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Does size matter?

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Dan89

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 27, 2014
Messages
6
Now that I got your attention... Do girls go around gloating about the size of the rock on their finger? Or, do all their friends actually give a damn and it's a game of 'who's is bigger?'

I only ask as I was a bit of an amateur when I bought my soon-to-be-wife a 1.20 total carat princess cut ring (center rock 1.05 E/VS2). Anyways... She took it to get appraised without the certificate ( to put her jeweler to the test) and he thought it was more around the 3/4 mark by his eyesight. Then the calipers came and he said: yes, at an estimate would be 1 carat. Slightly more depth. He agreed with clarity, color he graded as an F. The ring cost me about 300 hours of work which I think was a fair price.

Now that I'm a bit of an armchair expert with diamonds (this even sickens me how much I've learned) I realize it probably 'should' have been GIA certified, but my stubbornness at the time overwhelmed any advice I had then. We both are happy with the ring and I think that is all that matters. We are both the joking sort of type however, so if she says it's too small, then I will be like we are upgrading :dance:

Hard for me to get some pics of it as she lives over where it snows and I live down under.

Short time reader, First time poster. Thanks for all the interesting reads on here.
 
The majority of the jewellery I own now were bought by myself, and knew their specifications when I bought them.

If asked I would tell peeps about the specs if I can still remember the details. And yes, I still remember my pride and joy which is an emerald cut diamond that was my 40th birthday present to myself. However, I would only reveal the details if asked.

DK :))
 
I don't know anyone who gloats about the size of their diamond! I also don't run in any circles where friends discuss the size of their diamonds, although that is just my personal experience.

I do notice the rings of others and, when newly engaged, it is acceptable (and sometimes expected!) to ask to see the ring close up. Ring/stone factors that stand out to me, among friends: Cut (dull and super-bright diamonds stand out), Size (on the extreme ends, very small and very large; if the same shape, I can estimate size compared to mine); and Setting (really bad and interesting, well-done settings catch my attention).

I also notice how the wearer feels about their ring. I can tell you that it is not all about size to people - there are a variety of factors that go into making a ring, and if it's going to be worn every day, it should be what the wearer loves (imagine wearing the same outfit every day!). If it isn't right, then chances are, it won't be worn long-term. I like for everyone to be happy with their ring, because I know the frustration of feeling like I had to wear something, mere inches and feet away from my face that I had to look at all day, that needed to have some changes made. Here is an example: I knew a newly-engaged person who received a three-stone oval ring that was sparkly, with sizable (not too huge/chunky) stones, and was well-executed in the sense that the stones went well together and the setting looked nice. It was elegant. However, I could tell she was not comfortable with it, while everyone else was commenting on its beauty or size. I assumed it was maybe too blingy for her, as she seemed kind of like a tomboy. Some time later, a friend of hers received a princess engagement ring and she said something like, "Princesses are the best." So that was the issue - completely wrong shape. She probably would have been thrilled with a medium-sized princess. This is why many on Pricescope ask what the wearer's preferences are on shape, size, color, clarity, and setting, to try to come up with the best match with a well-cut diamond within budget.

If you both are happy with the brightness/cut of the diamond, then that is good. Only AGS grades light performance for princesses. GIA does not (but the carat, color, and clarity info helps confirm what the diamond actually is/what you are paying for). Usually a princess takes a little more research than a round to find a well-performing one.
 
To some women, yes. It depends on who you associate yourself with, but I've seen some fugly 2.0+ carat MRB that suck. With my knowledge and stones I've chosen past and present for my wife, hers poops on their stones. Some people buy just for carat weight without knowing anything about the stone or how depth can affect stones for example.

If you and your wife are happy that's all that matters, happy wife... Happy life. Who cares what others think, but people secretly compare all the time
 
No one ever asks the size of my diamond and I never ask anyone. If wife is happy then all is good!
 
It matters to me what I have for my own purposes. But I don't care about what other people have, and I don't compare size. I do compare quality and wonder why people rank specific things over others. But man do I know people who DO care about size over quality and gloat and freak out if anyone gets bigger in the circle.
 
