Macy's Black Friday Sales: 5 Lab Grown Gemstones

The last of my Macy's Black Friday gift guides will also discuss whether or not, you should buy lab-grown precious gemstones as jewelry. Regular readers of THE SAVVY SHOPPER already know my answer. Yes! Absolutely and without a doubt, if the price is right. When priced fairly (meaning not inflated) you'll get a lot for your money! 

Lab-grown diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are as real as natural-grown diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. Lab-grown gemstones are physically, chemically, and optically the same as gemstones that form over billions of years in the earth's mental or crust. 

Natural gemstones are more expensive than lab-grown gemstones and tend to fetch a higher price on the resale market primarily because they are in higher demand by the public, but as lab-grown gemstones gain more acceptance ... and now as more retailers are entering the market plus manufacturing methods are getting better and cheaper, this is changing. In fact, the greater acceptance and availability of quality lab-grown diamonds are already lowering the prices of mined diamonds produced in nature.

Under a loupe gemologists and jewelers can tell the difference between natural-grown and lab-grown gemstones, yet both are genuine, authentic, real gemstones because chemically and optically they are the same. Both mined and lab-grown stones are the same chemical elements transformed into various gemstones by enormous heat and pressure. Gemologists can also determine where on earth natural sapphires, rubies, and emeralds were formed, as there are tell-tell signs informing them of a gemstone's origins, so it makes sense they can also tell when a  gemstone is lab-grown.

I sound like a broken record in saying, never think of jewelry as an investment but only as a luxury good with huge markups, things of beauty we love but do not need. Except for high jewelry (the apex of rarity and perfection of cut, carat, color, and clarity) or the estate jewelry of a celebrity, you'll rarely get what you pay for your pieces on the resale market.

The great benefit of buying lab-grown gemstones is customers can get bigger gemstones with higher color grades and few inclusions for far less money. They cost at least 1/3 less than natural stones. Short of a cartel forming, I predict prices will continue to drop.

Whether buying lab-grown or natural gemstones, we still need to ensure we're getting value for a good stone based on cut, carat, color, and clarity. 

For this reason, I'm a big fan of Macy's for mid-priced jewelry that ordinary people can afford, and I'd be over the moon to have any (or all😍) of the five 14k gold large sapphires, rubies, emeralds, or diamond sparklers featured here today. OMG, I live at the right time when huge gemstones can be grown in a lab! Dear Fairy Godmother, gimme!!!!!

Final thought: Black Friday sales come and go. If you miss this one, wait for another promotion to come around. They'll run all season and several times of the year!

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Style Republic

I'm biased: Macy's is my favorite department store in New York City. It's where I go first and where I score the best bargains for designer and quality goods. I'm in heaven when browsing inside Macy's. There's always a wide selection of whatever merchandise I need. Apparel, shoes, home goods, jewelry, you name it, nobody offers better sales than Macy's. To boot, there are Last Act racks on many floors where among other articles, I got fully lined cashmere blazers for only $14!

Macy's Black Friday Specials are on. If you want to buy exceptional holiday gifts for family and friends at a fraction of the usual cost, be sure to start your shopping for big savings now. The following are 8 Black Friday Specials to Beat the Cold for under $50: (available in several colors)

1) Style Republic - 100% Pure Cashmere Women's Ribbed Cuff Beanie - Why settle for acrylic, nylon, or rayon when for the same moola you can get super soft and warm cashmere hats and scarfs? Cashmere feels so fine against the skin, it's the warmest fabric, and it lasts years longer than manmade materials.

2) Club Room Cashmere Crew-Neck Sweater, Created for Macy's - Classic and practical menswear. They'll last for decades.

3) On 34th Women's Sweater Blazer, Created for Macy's - It's polyester so you can mindlessly machine wash and cool dry it. As an alternative to a sweater, a blazer is a versatile piece that can be casual or dressy while keeping you warm. At times I like to wear a blazer for its pockets especially if not wearing a jacket. 

4) Charter Club Women's Packable Hooded Puffer Coat, Created for Macy's - Puffer coats are very popular nowadays. Lightweight and machine washable, I own a jacket-length puffer coat for fall and early winter before it gets super cold, and a goose-down long puffer coat for January and February. Last year I bought a long puffer coat for my mother too. Although puffer coats weigh next to nothing, they are as toasty warm as animal furs and by far more budget-friendly. A jacket-length puffer coat is perfect to keep the chill at bay without layers before the temperatures drop to freezing. 

