Down to the wire, still a few decisions.

[mobius8]

They guy (Josh) @ JA said he thought it to be a really good stone and that he would recommend it.
He is also a salesperson though I''m sure, so I don''t know if he would really say anything negative about his product.
He said very eye clean. No visible cloudiness. Very nice stone.

 

[Ellen]

If he said that, I would believe him. I understand what you''re saying about him being a salesman, but you have to realize also, they have a reputation (good) to uphold, and, they don''t want a stone coming right back because it wasn''t what you wanted/what they said it was.

 

[mobius8]

Okay, you guys are going to hate me.
I went back again today and looked at the cushion vs. round in the setting. The cushion looks great.
Should I try negotiating with the local guys?

I'm sorry that I seem so indecisive here, and I REALLY appreciate the effort that you are all putting in to help me with this HUGE purchase.
This is more money than I would spend on a car, so you have no idea how much your assistance means to me.

 

[Ellen]

First of all, we don''t hate you.

This IS a big decision, so I/we understand.

If you''re loving the look of the cushion, sure, no reason not to try negotiating. They should go down some if they want your business, and it''s not out of the question to try to get a better price. You can either start out low and go back and forth until you hopefully reach a mutual price, or, just tell them your top dollar and say that''s it.

 

[:)]

Mobius, no worries at all - we are happy to help - you need to find something you feel excited about and if it is the cushion, then so be it! You are right it is a lot of $$ so you are smart to be a careful consumer. Try running the general specs through the price comparison button at the top under ''prices'' so that you can get a general idea of pricing so that you can negotiate. Prices will likely be a little bit higher as the person you are looking at has a store front/overhead, but it is not unreasonable to negotiate at all. If that fails (or is not to your satisfaction), then you can always call Mark at Engagement Rings Direct, commonly referred to as ''the cushion guy'' around here!

 

[Cleo]

Hey, we don''t hate you! We''ve all been there, and it''s a big, scary decision to make. You''re just being smart with your money and we don''t blame you.

It''s a pleasure to help someone like you, who has got more sense than to plonk down a huge wad of cash in a B&M jeweller on a ring that seems to look nice under the bright store lights, without knowing the first thing about what they bought.

Do make sure you compare the cushions/rounds under all sorts of lighting, because store lights really can make anything twinkle. Try fluorescent lighting, daylight (if possible) and really low lighting (shade the stones with your hand, or under something).

GOG has a variety of cushions, as well as something called a ''cushette'', which I know another PSers has (do a search for pics if you''re interested). Jon isn''t going to get upset with you either...

x x x

 

[mobius8]

Yeah, both times I went in to look at it I looked at it under their halogen display lights. Fluorescent. Natural light by the door. Covered it with my hand.
I brought my own loupe but then they put it under the microscope too. Where it looked GREAT. I couldn''t spot ANY carbon, just tiny little.....feathers, I think they are called.

 

[mobius8]

I think I''m gonna go with the local cushion.
I''m also liking that this cushion is an 8mm elongated cut. So it looks bigger than it is.
Please chime in if you have any objections I should consider.

Only thing is, I asked her to quote me with tax and everything. She handwrote this and didn''t expressly say tax on it. So that could be a problem.
They quoted me 12,250
I''m gonna tell them I can do 12 even OUT THE DOOR and see if they want the business.
I think that will be a fair price for me and fair for them since I''m paying AMEX.

Let me know your ideas people.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/22/2008 3:56:11 PM
Author: mobius8
I think I''m gonna go with the local cushion.
I''m also liking that this cushion is an 8mm elongated cut. So it looks bigger than it is.
Please chime in if you have any objections I should consider.

Only thing is, I asked her to quote me with tax and everything. She handwrote this and didn''t expressly say tax on it. So that could be a problem.
They quoted me 12,250
I''m gonna tell them I can do 12 even OUT THE DOOR and see if they want the business.
I think that will be a fair price for me and fair for them since I''m paying AMEX.

Let me know your ideas people.

Call her first and verify. Get the price of just the stone, then knock so much off.

It sounds like you really looked the cushion over well mobius. You''ve done your homework, now go get em!

And let us know what happens.

 

[mobius8]

Went back once more today. My Mom happened to be in town today so I took her to get her opinion.
The salesgirl I had worked with was out. We looked at the stone anyway.
I asked to leave a message for her to call me.
She called. I offered 12k even, out the door.
She said she would call me back on Tuesday and I''m pretty sure they will accept.
It''s over budget but it just WORKS, and looks SPECTACULAR and I think it''s a fair deal for me and the retailer.

I''ll keep you posted.

