Does PS cause you to have DSS?

[gem_anemone]

Of course I love to oogle all the beautiful, big diamonds on PS and it would be fun to own one someday! The reality is financially, I could not "compete" with others on PS. DH and I have priorities and diamond jewelry does not barely make the list!

That said, if I were to get DSS, I think it would be due to people IRL. Most people I know have smaller center stones than I do, so that doesn't really phase me. In fact I only have diamond envy from one person in my life. She has a big and beautiful white diamond. Her whole set is just gorgeous. I know a few others with larger stones, but theirs are all either lifeless or yellow (to me - sorry, I know a lot of PS'rs like warmer stones...). I'd rather have the highest quality diamond than the biggest diamond and to me quality equates to eye clean, ideal cut and white. There's no way we could afford one of the quality I wanted. Well, I'm sure we could afford it (I'd like a 7mm stone, so not completely unreasonable), but it would have to be high on our financial priority list and frankly repeat extravagant diamond purchases do not make the cut. And I am OK with this. LOL I will have to live vicariously through the rest of you! If money was no issue I would buy a bigger stone in a heartbeat!

 

[erinl]

I think I had DSS before I found pricescope! What pricescope has done has made me question the price paid for my diamond versus the quality. Same with a pearl necklace my husband bought me-- I know he could have gotten bigger/better ones for the same or less money!

 

[LJL]

Before I got my ring, I definitely thought (with PS's help) that I couldnt possibly go too big. No such thing. The rings on PS look so huge, yet PERFECT. Its strange. And Im still jealous.

But now that I have my ring, I realize that the size is quite nice (1.88c) and that it looks much bigger than I would have thought. Now, will I want bigger at some point? Oh, Im sure I will and I think PS will both cause and encourage that want. But Im not sure how much bigger of a stone I could wear and feel ok given our life situation. We live in the Midwest and are fairly modest about the way we live. Maybe when we are older (aka not in school), I will feel better about sporting a huge rock? Not sure. I LOVE diamonds and I LOVE PS, but I dont want to stick out among my friends as that diamond snob. Its a fine line I think However, I do believe that a honking eternity or 5 stone will DEFINITELY be in order BRING ON THE AVR BAND

 

[innerkitten]

I have never caught the DSS bug but what does happen is that when I am on PS a lot feel the need to expand by collection. I guess it's a variation of DSS.

 

[iheartscience]

YES. And it caused me to change my mind about shape!

 

[chemgirl]

I don't have a diamond engagement ring so no dss for me. I do get serious envy of all of the gorgeous custom settings I see on here!

 

[chemgirl]

Sorry double post!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I have never caught the DSS bug but what does happen is that when I am on PS a lot feel the need to expand by collection. I guess it's a variation of DSS.

I agree. I am not sure I would feel comfortable with a larger diamond. I think I actually would prefer a smaller but other jewelry pieces are has been influenced by PS

 

[canuk-gal]

YES. And it caused me to change my mind about shape!

blasphemy!

cheers--Shaorn

 

[pandabee]

Before I got my ring, I definitely thought (with PS's help) that I couldnt possibly go too big. No such thing. The rings on PS look so huge, yet PERFECT. Its strange. And Im still jealous.

But now that I have my ring, I realize that the size is quite nice (1.88c) and that it looks much bigger than I would have thought. Now, will I want bigger at some point? Oh, Im sure I will and I think PS will both cause and encourage that want. But Im not sure how much bigger of a stone I could wear and feel ok given our life situation. We live in the Midwest and are fairly modest about the way we live. Maybe when we are older (aka not in school), I will feel better about sporting a huge rock? Not sure. I LOVE diamonds and I LOVE PS, but I dont want to stick out among my friends as that diamond snob. Its a fine line I think However, I do believe that a honking eternity or 5 stone will DEFINITELY be in order BRING ON THE AVR BAND

TWINS. except I don't have my ring yet!!! I want to sport a handful of stackers though. nbd.

 

[stargurl78]

I have never caught the DSS bug but what does happen is that when I am on PS a lot feel the need to expand by collection. I guess it's a variation of DSS.

