decisions, decisions...

[teetee]

Greetings!
I''ve been lurking on this site for a week now and have been staying up late because I can''t stop absorbing the wealth of information here. I just had to register because this is such a great community (notice the prequisite pet photo for my avatar

)

So here''s my situation...my BF recently asked me to start looking at ring styles. We went to the mall this weekend on our first shopping expedition. Please give me some advice! I am trying to not rush into any purchases because I want to make sure that the ring I get will be the one that will make me happy for at least the next 10 years.

Here is some general information about me:
I am usually not a trendy person. I tend to go for the classic, elegant, timeless look. I am pretty picky about stuff. I usually know what I don''t like in an instant but it takes me a while to really love something. I know I definitely want a round diamond.

So here are my choices so far:
1. The first ring I tried on was the Cartier 1895 and really liked it a lot. It was the simple solitaire in the 4-prong setting. The ring I tried was a 1.22ct, H, VS1 for $15K. BF said that was over his budget but he would be willing to stretch for a Cartier. I really like the prestige of the brand name but I''m also a very practical person and I just would hate to pay the extra money just for the name. I honestly think that very few, if anyone, would recognize that it was a real Cartier ring.
2. Next we went to Bailey, Banks and Biddle and found the Ritani Pave Semi-Mount. This ring looked great on my hand with a 1.5ct stone. The only thing I would change is to make it an eternity band.
3. A friend of mine from work is finalizing her divorce and she may be able to sell me her Tiffany''s 3 stone ring. The center stone is 1.50ct with a .75ct round on each side. It was purchased for $34K but she said she''d sell for $15K if her ex does not make a stink about asking for the ring back. I don''t necessary like 3 stone rings at this point in my life but hers is beautiful and in practically new condition. Questions - is that a good price and would you think there would be any bad karma associated with that ring? I''m not superstitious. As a side note, we went to Tiffany''s but I don''t like their 6-prong soltaire setting and plus they were really busy so I didn''t want to deal with the wait.
4. Of course there is the option to purchase a loose stone and get a custom setting. I think cut is my #1 priority, then size, then color and last clarity. I would be happy with a lower rated stone that did not have flaws that were visible to the naked eye.

So far I am leaning towards a soltaire setting but that is only because I haven''t really seen a lot of settings that I like. I just don''t want to get sick of it after a year. A few years ago I saw the Michael B. Crown Lace collection in an ad but when I tried it on at the store, it just wasn''t that impressive. The thing that compelled me about that style was that it was a solitaire with a little something that was unique. It just didn''t look good on me. I know MB also makes a pave eternity setting but I liked the delicate petite size of the Ritani better.

Mara, mrssalvo and Butterfly17 - I have come across many posts by each of you and I liked a lot of the photos you have posted...seems like we have the same taste in e-rings. I would be curious to hear your thoughts on my situation. I am open to suggestions!

 

[tulip928]

The Cartier is gorgeous! How about this from Whiteflash? I'm sure you could find a diamond with them also to fit your boyfriend's budget.

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/Fine-Line-Platinum-Solitaire_691.htm



For example, this diamond: (I'm no expert!, but it's similar to the one you looked at)

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-1583707.htm


ETA: I just realized you're probably looking at the setting with diamonds on the band - ooops!
Here's a link to a ring zizzam had Whiteflash custom make, similar to the 1895 with diamonds on the band:

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/finally-have-my-wf-e-ring-photos.50830/

 

[Sundial]

These are all nice choices. You could undoubtedly save some money by choosing a diamond and setting from an online vendor, but you have to decide if the panache of a brand name like Cartier is worth it to you. I think the Ritani settings are just beautiful and perhaps they would let you use your own diamond. Your friend''s three stone ring from Tiffany sounds like a pretty good deal and I don''t believe it would carry any bad karma, but I think you would be settling for something that is not really what you want. Anyway this is a fun dilemna to have!

 

[EdSkinner]

Reading your orginal post. I was wondering why you were just interested in a ring for the next 10 years? Shouldn''t your engagememt ring be for a life time, assuming you marry the guy? I think you have a problem. You are more intersted in what this guy will become. What if he doesn''t. Do you love him or what you think that he will be. There are to many variables in life. What if his job gets outsorced to India and he is all the sudden destitiut? Are you going to leave? Or will you support him? Ask yourself this question: Will you live with him in a cardboard box? Iam sorry but what I have read this far you are really a shallow person who needs to find a life.