5) Hawke & Co. Men's Quilted Fleece-Lined Hooded Puffer Jacket - Wow a puffer jacket for men for under $40 … cheaper than the women's and boys! Once you get to Macy's you'll have choices galore to get the right price, fillings, and style for you!

6) Karen Scott Women's Zip-Up Zeroproof Fleece Jacket, Created for Macy's, 7) Karen Scott Petite Princess Seam Zeroproof Zip Front Jacket, Created for Macy's 8) Tommy Hilfiger Women's Faux Sherpa Full-Zip Hoodie - To be honest, I don't have fleece in my wardrobe, but fleece hoodies and jackets are in vogue right now. Fleece is soft, cozy, inexpensive, and easy to machine wash and dry which might explain its frenzy. Suitable for kids to wear in school or keep in a locker, or adults to take to a gym without worrying about babying it. At $15 - $18 you couldn't buy the fabric and zippers to make it yourself any cheaper!

As long as Macy's is running these amazing sales, I might do a few more of these holiday gift guide blogs! Macy's could be your one-stop retailer as it often is mine!

This blog is not sponsored. How could a Savvy Shopper, not adore Macy's! It's good I don't live next door or I might float in too often for retail therapy. When you actually need something, the telephone associates give you great advice too.♥♥♥

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Is Jewelry A Waste Of Money?

Photo: Graff - High Jewelry can hold its value if one is rich enough to buy (and insure) it.

Jewelry is an over-priced luxury item I can appreciate. I like leather bags, shoes, and clothes, but I love jewelry😍. Yet due to the great expense, I'm more of a browser than a buyer. First a dreamer then a realist I like to say! I can't afford the big flawless stones that cost 5 or 6 zeros. They're gorgeous and frankly, the cut, carat, color, and clarity I really want! Suffice it to say, I understand the appeal and the temptation, so I may be the perfect person to answer the question: Is jewelry a waste of money?

Photo: Brilliant Earth

In purely a practical sense, the answer is yes! Absolutely! 100%!! Waste. Of. Money!!! Jewelry is always a luxury item and never (or rarely) an investment. We don't need it, we buy it because we want it, but aside from aesthetics, it really serves no pragmatic purpose.

By limiting the supply of diamonds and clever marketing to create high demand {with its famous "A diamond is forever" 1947 slogan), DeBeers, the then monopoly diamond seller, was able to hike up the price of diamonds even though the stones are not rare, but quite common in nature. The high demand and high prices for diamonds are still with us today. Lab-grown diamonds will likely continue to lower their costs in the future.

Photo: Macy's

But it's not just diamonds, the markup on all fine jewelry is significant, however as soon as it leaves the jewelry store, and you own it, the jewelry loses its value. If you try to resale a necklace, bracelet, earrings, or ring, you'll rarely get what you paid for the jewelry. At best, the same jeweler who sold you the piece may offer you its wholesale price. What's more, to recoup a decent percentage of your money, you better be re-selling high-quality jewelry, i.e., flawless stones with substantial, perhaps 18k gold. There's no guarantee you'll walk away with a profit, and certainly not enough of a profit to rebuy the jewelry again. The rare exception is high jewelry (↑top image), as opposed to mid-priced jewelry. There are always high rollers with excessive disposable income looking for top-of-the-line high jewelry. High jewelry (including celebrity-auctioned estate jewelry) is its own niche. Average earners can't afford it.

 

Reselling expensive watches such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, or Tudor Pelagos can also exceed their original value if kept in like new condition (minus scratches) because enough people with deep pockets like to wear these luxury watch brands. 

Photo: Baby Gold

As it turns out, the skimpy a/k/a dainty or light chains, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings are harder to resale at a profit due to less precious metal, demand, and their averageness. To boot, shoppers of 2nd hand markets expect to score bargains.

The true value of jewelry is its beauty along with its sentimental value. A little glitter can complete or add pizzazz to an outfit. Sparkle can make us happy or remind us of the person who gave us a lovely gift out of love ... which is not a waste of money. 

I'd never discourage anyone from buying fine jewelry ... a few curated pieces (within your budget) as things of beauty. Adding some flash to your life should make you feel happy. Just don't tell yourself it's an investment.

