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Getting a bit overwhelmed.

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Caleb R

Rough_Rock
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Jan 14, 2009
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Ok, I''ve read a whole lot about getting a ring, I feel like I know a whole lot more than when I started, but I''m still pretty confused. Part of the problem is that I''m not sure what style of ring my girlfriend will like the most. I could just ask her, but I feel like it would be better if I just picked something myself and surprised her.

Ok, so my budget is 3 to 5k. I figure it''s best if I just focus on the diamond and not the setting. I don''t even know what shape of diamond I want. I don''t know if I should just go to a jewelry store or look online. I''m looking at whiteflash.com, is there a better place to go?

Basically any advice would be appreciated.
 
Well, my boyfriend and I have been going through the process together. And what we did is start by looking in stores to get an idea of stone sizes and settings. Then we went online after we had a pretty good idea of what we wanted. We''re going to end up buying the diamond online and then probably the setting in a local jewelry store and having it set there.
 
Also, what some guys do, when they are not sure about what setting she would like, is to get the diamond and have it set in a really plain (inexpensive) setting to propose with and then let her pick out the setting afterwards.
 
Maybe you could have a mutual friend do some investigative work or does she have a sister/cousin/mom that could give you an idea of what your GF would like?

I totally understand you want to do the traditional surprise proposal but she''s going to be wearing this ring everyday for the rest of her life so you want to make sure she likes it. To a lot of men, a diamond is a diamond but a lot of women dream about what their e-ring will look like for a long time.
 
Do you know if you GF prefers a round or square stone? The two most common diamond shapes are round brilliant (RB) and square (Princess). When in doubt round seems to be the safest choice although a friend might have heard her mention a preference.

As far as the setting goes, you can get an inexpensive one six-prong tiffany style and let her change out the setting for an anniversary or before the wedding. Some fellas propose with the stone and let their gal pick the setting. It's up to you. You have a nice budget to work with. Now's the time to educate yourself about stones. Here are some places to look.

Whiteflash

Good Old Gold

James Allen

Winfield's
 
Here's my advice. Try to gather the basic information below, #3 is something you should know already. Then come on here and we'll help you put it all together best we can.

1. Round or Square Shape ( at a basic level, like swingirl said) preference. Have friends, mom, sister inqure.

2. Second, how important is the size of the diamond (verus other things).

3. Her personality, clothing taste, and decorating style? Traditional, Modern, Vintage, Funky (unique), clean lines, romantic, tailored... adjectives that describe her.


If she likes rounds, get a round. If she likes square shapes, the size thing comes into play more.

If she's into funky, or unique things... fancy's might suit her. If she's into vintage and antique style setting would be a nice thing.

If she doesn't like rounds, and her tastes are classic, and emerald cut might be worth looking at.

If size is the most important thing... then a round or an oval would be great.

If you just want to get it over with... round brilliant in an inexpensive setting from a jeweler with a return and upgrade policy who can get you other shapes if she prefers them. Goodoldgold or Engagementringsdirect would be my choice there.
 
Hmm, are you talking about the setting or the shape of the diamond? I would go with a round or princess in a simple setting that she can change out if she wants to. Purchase from a vendor who has a good return and upgrade policy and you''ll be fine. I highly recomend White Flash! They fit the bill and anything from their ACA line, round or princess, will knock your socks off! I have seen both in person since I have pushed one brother and a friend (one got a round and one a princess) to purchase from there and the stones are definetely the sparkliest I have seen. I wish my DH had purchased from them!! Good luck!
 
Scratch that. Ignore that setting.

Here are the settings I'd suggest (And goodoldgold carries them, in fact I think they might own Excel diamonds now, but I could be wrong about that). I'd go with a Vatche...


http://www.exceldiamonds.com/-Engagement-Rings-5/Diamond-Accent-Engagement-Rings-12/Vatche-Design-Open-Gallery-Shank-Pear-Shape-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-134-696.html

http://www.exceldiamonds.com/-Engagement-Rings-5/Diamond-Accent-Engagement-Rings-12/Diamond-Ideal-Engagement-Ring-1096.html Vintage, and gorgeous.

http://www.exceldiamonds.com/-Engagement-Rings-5/Diamond-Accent-Engagement-Rings-12/Designs-By-Vatche-Swan-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-191-1558.html (see what I mean about those solitares?)