Ditto. When I first joined, I had the colored stone bug and bought quite a few stones and settings for them. I began to notice eventually that I was only wearing a couple of my favorite rings. So I unloaded most of them on DB and LT. I have since purchased studs, a diamond for a pendant (which I haven't set yet), and a couple stackers. I probably never would have bought these items if not for finding PS (or I would have bought lesser quality overpriced options).

Eventually, I think I would love to have a larger diamond and I have been setting aside $125 a month in an account with the goal of treating myself in 15-20 years. But for now, I love my ring and I'm perfectly happy with the size.

 

[ClassyRocks]

Hello DS!,

I am playing catch up from vacation, but I wanted to respond to this neat thread!

PS has not given me DSS. However, PS has caused me to second guess myself some. In the quest for more knowledge, I find myself fighting perfectionism. I don't mean to sound ungrateful. but sometimes I miss the excitement of finding a beautiful piece without fretting over the specs. & wondering what others on PS would think. KWIM? I want to find a balance between being informed, but still getting excited about the gem . . . It was good for me to get away on vacation; I enjoyed my diamonds and husband (I should change the order!).

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Hello DS!,

I am playing catch up from vacation, but I wanted to respond to this neat thread!

PS has not given me DSS. However, PS has caused me to second guess myself some. In the quest for more knowledge, I find myself fighting perfectionism. I don't mean to sound ungrateful. but sometimes I miss the excitement of finding a beautiful piece without fretting over the specs. & wondering what others on PS would think. KWIM? I want to find a balance between being informed, but still getting excited about the gem . . . It was good for me to get away on vacation; I enjoyed my diamonds and husband (I should change the order!).

(in reference to your last sentence!)

Classy, some of you blessed ladies have come to PS already having a great diamond collection! We love having new diamond sisters (and sisters otherwise ). I do not for one second think you need to worry about specs. I am quite sure your pieces are all great quality!!! I did have one 1 ct. diamond that my mother gave me which I could clearly see was not a good cut and I had it recut so I could feel good about setting it. I still have my original 1 ct. diamond that I have not recut for sentimental reasons and plan to give to our younger daughter. Many here have been in that boat, so there is always that option for old diamonds that you might want to give a makeover!

In regard to new pieces of jewelry, I think I look at the overall quality and try not to obsess too much on the little things I can't change! I can have a piece of jewelry that does not have super-ideal cut diamonds...because I certainly do! Tiffany and all the major jewelry houses sell nice quality diamonds that often/usually do not fall into the super-ideal category. So we can over-obsess sometimes!

Your new diamond is clearly amazing and I am excited to see how you decide to set it!

As for me, I talked to Jonathan today and he is still trying to get me a diamond with the specs I want in the relatively near future! So I am going to be patient awhile longer and see if that materializes!!!

 

[m-2-b]

That's great updated news from Jonathan, DS! Hope he finds you the perfect H colored AVR!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

That's great updated news from Jonathan, DS! Hope he finds you the perfect H colored AVR!

Thank you, m!!! I was afraid he probably wanted to ring my neck, but I just knew if I compromised on something as obvious as color I would live to regret it! He is always gracious, though!

 

[LLJsmom]

I had DSS before I joined PS. I got a new ring, after not having bought any diamonds after my e-ring 15 years ago. My e-ring is 1.1 and I thought it was fine. I have wanted a 2 carat since i was engaged but thought it was beyond reach. Then it hit me after 15 years that I could afford it! I received my 2 carat from blue Nile and immediately thought it looked too small! In my mind, I had envisioned something bigger, so I sent it back a few days later and ordered a 2.59, which I really love. But it has been 5-6 weeks and I can see myself with a 3.5 carat, which would definitely be big, but not huge. And mind you I have a 4.5 finger. That is how my mind has been working. Crazy huh??? My girlfriends think I am crazy, but I know four women who are close friends that have over 2 carats, so big bling is not uncommon where I live, northern cal, San Francisco bay area. PS has definitely showed me what is possible and what I have missed out on, but I can see that deep inside I have always wanted big bling. I just never knew people who went for it!! Now I do. I do admit also want every derivation of bling too. On my hit list are 2c AVC in a halo, three stone ring, a phat eternity band from Single stone, and a jazz band from Tiffany and a five stone ring. PS enables, but I am an enabling type.