Photo: Van Cleef & Arpels 

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#Short: Bad Bunny's Dark and Sparkly Style

Last night Saturday Night Live's host and musical guest, Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) caught my eye with his dark and sparkly style during his performance of the song, Monaco.

His latticework vest made of glittering crystals against his black long-sleeved top and smooth, black, leather, boot-cut pants stood out. The pants were fitted and cozy, as opposed to foolishly tight. 

Then I wondered about his shoes. They were causal smart, black leather boots with pointy (?), narrow toes, and thick elevated heels.

It's a no-brainer, I loved his drop diamond earrings which you can see, as well as, his bracelets and rings which you can't see in the posted photos (but could on a big television screen).

No element was overdone. With the perfect ratio of dark to shimmer, the rapper has an edgy and glamorous style that is Savvy Shopper approved! Not saying Bad Bunny needs my approval, but Savvy Shopper-admired doesn't have the same ring to it, (and spell-check keeps correcting it to the former anyway:). Now where on planet earth can we get Bad Bunny's vest!?!

What's your favorite piece of Bad Bunny's ensemble? 

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Halloween Bags And High Fashion At T.J. Maxx

BETSEY JOHNSON Ginger Pumpkin Crossbody

I love going to my local T.J. Maxx, as well as, browsing online despite not being able to bring up specific designers by typing a name into its search box. Yes, a pain! T.J. Maxx has an agreement with certain designers not to disclose that their commodities, often marketed as exclusive, have landed at the retailer, discounted. Fair enough for the savings!

BETSEY JOHNSON Boo Ghost Crossbody

Moreover, here's thrilling news from the United Kingdom ... its T.K. Maxx, the company name across the pond, has paired with consignment shops to offer haute couture items for folks who buy Chanel, Louis Vuitton, or St. Laurent bags, wallets, or cardholders! Some of these high fashion labels are also landing on T.K. Maxx's shelves under the radar. If going forward you see them, it's not a mirage. Sometimes I see Valentino or Choe leather goods at the USA's sister company, T.J. Maxx, in addition to its Off the Runway section of apparel. The merchandise is still pricey, yet reduced by hundreds of dollars for interested consumers.

As regular readers know, I have an interest in haute couture as a blogger, although I don't buy it for myself. I'm happy with my Coach leather handbags and have picked up non-couture leather goods of excellent (or good enough however usually stellar) quality from T.J. Maxx's shelves. I buy all my leather wallets and cardholders for under $15. Shhhh, don't tell anyone! [I'll have to put this problem child bag identifying information here. BAGAMOUR Made In Italy Leather Baguette Crossbody →]

Now let's end with a bit of spooky fun. I've pulled up some Halloween-themed bags that are available until supplies last from T.J. Maxx's online website to feature throughout today's blog. The retailer always offers super cute holiday-themed home goods, as well as, apparel (including children's costumes) and bags, and shoppers may not have to go elsewhere. No scary prices for Maxximistas to find!

On the ends are ISADORA Made In Italy Leather Phone Holders and in the center a DIVINA FIRENZE Leather Triple Compartment Crossbody.

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Demarson For Edgy Fashion Jewelry

Demarson New York has been featured in Vogue, WWD, Harper's Bazaar, NBC's Today Show, and now finally on THE SAVVY SHOPPER. As the song goes, How lucky can you get?😁 Of course, launching a blooming jewelry line is the result of having a vision and experience in the industry combined with hours of hard work and a good publicist. 

The retailer's founders, Jason Crantz and Marcela Ponce, design modern, bold, edgy pieces that look beautifully crafted. I love the aesthetics and sophistication of the pieces, yet I caution all savvy shoppers against buying a collection of fashion jewelry. If a piece speaks to you and you know you'll get lots of wear and compliments out of it, go ahead and treat yourself. Some of the jewelry I've posted gracing the post you'll find discounted under the website's Sale Archive Tab.

Still, in lieu of collecting fashion jewelry, it's smarter to save up for fine jewelry, 14k or 18k gold, set with your favorite precious gemstones: diamonds, emeralds, rubies, or sapphires.

Although more expensive, all you really need are a few pieces of fine jewelry that you'll wear time and again over decades. For jewelry lovers, it's worth saving up to buy.

