Buying costume jewelry to test setting styles--websites?

[KristinTech]

I'm interested in getting an anniversary band made next year, and also have a reset in mind for my e-ring for an upcoming anniversary. I'd like to play around with styles to get a feel for what is comfortable and what I like on my finger. Are there websites that people use before they finally decide on a custom or stock setting for the "real deal?" Any websites would be appreciated. Mods, if this should be moved to a different forum, I apologize for making you do extra work!

 

[CharmyPoo]

The challenge is that you can have similar styles that feel very different on the finger. I have halo rings that are incredibly comfortable and others that are not. It really depends on the individual ring and also even the right size! I am extremely sensitive to rings being sized right and I only have two rings sized perfectly for my ring finger (which is a must as those two was/is my daily wearers).

With the above in mind, good options are the home shopping type websites and you can often find them even cheaper on ebay second hand. I am thinking HSN and QVC where they have designer lines in costume jewelry.

 

[flash_and_fire]

I bought a CZ ring to wear for vacations from Overstock.com. I liked their selection, decent prices, and I felt that the ring that I got was a good product (an asscher solitaire).

 

[Tourmaline]

I did this for months before having my ring made! I like blingjewelry12 on eBay.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Have you tried any styles on in person? I've found my fingers to be really sensitive and was able to weed out certain designs by making a couple visits to jewelers at the mall. It seems that most of the styles I like in photos don't feel good on and the ones I'd never have thought to buy, based on images on the computer, looked better on my hand and felt better on. If you tried on styles that way, you'd already have eliminated a bunch of rings and would know what to look for style-wise for your costume-jewelry testing out.

 

[Dee*Jay]

If there is an Erwin Pearl near you that could be a good place to try some things on. They are expensive though for costume jewelry so you may not buy anything there unless you really love it (and than you could use it as a "travel ring" as someone mentioned).

 

[distracts]

Honestly, I've found the best variety at Intergem shows. My much-loved CZ five-stone ring came from a vendor there (it's actually bulky and uncomfortable! But I like it a lot and would like a daintier "real" one some day!). Amazon, QVC, and JTV are the other places I look when I'm trying to find a CZ set.

 

[texaskj]

Nordstrom has some nice stuff. A little more $$$, but good for travel after a trial period.