 

[ClassyRocks]

Hello DS!,

I am playing catch up from vacation, but I wanted to respond to this neat thread!

PS has not given me DSS. However, PS has caused me to second guess myself some. In the quest for more knowledge, I find myself fighting perfectionism. I don't mean to sound ungrateful. but sometimes I miss the excitement of finding a beautiful piece without fretting over the specs. & wondering what others on PS would think. KWIM? I want to find a balance between being informed, but still getting excited about the gem . . . It was good for me to get away on vacation; I enjoyed my diamonds and husband (I should change the order!).

(in reference to your last sentence!)

Classy, some of you blessed ladies have come to PS already having a great diamond collection! We love having new diamond sisters (and sisters otherwise ). I do not for one second think you need to worry about specs. I am quite sure your pieces are all great quality!!! I did have one 1 ct. diamond that my mother gave me which I could clearly see was not a good cut and I had it recut so I could feel good about setting it. I still have my original 1 ct. diamond that I have not recut for sentimental reasons and plan to give to our younger daughter. Many here have been in that boat, so there is always that option for old diamonds that you might want to give a makeover!

In regard to new pieces of jewelry, I think I look at the overall quality and try not to obsess too much on the little things I can't change! I can have a piece of jewelry that does not have super-ideal cut diamonds...because I certainly do! Tiffany and all the major jewelry houses sell nice quality diamonds that often/usually do not fall into the super-ideal category. So we can over-obsess sometimes!

Your new diamond is clearly amazing and I am excited to see how you decide to set it!

As for me, I talked to Jonathan today and he is still trying to get me a diamond with the specs I want in the relatively near future! So I am going to be patient awhile longer and see if that materializes!!!

DS, you are so thoughtful with your replies. I love having you as a special Sister!

I am so happy that you are still pursuing a AVR or antique cut diamond! It wouldn't be nearly as special if you could find it the first time around. It's the rarity and the "hunt" that will make it more cherished when you find the "one"!

Yes, I really have been blessed in the last 10 years or so to obtain some fine jewelry. I was reflecting on what you said about the quality of what I already have; all of it is pretty fine although I am sure my diamond Riveria necklace does not have all "ideal" cuts (it's awesome though ). This last diamond was serious $$$ that it certainly gave me some sleepless nights; never in my fantasies did I ever think we'd ever make a purchase like that. It is through PS that I discovered that wonderful vendor though!

You are so right about Tiffany's and others. I had the opportunity to visit one of the Tiffany stores in San Diego. They do make fine jewelry, but I don't think their diamonds are as beautiful as most of the regular PS'ers. Even my husband commented that the diamonds were not what he expected and he doesn't read PS!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Hello DS!,

I am playing catch up from vacation, but I wanted to respond to this neat thread!

PS has not given me DSS. However, PS has caused me to second guess myself some. In the quest for more knowledge, I find myself fighting perfectionism. I don't mean to sound ungrateful. but sometimes I miss the excitement of finding a beautiful piece without fretting over the specs. & wondering what others on PS would think. KWIM? I want to find a balance between being informed, but still getting excited about the gem . . . It was good for me to get away on vacation; I enjoyed my diamonds and husband (I should change the order!).

(in reference to your last sentence!)

Classy, some of you blessed ladies have come to PS already having a great diamond collection! We love having new diamond sisters (and sisters otherwise ). I do not for one second think you need to worry about specs. I am quite sure your pieces are all great quality!!! I did have one 1 ct. diamond that my mother gave me which I could clearly see was not a good cut and I had it recut so I could feel good about setting it. I still have my original 1 ct. diamond that I have not recut for sentimental reasons and plan to give to our younger daughter. Many here have been in that boat, so there is always that option for old diamonds that you might want to give a makeover!

In regard to new pieces of jewelry, I think I look at the overall quality and try not to obsess too much on the little things I can't change! I can have a piece of jewelry that does not have super-ideal cut diamonds...because I certainly do! Tiffany and all the major jewelry houses sell nice quality diamonds that often/usually do not fall into the super-ideal category. So we can over-obsess sometimes!