Fashion jewelry is usually less expensive than fine jewelry and yet not dirt cheap. With fashion jewelry, you pay for the design but don't get real gold or real gemstones. However, there may be places where wearing fine jewelry would make you a target, making the adornment of fashion jewelry safer. 

At times 925 sterling silver jewelry -- also a precious metal and sold as fine jewelry -- is cheaper than fashion jewelry and is by far more affordable than gold. That said ...

Demarson's popularity with fashion editors is understandable. Its cutting-edge earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces are eye-catching. The brand stands out. Upscale stores like Nieman Marcus and Nordstrom carry the line.

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Diamond Prices Are Crashing

Photo: istock

As much as I love jewelry I've always known the price of gemstones is arbitrary to a great extent. Jewelry is as much of an overpriced luxury item as Hermes handbags, Manolo Blahnik shoes, or Dior pants and coats. They cost what consumers are willing to pay for them. Never think of luxury items as investments but to be enjoyed as things of beauty only. The value of luxury goods is driven by want not need. If you covet investments, take your money to an investment firm to buy stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, where you'll earn returns on your portfolio. You're lucky to break even by reselling luxury goods after you subtract a 15% - 20% commission.

Photo: That Guy Osiris - I'll take them!

So I'm happy to report an exciting development in the diamond market! In 2023 diamond prices are tumbling down -- about 23% for 1-carat stones and about 15% for 3-carat stones -- according to experts who watch diamond prices such as That Guy Osiris, an ex-diamond trader who has a YouTube channel. 

The reasons for the decline in diamond prices are several: 

(1) Monopoly diamond sellers such as DeBeer aren't as powerful as they once were in setting diamond prices high combined with limiting the supply of gemstones on the market. 

Photo: istock

(2) Nowadays the demand for diamonds is less. Not every bride in 2023 desires an engagement ring. Some wish to put their $7,000 - $15,000 earnings elsewhere such as for a downpayment on a house or car. Millennials are more interested in spending on travel and experiences than buying diamond rings.

(3) A main reason why the price of diamonds is sinking is the greater acceptance by the public of lab-grown diamonds which cost about 1/3 less than diamonds mined in nature. Diamonds created in a lab are chemically and optically identical to natural diamonds.

(4) The process of making laboratory diamonds is getting better and cheaper all the time, and more companies including jeweler James Allan are offering them. According to Liberum Capital Markets, about 25% to 35% of diamonds sold to customers today are lab-grown diamonds.

Photo: That Guy Osiris

5) That Guy Osiris says that industry leader DeBeers is responding by discounting its prices for 2 - 4 carat rough natural diamonds. Recently prices for uncut natural diamonds have dropped from $1,400 a carat to $850 per carat to be competitive with lab-grown diamonds.

All of this is a win, win, win for customers! If diamond prices keep falling, one day I'll be able to afford my fantasy 4-carat stud diamond earrings (that's 2-carats each ear, sister!!), my 20-carat diamond blingy tennis bracelet, and my 5-carat diamond solitaire ring ... no engagement needed!

Diamonds By Bonnie - has an Instagram and a YouTube Channel

I don't care one iota about the lesser monetary value of lab or natural stones as long as I'm not charged for it. Just give this glitter-loving girl her diamonds! I'll start with that big brilliant round diamond at the top of the blog and the pear-shaped diamond ring at the bottom! We can add my fantasy diamonds to my collection later.😉😂

If in the future diamonds cost less, would you value them less?

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Stylish Sporty Fall Finds

No doubt about it, fall has arrived in the Western Hemisphere. With a change of seasons, perhaps you need to add a few new casual pieces to your fall wardrobe? Old Navy is located a couple of blocks from where I live, so it's impossible not to float into the store often when passing. I continue to be amazed by the quality of the retailer's leggings at ultra-affordable price points making them a steal! 

The merchant tends to tweak their offerings from year to year so when you find a style you like and they go on sale, it's a good idea to buy a few pairs. You may prefer mostly cotton fabric but next year find mostly polyester or modal as choices. The waistband may change or the flare could be discontinued.

To the left are all the selections of leggings this fall, which consist of different styles, textures (meaning weaves and fabrics), and lengths. 

