tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post3095172161529569012..comments2024-03-28T03:40:29.423-04:00Comments on Passage des Perles: Buying jewelry, part two: What is 'overpriced'?Duchessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-21790920470951670932014-01-19T00:51:52.937-05:002014-01-19T00:51:52.937-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00481878481505898998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-32126797812496349072010-02-15T01:53:06.601-05:002010-02-15T01:53:06.601-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Diamond Buying Tipshttp://www.ckcsons.com/diamonds_jewels/diamonds_buying_tips.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-26839082944425621382010-02-03T19:58:54.613-05:002010-02-03T19:58:54.613-05:00Anonymous: You might be interested in the new book...Anonymous: You might be interested in the new book, "The Value of Nothing" by Raj Patel. You can view a short summary on You Tube.Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-37939924042136162772010-02-02T23:18:35.395-05:002010-02-02T23:18:35.395-05:00Ah... value. I'd love to read more about this...Ah... value. I'd love to read more about this subject.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-5675721185051538592010-02-02T18:54:40.979-05:002010-02-02T18:54:40.979-05:00This series is full of great information, and insp...This series is full of great information, and inspiration too, I might add. Although I am not shopping right now, there is much good information to inform my looking, and for when I am ready, including something on Beladora that might still be available when I am ready.<br /><br />I am finding that value is an interesting concept also at different stages of life, or perhaps I am just getting more selective with age, and acceptance of the fact that I too long accepted the imposition of other people's taste on my own. Once I sort out the pieces I own that are truly mine, your fabulous information can help me see through to what I actually want and "need".Mardelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04850551308931710502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-36536854020643569842010-02-02T17:58:46.237-05:002010-02-02T17:58:46.237-05:00Belle: That Pdesp is on the same page as Patti Smi...Belle: That Pdesp is on the same page as Patti Smith is one of life's surprise delights, thank you!Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-44253734117704814912010-02-02T17:38:10.626-05:002010-02-02T17:38:10.626-05:00I just wanted to let you know that Beladora has re...I just wanted to let you know that Beladora has recommended your website on the Beladora Press page.<br />http://www.beladora.com/press.aspBelle de Villehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14045827018848979761noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-18488007994057503782010-02-02T14:16:55.169-05:002010-02-02T14:16:55.169-05:00Vix: I read Pricescope occasionally. Am amused by ...Vix: I read Pricescope occasionally. Am amused by how some (they seem to be men) get obsessed with diamond cutting ratios. I find a lot of those huge ERs people post big... and that's all. A style very popular with Americans of our time.<br /><br />LPC: Hardy is a bit more gently- priced but all of this Balinese silver work has been knocked off to death.<br /><br />Anonymous: Beladora has marvelous things, lucky you! I've bought very successfully on eBay but then not looking for brands, which are susceptible to counterfeiting. <br /><br />materfamilias: Sooner or later, pent up demand strikes- thanks!<br /><br />Shelley: It can be passed down though styles change and taste may not be different. One of my GFs took apart a Cartier ring her aunt left her, had a boring pin made by only competent jeweler. She did not even save the mount. I wept!<br /><br />Anonymous-Christine: Agree! Temple St Clair is pretty in its genre but materials do not warrant the often 5-figure prices.<br /><br />metscan: Sounds like you deal primarily with one jeweler, which has advantages. My jeweler asked how I was enjoying a pair of earrings, a year after I'd bought them. When I said I had worn them only once she insisted I exchange for something I loved.<br /><br />Belle: Maybe we should write a book? <br /><br />And to all: If there's a piece that interests you, it's wise to contact a dealer to say "if you ever get this, let me know."<br /><br />How a store handles returns is a flag for its integrity.<br /><br />I love your "new car' analogy. (And just try to resell that, then you get a shock.)<br /><br />Think of the treasure(s) someone could have from Beladora for the price of a new VCA Alhambra chain.Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-36684147305599187972010-02-02T12:05:17.779-05:002010-02-02T12:05:17.779-05:00Thank you for writing on this topic. As you know ...Thank you for writing on this topic. As you know it is dear to my heart. <br /><br />I've never heard the term "brand tax" but it is the perfect description of what you pay to wear specific brand.<br /><br />VCA "Alhambra", I do sell it because it is iconic Van Cleef and in demand, but I wonder how such little intrinsic value could demand such high prices. And don't even get me started on Verdura.<br /><br />When you buy a piece new piece of jewelry at full retail it is like buying a new car. It depreciates the minute you walk out of the store just like a car depreciates the minute you drive it off the lot.<br /><br />So, whenever you can, consider buying that same piece of jewlery used as an estate piece. If the piece is in great condition, you get what you want, at the right price.<br /><br />Anonymous, thank you for your comments. How a store handles returns is very important. <br /> <br />For the record, Beladora stands behind all of its estate jewelry and will issue a full refund, including shipping charges, for all returns. <br /><br />And Duchesse, the price of that pearl is totally correct.Belle de Villehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14045827018848979761noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-89220801277731504192010-02-02T11:19:32.226-05:002010-02-02T11:19:32.226-05:00Thank you for a thorough post. A very fine post, g...Thank you for a thorough post. A very fine post, giving advice, I should keep in mind, when looking at jewelry. I´m a very impulsive buyer and make my picks fast. Luckily I have a family friend as a jeweler, and I know I can trust him. The price is always negotiable. I am not interested in antiques, maybe it is because I, myself, am soon antique too. Neither am I interested in ultra modern jewelry.metscanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04878816155364397432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-32833623813252884562010-02-02T11:15:57.821-05:002010-02-02T11:15:57.821-05:00Excellent guide -- thank you!
