We all, well, most of us, anyway, get fixated on certain things — a new car, or a new motorcycle, or new stereo, telescope, suit or dress, jewelry, special tool, advanced mixer, or spiffy new iPhone or Mac, etc.
We imagine how great it would be to own, to cherish, to have fun with, or to admire. Sometimes, we even think it will bring us a joy that we've been missing.
We may long for it, even dream about it. Yet, often, when we finally get it, we discover its limits, that its magic isn't quite what we expected, and end up a tad disappointed.
The Beatles sang, “Money can't buy me love”.
Substitute whatever item one is coveting and recognize that could end up being the reality.
If one goes into the purchase, however, with their eyes open — and with an escape plan or Plan B — e.g., reselling it and being prepared to absorb the loss — that's good insurance against disappointment.
In the astronomy equipment realm, for example, buying *used* from reputable amateur astronomers gets one a like new, well-cared-for product, that can be resold without much loss of cash or none at all if it proves not to be what one anticipated. Sometimes, after some time, though, the “clunkers” may grow on you or become “classics” that can be resold for a gain!
I've sometimes found I get more pleasure out of exploring possible purchases than I do with actually buying or owning the item! OTOH, certain gems — first Mac, Palm, TiVo, upscale eyepiece, high quality telescope, iPhone, and, especially, first iPad (the original one) — were *magical* (which is how Stephen Fry described the first iPad when he got his). (Fry's passionate write-up is actually the reason we got ours!) All those were a joy to own, delve into, share, and relish — and worth every penny.
As I read your situation, if it were me, the biggest question I’d need to explore would be how much of dip into savings there would be and whether that would affect future purchases, daily living, etc. The other key question I'd consider would be whether I could buy a discounted like-new piece, so that resale wouldn't be much of a loss.
Buying a brand new car on a lark, e.g., would be a poor decision — unless one is cash rich and loaded — as cars depreciate hugely as soon as they are driven off the lot.
Fine classic jewelry, though, is different, from the little I’ve read.
In any case, those are some random thoughts from a random stranger who sympathizes with you, your circumstances, and your decision-making.
Good luck with it!
