A few Questions not sure where to post

[ogreez]

Ok so I have a little dilemma is someone might call it that.

I have been looking at rings/ diamonds for the past week have a few appointments in the works, still trying to find exactly what I want and what is in my budget. I am not looking to purchase today although sometime in mid November. My G/F has an aunt who used to work in the Diamond District in New York and still does some jewelry stuff on the side, and also keeps in touch with her old company. I would love to take her with my to see what she can do for me and maybe have someone talk the talk for me since I know she is not going to steer me wrong. The dilemma is do I ask the aunt to come with me and tell her to keep it a secret from her sister who is the G/F mother? Do I tell the parents now that I am looking as well as my intentions to marry there daughter, and ask the mom to ask her sister and have both of them come along?

My original plan was to just tell her parents a day or two in advance so not to ruin it; I know they are expecting it since they thought I would pop the question on a recent trip. I do plan on including them on the night of but do not want them to ruin it for me.

So basically do I ask the aunt and have the G/F mom mad at me or do I ask both of them to come along and risk having it slip up in conversation over the next month / month and a half.

 

[neatfreak]

I would go by yourself, but go to trusted pricescope vendors only. Stay away from the street...there are just too many unknowns. And I don't mean to imply anything about your GF's aunt, but we have heard so so many people getting burned by friends of friends, or poorly advised by well meaning relatives "in the know".

I would make an appointment with Mark at Engagement Rings Direct. Facets/Signed Pieces is also a good company and I believe they are in the DD. And if you can make it down to Long Island, check out Good Old Gold too.

 

[ogreez]

I have a email out to SuperCert / Excel Diamonds. I might shoot Mark a email as well today, as a matter of fact I will do that now.

Anyone else have any input?

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 10/23/2008 11:51:10 AM
Author: ogreez
I have a email out to SuperCert / Excel Diamonds. I might shoot Mark a email as well today, as a matter of fact I will do that now.


Anyone else have any input?

I forgot about Excel too. Worth checking into for sure!

mark''s email is [email protected]. If you are going soon though, I would call, sometimes that''s easier to get in touch with them. Not sure if their website is still being updated or not...

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/23/2008 11:48:09 AM
Author: neatfreak
I would go by yourself, but go to trusted pricescope vendors only. Stay away from the street...there are just too many unknowns. And I don''t mean to imply anything about your GF''s aunt, but we have heard so so many people getting burned by friends of friends, or poorly advised by well meaning relatives ''in the know''.

I would make an appointment with Mark at Engagement Rings Direct. Facets/Signed Pieces is also a good company and I believe they are in the DD. And if you can make it down to Long Island, check out Good Old Gold too.

Ditto everything Neat said. Personally I would make this a lone venture and not involve any family members in the process. You can always post here for advice and support as you have done and post the particulars of any stone you are interested, and we can help there also.

 

[amyjokerette]

I think you should do it alone, and not involve the family... they may accidentally say something or hint.

But if you really feel like you need to then I would definitely "ask" the parents first before you tell the aunt. It''s a thing of honor and they will want to be the first ones to know if you are asking for their daughters hand.

 

[ogreez]

Just spoke to Mark seems really nice was willing to see me tonight but unfortunately tonight is the only night I am not available. I did set up a appointment with him for Tuesday. I gave him my budget and what I am looking for advised me what is reasonable in that range over the phone and told me he would work with me and show me the good and the bad. So we shall see.

Thanks for the input I agree with making this adventure alone. I will be taking a trip up the the DD this afternooon on my lunch to scout out places that seem decent and do not haggle me outside.