Absolute Products Dwindling?

Took a ride yesterday to one of HSN’s Outlet Stores and was amazed that in the early afternoon there were only four people in the store. This was Saturday when you would expect more traffic, especially a couple of weeks before Hannukah and Christmas. There were four people behind the jewelry area and no buyers. I decided to take a look and was amazed that there were hardly any absolutes. Normally I would find  at least a bracelet and several rings, but nothing. The jewelry line was nothing like what we see on TV or the Internet. They were big and bold pieces that you could call chunky. The Kitchen section were all opened boxes or without boxes and placed on shelves. Ok, so you could return the item by January 30th, but, for a gift???? Now, I join you ladies in asking, “What is happening to HSN?” 

Serenatan, I do remember Val-U-Vision and bought from them as well. They had the best prices on 14K gold and I was quite impressed with their jewelry line. However, up until five or so years ago, HSN had some beautiful items until one by one their vendors started to leave and went to other shopping networks. It may be that they may need new buyers with more ideas on how best to grow a new line that there customers will come to love. Oh well……..

The other thing I’ve noticed is that they are filling many of their stones with glass. So, between some stones being compressed and others filled we are purchasing items of less value. Not a good idea HSN. I would rather pay the extra $$ for good quality even if it means less carat weight. I always thought HSN had more buying power because they bought at the right time with thousands of customers in mind. I surmise this is no longer the case. I’m just hoping that this is all temporary and we will see a new line sometime after the first of the year. 

Jean Dousset has a new gemstone line (Atelier) and, it seems, has sadly discontinued his Absolute line. His Atelier line is amazing, but way out of my price range. ??

I’m having withdrawals and almost feel shame at having to say this, but I’ve been window shopping at the Q. I don’t have a Q account yet – have been an HSN loyal since the 90’s. A lot of their Diamonique Epiphany pieces are made by the same manufacturer that made Jean Dousset’s Absolute line. The designs are not as breathtaking, but the craftsmanship is there. And the Q apparently still backs its Diamonique with a limited warranty. If you own a more recent JD piece, you will see a hallmark that looks like an f and e sitting atop one another next to the word “China”. You will see this same hallmark in some Diamonique Epiphany pieces. Some V Wieck pieces recently too.

The only other place I go for JD Absolute now is eBay. Be careful though, many eBay sellers price gouge (sell at $200+). And there are also a number who sell non JD items as JD – always email them and ask for a picture of the hallmark and the “JDCZ925” mark. It’s hit or miss, but I have found some beauties from JD’s earlier Absolute collections.

Thanks Oodiebom, I will check them out and let you know what happens.:smileyhappy:

Sunshine, I have ordered from the Liquidation Channel and have been quite pleased. Their stones have gone beyond my expectations. What I like best is their coupons which is a true coupon on full amount of the entire order. Sometimes I wonder if the HSN designers sell here as well, but under another name. If you have not given them a try, suggest you go to their auction site and start there.

YES!!  It’s a shame because they truly are the best “fake” diamonds on the market. I miss when they had 14K white gold and Absolute rings and earrings….rarely do I see them now. It’s always silver. 

Thanks everybody–I thought it was just me–they are also doing the same thing to technibond. I really miss Victoria Wieck’s designs-going thru withdrawal!!!!!

Well, ladies, look no further than the Bella Luce line at JTV. As far as I’m concerned, the BEST diamond simulants on the market… and I’ve tried ’em all… Absolute, Diamonique, et al. They have Stretch-Pay and great prices… especially during the Holidays.

I don’t think it will be totally phased out. May be either a name change or something better than what they have been selling. 

I have noticed the loss of absolute product. I hate it too. I am already looking for another line. The loss of Wieck, Xavier and Dousette CZs is very sad indeed. I cannot afford Victoria’s or Jean’s more expensive gem lines. A lot of us can’t but it appears HSN is moving toward more expensive products in both fashion and jewelry. If the trend continues, I will have to shop elsewhere too.