shape
carat
color
clarity

Birthday Ring suprise,what can i get within budget

Status
Not open for further replies. Please create a new topic or request for this thread to be opened.

beefball

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 2, 2012
Messages
8
Hi all i'm new here been reading quite alot of post before i decided to create my own topic.

I've been searching a birthday ring for my girlfriend within budget of $800,what are the best i can get?
 
What are your ideas? Metal preferences? You can go further w silver, but is that what she'd like? Do you want a diamond? Coloured stones? Engraved band? Give us a few parameters.

Consider resale items? Look at the preloved forum here and see if anything there appeals.
 
http://www.diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/31122/103-tcw-diamond-and-emerald-band-in-18K-white-gol.html
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/reduced-18k-wg-emerald-and-diamond-ring-850-size-6-t178951.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/reduced-18k-wg-emerald-and-diamond-ring-850-size-6-t178951.html[/URL]

http://www.diamondbistro.com/category/219/Colored-Center-Stone/listings/31252/Vintage-Turquoise-and-Diamond.html

http://www.diamondbistro.com/category/219/Colored-Center-Stone/listings/31107/*reduced*-Natural-Pad-Sapphire-set-in-Rose-Gold.html

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-colored-stone-center/reduced-2-dot-35ct-aquamarine-white-gold-iolani-ring

This is for sale but needs a new listing
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/90ctw-diamond-full-eternity-band-from-idj-3-pters-size-6-t178929.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/90ctw-diamond-full-eternity-band-from-idj-3-pters-size-6-t178929.html[/URL]
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-idj-eternity-with-3-pointers.175706/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-idj-eternity-with-3-pointers.175706/[/URL]


http://www.diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/31097/Diamond-and-Ruby-Bezel-12-eternity-band-Reduced!.html

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/almost-new-bgd-sapphire-and-diamond-bezel-eternity-band-t178021.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/almost-new-bgd-sapphire-and-diamond-bezel-eternity-band-t178021.html[/URL]

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Modern-and-Estate-Pieces/199ct-Sapphire-Halo-Ring/21176743_8PFkKW#!i=1694230519&k=TbVMhDs
 
Happy birthday! How lucky! I love bling to commemorate special days :love: They last a heckuva lot longer than dinners do! :Up_to_something:

If I had that budget, I'd get either a:
- small diamond, set in a bezel for a simple, everyday pendant
- some nice pearl earrings
- a nice watch


You don't want to buy a girlfriend a ring. She might trip out that it's not an engagement ring.. even if you guys aren't at the stage to be ready for engagement. Seeing a small ring box always gets a girl's heart fluttering, and it might lead to disappointment.

What does she usually wear? Does she have a go-to necklace that she never takes off already? Does she wear bracelets? You'll have to do some snooping to see what she likes/doesn't like.

Edit: oops, I totally didn't read that you're looking for a ring. Does she want a ring? I just remember how disappointed I was when my exboyfriend surprised me at work for VDay with a gift wrapped box of chocolates.. I opened the box, and inside one of the spots for a chocolate was a ring instead. I gasped, got so excited, all my coworkers near by got super excited, and then I had to explain to everyone that no, it was just a fashion ring, not an engagement ring. I forget which magazine or website article I read, but it was for men, and it was basically warning about this potential disappointment, and had stories from a bunch of gals that had similar experiences. If you know she loves rings and won't trip out over a ring surprise that isn't an engagement ring, I second the first link VintageLover showed you. I have been drooling at yennyfire's ring since she first posted about it! It's absolutely beautiful, and will not have any confusing "is it or isn't it an engagement ring" thing for friends to question.
 
madelise|1346614629|3261400 said:
Happy birthday! How lucky! I love bling to commemorate special days :love: They last a heckuva lot longer than dinners do! :Up_to_something:

If I had that budget, I'd get either a:
- small diamond, set in a bezel for a simple, everyday pendant
- some nice pearl earrings
- a nice watch


You don't want to buy a girlfriend a ring. She might trip out that it's not an engagement ring.. even if you guys aren't at the stage to be ready for engagement. Seeing a small ring box always gets a girl's heart fluttering, and it might lead to disappointment.