Although 8 offerings require studying each one, a good selection is great for different body types or activities. Two Old Navy leggings I love right now include:

1) High-Waisted Ankle Leggings For Women - Although I prefer jet black, there are other colors too. They sit just below the belly button and are 96% cotton and 4% spandex. Super soft and smooth for comfort, and opaque. Lightweight yet not see-through, I highly recommend them for fall and early winter. They are warm, but not too warm for the sometimes 75-degree F days of autumn. They are fitted through the hips and waist and narrow at the ankles. At times I wear these smooth and lightweight leggings with black ankle socks under a dress in winter instead of tights for warmth with comfort, and nobody is the wiser!

2) Extra High-Waisted PowerChill Leggings For Women - They sit slightly above the belly button and contain 53% cotton, 22% polyester, 13% modal, and 12% spandex. These are light and airy, but also a tad heavier than my 1st recommendation above. Great for Pilates, yoga, or a workout. They are fitted at the hips and thighs and narrow at the ankles. The fabric offers 4-way strength with stay-dry, sweat-wicking technology. They also have an elastic waist that has an inside pocket. Unlike pair #1, they'll be warm enough to take you through the winter months and in the jet-black hue can be dressed up with ballet flats and a blazer. They also come in shorter 7/8 lengths.

3) Dr. Scholl's Women's Time Off Platform Sneakers - I'm recommending these with caveats. Not only are they cute and feminine with leggings, jeans, and dresses, but the platforms provide a measure of arch support and stable heels. Customers love how comfortable they are for walking. For sneakers they are also well priced, but here's the rub ... customers report if you wear them a lot for walking, they won't last longer than 6 months to a year. The shoes' material tends to separate from the rubber, so don't pay the full retail price but wait for a generous sale. I'd buy the Time Off Platforms on sale for $40, but not at $69 or $100. Even at the lower price, I'd be disappointed if they didn't last. To be competitive, Dr. Scholl needs to resolve this manufacturing weakness to make these stylish and supportive sneakers as durable as Nikes and Converse! Sneakers are made for walking … but sometimes a cute style we know to baby is tempting, no?

So there you are, 3 sporty styles to take you through the fall while leaving you with a few dollars to put in your leggings' hidden pocket.

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The Regent Diamond Sits In the Louvre

Photo: go here  - Note the size of the diamond when holding it and look at the perfectly manicured nails! Both are amazing!

The Regent Diamond is the 7th largest of the D-grade colorless diamonds in the world. It is also one of the purest and most brilliant of the known large diamonds. Gemologists think it was mined in Golconda, India between 1698 and 1701. In 1701 an Indian diamond merchant named Jamchand sold the 410-carat uncut diamond to Thomas Pitt, the Governor of Madras, who sent it to England hidden in the shoe of his son, Robert Pitt, where it was perfectly cut by a diamond cutter called Harris, into an internally flawless 140.64-carat brilliant cushion-shaped diamond.

Eventually, Pitt sold the diamond to Philippe d’Orléans, regent for Louis XV, the 5-year-old grandson of Louis XIV of France, which is how it acquired its name. In 1723 the Regent Diamond was set in the coronation crown of King Louis XV. It was reset in 1775 in a new coronation crown for the ill-fated Louis XVI. His wife Queen Marie Antoinette also wore the diamond attached to a black velvet hat. During the French Revolution, the Regent Diamond was stolen (along with the Crown Jewels) but it was later found in a Paris attic.

In 1812 Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte took possession and had the diamond mounted in his sword. After he was defeated at Waterloo and exiled from France, his 2nd wife, Archduchess Marie Louise smuggled the diamond to her native Austria, but her father, Emperor Francis I, returned it to the French Crown Jewels where the Regent Diamond was set in the crowns of France's Louis XVIII, Charles X, Napoleon III, and a Greek style diadem of Empress Eugenie, wife of Napolean III. After France once again dethroned and expelled its royal family, the Regent Diamond ended up at the Louvre Museum in 1887. During the Nazi occupation, the Regent Diamond was sent (along with the Mona Lisa)  to the Loire Vally where it was hidden in the plaster sealing the marble of a fireplace at the Chateau de Chambord, returning to the Louvre after the liberation of Paris and the unconditional surrender of Germany in 1945. The gem is now owned by the French state. 

Cushion cuts have more fire (i.e., colored light) than other diamond cuts. Today the Regent Diamond, an ideal cut, bluish-tinted stone, is on display at the Louvre for public viewing. What an adventurous journey ... with a happy ending. Home sweet home!

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