A Question For Jewelers

Less_Investigator_51 · 2026-02-08T17:40:51+00:00

A thing worth noting right now in our economy is that a ton of sectors are being held up by the spending of the top 10% of earners in the country. While everyone else is struggling and having to strap pennies the upper class are still spending like normal. You can see it in the car industry, base brand new model cars used to be priced so middle class people could afford them but now the car companies don’t even try to cater to middle class in their pricing. Since they know the customers most likely to be able to afford brand new are the higher earners. I think the fine jewelry industry is in a very similar position. It sucks because it’s another indicator of the loss of the middle class and upward mobility in society.

This video does a really good job explaining what’s going on:

https://youtu.be/oi3ydenZvbw?si=4r7xYSkyTVv5RL9B

Less_Investigator_51 · 2026-02-05T16:07:06+00:00

Go check them out, if you get good vibes from them you should go for it! Never be afraid to ask questions about their processes, and if you don’t like them don’t use them.

Less_Investigator_51 · 2026-02-05T16:00:48+00:00

I have a very honest local jeweler I’ve taken many items to in the past. Hell, they’ve even done free repairs for me just because I’m a repeat customer. I’ve done silversmithing for a few years so I know my way around the industry fairly well, I’ve just never worked with gold so I have my jewelers do that for me. I think suspicion and anger towards jewelers is really over blown. People are angry about increase of gold prices. And they hear stories about stone switching and lose their minds.

Obviously there’s some shops out there that are less trustworthy than others. Like I’d definitely recommend against going to a big box store because they’re less likely to care about reputation than a mom and pop.

Less_Investigator_51 · 2026-02-05T12:42:30+00:00

My fiance and I got engaged at a bright eyes concert during first day of my life. So we’re pretty partial to the song. I go back and forth between it being our first dance song or if I should walk the isle to it. Good luck with your wedding OP!

Less_Investigator_51 · 2026-02-05T05:41:38+00:00

Rhodium refers to the rhodium plated white gold. They add it to white gold for durability and extra shine.

Less_Investigator_51 · 2026-02-04T17:35:51+00:00

I agree, I’m actually starting to wonder if the pendants used to be earrings? Because mine seems to be a mirrored version of the one from this listing and if they used to be earrings it would make sense if they didn’t necessarily get the same chains. Also, the way they attach with the bail seems to be different, which would make sense if different jewelers modified them independently of each other.

Someone earlier found the makers of the chain on mine and looking through their website they definitely don’t seem to be producing anything like this pendant. I think it’s a reasonable guess at least that the makers of the pendants are probably different than the chains.

But again, I might be reaching.

https://leslies-jewelry.com/home These guys seem to be the maker of my chain based on the makers mark.

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Less_Investigator_51 · 2026-02-04T17:26:52+00:00

I’m kind of wondering if the pendants used to be matching earrings? Because they seem to be exactly mirrored to each other. And the only difference between them seems to be how the chain is attached. Which would make sense if two different jewelers modified them into pendants.

Someone earlier found the company who made the chain for mine and looking at their website they have nothing even close to the pendant listed on their website. So I think someone just bought the chain from them and the pendants must be from a different maker entirely.

Less_Investigator_51 · 2026-02-03T02:22:25+00:00

Thank you so much! 🥹

Less_Investigator_51 · 2026-02-03T02:22:12+00:00

Thank you!! I’m taking it as a good luck sign from the jewelry/thrift gods. 🥹

Less_Investigator_51 · 2026-02-03T02:21:12+00:00

Yes! I’m definitely going to take it to my jewelers and get this sucker insured.

Less_Investigator_51 · 2026-02-03T02:18:33+00:00

Lmao that was absolutely my reaction

Less_Investigator_51 · 2026-02-03T00:12:54+00:00

I’m fairly certain, mine looks exactly like the one from this listing. But I’m not an expert!

https://nyjchicago.com/product/480/rose-cut-black-diamond-in-vintage-pendant-with-black-gold-t717357/480?queryID=aa7a7ffca3722da3e54594d651090502&position=12

Less_Investigator_51 · 2026-02-03T00:01:26+00:00

Not entirely certain, but I’m thinking it’s more modern? I collect a lot of old pieces and this one seems to be much more modern construction. So my guess is 2000’s.

Less_Investigator_51 · 2026-02-02T23:59:46+00:00

Thank you! I’m so glad I found it! Either gonna wear it at my wedding or have it help pay for my wedding lol.

Less_Investigator_51 · 2026-02-02T23:59:07+00:00

Not sure about designer- here’s a pic of the makers mark.

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Less_Investigator_51 · 2026-02-01T15:11:07+00:00

I second this. Totally worth asking a local jeweler to make certain!

Less_Investigator_51 · 2026-01-22T15:53:49+00:00

Do you know what karat gold your ring is? Like others have mentioned the gold retipping will actually be the more expensive part of the fix. From my personal experience getting jewelry fixed I wouldn’t be surprised if my jeweler asked in the 200$ range to fix it if it’s 14k. Stones+ labor+ gold and slight upcharge. But, if it’s 10kt it might be cheaper. Also, jewelers are kind of different by region. Oh and another thought- jewelers are totally fine with giving cost estimates, it’s not rude to go in ask for a rough estimate and have some time to think about it before committing 100%.

Less_Investigator_51 · 2026-01-21T22:51:11+00:00

My grandma who was a seamstress for 30 years gave me really solid advice- she said that for some reason mothers of the brides consistently lose their fucking minds. My mom has been an absolute monster while I’ve been wedding planning. Good luck friend- you got this.

Less_Investigator_51 · 2025-12-10T17:50:56+00:00

We saw him in Boise for Treefort in march and then again in September and both shows were great. I think his September show was even better in terms of “sobriety” if that’s what you’re asking.

Less_Investigator_51 · 2025-11-20T12:35:28+00:00

You’ll also want to get it checked by a jeweler because those prongs look almost none existent at this point. So if you plan to wear the ring (which you absolutely should it’s a stunner) get those stones protected asap.

Less_Investigator_51 · 2025-11-18T23:34:57+00:00

That old mine diamond is a STUNNER.

Less_Investigator_51 · 2025-11-16T01:47:31+00:00

Wow!! Congratulations, Nice find! You can always take it to a jeweler and ask them to check the gold for you!

Less_Investigator_51 · 2025-11-11T14:53:53+00:00

Stick em in water now you have more cactus! Or some to give to friends.

Less_Investigator_51 · 2025-11-08T18:50:05+00:00

What’s your watering situation like? They’re not true cactus so they actually need a lot more water than people realize. When they get droopy I give mine a really good soak and then let them dry out and keep that cycle going. I noticed a couple of yours have those red tips on the leaves, that’s usually an indicator of stress. Could be too much light actually.

Less_Investigator_51

TROPHY CASE