy through them.

Your post is full of contradictions - you want a Tiffany ring but willing to travel across the globe to save money WTF :eek:

TBH you sound very immature and ignorant - I suggest thinking about this more and doing the research. Buying a ring in Tiffany is simply for rich people - you are not rich obviously.

We got engaged in NY and tried on rings in Tiffany 5th avenue, had a great time trying on, champagne etc and settling on a type. We then went down to Hanikens in diamond district and bought the same ring but 30% larger carat, for same price.

Do your research IMO. If concerned about price then Tiffanys not for you.

derpderpderp

Ok, thanks jackass.

What a pointless post yours was...

My posts so far have conveyed that it is overpriced here, and that travelling saves a lot. A serious lot. If you arent concerned about money then you have lost the value of it. I have never lost the value of it due to upbringing.

Sounds like someone didnt get what they wanted for christmas anyway...

ABajaninCork

I would also add if you're looking for a ring, then for the amount of money you want to spend, an 'H' grade ring from Tiff's isn't going to cut it. 'H' is what you get on the High St. I'd look at 'F' and up. Maybe a 'G' if you want a bigger stone. But £6k for a .75 stone is a LOT of money for an 'H' stone, when there's nicer and bigger (if that's what you want) for less money.

derpderpderp

ABajaninCork wrote: »

I would also add if you're looking for a ring, then for the amount of money you want to spend, an 'H' grade ring from Tiff's isn't going to cut it. 'H' is what you get on the High St. I'd look at 'F' and up. Maybe a 'G' if you want a bigger stone. But £6k for a .75 stone is a LOT of money for an 'H' stone, when there's nicer and bigger (if that's what you want) for less money.

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated. Is it more of a worry for the colour than the clarity?

ABajaninCork

derpderpderp wrote: »

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated. Is it more of a worry for the colour than the clarity?

You'd be looking at both. Like I say, if you really must get a Tiff's ring then I'd go for a better colour. The very least I would look for is 'G'; VVS1.

But I have to say, for the money you want to spend, I'd take a side trip to Hatton Garden if you're going to London. Just have a look there and see what you get for your money. IMHO you'd get a MUCH better stone for less money and you have room to haggle (as the traders are Jewish, they'd consider it rude not to! :P). You can also design your ring if they don't have what you want. As I said before, you might as well go to London, pay the VAT there and have done with it. I think it works out cheaper all round.

another question

Oh I love New York! If you haven't been and can afford to go, go!... I've been to the diamond hall in Tiffany's in NY and it is fabulous. The entire building, the staff even the carpet and elevator are a superb experience.

To be honest if your spending that kind of money then I would rather feel that my purchase is appreciated, the staff in the NY store are second to none versus BT's effort. I was in Tiffany's in BT at Christmas to buy a present for my mum, needless to say they were rude, unhelpful, not very knowledgeable and I left without buying.

New york is amazing and even if you are only going for a day or two you will have a ball. On a price basis though, I would say there is very little difference after tax. I bought an LV bag in the LV store on 5th Avenue years ago and when they told me the price in dollars it seemed about €150 cheaper than Ireland, however when I went to pay it was a different story after tax and worked out about €30 more. Customs on the other hand I'm not quite sure about but I'd say if you made a call and asked vaguely at least you would know one way or the other.

lazygal

Antwerp would also be another option. I know two couples who made a weekend of it, both were very happy, designed their own rings, picked stones within their budget. They got a lot more for their money plus no worry about customs.

Does it have to be a diamond? Might be a silly question, I don't have a diamond ring (never saw the appeal) and we got a much better stone for what we paid than a diamond of the same carat and clarity would have cost.

hfallada

Would you maybe pick a ring in tiffanys and get all the details about carat sizes etc. and then either if you go to NYC go to the diamond district and speak to the other jewellers and see what they can do on the price and produce an copy of the ring for a huge discount.