Your new diamond is clearly amazing and I am excited to see how you decide to set it!

As for me, I talked to Jonathan today and he is still trying to get me a diamond with the specs I want in the relatively near future! So I am going to be patient awhile longer and see if that materializes!!!

DS, you are so thoughtful with your replies. I love having you as a special Sister!

I am so happy that you are still pursuing a AVR or antique cut diamond! It wouldn't be nearly as special if you could find it the first time around. It's the rarity and the "hunt" that will make it more cherished when you find the "one"!

Yes, I really have been blessed in the last 10 years or so to obtain some fine jewelry. I was reflecting on what you said about the quality of what I already have; all of it is pretty fine although I am sure my diamond Riveria necklace does not have all "ideal" cuts (it's awesome though ). This last diamond was serious $$$ that it certainly gave me some sleepless nights; never in my fantasies did I ever think we'd ever make a purchase like that. It is through PS that I discovered that wonderful vendor though!

You are so right about Tiffany's and others. I had the opportunity to visit one of the Tiffany stores in San Diego. They do make fine jewelry, but I don't think their diamonds are as beautiful as most of the regular PS'ers. Even my husband commented that the diamonds were not what he expected and he doesn't read PS!

I hate to say this, but I hope we can beg you to post a few pieces here sometime! We appreciate seeing fine collections, whether big or small!

Did you not want to say the vendor of the new diamond? Or maybe you want to wait until you find a setting? I apologize if that is information you prefer not to reveal! We've had a few large diamonds sourced here, and it is always interesting to know who people use for a special purchase!

I agree that the end of the hunt can be very rewarding! I have to really resist settling for something less than I want just to finish the process. I always regret it when I do that!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I had DSS before I joined PS. I got a new ring, after not having bought any diamonds after my e-ring 15 years ago. My e-ring is 1.1 and I thought it was fine. I have wanted a 2 carat since i was engaged but thought it was beyond reach. Then it hit me after 15 years that I could afford it! I received my 2 carat from blue Nile and immediately thought it looked too small! In my mind, I had envisioned something bigger, so I sent it back a few days later and ordered a 2.59, which I really love. But it has been 5-6 weeks and I can see myself with a 3.5 carat, which would definitely be big, but not huge. And mind you I have a 4.5 finger. That is how my mind has been working. Crazy huh??? My girlfriends think I am crazy, but I know four women who are close friends that have over 2 carats, so big bling is not uncommon where I live, northern cal, San Francisco bay area. PS has definitely showed me what is possible and what I have missed out on, but I can see that deep inside I have always wanted big bling. I just never knew people who went for it!! Now I do. I do admit also want every derivation of bling too. On my hit list are 2c AVC in a halo, three stone ring, a phat eternity band from Single stone, and a jazz band from Tiffany and a five stone ring. PS enables, but I am an enabling type.

Welcome!!! I think you certainly will fit in here well!

 

[jeweln]

since joining PS almost 2 years ago (and lurking for a year before that ) my diamond shopping got affected by the current PS trends .
five stone ring , WF studs ,IDJ Huggies & jackets ,AVR halo ring , I even had my pre PS solitaire recut by BGD recently since all my other diamonds are ideal cut .
these days I am dreaming of a humungous OEC like forekitty's holy grail ! but I have to save for a few years first so yes PS gives me DSS ! I am addicted ,I rarely post ,but I read everything several times daily .

 

[ClassyRocks]

Hello DS!,

I am playing catch up from vacation, but I wanted to respond to this neat thread!

PS has not given me DSS. However, PS has caused me to second guess myself some. In the quest for more knowledge, I find myself fighting perfectionism. I don't mean to sound ungrateful. but sometimes I miss the excitement of finding a beautiful piece without fretting over the specs. & wondering what others on PS would think. KWIM? I want to find a balance between being informed, but still getting excited about the gem . . . It was good for me to get away on vacation; I enjoyed my diamonds and husband (I should change the order!).

(in reference to your last sentence!)