Ditto the above. Any ring you give her would probably be considered a "promise ring," so unless you're sure "she's the one" AND you're sure she's on the same page, something other than a ring would be far safer.

You have a very healthy budget to play with - I wouldn't normally recommend Tiffany's, but it is an option with your budget. Madelise's suggestions are great it she's more likely to be wowed by your practicality than by the famous blue box. There are also a few Etsy sellers that have a great reputation among pricescopers - Heart of Water is one that carries finished jewelry (as opposed to made-to-order) set with colored gemstones, and in your price range:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/HeartofWaterJewels
 
madelise|1346614629|3261400 said:
Happy birthday! How lucky! I love bling to commemorate special days :love: They last a heckuva lot longer than dinners do! :Up_to_something:

If I had that budget, I'd get either a:
- small diamond, set in a bezel for a simple, everyday pendant
- some nice pearl earrings
- a nice watch


You don't want to buy a girlfriend a ring. She might trip out that it's not an engagement ring.. even if you guys aren't at the stage to be ready for engagement. Seeing a small ring box always gets a girl's heart fluttering, and it might lead to disappointment.

What does she usually wear? Does she have a go-to necklace that she never takes off already? Does she wear bracelets? You'll have to do some snooping to see what she likes/doesn't like.

Edit: oops, I totally didn't read that you're looking for a ring. Does she want a ring? I just remember how disappointed I was when my exboyfriend surprised me at work for VDay with a gift wrapped box of chocolates.. I opened the box, and inside one of the spots for a chocolate was a ring instead. I gasped, got so excited, all my coworkers near by got super excited, and then I had to explain to everyone that no, it was just a fashion ring, not an engagement ring. I forget which magazine or website article I read, but it was for men, and it was basically warning about this potential disappointment, and had stories from a bunch of gals that had similar experiences. If you know she loves rings and won't trip out over a ring surprise that isn't an engagement ring, I second the first link VintageLover showed you. I have been drooling at yennyfire's ring since she first posted about it! It's absolutely beautiful, and will not have any confusing "is it or isn't it an engagement ring" thing for friends to question.

Argh,thanks for the head up! But i think this birthday ring also dubbed as "promise ring" :naughty: i would like to have something simple with diamond on it,just curious what can i get within my budget??
 
I'd be more inclined to go for a pendant/necklace/earrings/bracelet... or an obviously NON engagement type ring, unless that's the point this relationship is at. Depending on her age and social circle, rings mean a whole lot more to a girl than to a guy! As an example, we heard our #1 son gave a promise ring to his gf of 6 months. She 'required' it to feel secure in the relationship. uh huh.... :roll:

Anyhow, depending on your GF, the pendants that DS listed above look beautiful - and they are 'safe' items, if that is a factor in what you want to purchase at this point in the relationship.

Just throwin' that out there!
 
Since I know many couples who've gotten married and gotten promise rings (one with a small 3 stone-just got married after 8 years together and my brother gave his gf a pearl and diamond ring) I can see the sentiment behind them. I'll link you to a few different rings and let you be the decision maker on what is best for you and your girl at this point-you've gotten a lot of good advice here and only you can make that decision :)

http://diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/31335/OEC-Vintage-Solitaire-set-in-14K-White-Gold.html

http://diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/31284/Vintage-Platinum-Diamond-Hand-Engraved-Ring.html

http://diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/30947/14k-12k-3-flower-diamond-engagement-ring-size-65.html

http://diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/31234/Engagement-Ring-Princess-Cut,-White-Gold.html

http://diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/31180/36-ct-oval-diamond-in-custom-Daniel-M-setting.html

This one looks like the one my SIL has and wore for years before getting engaged
http://www.rubylane.com/item/514555-rl-335/Three-Diamond-Princess-Cut-Diamond


The ones above are more e-ring in style but here are some more that are nice and people hopefully won't ask if your engaged :) Remember you can make offers and if they say no-they say no-no harm no foul!

http://www.rubylane.com/item/514555-rl-659/Three-Stone-Victorian-Mine-Cut

http://www.rubylane.com/item/518197-RGC10961V/Antique-French-Sapphire-Diamond-Ring

Nice Tanzanite ring
http://www.rubylane.com/item/401320-r14kygtanzdia/Gorgeous-14K-Tanzanite-Diamond-Ring

