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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to buy an expensive ring?

91 replies

noodlesofoodles · 01/03/2023 14:51

There is a jewellery brand that I love but I would never be able to afford any of the pieces (it’s all £1,000+). I keep an eye out on second hand sites for pieces being sold on (they rarely come up and are often not much cheaper than retail price) but yesterday found a ring by the brand that I love in my size for £250 - with the stones and design it looks like it would have originally been £1,500+. I know it’s real - the brand has a very distinct style and is too small/unknown for anyone to rip off (I’ve also looked at what else the seller has listed and it fits that it’s just someone with expensive clothes and accessories etc doing a clear out!)

AIBU to buy the ring? I can’t exactly afford it but could split the cost over 3 months and budget on a few other things (stretch hair appointments out, bring lunch from home instead of buying, turn down a few social outings etc) to make up the difference. It feels like an extravagance but I just don’t think I would ever get a ring by this jeweller otherwise! I don’t have a lot of disposable income and wouldn’t want to tell DP I bought it as he would think it was a waste of money (but he also probably wouldn’t notice!)… what would you do??

OP posts:
Itslookinglikeabeautifulday · 01/03/2023 15:40

Good for you, OP. It's clear from your tone that you will cherish it, so, yes, I too think you should go for it.

MrsJessePinkmann · 01/03/2023 15:45

FuckoffeeBeforeCoffee · 01/03/2023 15:40

When you've bought it, can we see? I love jewellery.

I'd love to see it too.

Aixellency · 01/03/2023 15:53

Hope you’ve ordered it by now! (And please don’t link it here until it’s safely in your possession.)

Takethatandparty30 · 01/03/2023 16:06

Buy the ring.

Then post a picture on here, I want to see it!

HurryShadow · 01/03/2023 16:09

Do it! The chance won't come around again and, if it's as valuable as you say, you can always sell it again if you're desperate for cash.

Artisticpaint · 01/03/2023 16:10

Do it, the best thing I ever did was buy myself a totally unnecessary gold bracelet, I really started to value after that. A real because I’m worth it moment.

Artisticpaint · 01/03/2023 16:11
  • value myself
Thefailinghousewife · 01/03/2023 16:12

Do it! Then come on here and show us what it looks like so we can admire it too!

also, if it helps any - you could consider it an investment. You could sell it next week by the sounds of it for considerably more then you paid for it. I often use this technique for persuading my husband I need certain ‘bargains’ 🙈😂

iwannascream · 01/03/2023 16:13

Another one here saying buy the ring life is too short to not do treats, oh and I would love to see a picture of the ring...(I love jewellery too) 😁

thegreenlight · 01/03/2023 16:15

Have a look at the thread I started a few months ago about a stunning Georgian painting I wanted but it was really expensive. I received some really good advice and went for it. She’s absolutely beautiful and makes me happy every day. Why can’t DP buy it for you?

Shinyandnew1 · 01/03/2023 16:17

Definitely get if you can ‘claw’ the money back elsewhere. But we do need to see a photo!

MeridianB · 01/03/2023 16:18

A thing of beauty is a joy forever. If it's not harming anhyone else then do it.

uncomfortablydumb53 · 01/03/2023 16:23

Do it. It comes out of your discretionary spending and you'll recoup by cutting down anyway

Ceryneianhind · 01/03/2023 16:28

do it - and then link when you have it!

noodlesofoodles · 01/03/2023 17:00

Bought! And I'll post a picture when it arrives – thanks for the encouragement, I'm so excited to see it and wear it!

OP posts:
SirVixofVixHall · 01/03/2023 17:06

Hurrah !

imsureineverdo · 01/03/2023 17:07

Yay! It would have haunted you if you hadn't!

uncomfortablydumb53 · 01/03/2023 17:11

Lovely. Enjoy your new ring

Minimalme · 01/03/2023 17:11

Rings are such a great thing to spend money on imo.

I wear the same rings every day with a special cocktail ring for special occasions. I look at them and enjoy them everyday.

Also, buying second hand means you can always sell on and recoup what you paid.

Please post a pic!

Fairyliz · 01/03/2023 17:12

Well I wouldn’t. It sounds like you don’t have any savings at all if you can’t afford £250. What happens if you lose your job, when you get your new council tax bill, when your heating bill goes up?
Not worth it for a piece of jewellery in my opinion.

Spanielsarepainless · 01/03/2023 17:18

Having the same swithering over a watch. I got a tax refund. Only a couple of hundred pounds but wasn't expecting it. Like you, I have seen a second-hand one that I can afford!

mynewusername2023 · 01/03/2023 17:21

So glad you bought it.

Jewellery is definitely one of my signature things and I feel completely naked without jewellery on. Sounds like you've got a good investment piece that may be worth more in the future.

Enjoy your treat.

Meterry · 01/03/2023 17:34

Sorry to be a Scrooge but in my opinion this is how debt starts, you said you can’t afford it in your op and stretching the payments doesn’t magically generate money.

noodlesofoodles · 01/03/2023 17:39

@Meterry well of course it doesn't magically generate money...! But if I split the payments over three months (which I have done with PayPal pay in three) and then ensure I don't spend that money elsewhere that month (ie. not eating lunch out, saying no to a cinema/dinner trip with a friend, not going to the pub, having one less hair appointment over those three months etc) then I will have spent the same amount of money just on something that I will love and treasure for many years! I feel happy to have bought the ring, and it's not going to get me into debt... It's just that it's much more than I would usually spend on clothing / accessories as I buy most things second hand or on very good sale so it feels quite extravagant!

OP posts:
whatausername · 01/03/2023 17:41

So excited to see the ring!