topic Re: Jai's future. Remember how Ripka was the higher end, 'in' line here, and then it fell from gra in Jewelry

Jai's future. Remember how Ripka was the higher end, 'in' line here, and then it fell from grace.

Mindy D — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 19:13:05 GMT

Remember how Ripka Jewelry was the higher end, 'in' line sold here, and then it fell from grace.* Now, when I see pieces on EBay or anywhere else, they don't hold any esteem anymore (at least in silver; genuine gold at least holds its gold value).

I was thinking if the same thing will happen to the line by Jai. When we see a current piece that was pretty and costly again,in fifteen years, will we feel the same way we do now about Ripka pieces?

* Not in the religious sense.

Re: Jai's future. Remember how Ripka was the higher end, 'in' line here, and then it fell from gra

Jersey Born — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 21:15:56 GMT

Hi, @Mindy D. I am not sure what will happen to the value of any jewelry items in the future, no matter who designs them. Inflation will certainly effect prices, but who will have enough spare cash to purchase many pieces of jewelry, at a time when insurance, food, clothing, shoes, necessary appliances, cars, and electronic devices are similarly skyrocketing in price?

For now, I am thoroughly enjoying wearing my silver Ripka jewelry, wearing pieces I have not worn in years, and rotating through them. I don't think they will ever go out of style as they are timeless, substantial, quality items, and personally, I think the JRQ and JR2 and other JR jewelry I have purchased is beautiful and unique, as the majority of Judith's designs appealed to my personal aesthetic. Judith's jewelry is undeniably feminine, with architectural elements and finely carved and shaped details. Will I ever be able to sell it in the future? Not sure. Other "things" may be far more desirable and more important to have.

Re: Jai's future. Remember how Ripka was the higher end, 'in' line here, and then it fell from gra

justashopper — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 21:27:25 GMT

I have a Ripka diamonique band I still wear everyday. Its a great basic everyday band. I actually bought two of them. Unfortunately, one of the stones fell out of one of them so I never wear that one. It's basically garbage now.

I am not a fan of the JAI line. Everything looks the same IMO and is very similar to the old like Michael Dawkins line.

Re: Jai's future. Remember how Ripka was the higher end, 'in' line here, and then it fell from gra

ECBG — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 21:35:24 GMT

@Mindy D

JR's big SS necklaces do well.

I bought 2 of her expensive watches, and they didn't last after about the 4 yr mark. Those watches surely cost enough!

Re: Jai's future. Remember how Ripka was the higher end, 'in' line here, and then it fell from gra

Tinkrbl44 — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 21:45:21 GMT

@Mindy D wrote:
Remember how Ripka Jewelry was the higher end, 'in' line sold here, and then it fell from grace.* Now, when I see pieces on EBay or anywhere else, they don't hold any esteem anymore (at least in silver; genuine gold at least holds its gold value).

I was thinking if the same thing will happen to the line by Jai. When we see a current piece that was pretty and costly again,in fifteen years, will we feel the same way we do now about Ripka pieces?

* Not in the religious sense.

@Mindy D

I must have missed something because I don't understand how JR fell from grace. How did this happen? I thought Judith retired and sold her company, but I have a couple pieces (so sorry I sold one!) and they are still wonderful.

Re: Jai's future. Remember how Ripka was the higher end, 'in' line here, and then it fell from gra

Mindy D — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 21:53:20 GMT

@Tinkrbl44 @I mean that her jewelry is no longer as popular as it was and it's look is not as in style as it used to be. She did sell her company and I'm only talking about the design styles becoming less sought after and the sales declining. There are still some pretty pieces that owners have in their collections, but the trend for her designs have declined from what it used to be. I was wondering if Jai will loose its appeal over the years. Sorry I wasn't very clear.

Re: Jai's future. Remember how Ripka was the higher end, 'in' line here, and then it fell from gra

sunshine45 — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 21:50:31 GMT

i dont buy gold or silver jewelry for their resale potential.

i buy my jewelry to wear and enjoy.

i dont worry whether or not it will increase or decrease in value.

i have JR, BB, MD, RLM, JAI, and more.

remember the "frenzy" on these boards when the silver designers would be scheduled?

i am a member of JR groups, barbara bixby groups, heidi daus groups, and jai groups where people do sell their items. i also am a member of auction groups on facebook where people do daily auctions, sometimes twice a day. i am also a member of whatnot. i do know that people in those groups and on the apps sell and get good money for the brands that i mentioned above.....and other brands also. i also know you can find great bargains there also.

Re: Jai's future. Remember how Ripka was the higher end, 'in' line here, and then it fell from gra

sunshine45 — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 21:53:49 GMT

@Mindy D wrote:
@Tinkrbl44 @I mean that her jewelry is no longer as popular as it was and it's look is not as in style as it used to be. There are still some pretty pieces that owners have in their collections, but the trend for her designs have declined from what it used to be. I was wondering if Jai will loose its appeal over the years.

JR sold her line and the company is still in business.....with an entirely different look, so even THEY moved away from the original designs. a local fine jewelry store sells her line.