THANK YOU GUYS

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/22/2008 8:25:57 PM
Author: mobius8
Went back once more today. My Mom happened to be in town today so I took her to get her opinion.
The salesgirl I had worked with was out. We looked at the stone anyway.
I asked to leave a message for her to call me.
She called. I offered 12k even, out the door.
She said she would call me back on Tuesday and I'm pretty sure they will accept.
It's over budget but it just WORKS, and looks SPECTACULAR and I think it's a fair deal for me and the retailer.

I'll keep you posted.

THANK YOU GUYS

Well if you're happy, and (hopefully) they're happy, that's all that really matters.

*fingers crossed*

We'll be waiting, and you're very welcome!

 

[mobius8]

In looking around briefly on here it seems that CHUBB is the way to go for insuring this piece once it is complete.
Do the experts agree?

Also an etiquette question.
I know we will be getting married and we will probably have individual bank accounts and a joint "house" account for bills and whatnot. Who do you think should pay the insurance?
Me, her, or house?

Thanks!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/23/2008 1:45:44 PM
Author: mobius8
In looking around briefly on here it seems that CHUBB is the way to go for insuring this piece once it is complete.
Do the experts agree?

Also an etiquette question.
I know we will be getting married and we will probably have individual bank accounts and a joint ''house'' account for bills and whatnot. Who do you think should pay the insurance?
Me, her, or house?

Thanks!

Your searching will probably give you more info than you''ll get in here mobius. My stuff is on a seperate rider with my homeowners and car.

As to the second question, I don''t really know how to answer that. I''m not a fan of his, hers and ours. We have one checking account and one savings account in our house. But I know your way works for many!

 

[mobius8]

I will look into the rider. I had just "heard" that they don''t pay as well if something does happen. But that may not be true.

Thanks Ellen!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/23/2008 5:03:28 PM
Author: mobius8
I will look into the rider. I had just ''heard'' that they don''t pay as well if something does happen. But that may not be true.

Thanks Ellen!

It depends, there are some companies that take care of their clients better than others. I talked with my agent and let him know I would want to replace with the co.''s I have bought from, and he said that''s the way most clients want it. I also have enough info on my Ering that it would prove just about impossible for them to find a replacement diamond, especially at the price I can. So there''s two things you should do. Talk to the ins. co.''s, and make sure you have a very detailed appraisal.

And you''re welcome!

 

[Lynn B]

Date: 8/23/2008 1:45:44 PM
Author: mobius8
Also an etiquette question.
I know we will be getting married and we will probably have individual bank accounts and a joint 'house' account for bills and whatnot. Who do you think should pay the insurance?
Me, her, or house?

Thanks!


My humble opinion? The house account. Definitely not the "her" account, anyway!!!

 

[:)]

 

[mobius8]

Date: 8/24/2008 1:06:11 PM
Author:

Why so happy? : - )

 

[:)]

Date: 8/24/2008 3:39:01 PM
Author: mobius8

Date: 8/24/2008 1:06:11 PM
Author:

Why so happy? : - )

For you You found your ring! That made me happy!

 

[mobius8]

Date: 8/24/2008 4:17:35 PM
Author:

Date: 8/24/2008 3:39:01 PM

Author: mobius8

Date: 8/24/2008 1:06:11 PM

Author:

Why so happy? : - )

For you You found your ring! That made me happy!

Well, Thank you!
I am happy also. I can''t wait ''til they call me on Tuesday so I can get the ball rolling.
Now I have to decide about the proposal.
I have a nice, relatively elaborate New Years plan if I can wait until then.
Or, we are taking a short vacation in about 3 weeks and I could do it then. It just wouldn''t be very elaborate.

 

[stone_seeker]

new years????

dont wait that long. the ring will be burning a hole in your pocket between now and then.

 

[mobius8]

Date: 8/24/2008 5:57:49 PM
Author: stone_seeker
new years????


dont wait that long. the ring will be burning a hole in your pocket between now and then.

Okay, here is the idea I had. We go out for breakfast. Afterwards I put her in a chauffeured Towncar for the day. Engraved notecards with clever things on them each step of the way. She gets a FULL day at the spa. Head to toe. Massage, mani, pedi, maybe hair also.
She gets taken to a nice mall or shop with the arrangement to pick out the outfit she likes prepaid.
She is taken to a hotel in a nearby big city. Rose petals. Candles. Bath waiting. She changes. (still notecards telling her what to do) and meets me for dinner.
I pop the question at the precise timing for her YES to have new years fireworks in the background.
And possibly a photographer on hand.

Now, I can wait for that. Or I can try to come up with something else to do on the 4 day cruise we are taking next month in an unfamiliar area.
I don''t want to wait. But I don''t think I can get clever enough in 3 weeks.

 

[stone_seeker]

that is very elaborate and would be nice if it all went to plan. seems like a lot of room for possible issues along the way. also, is this supposed to be a surprise? she might think something is up.

also, new years eve is on a wednesday. does she work?

this is all personal preference but when there is so much logistics involved, i would be nervous. A cruise could be beautiful if you will be docked at an island for a day or so. just my worthless 2 cents - this is your girl and i wish you luck.