Classy, some of you blessed ladies have come to PS already having a great diamond collection! We love having new diamond sisters (and sisters otherwise ). I do not for one second think you need to worry about specs. I am quite sure your pieces are all great quality!!! I did have one 1 ct. diamond that my mother gave me which I could clearly see was not a good cut and I had it recut so I could feel good about setting it. I still have my original 1 ct. diamond that I have not recut for sentimental reasons and plan to give to our younger daughter. Many here have been in that boat, so there is always that option for old diamonds that you might want to give a makeover!

In regard to new pieces of jewelry, I think I look at the overall quality and try not to obsess too much on the little things I can't change! I can have a piece of jewelry that does not have super-ideal cut diamonds...because I certainly do! Tiffany and all the major jewelry houses sell nice quality diamonds that often/usually do not fall into the super-ideal category. So we can over-obsess sometimes!

Your new diamond is clearly amazing and I am excited to see how you decide to set it!

As for me, I talked to Jonathan today and he is still trying to get me a diamond with the specs I want in the relatively near future! So I am going to be patient awhile longer and see if that materializes!!!

DS, you are so thoughtful with your replies. I love having you as a special Sister!

I am so happy that you are still pursuing a AVR or antique cut diamond! It wouldn't be nearly as special if you could find it the first time around. It's the rarity and the "hunt" that will make it more cherished when you find the "one"!

Yes, I really have been blessed in the last 10 years or so to obtain some fine jewelry. I was reflecting on what you said about the quality of what I already have; all of it is pretty fine although I am sure my diamond Riveria necklace does not have all "ideal" cuts (it's awesome though ). This last diamond was serious $$$ that it certainly gave me some sleepless nights; never in my fantasies did I ever think we'd ever make a purchase like that. It is through PS that I discovered that wonderful vendor though!

You are so right about Tiffany's and others. I had the opportunity to visit one of the Tiffany stores in San Diego. They do make fine jewelry, but I don't think their diamonds are as beautiful as most of the regular PS'ers. Even my husband commented that the diamonds were not what he expected and he doesn't read PS!

I hate to say this, but I hope we can beg you to post a few pieces here sometime! We appreciate seeing fine collections, whether big or small!

Did you not want to say the vendor of the new diamond? Or maybe you want to wait until you find a setting? I apologize if that is information you prefer not to reveal! We've had a few large diamonds sourced here, and it is always interesting to know who people use for a special purchase!

I agree that the end of the hunt can be very rewarding! I have to really resist settling for something less than I want just to finish the process. I always regret it when I do that!

You make me smile. Honestly, I would have to find the directions that you and Dougsgirl wrote for me; I haven't posted pics since that time!

I completely understand about not settling! Most of the time, I can work through that by having a store/vendor hold something for me for a few days so that I can think about it or have it in my possession for a bit like you did with the AVRs. That way, I don't feel the pressure that someone will purchase out from underneath me. If the diamond/jewelry doesn't give that "giddy" feeling, then it's not right. It can be a "downer", but no regrets when the right fit comes along!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Classy, my old tag line beneath the posting box used to be, "When in doubt, don't." I have learned over and over that if I abide by that, I make far fewer mistakes!!!

Maybe when you set your new diamond you will post a thread with a few pics of some of your favorites for us! We'll give you all the posting instructions whenever you want!

 

[ClassyRocks]

So True!

You sneaked the part about posting a new set of instructions in there! Like I said you make me smile!

(I put the instructions in a laminated sleeve!)

 

[Dreamer_D]

I have not read the responses because I wanted to post my thoughts "fresh"

If you become part of the PS community in the sense that you spend time here, "know" the locals, and start to include "diamond nut" in your identity, then Pricescope becomes your frame of reference for norms about diamonds and carat weight and all that. Since the Pricescope community is on average affluent, and values diamonds, the average sized diamonds here are very large by almost any standard. So, if you take on that norm, it seems pretty much inevitable that your sense of what is normal in diamond size will be large and become larger the more time you spend here. You might also think its acceptable to spend a large sum on diamonds. I wager people's norms about diamond size and money spent on diamonds shift upwards with time on PS.

