Fred Leighton Pink Diamond ring...(am I crazy)???

[Daisyheart]

Just wanting some opinions here...am I crazy....

My DH is being REALLY generous lately, and I really need to catch him before he changes his mind, so I need your thoughts....quick....

THE STORY ----

Ok, last year DH and I went to vegas on a "baby moon" the last trip before the birth of my first child (that I tried YEARS to conceive). Well, we went and stayed at the Bellagio. Right outside the casino is Fred Leighton Jeweler. My DH "let me go in" and I was drooling at all the stuff, but the first question I asked....."do you have any pink diamonds". I know large pink solitares are just priced crazy and I don''t really think they are worth it.... but I still really just wanted to see if they had anythink PINK... Pink is my absolute favorite color and my DH knows my love of pink....

Ok, the lady says, yes I have one, and pulls it out and it''s a petite beautiful flower "bypass" ring in all pink diamonds. The color of the stones are "light fancy pink" . They are a pretty baby pink. The ring was a size 6 (my size) and it was so adorable. At the time I didn''t know I was having a girl. The lady saw I was going gaa gaa over it, and said she''d hold it for me (my DH already had walked OUT of the store).... he said if we won enough gambling we could get it. We won nada, so I had to go in the store the next day and tell them to take it off hold.

The ring was $25,000 but they would give it to us at $20,000. The ring was made up of very small stones, the largest ones being maybe .20 points each and the total ring totalling 2 carats of pink diamonds....

A week later, I find out I''m having a "girl". I''m ecstac and ask DH if he''d get me the ring for my "baby gift" and he said that since the ring was so small, petite he didn''t think we should get it...it wasn''t worth it...

So, months later I give birth to a precious little girl - Alayna Grace (who I might add looks EXACTLY Like him) and I decide I''ll call Fred Leighton and see if the ring was STILL....there. It was, I told my DH it was FATE...he doesn''t "go for that one" he said it means "it''s a rip off" - that''s why it''s still there.....and I forget about if for a while...

NOW, my 36th b-day is coming up any day now and my daughter is 41/2 months old, and DH says....Honey, call Fred Leighton and see if they still have the ring....I about DIE.... I thought he was joking.... So I call them, and the stone is STILL THERE....(fate again) and so now it''s "on hold" for me again....

I swear it''s calling my name....

Ok, $20k is a pricey price tag for such a small ring, but since it''s a Fred Leighton and pink diamonds I can be assured it''s an absoulte one of a kind.... one of the flowers if made up of all round, and the other flower is made up of some ovals, a pear and a marquis (those are all about .15 - .20 pts each) then there are tiny rounds in the band somehow.

I know I loved the ring, but I can''t exactly remember what it looked like... I think it looked similar to this (Fred Leighton will NOT send me a picture of it). (picture attached) The top flower was kinda pointed like that, but the lower flower was just a cluster of rounds.... This is sorta a close photo from what I recall...

We MIGHT fly to Vegas for a short trip to "get it" or I might just have them send it to me...that is if I decide to get it...

So....what do you all think, am I nuts... should I just walk away from this little tiny ring, or appreciate it for it''s unique beauty and my cute story I get to tell my dear Alayna when she gets older...

What do you think... It''s all about the Fred Leighton name, but I''ve been searching for pink diamond rings for some time now and have seen them with a little round here and there, but never an entire ring...that''s so unique...

Should I get it??????????????????????

Thanks,
Trishy44

P.S. if you know of any other pictures of pink diamond rings (not solitares) to show me that would be great also...

Thanks.

 

[madrock]

IMO: If you still want the ring, call them, ask them to take some digital photos, and email them to you, then make your decision (and post them, please!).

In the meantime, think about: Do you only value things that are a "good deal?" I doubt it. I''m sure there are some ps vendors that could replicate this ring for a lot less money, if that is important. Only you can make this decision. I would rather purchase something I love (for more money) than something I''m unsure about that is a great deal.

 

[valeria101]

If you feel so strongly about this jewel, why pas it up ? The ring you describe with different shapes of pink diamonds sounds allot more intricate than the one in the picture. And even so, it would not be easy to locate matching diamonds.

No way to know if it could be had for allot less or what not, but I strongly doubt it is not a beautiful piece coming from this Jeweler.

Hard to think of a more meaningful little jewel for you daughter... There might be some other pink rings around, but none wouldn''t be that very one.

Congratulations for the happy occasion !

 

[carrot]

It sounds more like you are looking for support for a decision you have already made than for genuine advice. You would be wise to yield to your husband''s real direction.

