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

derpderpderp · 11-02-2013 01:13PM #1

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 · 11-02-2013 03:31PM

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 · 11-02-2013 03:39PM

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 · 11-02-2013 03:50PM

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 · 11-02-2013 04:24PM

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 · 11-02-2013 04:31PM

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 · 11-02-2013 04:48PM

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 · 11-02-2013 05:01PM

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 · 11-02-2013 05:07PM

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

derpderpderp · 11-02-2013 05:26PM

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 · 11-02-2013 06:05PM

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 · 11-02-2013 06:30PM

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 · 11-02-2013 08:56PM

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 · 11-02-2013 09:28PM

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 · 11-02-2013 09:29PM

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 · 11-02-2013 09:34PM

Is Canada not cheaper than New York?

ABajaninCork · 11-02-2013 11:41PM

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 · 12-02-2013 03:22AM

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 · 12-02-2013 03:32AM

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 · 12-02-2013 03:36AM

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 · 12-02-2013 03:37AM

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 · 12-02-2013 09:25AM

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 · 12-02-2013 10:48AM

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 · 12-02-2013 10:52AM

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 · 12-02-2013 11:47AM

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 · 12-02-2013 11:59AM

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 · 12-02-2013 12:02PM

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 · 12-02-2013 12:05PM

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 · 12-02-2013 12:15PM

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 · 12-02-2013 12:17PM

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 · 12-02-2013 12:19PM

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.

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

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