So, that said did PS cause me to want a larger diamond? I dont think it caused me to *want* it -- I came to PS because I wanted it. But PS made it ok to want it, and made it seem reasonable to want it. So because of that, I have indulged my desire for a (to me) large diamond. I doubt I would have indulged without having found PS.

As you know, Diamondseeker, I started with a .80ct MRB that I ugraded over three years to a 1.67ct. I then felt I had too much money spent on diamonds and also felt like I was not happy with my diamond, which made the money spent seem like such a waste and I felt guilty, so I sold it just when diamond prices peeked and recouped my investment. I then embarked on an interesting diamond journey not all that different from the one you are on now -- I sort of started over. My only regret about how things went in the last year was that I bought something too fast after selling my 1.67ct. So my advice to you is wait until you really really know what you want in your heart of hearts.

I had no idea how BEREFT I would feel without my bling! I felt naked It made me realize how important it had become for me to have a nice ring. There are all sorts of symbolic meaning I attach to my bling that I won't go into here. Anyways, without it I felt adrift. I WANTED to be happy with something more modest price wise. But each ring I tried was not right. The Aurora was lovely for what it was, but a blingy band is not the same as a larger diamond. I tried a couple different three stone configurations, but even though I truly loved them one some level I knew in my heart that if I could only have one ring -- and I decided I could only have one at this point in my life -- then it needed to be a big solitaire. Soon after I bought the OEC three stone I posted about on RT, it became crystal clear to me that I just was not going to be happy with anything less than an 8mm stone, and I just needed to accept that. So I got my 1.89ct, and the bezel mount makes it face up like a 2.5ct stone. And I am happy I slipped this puppy on my finger and I KNEW it was perfect. No doubts (I always had doubts about every other ring I had). I'm still utterly in love.

All that said, I could wear a larger diamond. And that is definitely because of PS!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I LOVE that, Dreamer!!! Very well said!!!

Oh, I already made the same mistake by getting the current diamond too quickly because I also felt very strange once I sent the other one back to Jonathan! So I am trying, trying to be patient and see if the AVR idea is going to work out. The ring I have is absolutely fine in every way. I just did have that feeling of knowing I had something special when I saw the AVR's, but I just wanted specs that I knew fit my preferences if I was going to spend that much money on a specialty cut. (Plus I figured out that going even a tiny bit smaller than my last diamond was certain to cause DSS...another dumb mistake!!!)

And, the other decision that I have pretty much made is that if I do get a new diamond and have not 100% decided on a setting, then I am sending the diamond and this Vatche setting back to Vatche and have them remake the head for the new stone. I am not spending a bunch of money on a new temp setting!!!

 

[LLJsmom]

+ 1 to Dreamer D's comments!

And I have to say I have an all or nothing personality as well, and tend towards addictions. I run marathons, and have been injured, and haven't run much. (Thus another addiction takes it place) That should tell you something about the extreme nature of personality. Diamonds are another outlet. Before diamonds, I was still spending money, but on other luxury goods, which I now think mostly have been a waste of money. How many purses can one use at a time, and they're almost like cars. They lose 25%-30% of the value the second they leave the lot. So I look at diamonds as an investment in something that holds value, and I can pass it on proudly to my children and grandchildren. With that in mind, I will purchase only a certain quality of stone because retaining value is one of my priorities with my investing mindset. I may not be a conscientious investor in the stock market, but I would venture to say that a paying a good price on a high quality stone (or piece) is a better investment than most stocks or mutual funds these days. And if I am planning on keeping it in the family for the next 50-60 years, the value can only appreciate.

DS - I really hope that you get to the ideal stone that is in your mind's eye. The road there is part of the fun.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

+ 1 to Dreamer D's comments!

And I have to say I have an all or nothing personality as well, and tend towards addictions. I run marathons, and have been injured, and haven't run much. (Thus another addiction takes it place) That should tell you something about the extreme nature of personality. Diamonds are another outlet. Before diamonds, I was still spending money, but on other luxury goods, which I now think mostly have been a waste of money. How many purses can one use at a time, and they're almost like cars. They lose 25%-30% of the value the second they leave the lot. So I look at diamonds as an investment in something that holds value, and I can pass it on proudly to my children and grandchildren. With that in mind, I will purchase only a certain quality of stone because retaining value is one of my priorities with my investing mindset. I may not be a conscientious investor in the stock market, but I would venture to say that a paying a good price on a high quality stone (or piece) is a better investment than most stocks or mutual funds these days. And if I am planning on keeping it in the family for the next 50-60 years, the value can only appreciate.