 

[SquareCut]

Sorry Basset, but I think you need to get over it. If you''ve had a bad day, don''t take it out on this new poster. What the heck are you thinking insulting someone like that?

 

[Cind11]

Hi teetee,

No advice here. I just wanted to say that your cat in the sink is really cute. Cats do seem to make themselves at home in some of the funniest places.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Wow, I don''t think you should settle for a ring you don''t want either, but can I please buy the Tiffany ring from your co-worker if you don''t?

Seriously, that is quite a deal.

My main advice to you (aside from ignoring posts that aren''t very nice)...is to by all means buy your diamond from a vendor who will allow you full credit should you upgrade anytime in the future. I''m not certain of all the vendors'' policies, but I know Good Old Gold and WhiteFlash offer this. I also love classic, timeless settings, but I''d rather put my money into a larger diamond than a designer name like Cartier since like you said, no one would even know. For $15,000, you could get a 1.5 ct. diamond and set it in a repro setting. I think Excel Diamonds carries a copy of the 1895 Cartier with the diamond shank.

I tried on some Ritani''s and think they are beautiful, too! But I''d strongly encourage you to keep a sizing area and not go full eternity in case the ring needs to be resized someday.

 

[EdSkinner]

Iam thinking that I have run into to many people like her in my life untill I finally ran into my wife. We have been married 10 years now. My wife is woman who is happy with who am, is concerned about our future, and will stand by me if I lose my job. This girl is high matinance and more worried about how she can impress her friends than she cares about her future spouse. The first time something goes wrong in this marriage, she is out of there! She is the reason 50% of the engagemnts fail along with maybe the same amount of marriages. No, I did not have a bad day. By the way my wife''s engagement ring is a .75 ct. round, I color, SI2, and a ok cut. After 10 years Iam not in the position to drop $5,000.00 let alone $500.00 on jewelery and Iam in the business. But my wife''s car runs, I support her in her fledging business, and we both have a roof over our heads. By the way, I did not see how many times this girl has posted and Iam sorry she met me on her first post, but my feelings are genuine. I hope she gets the ring she wants, and I also hope she grows up. Marriage is alot more than how much you can spend now or 10 years from now. But how much you care for each other.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Tee, don''t take it personally. There seem to be trolls on here every now and then.

I''d seriously look for the diamond first, and then the setting. It''s really easier to get the diamond and setting from the same vendor if you can, so choose the diamond first.

 

[decodelighted]

Welcome Tee Tee!

You fit right in already with your lil'' kitty!

Please DON''T pay any mind to troll-ish talk. That''s just ridiculous. This is a DIAMOND forum! PLENTY of folks on here know just what you''re talking about & who WOULDN''T want to find a ring they''d love for 10+ years (or more!). We''re a bunch of fellow picky bling lovers (for the most part!) and we''ll be HAPPY to help you along on your exciting project!

Personally, though I very much admire gorgeous high-end designer settings (Cartier/Harry Winston/Tiffany) ... for a 10-15K budget, I''d want to max out SIZE-wise, rather than name-brand-wise.

I also don''t think I''d go for a friends ring even if it WAS both a bargain & exactly what I wanted (which I don''t think applies here at least THAT part). There could be future tension about it .. feeling of it not really being "yours" ... her having mixed feelings about seeing it on you ... TOO MUCH DRAMA for me on a piece of jewelry as emotionally-charged as an e-ring.

I''d try to find an Ideal or close to Ideal cut diamond from a vendor with a good reputation & trade up policy (just in case

) ... then select a mid-range designer name brand setting (Ritini or Lockes for example). Also ... lots of folks around here don''t consider the wedding band until later. I urge you to buy them both at the same time to ensure proper fit and in case particularly platinum goes UP UP UP even more!!

Good luck!