Or go to antwerp in Belgium. I heard of people getting cheap good quality diamond rings there. Or even look at o reillys auctions now and again. They sale unbelieveable rings now and again.

I think customs will charge you for it here is bs. If you have it in a pocket and can't see them stopping you. I have never heard of anyone getting custom charges in Dublin.

Btw if you buy it in NYC. You can get the ring shipped to the low tax states and avoid sales tax

another question

hfallada wrote: »

Would you maybe pick a ring in tiffanys and get all the details about carat sizes etc. and then either if you go to NYC go to the diamond district and speak to the other jewellers and see what they can do on the price and produce an copy of the ring for a huge discount.

Or go to antwerp in Belgium. I heard of people getting cheap good quality diamond rings there. Or even look at o reillys auctions now and again. They sale unbelieveable rings now and again.

I think customs will charge you for it here is bs. If you have it in a pocket and can't see them stopping you. I have never heard of anyone getting custom charges in Dublin.

Btw if you buy it in NYC. You can get the ring shipped to the low tax states and avoid sales tax

Maybe I'm wrong but I don't think he is particularly worried about customs stopping him, I think it has more to do with when he goes to insure it on his return that there may be some clause thrown up that the appropriate taxes haven't been paid on it...like VRT on an imported car for example.

derpderpderp

AnotherQuestion; think thats a bit harsh on the BT staff. I found so far they have been very friendly and even friendly after I mentioned that I may look at the other markets because it may be cheaper.

At the end of the day, I am buying Tiffany; that is my decision and the right one (im astounded at the judgements made here; you should be ashamed of yourselves trying to influence someones decision like that!) as she is worth it.

No longer worried about customs. Have that sorted now.

So, despite what others are saying here, it is much cheaper to go to the States and buy a Tiffany, or any diamond ring for that matter, from what I have had sent to me. I would highly advise it. The savings of over 1k will be for our celebration holiday after I pop the q.

Sleepy

lazygal wrote: »

There's no way I'd buy fine jewellery online from eBay. The risk of fakes and stone swapping is far too high and you've little comeback if anything goes wrong. I know someone who got stung with a 'bargain' ring that was not the same as the certs when they went to get it valued for insurance.

A fair fear so why not try a more reputable auction house?

OP, there are two pitfalls you've fallen into here: the myth that diamonds are valuable and the myth that Tiffany's are superior to other jewellers.

Now, maybe your fiancée is the vacuous sort for whom the brand is more important than the quality of the product but lets give her the benefit of the doubt that she's not an idiot. You can get higher carat, higher clarity, cleaner colour diamond rings for the same money as you have to spend in another retail jewellers.

Leave the retail market behind and go down the antique/vintage route and you can * massively* increase the quality of the ring your budget can buy. If the name on the box is truly that important to you / your other half there's nothing stopping you going this route and looking for a vintage/second-hand ring that someone else bought in Tiffany.

Sure, it's more hassle and less glamorous than a trip to New York but as you regard her as worth spending the money on, why not spend the same money and get her a ring that actually approaches the value of what you're spending?

Remember: all these morons you hear quoting valuations on rings they bought abroad are quoting the "replacement value" not the value of what they actually have: if you want to know the value of a diamond ring, try selling one.

another question

Oh guys give it a rest with the alternative suggestions. He clearly stated in the first line of his post that he did not want opinions on his place of purchase. Monetary value of a diamond is one thing but his fiance to be and himself clearly place a different value on a Tiffany ring for what it is as do many, many other people in the world hence why they have such a well established business. She will have the ring for life and whether they can get a better diamond for less money is irrelevant when dealing with something sentimental. If they both want Tiffany and he can afford and she will be thrilled leave them at it unless you have got something productive in the line of his question to contribute.

Sleepy

What's unproductive about suggesting he look at antique or second hand Tiffany rings?

He'll get twice the ring for his money as he'll get going into any of their stores.

That's useful advice imo.

another question

Sleepy wrote: »

What's unproductive about suggesting he look at antique or second hand Tiffany rings?