Hmmm, I think we have a lot in common! I was never a runner, but I generally do have some kind of "special interest" at all times! But the thing that I feel very strongly about as well is the idea that each piece I buy is a future heirloom. So I do look for quality and fairly timeless styles that I think will work over time. I enjoy my jewelry much more than stock, that is for sure!

 

[LLJsmom]

+ 1 to Dreamer D's comments!

And I have to say I have an all or nothing personality as well, and tend towards addictions. I run marathons, and have been injured, and haven't run much. (Thus another addiction takes it place) That should tell you something about the extreme nature of personality. Diamonds are another outlet. Before diamonds, I was still spending money, but on other luxury goods, which I now think mostly have been a waste of money. How many purses can one use at a time, and they're almost like cars. They lose 25%-30% of the value the second they leave the lot. So I look at diamonds as an investment in something that holds value, and I can pass it on proudly to my children and grandchildren. With that in mind, I will purchase only a certain quality of stone because retaining value is one of my priorities with my investing mindset. I may not be a conscientious investor in the stock market, but I would venture to say that a paying a good price on a high quality stone (or piece) is a better investment than most stocks or mutual funds these days. And if I am planning on keeping it in the family for the next 50-60 years, the value can only appreciate.

Hmmm, I think we have a lot in common! I was never a runner, but I generally do have some kind of "special interest" at all times! But the thing that I feel very strongly about as well is the idea that each piece I buy is a future heirloom. So I do look for quality and fairly timeless styles that I think will work over time. I enjoy my jewelry much more than stock, that is for sure!

I SECOND THAT! WAYYYYYYYY MORE FUN THAN THE STOCK MARKET!!

 

[Dreamer_D]

I LOVE that, Dreamer!!! Very well said!!!

Oh, I already made the same mistake by getting the current diamond too quickly because I also felt very strange once I sent the other one back to Jonathan! So I am trying, trying to be patient and see if the AVR idea is going to work out. The ring I have is absolutely fine in every way. I just did have that feeling of knowing I had something special when I saw the AVR's, but I just wanted specs that I knew fit my preferences if I was going to spend that much money on a specialty cut. (Plus I figured out that going even a tiny bit smaller than my last diamond was certain to cause DSS...another dumb mistake!!!)

And, the other decision that I have pretty much made is that if I do get a new diamond and have not 100% decided on a setting, then I am sending the diamond and this Vatche setting back to Vatche and have them remake the head for the new stone. I am not spending a bunch of money on a new temp setting!!!

Excellent idea about changing the head on your solitaire

I do not regret for one second selling my 1.67ct, because it was not the "whole" package for me and now I have the "whole package" for much less money -- its mind clean for me. But boy oh boy was I shocked with how horrible I felt once it was gone! Not that diamond in particular, but a nice large diamond. Its funny how material things can matter when we imbue them with meaning and significance. Anyways, I am very happy and content with this ring I have, the whole enchilada. I think you will know when you get it "right", or I hope you will All this to say that I totally get why you wanted a replacement right away. I wanted that too.

 

[Kim N]

I have really been enjoying reading this thread! I came to PS looking to buy a 1/3 carat diamond. I still have that awesome 1/3 carat ACA in my original engagement ring. At the time, I thought a 1ct looked huge on me. Now, I'm looking to upgrade to a 9.5mm diamond, and I wouldn't hesitate to wear even a 10mm+! I would have thought a 10mm was way over-the-top and gaudy when I first came here. So for me, PS has definitely enabled my DSS, and, as Dreamer said, "made it seem reasonable to want" a large diamond.

I've had to be very patient in my search for this upgrade, because my budget is small for my dream size. I'm usually an instant-gratification sort of person, and I really need to try hard not to buy something to tide me over in the meantime. So DS, I too understand why you bought a replacement right away.