 

[mrssalvo]

what''s up with the negative and mean spirited posters lately

Hi teetee and welcome to PS

. I did not read your post like Basset hound seemed to read into things and understand your boyfriend wants you to choose something you will love for a long time and not have to worry about you loving him but not your e-ring

sounds like you are also considerate of his budget and weighing out your options very wisely. Despite the possible deal on the Tiffany ring, I''d pass. I''m not one who really believes in karma but you don''t really LOVE the ring and my favorite little saying below "a deal is a deal only if you are getting exactly what you want" and since it''s not, skip it. As you''re probably well aware, I''m in a similar boat on the setting decision. Out of the solitaire group the Ritani is hands down my favorite. I do like the MB''s and have tried them on but just can''t get over the head on those rings. Since your also working on a budget the Ritani really is a great value for a designer ring so out of the one''s you listed that would be the one I''d pick. I do agree with diamondseeker that finding the stone would be a good start. You also might want to call or email Bill Pearlman. He''s is super friendly and even though he doesn''t list his stones like the other vendors here, he can find you something gorgeous and keep you within your budget and he''s the only PS who carries Ritani. Please don''t hesitate to ask questions here and I hope we can help you on your journey.

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 9/19/2006 8:29:44 PM
Author: Basset Hound
Iam thinking that I have run into to many people like her in my life untill I finally ran into my wife. This girl is high matinance and more worried about how she can impress her friends than she cares about her future spouse. The first time something goes wrong in this marriage, she is out of there! She is the reason 50% of the engagemnts fail along with maybe the same amount of marriages.

I urge you to read the forum rules, Basset Hound. I believe personal attacks like this are NOT permitted.

 

[hlmr]

Date: 9/19/2006 10:41:42 PM
Author: decodelighted

Date: 9/19/2006 8:29:44 PM
Author: Basset Hound
Iam thinking that I have run into to many people like her in my life untill I finally ran into my wife. This girl is high matinance and more worried about how she can impress her friends than she cares about her future spouse. The first time something goes wrong in this marriage, she is out of there! She is the reason 50% of the engagemnts fail along with maybe the same amount of marriages.

I urge you to read the forum rules, Basset Hound. I believe personal attacks like this are NOT permitted.

And this isn''t the first time you have been out of line BH! Your misogynist train of thought has become all too familiar!

 

[teetee]

tulip928: Thank you so much for that first link...it looks identical to the Cartier I liked. You were right on your first guess, the simple soltaire without the side diamonds. I will definitely consider WhiteFlash, sounds like there are a lot of happy people here who got rings made by them.

Sundial: Thanks for the advice. If I go with the Ritani, I think BB&B will set the diamond if I bring in my own. You are right about the 3-stone Tiffany ring. Even though it is a beautiful ring, I think I would be settling since it is not a style I would have picked out for myself...but I''m also a sucker for deals!

Basset Hound: I don''t know what your problem is but your comments are totally out of line. You don''t know me, you have no idea what kind of relationship I have with my BF. Not that I need to justify myself to you but if the 10 year comment set you off, the only reason I said that was because it seems like everyone is upgrading their ring these days and I was just looking for advice on picking a style that I would get tired of. Yes, I do plan to wear this ring for the rest of my life. And for what it''s worth, we have been dating for 9+ years. I''ll leave it at that.

Thank you to everyone else for the support and great advice. I am over the Cartier name...I think really liked it because it was the first ring I tried on. And I think you all are right about not getting my friend''s ring.

BF just came over and said he was at the mall during lunch today and saw a Rand ring that he thought was amazing. I tried to look for photos but this was all I could find. Has anyone seen this ring?

 

[devientdrow]

Bassett - May I just say, who asked for a Dr Phil moment? I assumed she was saying she''d like to get something she''d be happy with for AT LEAST the next 10 years......as in now upgrading or resetting for AT LEAST 10 years. Thats being extremly thoughtful and insightful if you ask me. A lot of us PS''rs have upgraded or resetted within one year of being married!

Teehee - I really like than Rand setting, it would be nice to see it from a top view. What do you think? It is a bit different than just the classic solitaire look. Again I applaud you for being insightful enough to take your time with this decision and really choose something you think will stand the test of time and trends! Good luck!

 

[Kaleigh]

Hi teetee and welcome to PS

That setting by Rand is gorgeous. I love the detail of it. Hopefully you will get feedback from those that are familiar with this designer. I haven''t seen it myself. Sure is beautiful!!!!

