Going to pop the question...need ring suggestions!

Bageland2000 · 08-30-2011, 06:53 PM

OK so It's been over three years, and it's at the point where I can't wait much longer to ask my gf to marry me. She's the love of my life, and I've known that I was going to marry her about a week into our relationship...but I digress

I'm assuming there are at least as many financial predators in the jewelery business as there are in the used car, real estate, and stock market sectors. My gut is telling me to stay away from all of the chain stores all together (the thought of one of my girlfriend's aunts coyly whispering to her mother "he went to Jared" makes me want to inhale Cohiba smoke until my stomach ejects itself from my insides) I've been reading a lot on the components of a ring (the 4 Cs, setting, etc) so I'm not so much looking for advice on that (though I'm always open to suggestions) as I am looking on ways to not get ripped off. I've heard of buying antique rings, has anyone done that? If anyone has any positive advice or horror stories with a lesson please share. I'd love to hear from as many people as possible

kelmac07 · 08-30-2011, 07:00 PM

No help on the ring (been married 26 years)...but congrats brother!!

Salvelinus · 08-30-2011, 07:12 PM

First, congrats! I made the same move a year and a half ago and am glad I did.

The only advice I am giving on the ring is to not overspend. You shouldn't be paying off a ring for years. I just had a grad student buddy living on a 15K a year stipend put a 9K ring on a credit card. That ring is going to cost him a fortune...

Aporschaguy · 08-30-2011, 07:16 PM

Look look and look again. FYI if you buy a ring from a store ands it's 20k it isn't actually worth more than 5k. There are great deals if you buy right. Craigslist is not how you do it. The cost of diamonds is low if you can find someone that sells or buys used stones. buy her a diamond then pick the setting together. My wife loved that.

Bageland2000 · 08-30-2011, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salvelinus

First, congrats! I made the same move a year and a half ago and am glad I did.

The only advice I am giving on the ring is to not overspend. You shouldn't be paying off a ring for years. I just had a grad student buddy living on a 15K a year stipend put a 9K ring on a credit card. That ring is going to cost him a fortune...

I don't know your friend, but if my friend did that I may have some words for him. Thanks for the advice, but I would NEVER buy a ring that I couldn't pay for outright. Especially on a CC!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aporschaguy

Look look and look again. FYI if you buy a ring from a store ands it's 20k it isn't actually worth more than 5k. There are great deals if you buy right. Craigslist is not how you do it. The cost of diamonds is low if you can find someone that sells or buys used stones. buy her a diamond then pick the setting together. My wife loved that.

That sounds like a great idea. I've heard many times to buy the diamond separately. Do you know where to look for places that do this? I will likely be looking in the Chicago or Augusta, GA area....

This is good stuff, more advice is definitely welcome!

Conch Republican · 08-30-2011, 07:33 PM

Andrew, I just went through this and popped the question in July. I had the luck of having a family friend in the business, and went to his guy who does repairs and custom work.
What I went through though was:

Picking the stone, did she want diamond, sapphire, etc? I went with a diamond (white, although a friend recently picked a black diamond set in White gold), but mine was a normal diamond.
Color and clarity are the things to look for (you can look on the internet for diamond gradings and examples)
Then I had to decide on the setting and the gold. My fiancee is a Nurse, so a strong setting, but still nice and shows off the diamond well.
I went with White gold (14 carat) and added 2 small blue sapphires on either side...they sparkle but set off the diamond!

Anyway you choose - the important part is it is something she will want. I know someone who goes to the big box stores because she likes to upgrade - which works for them, but not for me. I wanted something that would be nice, and I dont do the trade up thing.

Good luck - PM me if you want the name and number of my guy

Ogre · 08-30-2011, 07:41 PM

I know some people go down to the islands (ie Grand Cayman) and getting stones allot cheaper then here. Take her on a cruise, pop the question and let her pick the stone. Just an idea.

Bageland2000 · 08-30-2011, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ogre

I know some people go down to the islands (ie Grand Cayman) and getting stones allot cheaper then here. Take her on a cruise, pop the question and let her pick the stone. Just an idea.

Genius Larry, genius

loki · 08-30-2011, 07:48 PM

http://www.bluenile.com/

physiognomy · 08-30-2011, 07:56 PM

Congratulations! I'd check out www.bluenile.com... Lots of information on picking a stone, etc. They also have great (unbelievable) service & their pricing was much better than my local stores.

- edit - Kevin beat me to it

Bageland2000 · 08-30-2011, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loki

http://www.bluenile.com/

Quote:

Originally Posted by physiognomy

Congratulations! I'd check out www.bluenile.com... Lots of information on picking a stone, etc. They also have great (unbelievable) service & their pricing was much better than my local stores.

- edit - Kevin beat me to it

Very nice. Giving them a quick look-over before I go to sleep. Their site is very intuitive and looks amazing! Will definitely look further into this tomorrow

Aporschaguy · 08-30-2011, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bageland2000

That sounds like a great idea. I've heard many times to buy the diamond separately. Do you know where to look for places that do this? I will likely be looking in the Chicago or Augusta, GA area....