Re: Jai's future. Remember how Ripka was the higher end, 'in' line here, and then it fell from gra

Tinkrbl44 — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 22:01:47 GMT

@Mindy D wrote:
@Tinkrbl44 @I mean that her jewelry is no longer as popular as it was and it's look is not as in style as it used to be. She did sell her company and I'm only talking about the design styles becoming less sought after and the sales declining. There are still some pretty pieces that owners have in their collections, but the trend for her designs have declined from what it used to be. I was wondering if Jai will loose its appeal over the years. Sorry I wasn't very clear.

@Mindy D

Well, I am definitely out of the loop .... somehow, I thought her whole line was gone from the Q. I just checked and the line is Judith ... with designs "inspired" by JR's original designs. Not one watch, though.

Re: Jai's future. Remember how Ripka was the higher end, 'in' line here, and then it fell from gra

Kachina624 — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 22:20:51 GMT

I just hope nobody is so unwise as to buy JAI as an investment.

Re: Jai's future. Remember how Ripka was the higher end, 'in' line here, and then it fell from gra

Trinity11 — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 23:30:36 GMT

Judith Ripka's couture line has good resale value. But if you are looking to resell down the road names like Tiffany's, Cartier, Rolex watches, GIA cert diamonds and 18k gold sell well with more return for the $$$. If you enjoy sterling silver Yurman holds its value as well as their 18k gold pieces.

Re: Jai's future. Remember how Ripka was the higher end, 'in' line here, and then it fell from gra

FancyPhillyshopper — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 01:32:45 GMT

I just went to a great art and antiques show. There was a lot of very lovely jewelry for sale, some of it hundeds of years old.

Many of the designers are no longer known. The pieces were hand crafted with care, and have a lot of detail and beauty. Knowing the designer sometimes add to the value, but most collectors purchase a piece because they are attracted to it, and want to wear it and enjoy it. The only kind of "jewelry" to really buy as an investment are large, rare, unset gemstones.

Years ago I bought a Yurman SS diamond ring. A jeweler told my husband that buying diamonds set in SS and asking a high price for it just due to the name is a good proposition for the designer, as the components are low cost and the profit is immense.

My DH asked me not to buy any more designer silver jewelry. I have never again bought jewelry because it was popular or a fad.

I really love some of my Judith Ripka gold jewelry purchased at QVC. The pieces are well made, strong, use real gemstones, and have very pretty designs.

I certainly think JAI jewelry is quite attractive, and the QVC sale prices seem quite reasonable. If I wore silver I would consider purchasing, NOT to have the piece hold its value, but just to wear it and enjoy it!

P.S. In the jewelry world, "high end" is at a much, much greater cost than QVC would ever carry! Most high end pieces start at $50,000.00, and must have a recognized artistic component and a level of exclusivity. What we are buying here at QVC and at most department stores under the "fine" jewelry category is basically just mass-produced precious metal pieces.

Re: Jai's future. Remember how Ripka was the higher end, 'in' line here, and then it fell from gra

depglass — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 23:41:55 GMT

There was no downfall for Judith Ripka. She made out well, just like the previous owners of It Cosmetics and Philosophy. I did not buy after she sold the line, but I'll tell you one thing. The quality of the pieces I did buy are tops in my jewelry inventory. I don't have a clue who owns JAI, it is most certainly not Scott. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I like the line, I just think they are being opportunistic with their pricing. That means they are pushing those prices too high in most cases.

Re: Jai's future. Remember how Ripka was the higher end, 'in' line here, and then it fell from gra

FiddleDeeDee — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 20:14:16 GMT

I remember some of the JR pieces of LONG ago and they were solid, well made...and not cheap (to me at the time). My mother has a few of the older JR pieces (which I now own) and they are very well made, have to say.Nothing that screams tacky or costume either; simple, classic items.

I haven't purchased anything from JAI in the past 3 years as nothing has wowed me. I loved his older items (solid and heavy) due to their simple lines and the connection to the "Big Cats". Their silver weight is substantial and they would pull a nice price if I sold them for the metal weight; I don't buy ANYTHING based on a resell price/investment as styles/taste vary from person to person. year to year, decade to decade.

Re: Jai's future. Remember how Ripka was the higher end, 'in' line here, and then it fell from gra

GinaV24 — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 18:57:43 GMT

@Jersey Born Like you, I have some pieces from Ripka's collection that are my favorite pieces. I have 2 cuff bracelets that are solid silver without ANY Diamonique that I wear the most.

I have some other pieces that have DMQ in them and they are fun, too. I bought my jewelry to wear not for resale and was fortunate to be able to buy pieces that I really like (and also before the prices were crazy - when I quit buying jewelry from QVC completely).

I've never been a fan of the Jai line. No particular reason other than it just doesn't call to me. I liked Michael Dawkins line and again, was fortunate to buy a few pieces that I wear a lot.

Re: Jai's future. Remember how Ripka was the higher end, 'in' line here, and then it fell from gra

Jersey Born — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 17:59:25 GMT

@GinaV24 I am wearing a brand new combination of Ripka today. I always loved her "truffle" pieces, and I am wearing one with a small ruby cabochon at the bottom of it on her former Q TSV chain that came with the small dangling heart charm (with the larger gemstone heart removed from the chain). I find Judith's pieces tasteful and elegant, and her jewelry makes me feel better put together than I would otherwise feel.

Enjoy your Ripka and Dawkins jewelry.