He'll get twice the ring for his money as he'll get going into any of their stores.

That's useful advice imo.

Because he doesn't want to, that's why!

derpderpderp

I honestly didnt think I could be clearer in my first post. And its such a shame; what could be a very beneficial economic post for those looking for the best have derailed it.

Sleepy

another question wrote: »

Because he doesn't want to, that's why!

Not wanting to listen to reality doesn't make it any less true.

derpderpderp wrote: »

I honestly didnt think I could be clearer in my first post. And its such a shame; what could be a very beneficial economic post for those looking for the best have derailed it.

If you're looking for the best, you're looking in the wrong place. Your budget could fetch far more by going elsewhere: you can get a much better ring that was made by the same jewellery chain you like for less than they'll charge you for it retail.

If pointing that out that a legal alternative to smuggling the ring in from the States without paying the relevant duty on it exists is derailing a topic, I apologise.

If you'd rather spend a large sum on the other half in a fancy place than buy her better for the same money: go buy it in Dublin, you won't be breaking the law smuggling it in from the States and you'll be supporting our economy over another European country's.

ABajaninCork

Just had a gander at the rings on Tiff's. I looked at a ring very similar to mine in style and weight. The CHEAPEST is £4,600!!!! :eek:. And I bet the stone is only an 'H' grade even though it didn't actually say...My ring certainly didn't cost that and I have an 'F' grade stone. Obviously if you want a better stone, then it'll cost more.

I really think the OP's wasting his money at Tiff's. If he wants a 'name' then I think Boodles is better TBH, but just as overpriced.

Penny Dreadful

Sleepy wrote: »

What's unproductive about suggesting he look at antique or second hand Tiffany rings?

He'll get twice the ring for his money as he'll get going into any of their stores.

That's useful advice imo.

But he wants to go to their store(s) and that is his choice. The advice he asked for was whether he would get the Tiffany ring in a Tiffany store cheaper in NYC/Dublin/London or elsewhere and if there may be issues re: insurance when he brought it back.

Sleepy

Of course it's his choice. He's also said, however, that he wants "the best" and the facts are that he can't have both.

tinkerbell

I think people are being a bit harsh on the OP. His question is will it be cheaper to buy in Tiffany NYC rather than London or Dublin. In fairness, if he's looking at spending €10k on a ring, he's going to want a new and shiny one, not some second hand ring or antique ring. I know that I personally would no way in hell have wanted a second hand or antique engagement ring, and a lot of girls feel that way. Plenty more may be happy with second hand or antique but plenty more want a brand new one.

At the end of the day, it's his choice on how he spends his money. People may be horrified at the idea of him spending €10k on a ring in Tiffany when he can get the same grade ring in another shop, but it's nobody else's business but his.

OP, I'd recommend you buy it in London as it has a far bigger selection than the Tiffany in Dublin. Plus you'll have no issues it's insuring it then since you're buying it in the EU and also you won't have to worry about customs. If you're wondering what price you'll pay over here vs NYC, just look at their website for other non-engagement jewellery and see what the premium is - they have a US website and also a UK and Irish one. Happy shopping!

smootchio

Follow your heart OP and if it is Tiffany you want go for it.

However as great as Portland is for no sales tax (and also an amazing city) it is a grueling flight even if you travel via Chicago trust me, for "the ring" I would rather a visit to London and then a nice romantic break after the question was popped!.

None of us on boards know you or your OH and what relationship you pair have but what i would say is really think about weather you want to miss the opportunity of spending a few days with her in NY. I know myself i would be gutted if himself went somewhere like NY for the ring, why keep all the excitement for yourself take her along too, or why not order it then collect it together. Someone earlier had a good idea of going over with her to get the wedding bands and picking the rings out here or over in London. (you wont have expense of missing a day or two's work too)

If it was me unless I had a friend or family member traveling to America I would stick with this side of the world after all you are still getting your Tiffany ring.

What ever you choose to do good luck!