How could this ring be so perfect if you can''t even remember what it looks like?

The information is so sketchy that it would be nearly impossible to estimate a value for the ring, but bargain does not seem to fit the picture.

If you want to know what a ring is worth, secure it with a credit card and ask the jeweler to send it to you for examination. Then take it to a local appraiser and you will get a little closer to the truth. If the jeweler will not cooperate, move on.

 

[widget]

Trishy...

I disagree with carrot:

How could this ring be so perfect if you can't even remember what it looks like?

I think it very well could be perfect because it TOUCHED YOUR HEART.

I can't think of a more appropriate symbol to represent the birth of your precious daughter...and that you fell in love with it on your "baby moon" makes it all the better. I can fast forward to the day when you give it to Alayna Grace upon the birth of YOUR first granddaughter.

That little ring could become your most treasured family heirloom of all.

I think the ring's continuing to haunt you after all this time means that it is something very special indeed....

If one must be "practical"

I think it's fair to assume that the ring is of top quality, both in construction, design, and diamonds (quality and matching.) I doubt very much that it would be "easy" to duplicate. The FL signature is itself something of value and will hold, and perhaps grow in value over the years.

In the interest of "being sensible" I checked out www.icestore.com and looked at their pink diamond rings. I saw nothing as "inexpensive" as the one you're considering. And NONE of them, regardless of their cost, could match the value of the sentiment attached to the ring your thinking about.

To me, at least, it's a no brainer. If you can afford it, go for it!!!

JMO, widget

 

[diamondlil]

If it feel right, forget the "good deal" way of thinking. Sometimes we need to throw caution to the wind and purchase an item that makes us feel good regardless of whether it''s the best price. Waiting for that, the ring will be gone, and it will be difficult to get that emotional rush with a "second-choice" ring.

DiamondLil

 

[icekid]

i agree with widget. it seems like this is a piece that you have absolutely fallen for! and with a whole lot of sentimental value too. it sounds beautiful, and really it''s worth whatever you are willing to pay for it.

i say go for it!

(and you could always try to get them to knock a couple thousand more off, if you want!)

 

[Daisyheart]

Thanks for all the responses so far...I guess I''m wishy washy on this and really just wanted some thoughts.....

Madrock...that''s the first thing I did. I called them and asked for digital photos and they said "Fred Leighton" does not do that....I guess because their pieces are so unique they don''t want to have a change to replicate. Actually, I don''t know if it could be replicated because the diamonds are pink and all the same color and all different sizes, so chances are it can''t be easily (and if it could, it probably would cost alot for them to find all the matching diamonds, then the value of the ring is shot out the window because the cost to make it goes up)...am I making sense?

I guess you''re right, I do not always purchase the "good deal" and I knew walking in the store the "good deal" was NOT going to happen. My husband bougt me a diamond bangle bracelet on our honeymoon in Hawaii at Tiffany''s once. I still remember walking in the store and seeing it wrapped around that blue pillow, and he said "you want it????"... The bracelet is soooooo overpriced, but I wouldn''t trade it for the world. And if people comment on it, I say....My Dh surpriced me with me on our Honeymoon in Hawaii. I have very fond memories of that moment.

Valeria101 - you''re right, it is more intricate. Since pink diamonds are hard to find, in the same color they diamonds are all different (ovals, marquis, pears and round) to make up the two flowers.... They picture is just and "idea" not exactly like it.. I think it would be hard to locate the diamonds as I said above... The pink color is pretty light (the manager at Fred''s said it was Light Fancy pink. She said, not Light pink, but the step above it so you could see the pink. Oh, and it''s set in rose gold.) but it''s definatley delicate and different....

Carrot - Actually, I hadn''t made the call yet to buy the ring....I''m was in this cloud of "what should I do". Really. My heart says one thing, but then when you drop alot of $$$$ on something, you natually question value. And I guess in this case, value can''t be compared... My husbands real direction at the time was, we didn''t have the money for it, and the diamonds were small. He only assocated "big diamonds" with high prices. That''s why I told him we could never get a big pink solitare ( don''t even see the value in that). We had a talk the other night when he told me I could get it, and he changed his tune and said "where can you find a unique piece that you tried on your finger on our babymoon before we knew our little baby was a girl"....He said "Get it".... But now faced with the "just pick up the phone and give them the credit card number and it''s mine"....I''m just nervous.....it''s just the $$$$$$$$$. My DH has done real well with work this year and promised me a big budget on a new large solitare ring, so I think he''s seeing the value in this piece for what "I" saw in it at the time...and not the "BLING, BLING" of it. THis ring doesn''t say BLING, it says ''bling"