 

[mobius8]

Date: 8/24/2008 9:02:17 PM
Author: stone_seeker
that is very elaborate and would be nice if it all went to plan. seems like a lot of room for possible issues along the way. also, is this supposed to be a surprise? she might think something is up.


also, new years eve is on a wednesday. does she work?


this is all personal preference but when there is so much logistics involved, i would be nervous. A cruise could be beautiful if you will be docked at an island for a day or so. just my worthless 2 cents - this is your girl and i wish you luck.

You are correct. Room for muck ups. But I think I can pull it off.
It would be a surprise and I would need to get her boss to get in on this with me and approve those 2 days off.

If you or anyone else has good suggestions of how to do it during the cruise I would love to hear them. Thanks!

 

[katamari]

Date: 8/24/2008 8:16:40 PM
Author: mobius8
Okay, here is the idea I had. We go out for breakfast. Afterwards I put her in a chauffeured Towncar for the day. Engraved notecards with clever things on them each step of the way. She gets a FULL day at the spa. Head to toe. Massage, mani, pedi, maybe hair also.

She gets taken to a nice mall or shop with the arrangement to pick out the outfit she likes prepaid.

She is taken to a hotel in a nearby big city. Rose petals. Candles. Bath waiting. She changes. (still notecards telling her what to do) and meets me for dinner.

I pop the question at the precise timing for her YES to have new years fireworks in the background.

Can you talk to my SO? This sounds wonderful

This does sound like a fantastic idea, but I think she will know what is happening and it will ruin any surprise, if that is what you are after. Plus, NYE will always be a special day. If you propose on the vacation, you can have another day in the year you can celebrate.

You might want to call the activities director of the cruise line. I am sure they could arrange lots of special moments for you--particularly if you want a romantic dinner, or are docked, like stone_seeker suggested.

 

[Darthkim]

Hi Mobius,

Congratulations! I have a good idea of what your going through, as i just finished ordering an e-ring. It had to be the most nerve wracking time of my life.

Just in case it doesn''t work out with the cushion...

regarding this stone, http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4316/ I actually saw this live, when i visited NY recently. Its a beautiful stone, definitely eye clean, an H&A. There is a very very slight warmth to it (and possibly why it was rated a J). but a great deal. I was between that one and two other stones... and it ended up coming as a close second. Even as my e-ring is getting made, i''m still debating whether i should get the 1.5. (i ended up with a 1.3 H IF from GOG)

Hope this helps. Good luck!

 

[mobius8]

Date: 8/25/2008 12:36:44 AM
Author: katamari
Can you talk to my SO? This sounds wonderful

This does sound like a fantastic idea, but I think she will know what is happening and it will ruin any surprise, if that is what you are after. Plus, NYE will always be a special day. If you propose on the vacation, you can have another day in the year you can celebrate.


You might want to call the activities director of the cruise line. I am sure they could arrange lots of special moments for you--particularly if you want a romantic dinner, or are docked, like stone_seeker suggested.

Yeah, I''m sure she would figure it out during the course of the day. But it would still be a good experience for her. Perhaps I''ll bring the ring on the cruise and just see what happens.
I may try your idea of calling the cruise director, as they will probably know of nice romantic things at each port.

Thanks!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/24/2008 8:16:40 PM
Author: mobius8


Okay, here is the idea I had. We go out for breakfast. Afterwards I put her in a chauffeured Towncar for the day. Engraved notecards with clever things on them each step of the way. She gets a FULL day at the spa. Head to toe. Massage, mani, pedi, maybe hair also.
She gets taken to a nice mall or shop with the arrangement to pick out the outfit she likes prepaid.
She is taken to a hotel in a nearby big city. Rose petals. Candles. Bath waiting. She changes. (still notecards telling her what to do) and meets me for dinner.
I pop the question at the precise timing for her YES to have new years fireworks in the background.
And possibly a photographer on hand.

I absolutely adore this idea mobius. How utterly thoughtful and romantic! Yes, she''ll probably get a bit suspicious, and yes, something might not go quite right. But really, if I were her, that wouldn''t even matter, because you put so much time and effort into this, and that would override anything else. I''m impressed.

 

[mobius8]

Ellen,
I take it you think I should try to wait and execute my original idea?
Any exra "icing on the cake" suggestions you can think of?

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/26/2008 12:20:12 AM
Author: mobius8
Ellen,
I take it you think I should try to wait and execute my original idea?
Any exra ''icing on the cake'' suggestions you can think of?

lol Any more icing on this cake and it''s going to start sliding off!

I think your plan is perfect, really.

And if you want to do this on NYE, go for it! I think it would be very special.



And today is Tuesday! Hope you get good news!