This looks like a beautiful blue zircon ring
http://www.rubylane.com/item/449282-6003/Victorian-Blue-Zircon-Diamond-ring

http://www.rubylane.com/item/419645-211-0203E/18K-Sapphire-Diamond-Ring-Signed

Nice ruby ring
http://www.rubylane.com/item/721537-RLD1113/Ruby-diamond-ring


Cute pearl/rose cut diamond ring
http://www.rubylane.com/item/518197-RGC11937V/Antique-Rose-Cut-Diamond-Pearl

I personally think a pearl or colored stone ring is best even for a promise ring-but it's up to you. Here are some I found on ebay

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Art-Deco-5-57mm-Natural-Pearl-Diamond-10k-White-Gold-Ring-2-5g-/251142308520?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item3a793f82a8

This one I really like
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LADIES-0-6ct-DIAMOND-PEARL-CLUSTER-18ct-GOLD-VICTORIAN-RING-/280952231677?pt=UK_Jewellery_Watches_VintageFineJewellery_CA&hash=item416a0ed6fd

This is a matching set of earrings/ring
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ESTATE-MABE-MOBE-PEARL-DIAMOND-EARRINGS-RING-14k-WHITE-GOLD-SET-/200813070455?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ec1644877

This one is very elegant
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Estate-14K-White-Gold-Pearl-Diamond-Fashion-Ring-Fine-Jewelry-/400319238158?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d34e2d00e

OHHH This one is very nice! Great sized diamond and pearl
http://www.ebay.com/itm/30S-14K-WG-PEARL-AND-DIAMOND-RING-/350555420658?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item519ebb37f2

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-VICTORIAN-18k-GOLD-PLATINUM-30Ct-DIAMOND-PEARL-VTG-Me-You-RING-1880-/261089445446?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cca24c646

This is similar to one above but smaller
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1930-14k-Yellow-Gold-1-3ct-Mine-Cut-DIAMOND-Pearl-Ladies-Ring-/370613561763?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item564a4a29a3

As you can see there are tons to choose from. I'll link a few more but I really don't know what style you are going for

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-VICTORIAN-0-65ct-OLD-MINE-CUT-DIAMOND-PEARL-COCKTAIL-ESTATE-S-SWIRL-RING-/150890010398?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item2321bed71e

Need a face shot but this looks nice
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lovely-Edwardian-18K-Platinum-Diamond-and-Pearl-Ring-/140824490470?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20c9cb31e6

This is adorable
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Beautiful-Edwardian-18ct-Gold-Plat-Diamond-Pearl-Daisy-Ring-/251139345698?pt=UK_Jewellery_Watches_VintageFineJewellery_CA&hash=item3a79124d22

More of a band style
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Art-Deco-18k-Yellow-Gold-Pearls-Diamonds-Ring-/330713250180?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d000bb984

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ESTATE-WIDE-DIAMOND-7MM-SOUTH-SEA-PEARL-14K-WHITE-GOLD-ROUND-COCKTAIL-RING-20658-/251138487465?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a790534a9

http://www.ebay.com/itm/victorian-antique-cushion-cut-diamond-real-pearl-trilogy-vtg-18ct-gold-ring-/300715148980?pt=UK_Jewellery_Watches_VintageFineJewellery_CA&hash=item46040506b4
 
vintagelover229|1346613860|3261390 said:
http://www.diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/31122/103-tcw-diamond-and-emerald-band-in-18K-white-gol.html
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/reduced-18k-wg-emerald-and-diamond-ring-850-size-6-t178951.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/reduced-18k-wg-emerald-and-diamond-ring-850-size-6-t178951.html[/URL]

http://www.diamondbistro.com/category/219/Colored-Center-Stone/listings/31252/Vintage-Turquoise-and-Diamond.html

http://www.diamondbistro.com/category/219/Colored-Center-Stone/listings/31107/*reduced*-Natural-Pad-Sapphire-set-in-Rose-Gold.html

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-colored-stone-center/reduced-2-dot-35ct-aquamarine-white-gold-iolani-ring

This is for sale but needs a new listing
https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/90ctw-diamond-full-eternity-band-from-idj-3-pters-size-6-t178929.html
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-idj-eternity-with-3-pointers.175706/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-idj-eternity-with-3-pointers.175706/[/URL]


http://www.diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/31097/Diamond-and-Ruby-Bezel-12-eternity-band-Reduced!.html