 

[angeline]

Bassett Hound - is your middle name DapperDan? What gives with these comments lately? who the heck are you anyway and why do you feel you have the right to judge someone you know NOTHNG about? Oh I forgot, you know all of 10 lines of black print about this person.

ANYWAY, back to the real point... teetee, try on lots of rings. All sizes and styles to get a feel for what you love. I found my tastes changed lots over time. Yours might not, but I also found it helpful to get an idea of what size stone I REALLY liked. You might find that going the non-branded route will give you more size/color for your money while still giving you an excellent, beautifully cut stone. Good luck and have fun!

a

ps. love the cat!

edited to add - I love the profile of that Rand. Have you looked at artofplatium.com?

 

[Kaleigh]

Here's the link to Leon Mege www.artofplatinum.com Many Ps'ers have had their rings custom made by him, and I am working on one myself. The Rand pic you posted reminds me of his work, as was mentioned by angeline.

 

[teetee]

I found this style on artofplatinum that looks very close to that Rand. The only difference I see is that the band on the Rand ring is rounded on the edges and the Leon Mege one is squared. I prefer the rounded edges because they seem to fit more comfortably. I think I will stop by the mall tomorrow and try it on.

I am also trying to shop with the wedding band in mind...what type of band woud you wear with this ring?

PS - is it okay to post the photos that I downloaded from artofplatinum?

 

[diamondfan]

Date: 9/19/2006 8:29:44 PM
Author: Basset Hound
Iam thinking that I have run into to many people like her in my life untill I finally ran into my wife. We have been married 10 years now. My wife is woman who is happy with who am, is concerned about our future, and will stand by me if I lose my job. This girl is high matinance and more worried about how she can impress her friends than she cares about her future spouse. The first time something goes wrong in this marriage, she is out of there! She is the reason 50% of the engagemnts fail along with maybe the same amount of marriages. No, I did not have a bad day. By the way my wife''s engagement ring is a .75 ct. round, I color, SI2, and a ok cut. After 10 years Iam not in the position to drop $5,000.00 let alone $500.00 on jewelery and Iam in the business. But my wife''s car runs, I support her in her fledging business, and we both have a roof over our heads. By the way, I did not see how many times this girl has posted and Iam sorry she met me on her first post, but my feelings are genuine. I hope she gets the ring she wants, and I also hope she grows up. Marriage is alot more than how much you can spend now or 10 years from now. But how much you care for each other.

I certainly do not think ANYTHING like that came across in TeeTee''s posts. I think you are over analyzing and making assumptions about someone you know nothing about because of your own personal feelings. That should be examined before you criticize someone on a diamond forum who wants to educate herself about a big and important purchase.

 

[diamondfan]

I love the Rand ring. I am not totally in favor of the friend''s ring unless you had it appraised personally and maybe used the center stone in a setting you like better. I would think it might be a bit umcomfortable to see her and have it on, not the karma aspect, but she would be reminded and I just think you can do better? Anyway, you have a nice budget and I would make sure you know what shape you like...if you love classic settings, I am sure you can find a great stone and work from there! Congrats on this exciting time and do not let someone who clearly has personal stuff that needs attention spoil YOUR fun!!!

 

[teetee]

Ok, I just got through reading mrssalvo's upgrade thread and those photos of Mara's friend's ring are doing a really good job of selling me on the Ritani. If I'm not mistaken, that was the ring I tried on this weekend at BB&B. I like the delicacy of the thin bands and the pave detail on the basket gives it that something extra. Definitely a top contender.

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 9/20/2006 3:03:02 AM
Author: teetee
Ok, I just got through reading mrssalvo''s upgrade thread and those photos of Mara''s friend''s ring are doing a really good job of selling me on the Ritani. If I''m not mistaken, that was the ring I tried on this weekend at BB&B. I like the delicacy of the thin bands and the pave detail on the basket gives it that something extra. Definitely a top contender.

hehe, I''ve been looking over that thread recently myself

. Here''s why I love the Ritani.
1) it''s gorgeous from all sides with a beautfiul flowy head
2) wedding band fits flush
3) the thin bands make the stone look HUGE
4) you know exactly what you are getting, no surprise guess work for custom
5) since you have a BB&B close, you can buy from them and have someone local to deal with any problems should they arise w/out having to ship you ring off, BB&B will handle that for you
6) it''s not a trendy look that i''d think anyone would tire of quickly
7) great craftmenship and duribility and great price for a designer ring

But there are many, many gorgeous rings which is why I''ve had such a heard time narrowing it down to just one myself. In all honesty, i keep coming back to this one too.