This is good stuff, more advice is definitely welcome!

I do but down in Venezuela. They have a mine and my wife's was cut in Israel EGL certified. My employee 'carried' it back for me.

I wish I knew someone in your neck of the woods. Sorry...

irratebass · 08-30-2011, 08:22 PM

Early congrats Andrew......I went with Kay Jewelers and we are so glad we did and yep we shopped and shopped and shopped some more, but Kay made us the best offer for our budget. I know you don't want to go that way, but just thought I'd throw in my

Aporschaguy · 08-30-2011, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loki

http://www.bluenile.com/

Wow great prices for retail however there are better prices.

You should call all the Scrap Gold buyers in your area. They buy lots of gold and the diamonds that go with them. Most of the diamonds are wholesaled to middle men. I bet you could find 1.5ct for 4-5k.....

Women live it when you save

and buy big.... This is the perfect opportunity... She will brag about you for years...

'oh ya you paid what for 1ct? My husband bought this better quality (?) for 1/3....

smokin5 · 08-30-2011, 08:31 PM

How about a Montecristo cigar ring?
Simple, yet elegant.

irratebass · 08-30-2011, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smokin5

How about a Montecristo cigar ring?
Simple, yet elegant.

Bill86 · 08-30-2011, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smokin5

How about a Montecristo cigar ring?
Simple, yet elegant.

That's the engagement ring, I think you gotta get her a Cohiba for the wedding ring

I vote convince her to go with tattoo'd ring fingers and spend the balance on cigars

Fordman4ever · 08-30-2011, 08:38 PM

bought mine at Kay jewelers and she loved it.

Eleven · 08-30-2011, 08:43 PM

I have been in the business for over 25 years and here are a couple things that I tell my friends:

Get a certified diamond, preferably GIA certified, they are the gold standard for diamond certification.

14k or platinum solitaire settings never go out of style.

Stick with a standard shape diamond (this one is my preference but it has not failed), you cannot go wrong with a Round Brilliant Cut.

If had to choose between attributes, I always say to NEVER skimp on color. You'll find 1 million diamonds out there with the standard "G-H-I" color range, but once you place a D or E color diamond next to any of those, you'll never question this recommendation again.

Also, be aware of any place that uses ranges when specifying color or clarity. If they say G-H-I or I quality without being specific such as G color, SI2, then you can be sure it's at the low end of that range, and I can guarantee whatever cert they may produce will not be GIA.

Good Luck and Congrats!

RGD. · 08-30-2011, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loki

http://www.bluenile.com/

Quote:

Originally Posted by physiognomy

Congratulations! I'd check out www.bluenile.com...

Another vote for Blue Nile. I have been purchasing from them for years. Not one single complaint here.

You know - the average person can't tell the difference between a SI1 and a VVS1. So unless your girlfriend is one to run right down to a jeweler - you have options. And with Blue Nile you can pick your diamond, setting and your price.

Congratulations!

Ron

08-30-2011, 06:53 PM	#1
Bageland2000 On another adventure Join Date: Jan 2011 First Name: Andrew Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 352 Trading: (2)	Going to pop the question...need ring suggestions! OK so It's been over three years, and it's at the point where I can't wait much longer to ask my gf to marry me. She's the love of my life, and I've known that I was going to marry her about a week into our relationship...but I digress I'm assuming there are at least as many financial predators in the jewelery business as there are in the used car, real estate, and stock market sectors. My gut is telling me to stay away from all of the chain stores all together (the thought of one of my girlfriend's aunts coyly whispering to her mother "he went to Jared" makes me want to inhale Cohiba smoke until my stomach ejects itself from my insides) I've been reading a lot on the components of a ring (the 4 Cs, setting, etc) so I'm not so much looking for advice on that (though I'm always open to suggestions) as I am looking on ways to not get ripped off. I've heard of buying antique rings, has anyone done that? If anyone has any positive advice or horror stories with a lesson please share. I'd love to hear from as many people as possible __________________ Favorites: Arturo Fuente Sun Grown Rosado, Oliva Serie V, CAO La Traviata/Brazilia, Perdomo 10th An. Champagne

08-30-2011, 07:00 PM	#2
kelmac07 Resident Maduro Whore!! Join Date: Apr 2009 First Name: Mac Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 27,322 Trading: (218)	Re: Going to pop the question...need ring suggestions! No help on the ring (been married 26 years)...but congrats brother!! __________________ Dom in the MLB thread "I could probably get you to wear a Yankee hat for a Maduro!"

08-30-2011, 07:12 PM	#3
Salvelinus Have My Own Room Join Date: Dec 2009 First Name: Brendan Location: Vermont Posts: 1,116 Trading: (12)	Re: Going to pop the question...need ring suggestions! First, congrats! I made the same move a year and a half ago and am glad I did. The only advice I am giving on the ring is to not overspend. You shouldn't be paying off a ring for years. I just had a grad student buddy living on a 15K a year stipend put a 9K ring on a credit card. That ring is going to cost him a fortune...