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/almost-new-bgd-sapphire-and-diamond-bezel-eternity-band-t178021.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/almost-new-bgd-sapphire-and-diamond-bezel-eternity-band-t178021.html[/URL]

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Modern-and-Estate-Pieces/199ct-Sapphire-Halo-Ring/21176743_8PFkKW#!i=1694230519&k=TbVMhDs


Thanks for mentioning my listing, VL! :wavey: :wavey: Just to let the OP know, I have relisted it: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/relisted-90ctw-diamond-eternity-from-idj-3-pters-size-6-t179416.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/relisted-90ctw-diamond-eternity-from-idj-3-pters-size-6-t179416.html[/URL]
 
That's really alot to learn before giving out a ring. We've been together for quite sometime (8yrs) and we're at mid 20's,some of our friends in the same group already getting married and we've been planning to do it in next 2yrs. I think should be fine to give her a 'promise ring' by now. Anyway she's quite petite and i would prefer brand new ring instead of vintage/used.

P/S i've browse thru all the posting above(Thanks!!) and i prefer the ring like this.
http://diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/31180/36-ct-oval-diamond-in-custom-Daniel-M-setting.html
 
Do you want a diamond or a coloured stone? If my friends were getting married, so I'd probably already started to think about and consider marriage myself, I'd think a diamond on a band was an engagement ring.

I think you could afford a silver Daniel M setting like that with a diamond if you wanted it. This is the maker of the setting, which may be a custom setting http://www.etsy.com/shop/danielmjewelry?ref=pr_shop_more.. It would leave you a very good budget for a diamond. A plain 14K white gold setting runs about $305 at James Allen and would allow you a 1/3 carat oval diamond for your budget.
 
Of the two pendants above, I'd go for the classic RB. The faceting on the pear looks like its all over the place!

I think you have made a safe choice, earrings and/or pendant. A ring can be interpreted many ways, it can be kind of an 'unknown'!
 
beefball,

Earrings and pendant is a nice idea. That ring you linked to is silver and has a poor quality diamond so I wouldn't consider it under any circumstances.

liz
 
Call IDJ. I once got a quote for a bezel pendant and chain, and it was extremely reasonable.
 
http://idjewelryonline.com/index.php?cPath=21_74 they have many in your budget. When you call/ email mention Pricescope and they will make sure your stones are of high quality and well cut.

I just got diamond earring jackets for colored studs and love them. I think a pendant is a great idea and will get a lot of wear.

Also you could likely fit pre set ID jewelry diamond studs in .5 CTW (.25 each ear) from them in your budget as well.
http://idjewelryonline.com/diastearrings.php
Diamond studs or a pendant you really can't go wrong with esp with well cut stones.
 
Hi guys,i finally made up my mind and i think i'll go for a ring instead.

Here's the story,we're doing our weekend shopping and went into tiffany, she try the classic tiffany ring and like it alot,so i was thinking to get her the same ring (classic tiffany setting .25ctw) but the price was too steep ($2700!),is there any other jewelers i can go to?

Last i check with Whiteflash they only have the setting with min .50ctw stone which is also out of my budget right now :((
 
I think to buy new you're going to struggle to copy the Tiffany look. The replica settings eat almost your entire budget without the diamond.

If you just consider a regular 4 prong setting, not a Tiffany look, then you can afford new.
Settings start at about $180 and diamonds at $420 for 0.30, the smallest they will put in that setting, through James Allen.
 
Definitely buy a real Tiffany second hand. Does she like all platinum or would she want the yellow gold band? Because that last ebay link had the yellow gold. I would prefer the all platinum, personally.

I will say, though, that those are engagement rings. Understand that people will assume she is engaged if she wears that ring regardless of what you consider it to be.
 
Are you really truly sure that what she wants is a promise ring? Not to sound like a broken record because it has been brought up by many other PSers, but the reason it keeps coming up is because we truly don't think it's a good idea.

I'm in my mid to late 20s and have been with my boyfriend for almost 6 years. We have been talking about weddings for years now and I have been waiting a long time for an engagement ring (we are finally shopping for one together now). If he had given me a promise ring instead of an engagement ring, I would have been tremendously disappointed and frustrated (considering so many of our friends are getting engaged and married now).

