About to Buy a Jubilee!

[allenhah]

Hello everybody! So I made the decision a couple months ago that my girlfriend was THE ONE and have been on a engagement ring hunt since. After doing some research and hearing some recommendations, I was directed towards Good Old Gold, where Sarah has been super helpful and responsive! My girlfriend wants something with a very very thin band and actually requested not to have a rock, which left me in a odd predicament since I wanted to get her a rock to show off to her friends! I know she wants something like the Tiffany''s Metro ring in rose gold, so I was thinking of getting a e-ring that would match well with the Metro. Here''s what I went with:

I think I''m set on a 0.90 E VVS2 Jubilee from GOG on a platinum Gabriel band (similar to this image) so that, assuming she says yes, she can get something like the Metro or 2 to have a stacked set or can mix and match.

What do you guys think?

I''ve been nothing but thrilled with GOG, but doing some quick searches on this website on prices, I''ve found H&A cuts with similar stats (0.90-0.95, E-F, VVS1-VS2) to be around the $4.2k to $7.6k price range. I know that GOG deserves a price premium simply for the amount of help I''ve received and the reputation of the quality of their diamonds, but I''m about to shell out about $9k of my savings and just want some reassurance that the price is fair. I know that there are so many other factors that go into the valuation, but the premium feels a little steep.

Any input is appreciated! Thanks in advance!

 

[swingirl]

You are paying a high premium for your color choice E and the VVS1. Plus the Jubilee is a branded cut. The premium isn''t just for customer service. Have you considered cushions or other cuts? Would you consider dropping to lower color or clarity?

 

[jet2ks]

Date: 5/29/2009 2:55:56 PM
Author: swingirl
You are paying a high premium for your color choice E and the VVS1. Plus the Jubilee is a branded cut. The premium isn''t just for customer service. Have you considered cushions or other cuts? Would you consider dropping to lower color or clarity?

Agree with swingirl. I really like the look and performance of the Jubilee''s. They are something you will not find on every finger out there. If you really want to stay with them, how about this one.

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/5047/

It is a little larger and is still going to be very white at G color

 

[D&T]

Date: 5/29/2009 3:12:12 PM
Author: jet2ks

Date: 5/29/2009 2:55:56 PM
Author: swingirl
You are paying a high premium for your color choice E and the VVS1. Plus the Jubilee is a branded cut. The premium isn''t just for customer service. Have you considered cushions or other cuts? Would you consider dropping to lower color or clarity?

Agree with swingirl. I really like the look and performance of the Jubilee''s. They are something you will not find on every finger out there. If you really want to stay with them, how about this one.

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/5047/

It is a little larger and is still going to be very white at G color

one of my favorite is the jubilee, and before I bought RB i really considered jubilees, and Jet2ks, posted a very nice looking one..

 

[allenhah]

Thanks everybody for the feedback! I guess I started my search looking specifically for a smaller (<1carat) rock that would really be special at around the $8-10k range. I''ve heard that going with a G color or VG clarity would yield much better bang for the buck, but I guess I wanted something that my girlfriend could brag about?

But it sounds like it''s a good price point for that diamond, which at least gives me some reassurance. I''ll take a further look to lower colors to see how much I could save...

 

[jet2ks]

If an E VVS2 is what you want, there is nothing wrong with that--don't let us talk you out of it. You were mentioning the price premium, so I tried to show you a similarly beautiful stone that would be a little less. What you will find on PS is that most of us here don't like to pay for things we can't see. With the naked eye, people will not be able to tell the difference between VVS2 and VS2 or even eye-clean SI1. Same on color, the vast majority of people will never be able to distinguish between a D and G, even side by side.

Your gf will be able to brag about any diamond and it will be special because it is from YOU. (As long as you stick with a really well cut stone, she'll be able to brag about how great that is, too.

)

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 5/29/2009 4:42:53 PM
Author: harvey
I guess I wanted something that my girlfriend could brag about?

She said she doesn't want a stone at all ... but you want her to have something to brag about. And you want a high color/clarity because of its perceived prestige value. Is this all about what others think? A status purchase? Or about what *she* wants to wear?

Just curious. Many times men get their manhood all up & in this thing & start thinking what they spend or what they choose is representitive of their love etc ... Its wonderful to want her to have something special & lovely. But getting wrapped up in the "bragability" quotient is just a recipe for heartache.

Its been mentioned many times before -- but, am curious, is your desire for high color/clarity a CULTURAL thing, a STATUS thing, a PERSONAL PREFERENCE or other?

 

[jet2ks]

Date: 5/29/2009 5:16:14 PM
Author: decodelighted

Date: 5/29/2009 4:42:53 PM
Author: harvey
I guess I wanted something that my girlfriend could brag about?

She said she doesn't want a stone at all ... but you want her to have something to brag about. And you want a high color/clarity because of its perceived prestige value. Is this all about what others think? A status purchase? Or about what *she* wants to wear?

Just curious. Many times men get their manhood all up & in this thing & start thinking what they spend or what they choose is representitive of their love etc ... Its wonderful to want her to have something special & lovely. But getting wrapped up in the 'bragability' quotient is just a recipe for heartache.