The ring is definatley NOT a bargain. Most people don''t get bargain jewels around here, so I wasn''t going for that...I just thought possibly there was another pink diamond ring, unique, that maybe you guys knew of that I could compare this with.... something maybe my picture sparked your mind about.... Carrot, the ring is close to that picture in styling, I liked it at the time, and it looked good on my hand, because it was sooooooooo unusual, I couldn''t remember all it''s details, so I guess I can''t have you speculate on the value of it....I was just saying....2 carats of very small pink diamonds with about 6 stones being .15 - .20 points and all the rest being small rounds....
I guess I meant the ring was perfect for the situation....(Most people who try on, lets say a Tacori setting and even wear it around for a while in the store, can''t come home and exactly describe the ring". There''s too much going on, by my picture is a good idea of the styling...I just don''t remember what stones are where...

Ok, after reading all the posts I think I''m going to get it...Ugh.....I''m so nervous. I told my DH it''s like a little piece of art..... The story isn''t as sweet as the honeymoon, since he walked out of the store and didn''t think it was worth it at the time.....but he definatley sees some value in it now or he wouldn''t have mentoned it again....Maybe our beautiful little daughter changed his mind..... I don''t know.... this is my mother''s day/birthday present he said .....

I''ll let you know how this goes.... Thanks for ALL the responses....

Trishy44

 

[solange]

Fred Leighton''s main store is in Manhattan. I''ve dealt with them in the past. I do not know if the original owners are still there ( It was a husband and wife and the wife was Gloria). They were very accommodating and they probably have the best selection there and also access to the rings from their other stores.
It might be that you could do better if you deal with the owners.
Gloria was very accommodating when I was last there.
They used to have a small store in my neighborhood (Greenwich Village) but they now handle extraordinary pieces.
It might be a good idea to contact the New York store since they have had that ring for quite a while in Las Vegas.

Good luck. I once passed on a beautiful gold and diamond piece that Gloria had given me an extraordinary deal on and have always been sorry.

Good luck.

 

[rocks]

i agree with solange. i live near fred leighton on madison, and the sales people here are quite accomodating. looking at it from their prespective, i''m sure they see alot of people who are not serious, especially in las vegas.

i''d give them a call.

 

[DolceVita]

I have nothing to contribute, except WOW. Wow Wow Wow.

 

[KittenKat]

Fred Leighton is someone you cannot go wrong with!

If you love it that much and can afford it... you only live once.

I''m having a ring made with pink diamonds - and it was a similar reaction that you had when I first saw yours. I fell in love!

 

[RockDoc]

Trishy

I would consider contacting Neil - Denver Appraiser ( I think he is the closest appraiser to Vegas) and see if you can make arrangements with him to review your purchase. Shame you didn''t make this decision last week, as the jewelry show was in Vegas and he was there. Sure he would have stopped by and given the ring a quick look for you.

You could ask the seller (Fred) to send it to him (depending on their refund policy) or have him travel to the store to see it.

You might also want to talk to Ariel at Ice Store to see if he could come up with something that could be made for you.

Ariel is very knowledgeable about such diamonds (fancy color ones), and he may have some input that would be meangful for you.

Rockdoc

 

[pinkangel]

I think you''d be crazy NOT to go for it.

The piece has obviously stolen your heart, and you love it.

Oh to have a Fred Leighton pink diamond piece....WOW!!!

I most sincerely wish it were ME having this dilema

I love pink diamonds and dream of the day I will own one myself. Go for it, and post pictures the minute you get it!

 

[Kaleigh]

I say go for it!!! You absolutely love it, so why not get it??

 

[DonaBella]

Do what feels right...try not to get too lost in your lust for this diamond that you lose sight of what your hubby feels...ask him...get him to talk to you and really listen. After hearing what he says, reiterate how this diamond makes you feel, the heirloom possibilities for your daughter,and the timing and availability of it all.

After all of that emotional and factual ambushing, he will more than likely see things YOUR way...but convince him HE''S right about it.(Hee! Hee!)

Good luck!!!

 

[blueroses]

If the ring really spoke to you, then I think you should go with your gut. It represents something so wonderful, and will always be a symbol of the joy your daughter has brought you....

Are there other rings you could get for the same money? Sure....but this one already has significance for you, and it sounds now like your husband wants to get it for you.

You''re not crazy--it''s become more than just a ring for you, and if you have the means to get it, then why not!

 

[Ukieza]

Wow, this is really a dilemna.. heh.