I would add Temple ...Excellent guide -- thank you!<br /><br />I would add Temple St. Clair to the overpriced list. Beautiful pieces but way too expensive, some of them, for what they are.<br /><br />ChristineAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-65524171637385792212010-02-02T10:40:40.864-05:002010-02-02T10:40:40.864-05:00I was interested in the idea of applying cost per ...I was interested in the idea of applying cost per wear to jewelry. Makes sense. Also, the idea that someone might not wear jewelry for fear of loosing it, which is a waste. One thing that occurs to me which may or may not influence a buyer is the idea that, unlike most dresses, jewelry can be passed down. I say this because I inherited a lot of pieces from my Aunt Rita and love wearing them and remembering her.Shelleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10239488936038510294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-47087074722220265012010-02-02T10:14:03.360-05:002010-02-02T10:14:03.360-05:00If I were shopping for jewelry, this would be my g...If I were shopping for jewelry, this would be my guide, Duchesse -- so helpful. Even though I'm not, I'm glad to be a bit more informed even in my window-shopping -- and to get a better idea of what windows to shop . . . thanks.materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-72240607564145584042010-02-02T10:05:55.712-05:002010-02-02T10:05:55.712-05:00This is a wonderful article. I encourage everyone...This is a wonderful article. I encourage everyone to shop estate and vintage dealers. My first experience shopping vintage was with Beladora. I have purchased many unique pieces from them as well as from other dealers. A good dealer will educate you about vintage jewelry, will give you the best price possible and will allow you to return their merchandise within a reasonable time frame. (Be wary of those dealers who charge an outrageous restocking fee!) I have bought vintage jewelry on E-Bay with less success and I will not purchase from E-Bay dealers now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-89756643850115758972010-02-02T09:45:49.884-05:002010-02-02T09:45:49.884-05:00I think it's key to separate design and brand,...I think it's key to separate design and brand, as you have. For designers like David Yurman, the two have become inextricably linked. You may love the design and be willing to pay for it, but not be willing to pay extra for the brand he has built. Then there's always John Hardy, right?LPChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18209861350905135093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-73215516119796470432010-02-02T09:44:42.893-05:002010-02-02T09:44:42.893-05:00This series is a great resource.
In terms of con...This series is a great resource. <br /><br />In terms of consumer education, I highly recommend Pricescope.com (primarily diamond-related, but there's a colored stone section as well). <br /><br />Between the consumers-turned-experts and those in the diamond industry, one can get a wealth of general or highly technical information about price and performance for branded and unbranded jewels. [Including info about old-cut (vintage) diamonds, which is why I read.] <br /><br />The eye candy is somethin' else, too...these women (and men) are definitely *wearing* their pieces. And it's a pretty friendly place...I mean my only bling is a 0.5 carat old cut diamond so it's not like you have to have a minimum amout of bling to play!<br /><br />Another resource for those interested in resale value is SignedPieces.com (haven't bought from them, but many Pricescopers have). The pre-owned Tiffany and Cartier tend to go fast.Vixhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08676924453001061927noreply@blogger.com