08-30-2011, 07:16 PM	#4
Aporschaguy Two sheets to the wind! Join Date: Jul 2011 First Name: Adam Location: Great white north Posts: 218 Trading: (0)	Re: Going to pop the question...need ring suggestions! Look look and look again. FYI if you buy a ring from a store ands it's 20k it isn't actually worth more than 5k. There are great deals if you buy right. Craigslist is not how you do it. The cost of diamonds is low if you can find someone that sells or buys used stones. buy her a diamond then pick the setting together. My wife loved that. __________________ "He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire."

08-30-2011, 07:33 PM	#6
Conch Republican 10-78 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Margaritaville Posts: 2,879 Trading: (60)	Re: Going to pop the question...need ring suggestions! Andrew, I just went through this and popped the question in July. I had the luck of having a family friend in the business, and went to his guy who does repairs and custom work. What I went through though was: Picking the stone, did she want diamond, sapphire, etc? I went with a diamond (white, although a friend recently picked a black diamond set in White gold), but mine was a normal diamond. Color and clarity are the things to look for (you can look on the internet for diamond gradings and examples) Then I had to decide on the setting and the gold. My fiancee is a Nurse, so a strong setting, but still nice and shows off the diamond well. I went with White gold (14 carat) and added 2 small blue sapphires on either side...they sparkle but set off the diamond! Anyway you choose - the important part is it is something she will want. I know someone who goes to the big box stores because she likes to upgrade - which works for them, but not for me. I wanted something that would be nice, and I dont do the trade up thing. Good luck - PM me if you want the name and number of my guy __________________ "Ceiling fan stirs the air, the cigar smoke does swirl" --Jimmy Buffett You can help out and win some cool stuff in the 2016 Troop Support supplies contest!

08-30-2011, 07:41 PM	#7
Ogre **CENSORED** Join Date: Apr 2010 First Name: Larry Location: Central Florida Posts: 12,068 Trading: (46)	Re: Going to pop the question...need ring suggestions! I know some people go down to the islands (ie Grand Cayman) and getting stones allot cheaper then here. Take her on a cruise, pop the question and let her pick the stone. Just an idea. __________________

08-30-2011, 07:48 PM	#9
loki H.A.T.E Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pittsburgh pa Posts: 1,484 Trading: (7)	Re: Going to pop the question...need ring suggestions! http://www.bluenile.com/

08-30-2011, 07:56 PM	#10
physiognomy Feeling at Home Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 563 Trading: (18)	Re: Going to pop the question...need ring suggestions! Congratulations! I'd check out www.bluenile.com... Lots of information on picking a stone, etc. They also have great (unbelievable) service & their pricing was much better than my local stores. - edit - Kevin beat me to it

08-30-2011, 08:22 PM	#13
irratebass EMPEROR TOMPKINS Join Date: Aug 2011 First Name: Mickey Location: Mooresville, Indiana Posts: 8,313 Trading: (48)	Re: Going to pop the question...need ring suggestions! Early congrats Andrew......I went with Kay Jewelers and we are so glad we did and yep we shopped and shopped and shopped some more, but Kay made us the best offer for our budget. I know you don't want to go that way, but just thought I'd throw in my __________________

08-30-2011, 08:31 PM	#15
smokin5 Have My Own Room Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: On the Mountaintop - AZ Posts: 2,002 Trading: (69)	Re: Going to pop the question...need ring suggestions! How about a Montecristo cigar ring? Simple, yet elegant. __________________ Pobody's Nerfect.

08-30-2011, 08:38 PM	#18
Fordman4ever Redneck driving a ricer!! Join Date: Dec 2010 First Name: Earl Location: A place too cold to smoke outside Posts: 2,508 Trading: (26)	Re: Going to pop the question...need ring suggestions! bought mine at Kay jewelers and she loved it.

08-30-2011, 08:43 PM	#19
Eleven Solid As The Sun Join Date: Aug 2009 First Name: Scott Location: SW Ohio Posts: 1,859 Trading: (23)	Re: Going to pop the question...need ring suggestions! I have been in the business for over 25 years and here are a couple things that I tell my friends: Get a certified diamond, preferably GIA certified, they are the gold standard for diamond certification. 14k or platinum solitaire settings never go out of style. Stick with a standard shape diamond (this one is my preference but it has not failed), you cannot go wrong with a Round Brilliant Cut. If had to choose between attributes, I always say to NEVER skimp on color. You'll find 1 million diamonds out there with the standard "G-H-I" color range, but once you place a D or E color diamond next to any of those, you'll never question this recommendation again. Also, be aware of any place that uses ranges when specifying color or clarity. If they say G-H-I or I quality without being specific such as G color, SI2, then you can be sure it's at the low end of that range, and I can guarantee whatever cert they may produce will not be GIA. Good Luck and Congrats! __________________ CA: putting the 'man' in bromance since 2008! --markem.