Its been mentioned many times before -- but, am curious, is your desire for high color/clarity a CULTURAL thing, a STATUS thing, a PERSONAL PREFERENCE or other?

Good catch, Deco! Reread the original post. Don't know how I missed that the first time.

harvey, make sure you have a very good idea your gf's preference for diamonds and rings before you go surprising her. We have heard too many stories about how the guy bought the ring, it wasn't what she wanted and problems ensued.

 

[allenhah]

All very good points! I guess it was just difficult for me to find something without a rock that would look like an engagement ring and would be in the price range I''m looking for, so I figured something like a smaller rock would be okay, particularly if she could mix/match with the wedding band that she really wanted.

I''m open to any ideas if you guys have any! I know that, ultimately, she''ll love whatever I end up getting. I figured that the Jubilee was unique enough to be special, right?

You''re right that there''s probably some machismo in the equation...not that I want to give her bragging rights, but I feel that I have to live up to some social standards - all my friends have gotten nice rings for their fiancee''s/wives...

Thanks for all the feedback!!

 

[Lula]

I think the Jubilee you choose is gorgeous (the one Jet found is gorgeous, too). I think if you can get her the Metro ring she really wants, she''ll be happy with the Jubilee, too. But don''t get the Jubilee instead of the Metro!!!!!! That''s a death wish, IMHO. Also, when she says she doesn''t want a rock,is she talking about a large diamond, any diamond, a solitaire ring in general? Because the Metro ring does have diamonds in it, so I''m assuming she likes diamonds, right?

 

[D&T]

Date: 5/29/2009 6:04:43 PM
Author: harvey
All very good points! I guess it was just difficult for me to find something without a rock that would look like an engagement ring and would be in the price range I'm looking for, so I figured something like a smaller rock would be okay, particularly if she could mix/match with the wedding band that she really wanted.

I'm open to any ideas if you guys have any! I know that, ultimately, she'll love whatever I end up getting. I figured that the Jubilee was unique enough to be special, right?

You're right that there's probably some machismo in the equation...not that I want to give her bragging rights, but I feel that I have to live up to some social standards - all my friends have gotten nice rings for their fiancee's/wives...

Thanks for all the feedback!!

How bout a full eternity band full of ACAs or BrianGavin signature stones in them,,, sure firecracker there, not one huge solitaire, understated and versatile look but blinging spectacular, incase you/she wanted a huge solitaire later you add to it? just a thought

 

[allenhah]

I was originally thinking of a full eternity band...any suggestions on where to get a real blinging one? The only thing is that it has to be very skinny...like the Metro.

And SaraPJ, to clarify, she basically doesn''t like the look of a solitaire ring...but I don''t think I''ve ever seen an e-ring that didn''t have a solitaire...

 

[D&T]

I highly highly recommend Brian Gavin diamonds or Whiteflash to get them to make them (they use super ideal cut melees in them which really will be a sparkle show), how super skinny do you want it? search for some thread on eternity band and pointer size. becuase anything less than 2pointer or .02 ct each for diamonds makes them look more shimmery than sparkle imo. I have a 1 pointer 3/4 eternity bezel band and they are shimmery rather than sparkles.

I'll check on that metro band, I looked at it, but didn't see the details to gauge at the pointer size of those diamonds..

ETA: sorry not enough information to determine what that width is and pointer size of the diamonds

one suggestion is to go to a local jewelry store and ask to look at their eternity band, and see what ones look like the right size/width that you/she likes, then maybe ask the SA what the size of each diamond is, if they don't know... look at the total weight and then count how many there are, divide that, then should give you the pointer size of the diamond so you can have one custom made with that size in mind...

 

[Lula]

Oh, she doesn't like solitaires -- that clarifies things. I like your idea of getting the Jubilee (because you like it and it's an engagement ring) along with one or two Metro bands so she can mix and match. I also like the idea of working with Whiteflash or Brian Gavin to create a stunning eternity band. There are some beautiful eternity bands on this site that would definitely be sparkly. One of my friends received a 5 stone diamond band as an engagement ring (very well cut stones, very sparkly) and she wears it with a plain platinum band. It looks beautiful. Have you considered a low-set bigger center diamond with 2 slightly smaller diamonds on either side (a 5 stone ring that would be a cross between a traditional solitaire and an eternity band)?

ETA: I meant there are some pictures of eternity bands on this site to give you some examples of different sizes, widths, prong styles, etc.

 

[jstarfireb]

Here's another idea to throw into the mix. Since she likes the metro as a wedding band but doesn't seem to like solitaires or anything that draws attention to a center stone, consider a 5-stone ring with all diamonds of the same size. Consider something like this in rose gold to be paired with the Metro (or better yet, one Metro on each side). Another option would be a 7-stone. Or this
variation on the 5-stone. Also, since Tiffany's carries a big price premium, consider getting a band similar to the Metro - I'm sure this could be made in rose gold or as a full eternity too.