Promise rings are much more suitable for younger couples in their late teens to early 20s who are maybe 5+ years from getting married. If you do plan to get married in 2 years, does that not mean you would purchase an engagement ring within the next year? If so, it would be a waste of money for her to only wear a promise ring for a year, only to replace it with an engagement ring then.

But most importantly, why were the two of you looking at engagement rings at Tiffany's? If anything, the fact that you would be looking at that together would make her think that you would be proposing in the near future - which would make it an even bigger disappointment when she realizes that it is only a promise ring. It only makes it worse if that promise ring were to look like an engagement ring, and the Tiffany's solitaire is the epitome of a classic engagement ring.

I don't mean to rain on your parade, but as someone who has been with her significant other for a long time and has been waiting for an engagement ring, the last gift that I would want is a promise ring. You do know your girlfriend better than any of us though, so if you think what she truly wants is a promise ring, then go for it. But if you have even the slightest feeling that she is waiting for an engagement ring, then I think a promise ring is a horribly bad idea and that you should get her some beautiful earrings or necklace instead.
 
emcee|1347343019|3265805 said:
Are you really truly sure that what she wants is a promise ring? Not to sound like a broken record because it has been brought up by many other PSers, but the reason it keeps coming up is because we truly don't think it's a good idea.

I'm in my mid to late 20s and have been with my boyfriend for almost 6 years. We have been talking about weddings for years now and I have been waiting a long time for an engagement ring (we are finally shopping for one together now). If he had given me a promise ring instead of an engagement ring, I would have been tremendously disappointed and frustrated (considering so many of our friends are getting engaged and married now).

Promise rings are much more suitable for younger couples in their late teens to early 20s who are maybe 5+ years from getting married. If you do plan to get married in 2 years, does that not mean you would purchase an engagement ring within the next year? If so, it would be a waste of money for her to only wear a promise ring for a year, only to replace it with an engagement ring then.

But most importantly, why were the two of you looking at engagement rings at Tiffany's? If anything, the fact that you would be looking at that together would make her think that you would be proposing in the near future - which would make it an even bigger disappointment when she realizes that it is only a promise ring. It only makes it worse if that promise ring were to look like an engagement ring, and the Tiffany's solitaire is the epitome of a classic engagement ring.

I don't mean to rain on your parade, but as someone who has been with her significant other for a long time and has been waiting for an engagement ring, the last gift that I would want is a promise ring. You do know your girlfriend better than any of us though, so if you think what she truly wants is a promise ring, then go for it. But if you have even the slightest feeling that she is waiting for an engagement ring, then I think a promise ring is a horribly bad idea and that you should get her some beautiful earrings or necklace instead.

I agree wholeheartedly. Do you see her wearing this ring on her left ring finger? People will congratulate her and you on the engagement and ask when the wedding is. If it's sized for her right hand it may perhaps be better, but it's still such a classic engagement style that it won't stop them assuming she's engaged (I wore mine on my right hand).

That said, you seem determined to go this route and you know your girlfriend best. Perhaps purchase the least expensive setting you can find with a diamond that is upgradable through a vendor you like. That way, if and when you get engaged to this woman you can upgrade the diamond. You wouldn't be able to re-use the setting though so put the least amount of money in that that you can.
 
I am going to echo what other people have said...I would strongly suggest reconsidering getting your girlfriend a promise ring and get her a beautiful pendant or earrings instead, especially if you are wanting to get her diamonds. If you do want to get her a "promise" ring, I would consider a RHR style or a colored stone so that she can wear it after you get her an engagement ring. My SIL got a very pretty pink sapphire "promise" ring that she can now wear on her right hand and her engagement ring on her left. Same sentiment but no one confused it with what it was not. I had a diamond promise ring that I received in college and looking back, I wish I had asked for a necklace or something else that I could wear now as I ended up never wearing that ring once I got my real ring.
 
If that's the case should i get her a princess cut/pear shape diamond ring instead of round?
I think she's ok with the ring idea. :mrgreen:
 
Status
Not open for further replies. Please create a new topic or request for this thread to be opened.
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP
Top