 

[Stone Hunter]

teetee -- WELCOME to the forum!!! When I first read your post I thought "That is so SMART" wanting to pick out a ring you''d be happy with for at least 10 years. I like the rings you''ve/others have posted that are classic with pave on the shanks. LOVE that custom from WF.


I do like the idea of the Ritani fitting flush to the WB though. Where is the photo of that one? I wanna see it too.

 

[Rod]

Date: 9/19/2006 11:42:19 PM
Author: devientdrow
Bassett - May I just say, who asked for a Dr Phil moment? I assumed she was saying she'd like to get something she'd be happy with for AT LEAST the next 10 years......as in now upgrading or resetting for AT LEAST 10 years. Thats being extremly thoughtful and insightful if you ask me. A lot of us PS'rs have upgraded or resetted within one year of being married!

Teehee - I really like than Rand setting, it would be nice to see it from a top view. What do you think? It is a bit different than just the classic solitaire look. Again I applaud you for being insightful enough to take your time with this decision and really choose something you think will stand the test of time and trends! Good luck!

This isn't the first time Bassett Hound has been totally off the wall with comments. I think Leonid or Irina should revoke his ID. There just isn't room on this forum for such outrageous, uncalled for, hurtful, demeaning comments, Period.

So Bassett.........Either you stop the rediculous behavior or we will shoot you out of dodge. Got it?

Sorry for the hijack teetee. Hope you are doing well with your decision here.

 

[Miranda]

Date: 9/20/2006 1:18:52 AM
Author: teetee
I found this style on artofplatinum that looks very close to that Rand. The only difference I see is that the band on the Rand ring is rounded on the edges and the Leon Mege one is squared. I prefer the rounded edges because they seem to fit more comfortably. I think I will stop by the mall tomorrow and try it on.

I am also trying to shop with the wedding band in mind...what type of band woud you wear with this ring?

PS - is it okay to post the photos that I downloaded from artofplatinum?

Teetee ~ First off, welcome to PS. You will find that there are not many other members as rude as Bassett Hound and just know that his issues are clearly his and not yours.

Second, I love this one. I''m sure Leon could make a band to go with it. I don''t know about your friend''s Tiffany ring. I don''t believe in karma in diamonds, but, if you, she, and BF are ok with it then do it! I''m sure it''s very beautiful.

Good luck on the very exciting hunt ahead of you!

 

[teetee]

Thank you to everyone for the warm welcome and great advice. I am getting obsessed with this forum

I tried on the Rand ring today and it didn''t do anything for me. It is a gorgeous ring but for some reason I just didn''t fall in love with it at first sight. It''s probably for the best since that designer only sells the ring pre-set with their diamond and I''m sure the price is marked up a lot....I wasn''t that interested in it so I forgot to check the price. I saw on their website that they only use conflict-free stones from South Africa. I think maybe the side swirls and pave diamonds make it too fancy for my style. Maybe I just had the Ritani on my mind. I need to go try that ring on again!

mrssalvo: Those are all very compelling reasons for the Ritani. I do like the idea of having the peace of mind of buying from BB&B and having them handle all my service issues. The sales person we met this weekend was awesome and we both felt really comfortable dealing with him. Good customer service makes all the difference.

Stone Hunter: Here is a photo of Mara''s friend''s Ritani ering with wband that I got from mrssalvo''s thread.

 

[mrssalvo]

stone hunter, here''s another picture of the side of that Ritani which i just simply ADORE...

 

[Stone Hunter]

THANKS for the photos.

The Ritani is nice from the top, but the side view is GREAT!

I would go for this or something similar to the WF custom.

Teetee -- you must go with what you love. So true that some settings look great until you try them on. I''ve also found that some look great on other people but not on me. Makes the process harder. Have fun looking though!