I've never noticed it particular matter here in Oz. I'd say the average ring is <1ct anyway. My diamond is only 0.25ct and probably so teeny no one has ever even noticed it to comment! :lol: My coloured stone rings on the other hand... :naughty:

As long as your Fiance is happy that is all that matters. :bigsmile:
 
Yeah I think Australia gets reamed with everything price wise and diamonds are no different. I went into Michael hills and their solitaires were 1ct, I1 and J colors for 8,000. Not sure of the cut details as I was a newb at the time. I think every guy lives by that theory happy wife, happy life hahah. Hard for me to REALLY know what she thinks of it, she is 22 over in the states and has a friend base that's ripe for all the comparing and gossip mill. I'm not on facebook, I have zero interest in it so not sure that she posted pics of it although I'm sure she has (selfie, pic a minute type girl lol) Of course I trust her word that she likes it, I just always had a lingering thought does the bling matter and what do others think of it. I know no amount of Dollars spent show love and commitment but what others perceive it as.

So general consensus is size does not matter, unlike some other things in life :Up_to_something:
 
When I got engaged I don't remember anyone asking how big it was just comments on how nice it was .;. (simple solitaire). Now depending on the are or state you live in the girls might discuss size before or a wish list of specs but I think most are still given their ring as surprise
 
Everyone asked me my diamonds specs. Size, color, clarity... you name it. People were very nosey.

I think if it is within budget (without debt) it is a good idea to stick the stone sizes that are the norm for a person's social group.
 
Size matters in a number of ways.

1. It's the most easily seen and understood thing for most people. A lot of people, especially men, view the engagement ring as an opportunity to show off financial success or one-up people. The diamond industry obviously encourages this since it makes them more money.

2. Personal style. My mother would never be caught dead in a big diamond because she hates gaudiness and is very understated in her personal style. Many people, meanwhile, would gladly have a huge diamond. I prefer wearing stones between 1 and 3 carats, so I wouldn't want a diamond that is 10 carats or something.

3. Whether a diamond faces up appropriately for its carat weight is important as it has to do with both light return and pricing.

AFAIK no one DISCUSSES the size (except close friends, I guess), but it's easily visible so people probably think about it. I mean, if you ever visit a wedding forum, all sorts of recently-engaged women with smaller diamonds report that they're upset that the compliment their ring gets is that it's "cute," which is usually what's said when the person really means "small." And you also see that there are people who want X size no matter how crappy a diamond they have to have in order to get it, or people who want X size and get a CZ and just TELL people it's a diamond. Idk. So it matters. How much and in what way depends on whose opinion you're using as a yardstick.
 
Size means nothing if IT does not perform.. :wink2: women don't like the dead looking ones... :wink2:
 
1 carat and 1.05 carat is close enough. He may have initially thought it was a .75 because he's more used to seeing rounds. Princess cuts face up slightly smaller than a round; although not quite that much smaller.

Do girls talk about it? Sort of, and it depends on the group. I don't think anyone - who's considered a friend - would lord their ring over the others. However, do people compare it in their minds or with their husbands? I'm sure they do.

Size is one of the most noticeable aspects, next to the cut/sparkliness. Color and clarity is probably next - unless either is very poor or very obvious, like an S color or I2.

We would love to see some pictures of this lovely ring if you get a chance though!
 
After I proposed, fiance didn't want to look gaudy or anything, but the "big news" did got out. When one of her friend invited her over for dinner with several other people we don't know, while sitting and eating, she grabbed my fiance's hand to show the ring to the people at the dinner that we don't know and was like "WHOW, this ring put our ring to shame". It made us feel weird as we didn't want to be showie or anything.

I think the diamond size is appropriate for her because we've been together for 12 years, I've been spending on big boy toys and boat etc etc, so it's not right for me to cheap out on the ring.

But in general, people do compare even not in front of your face, they secretly compares it. But that was definitely not our intention.
 
Of course size matters ::)

First - long-distance is HARD!! And it doesn't get longer-distance than that - good for you both for making it work!!

I think any social group of people will find something to compare with. In my "real-world" circles absolutely noone cares about jewellery, so there's no comparing of jewels or rocks of any sort, but OMG I had no idea people felt so strongly about hardwood for flooring and cabinetry!
We're confirmed plebeians in our choices on that front, BTW :bigsmile:
 
I would say that size does matter, but much more than that, it's about the cut (and colour and clarity).

It actually makes me very uncomfortable when people ask how many carats my diamond is. It happens more often than I could have ever predicted, and it always catches me off-guard. I actually think it's very rude. No stranger would ever ask your age or weight, or your income, so why something so personal (and with financial implications)?
 
I don't like that question either. I always just tell them - "It's big enough!" haha.

That's usually enough.
 
ice empress|1417213380|3791991 said:
I would say that size does matter, but much more than that, it's about the cut (and colour and clarity).