I say, get it. But, with the exception that if you do, you will not feel guilty for spending the cash. I know nothing about pink diamonds and it seems like a lot of money to me but then again. I''m fresh to the whole jewelry thing.

For me, if I buy something totally expensive in my mind, it because a sore point and I end up regretting it and not wanting it later. But I don''t think this is the case since you already are attached to the piece and you haven''t even bought it. Man-o-man, this is a lesson for me. No letting the little lady go into an expensive jewelry store. haha!

Ukieza

 

[Ukieza]

Oh, btw, that reference picture you posted. I like it. I like it a lot. Most of the rings I see on the sight I can''t say I really care for. I like simple and not too antique-y looking. Too much is horrible looking to me.

I like that ring you have shown. If your pink ring is similar to this, you have something I approve of (not that you needed my approval but... hehe)

Ukieza

 

[valeria101]

Matched diamonds of different shapes and sizes look allot nicer to me than calibrated... that the respective look belongs to hand made old or exceptional pieces must be helping.

You go Girl... and show us !

 

[Nicrez]

Personally, I feel that certain "overpriced" items can become heirloom pieces much easier than non-branded items. Looking at estate sales in auction houses, the pieces that go for the most are usually the branded ones. Why? Branding can go a long way to the buyer, whomever that is. If you are looking for a "deal" don''t buy branded jewelery and expect cheap prices. You get quality assurances from branding and I know that Fred Leighton has quality.

If the price is the issue, discuss that with your husbandm but it seems he gave you the green light. With a green light, and a beautiful pink ring at the end of the road, I see only pretty handshots and a lovely heirloom piece for your daughter in the works!

Rest assured the value of a ring is not determined by it''s price tag, but by the many happy years of wear. It''s a luxury item, so be luxurious and GET IT!

 

[MrsFrk]

I can tell by the tone of your post that your longing for this ring is never going to go away. The symbolism of it is huge, falling in love with it while you were on your ''babymoon'', and then having Alayna. What a wonderful story you will be able to share with her, and your grandchildren!

Your husband brought it up, so obviously he has been thinking about it too. Get it. Or you''ll probably always regret it.

 

[widget]

I can''t get over thinking about your babymoon ring!

I''m so in love with the whole idea that it "spoke" to you even when you didn''t know you were having a girl!

Nicrez has a great point. I collect estate pieces, and I know that those signed by a major house command a BIG premium in the resale market...not that you''d ever consider reselling it!

I''m sure I''m getting carried away here, but I think the little ring you''re considering is in some ways MORE PRECIOUS than a big honker!

Pictures are of course absolutely mandatory!!

widget

 

[Jewels]

I say go for it. You won''t regret it. You will be able to tell this beautiful story to your daughter when she is older and she will be able to tell it to her children. The ring sounds beautiful and I think it is worth the price tag for the name, uniqueness and the well matched stones. This is not a Tiffany 6 prong ring, this is a very unique piece and IMO it''s worth it.

Why not call the store and try to negotiate for one last time. Say, ask them to sell it for $19K. It doesn''t hurt to ask.

Also, congratulations on being a mother, it''s the best gift. No diamonds or money in the world can make us mothers feel more fulfilled than seeing our children sleeping in their beds at night after a long and hectic day.

 

[Jennifer5973]

Is it overprice for what it is? Probably. But the value of this piece is far beyond monetary worth. I know from experience that once a piece is in your mind and your heart, you never let it go. If you have the means, I say indulge yourself.

 

[ame]

If you can''t swing the 20K have something similar made. But I believe THAT ring is sentimental to you so you should get it.

 

[Art Nouveau]

trishy44,

Your ''baby moon'' story is beautiful. It sounds to me like you cannot get this ring out of your head. If your husband gives you the green light, go for it. It may be a bit over prized, but if it''s within your means, why not. If you try to get a cheaper copy, you won''t love it as much, and when you give the ring to your daughter later, it will not be as meaningful. Besdies, as Widget said, Fred Leighton''s name is worth something if you ever wish to sell the ring. Try to negotiate the price down a bit more, but you probably won''t get more than 25% off the ticket price. I know this store is willing to give some discount because in 2000, when we were in Vegas, my hushand bought me a pair of lovely diamond dangling earrings with 3 briolettes on each side from this Fred Leighton Store. It was a bit expensive, but it''s my favorite pair of diamond earrings and I have no regrets over paying a bit for them.

Art Nouveau

 

[Ukieza]

Any news on this?

Ukieza

 

[Patty]

Whoo Hoo on the happy ending to this story!

THE RING!