AIBU to spend £500 on this necklace

[SouthCoastShell]

I've always bought cheap costume jewelry in the past but husband bought me this necklace last year for a gift and I love it so much.
Its 18ct gold plated but as the rings have rubbed together through wear the plating is starting to come off.
I've been quoted £521 to get the same necklace in solid 9ct.
Is this ridiculous or a fair price? I want a necklace I can wear every day for the next 30 years without it going green or the gold fading.
Any advice appreciated!

Is it this kind of thing OP? The rings look pretty chunky which is probably why so expensive... if you can afford it and love it then why not treat yourself 😁

14ct 180 euros
Keep looking around

www.isabelbernard.com/en/14-karat-gold-necklace-ib1001120.html

Can't post pics either

Presumably it's this? (Though this one's closer to £600) www.poshtottydesigns.com/personalised-9ct-gold-russian-ring-necklace.html

As said, that looks like a lot of money from what it is - and I expect the rings will be hollow rather than solid

If you love it and want it then buy it - it should last you for many years. I refuse to buy new jewellery however - I have some really lovely pieces (mainly silver, but some gold) which when I compare to inferior pieces for sale in shops for well over twice the price (and more for gold) I paid makes me smile.

I would definitely. I treated myself to some Tiffany jewellery a few weeks back. I had the money (for once) and wanted something to show for it. I love it and I wear it every day.

I've just googled 9ct gold Russian ring necklace and found this.
www.promise-designs.co.uk/en/jewel/russian-ring-necklace_2
I've no idea if it's a reputable web site and the rings don't look quite as substantial.
If you really think you will wear it every day forever then the cost divided by days of your life is (hopefully) minimal.
Obviously you must love it if it's already wearing through.

I would be wanting it in 24ct for £500!

I would shop around - that seems expensive for 9k.

I bought myself some diamond stud earrings for my 40th (I was single at the time!). I have worn them every single day for the last 7 years so I think of them on a cost-per-wear basis. Before them 30 quid was a luxury earring purchase for me. I am surprised how much I love the feeling of wearing quality stuff, even though most people would probably not even know.

Only thing I would say about that necklace though is that quite a few jewellers do that style of thing (loads on Not on the High Street) and you might find it a bit cheaper elsewhere so do shop around.

Shop around OP.

I was going to say go for it if you can afford it, but saw the it was from Posh Totty. I bought the silver plated version for a present, and whilst it is lovely, i still felt it was overpriced at £120. So wouldn't think the £500 gold version is amazing value. Think you're paying for a trendy brand. Try finding a local non chain jeweller and speak to them. Or are you anywhere near Birmingham? Worth going to the jewellery quarter and making a day out of it if you're looking to spend that sort of money on a necklace.

Surely if you brought it yourself it would lose the sentimental value of it being a gift from a loved one ?

And no, I wouldn’t invest £500 purely because I know my tastes change so I wouldn’t get the use.

If YOU know you’ll love it and wear it for 30 years then get it.

Goodness OP, you have come back again and still not answered the vital question!

Nobody can answer your AIBU without knowing whether it's a reasonable purchase for your budget.

Frustrating much.

OH In case it helps I have this necklace from posh Totty with three rings with the kids names on. I wear it every day and love it. I’m sure I did not pay 500. Oh but mine is silver not gold ( I think that’s better for an everyday look anyway than yellow gold - for me at least) The rings are not chunky. In fact a little smaller than I’d like and You can’t read the names really But I know they are there which is what matters.

Yes!!! If you add up all the money you’ve spent on “cheap” jewellery over the years, you could probably have bought something really nice and had something valuable that will stand the test of time. Always buy the real stuff, but for £500 you should be able to get something done in 18ct, and it’s worth going for 18ct over 9.

Life is short. If you love it, buy it.

Yes of course you should spend it if you can afford it and love the necklace. Nobody else’s business but yours

I would if it comes out of discretionary income but wouldn't if it was going to leave me short for bills, food etc.

Quick google of Posh Totty designs - a lovely necklace, but would be half the price to buy a new one! I'd be tempted to buy it in silver, or have a proper hunt online and see if a firm sell it in solid gold already rather than having it made to order.

I have a necklace like this from a jeweller called Murray and Me, its called the Atlas. It is solid gold , really well made and will last forever. The hand engraved my families names and dates on the outside of the rings, and was around £400 so have a look at her website.

It's pretty, but I wouldn't spend that for 9ct. But, if you love it and have the money, then it's up to you.

I have a Tiffany cross necklace that was $$$ but I've worn it almost every day since 2003. So, it's been well worth the cost.

If you can afford it, buy it!

Over the years I have phased out costume jewelry for real stuff - I have less of it, but every piece is something I love. I am really happy with that decision. If you love it, do it!

You could just get it re plated . You won't wear it for 30 years..fashions change..

Have you enquired how much heavy duty plating would cost?

Gold is super expensive now, & 9ct gold would not be my first choice, so this would seem a good option

Vermeil (heavy gold plating on silver) is intended for daily wear pieces and this, or a solid gold piece would be my suggestions... at very different price points though