It actually makes me very uncomfortable when people ask how many carats my diamond is. It happens more often than I could have ever predicted, and it always catches me off-guard. I actually think it's very rude. No stranger would ever ask your age or weight, or your income, so why something so personal (and with financial implications)?
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Although I have never asked anyone what the size is of their diamond, people have asked me about my pear (hopefully they won't ask about my CTO CBI and just admire its beauty). I've also been asked about my older tennis bracelet although no one has asked about the FIY one I recently bought from Wink. It has made me uncomfortable as well. Once on a cruise ship in Tahiti, several women backed me into a corner to admire my jewelry and it made me very uncomfortable as I wear jewelry for my own enjoyment, not to impress others.

I'll be honest, I think size does matter, but it is also balanced with the other 3 Cs. If it didn't, I wouldn't have been initially disappointed that my CTO CBI came out 2.21 ct instead of 2.30+ ct. However, size is not the first thing I go for. I like high color diamonds (have owned D, E, and F) and because of that I sacrifice size for higher color. I can only imagine how much larger I could have gone if I purchased I/J instead of D, E, or F. Cut is also very important for me and that is why I chose to go with a CTO CBI diamond. It is not only SuperIdeal, Hearts & Arrows, AGS0, but hits the bulls eye on the AGS cut charts.
 
For me no, I like big or small as long as it is really sparkly!
 
When I got engaged my friends were happy for me and never asked about my ring. Acquaintances and work associates would occasionally ask about the size. It was not a high performing diamond as far as HCA was concerned but it was very sparkly and it was larger than most of the diamonds that my friends and colleagues at work my age were receiving. I always wanted a superior cut stone and actually asked hubby for a smaller stone with a better cut when we were still dating, but he thought bigger was better. I loved it because he gave it to me, but I am so glad that I do have my BGD Blue now. I am looking to upgrade if possible, but will probably only add .15-.25 in carat weight and will get a better color grade.

Personally, I don't care about having the biggest diamond. I do notice large and/or sparkly rings and beautiful settings- why? Because they are large and sparkly but I would feel self conscious wearing a large diamond. Cut is king for me.

My cousin (American) who is married to a German man, received a beautiful platinum band with a (probably) a .25 ct round diamond as her engagement ring. I was so happy for her and it never crossed my mind that the diamond might be considered small. It was beautiful, elegant and totally them. After I told her how beautiful it was and so on and so forth, she commented that I was the only one who did not comment on the size of the stone or ask if it was typical of a European engagement ring.
 
Yssie|1417213287|3791977 said:
Of course size matters ::)

First - long-distance is HARD!! And it doesn't get longer-distance than that - good for you both for making it work!!

I think any social group of people will find something to compare with. In my "real-world" circles absolutely noone cares about jewellery, so there's no comparing of jewels or rocks of any sort, but OMG I had no idea people felt so strongly about hardwood for flooring and cabinetry!
We're confirmed plebeians in our choices on that front, BTW :bigsmile:
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This! I have a 1ct, 2 ct and a 5ct diamond that I alternate in wearing. most of my friends dont' care- well the 5ct can generate attention but still they never usually ask. However if we get started on a topic about cars, vacations or schools you send your kids too then apparently it does get competitive in our circle. Something I'm still scratching my head over. :lol:
 
Obviously size matters. Jewelry (like cars, houses, handbags, etc.) can be status symbols, so in that sense, bigger (and/or more expensive) is considered to be better. It's no surprise (to me) that your jeweler initially thought her diamond was smaller - princess cuts look smaller than other cuts (like rounds) of the same size.
As far as women 'gloating" about their diamonds, no, grown women don't go around holding their rings up on display (unless you
are newly engaged when a little gloating is acceptable). However, some people might think that simply wearing a large rock is gloating, so some of this has to do with one's perceptions of the person wearing the ring (in other words, they might presume that someone wearing a large diamond is gloating when they are actually not). There are times when as women, we appreciate the rings of others, but that's different from shallow gloating - it's more of a genuine appreciation for something lovely.
 
I never outright tell people the carat size of my diamond but I've been asked many times and I don't mind telling people. I'm happy to have one of the largest out of my circle of friends but it's certainly not a competition! They all know I'm obsessed and would expect nothing less!
 
I never outright tell people the carat size of my diamond but I've been asked many times and I don't mind telling people. I'm happy to have one of the largest out of my circle of friends but it's certainly not a competition! They all know I'm obsessed and would expect nothing less!
 
it's only mentioned/discussed when the person first get engaged or it may be brought up with another person gets engaged and people start mentioning other people's diamonds as reference.

but i feel like nobody constantly talks about it anymore....after the phase is over, people are all talking about their new born babies and other things in life...
 
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