The Jubilee is gorgeous, but I'd caution you against buying something she specifically said she didn't want.

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

Date: 5/30/2009 6:57:12 PM
Author: jstarfireb
Here''s another idea to throw into the mix. Since she likes the metro as a wedding band but doesn''t seem to like solitaires or anything that draws attention to a center stone, consider a 5-stone ring with all diamonds of the same size. Consider something like this in rose gold to be paired with the Metro (or better yet, one Metro on each side). Another option would be a 7-stone. Or this

variation on the 5-stone. Also, since Tiffany''s carries a big price premium, consider getting a band similar to the Metro - I''m sure this could be made in rose gold or as a full eternity too.


The Jubilee is gorgeous, but I''d caution you against buying something she specifically said she didn''t want.

Seconded.

Also, even though she doesn''t like solitaires, how does she feel about there-stones? Maybe a round with pear sides? And you can go a little smaller on the stones so that it''s not overwhelming, will look with the Metro band, but still have presence, you know?

 

[allenhah]

All fabulous ideas and things to think about, thank you all!

I''m gonna search around and do some more chewing here...I''m thinking that she might not be crazy about the multi-stone idea though, just based on my hunch. I think a single small solitaire or no solitaire at all would work.

So have any of you heard of an e-ring that wasn''t a solitaire (or 3-stone or something similar)? i.e. an eternity band? I think that''s where I''ve been getting stuck in my mind...

 

[D&T]

Date: 5/30/2009 7:48:19 PM
Author: harvey
All fabulous ideas and things to think about, thank you all!

I'm gonna search around and do some more chewing here...I'm thinking that she might not be crazy about the multi-stone idea though, just based on my hunch. I think a single small solitaire or no solitaire at all would work.

So have any of you heard of an e-ring that wasn't a solitaire (or 3-stone or something similar)? i.e. an eternity band? I think that's where I've been getting stuck in my mind...

There are plenty of threads on three stone, do a search and there are beautiful rings as well as eternity band for an engagement ring is absolutely fantastic as well good luck, can't wait to see what you come up with

 

[allenhah]

I just made an absurd realization...is it possible to remove this thread from search engines? If not, how can I change my username?

Just realized that my girlfriend could find this thread fairly easily on search engines!! Ack!!

 

[swingirl]

Contact the admin. with your request. (button with red question mark)

 

[VRBeauty]

Date: 5/30/2009 7:48:19 PM
Author: harvey

So have any of you heard of an e-ring that wasn't a solitaire (or 3-stone or something similar)? i.e. an eternity band? I think that's where I've been getting stuck in my mind...

Yes. A friend of mine wears an etoile-style band, with scattered diamonds set into a polished platinum band, as both her wedding and e-ring. It's a classy, understated look. It could always be layered with other rings (such as your thin full eternity) for more options.

But really, what we like or have heard of it not the issue. What's important is to listen to your GF and to get her something that she would love to wear.

Now that we know she doesn't want a solitaire, can you tell us more about what she does want in an e-ring?

ETA: Etoile-style band in rose gold:
http://www.etienneperret.com/colored-diamond-jewelry/4mm-18kt-rose-gold-starlight-band

 

[choyoyo]

Date: 5/29/2009 2:23:53 PM
Author:harvey
Hello everybody! So I made the decision a couple months ago that my girlfriend was THE ONE and have been on a engagement ring hunt since. After doing some research and hearing some recommendations, I was directed towards Good Old Gold, where Sarah has been super helpful and responsive! My girlfriend wants something with a very very thin band and actually requested not to have a rock , which left me in a odd predicament since I wanted to get her a rock to show off to her friends! I know she wants something like the Tiffany's Metro ring in rose gold, so I was thinking of getting a e-ring that would match well with the Metro. Here's what I went with:


I think I'm set on a 0.90 E VVS2 Jubilee from GOG on a platinum Gabriel band (similar to this image) so that, assuming she says yes, she can get something like the Metro or 2 to have a stacked set or can mix and match.

First off, I want to say congratulations for making that decision! That is very exciting!

So, I think I might be missing something- if you know she wants something like the Tiffany Metro ring as an e-ring, what would be the problem with getting that? E-rings come in all shapes and forms, and a diamond solitaire has only been marketed in the last 100 years or so.

For my e-ring, I did not want diamonds or colored stones in my ring, though I still wanted a ring ~_^ When my FI asked me what I like, I told him I would love a plain platinum band, because I wanted to be able to wear it at all times and under gloves at work etc If my FI had bought me a "traditional" e-ring because he wanted me to have something to show off, I would have been UPSET because that means he did not listen to me about what I liked and wanted (as long as my request was reasonable, which I think it was).

The engagement is really between the two of you, after all~ who cares what the other people think or societal standards? She will be the one who will be wearing it all the time, so it would be best if you talked to her to figure out exactly what she would like. Lucky for you, your girl wants something less expensive. Buy her an engagement laptop/earrings to go along with the ring if you want to get her something that is worth more $$.

 

[allenhah]

Hey guys - actually started a follow-up post at THIS THREAD in case you were interested in how things turned out!