And look: A setting that doesn't make you choose between a square stone and a round one. LOL. It's a round center in a setting that makes it kinda square. Designed for those who can't chose!! http://www.exceldiamonds.com/-Engagement-Rings-5/Diamond-Accent-Engagement-Rings-12/Classic-Diamond-Accent-Engagement-Ring-JENS920-1404.html
 
Wow, thanks for all the responses. I was kind of stressing out. I was just talking to her on the phone and directed the conversation towards jewelry. I figured out she would probably like more of a antique look and more square style stones that sit lower to the ring. (I figure I can still suprised her, she''s in california and I''m in alaska, so if I show up without saying anything and propose that should do it.) That was actually the style I would have picked, but I figured I have bad taste because I''m a stinky boy.

So, I figured I''d look around and show some rings I liked and get your guys opinions on them.

What do you think of this one:

http://rockdiamond.com/index.php/jewelry/three-stone-diamond-ring-50dvs1-cushion-diamond-105tw-gia-diamond-dossier

??
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"If she''s into funky, or unique things... fancy''s might suit her. If she''s into vintage and antique style setting would be a nice thing.

If she doesn''t like rounds, and her tastes are classic, and emerald cut might be worth looking at."

That all sounds like her.
 
Date: 1/15/2009 4:47:40 AM
Author: Caleb R
Wow, thanks for all the responses. I was kind of stressing out. I was just talking to her on the phone and directed the conversation towards jewelry. I figured out she would probably like more of a antique look and more square style stones that sit lower to the ring. (I figure I can still suprised her, she's in california and I'm in alaska, so if I show up without saying anything and propose that should do it.) That was actually the style I would have picked, but I figured I have bad taste because I'm a stinky boy.


So, I figured I'd look around and show some rings I liked and get your guys opinions on them.


What do you think of this one:


http://rockdiamond.com/index.php/jewelry/three-stone-diamond-ring-50dvs1-cushion-diamond-105tw-gia-diamond-dossier


??
9.gif
There's a lot of cushion cut diamonds in the world. You might want to look around more. They have very different "looks" to them. I'm not a fan of these.
 
I think I''d rather get a three stone emerald cut ring. Now I just have to find a good one in my price range.
 
That is good advice from all the previous posters.

If your girlfriend has very individual tastes then I would recommend that you propose with a bluff ring (i.e. an inexpensive costume jewellery) and then go with her to your chosen vendor(s) to pick out diamonds/ring style in your budget (you can tell the vendor in advance of your budget etc). There was a thread just last week about someone whose fiancee got her a sqaure radiant when she wanted an asscher and then the whole thing got complicated because their vendor had trouble exchanging or sourcing for a diamond that she did want.

Otherwise, a lot of clients who are totally unsure opt for the classic route i.e. a round brilliant diamond as when well-cut round brilliant diamonds are the most sparkly and popular shape - i.e. they appeal to most people over a long period of time whereas some shapes (e.g. emerald cut) only appeal to some people. e.g. about 80-85 of all diamonds are round brilliants, about 1 in 100 is an emerald cut, about 5-10 in a 100 are princess cut, less than 1 in 3000-5000 are square radiants ot cushion or oval or marquise...etc

You can present her the loose diamond and if she does not like it - most good vendors would let you trade the round shape for any other shape. However if you opt for a less popular shape a vendor may not be willing to exchange that (like the thread I mentioned where the fiance wanted asscher but got a square radiant).
 
Date: 1/15/2009 5:57:24 AM
Author: Caleb R
I think I''d rather get a three stone emerald cut ring. Now I just have to find a good one in my price range.
I would love to see what you find if this is what you''re after. I really want one for my right hand when the day comes I can afford it, but even then I will have a smaller budget than yours. Good luck and post pics of anything you find please!
 
Gypsy,

We haven''t received a buy out proposal from GOG just yet...;-) ;-)
1.gif
 
Sorry Judah!!! I don''t know where I got that. My memory is like swiss cheese these days, and my brain retains things like a sieve.


I''m not loving that ring either.

Okay... so I''m getting vintage setting with a square shaped stone. Set low. CAN DO!


How about something like this: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4837/

with this setting (I''m sure they will modify it for a cushion) http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/prodshots/79PP18.jpg

or something like this which would make the center stone look huge http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/116PP1/84/

or if she''s really into Deco: http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/prodshots/22PP18.jpg (aquired taste this one).


Personally Beverly K has some of the nicest quality vintage style setting for the price that I''ve seen (and I''ve seen them in person), you can get 18K white gold and a beautiful center stone. Pearlmans also can find you and awesome cushion or emerald cut if you want to buy everything from one vendor. But that is a nice stone from GOG.
 
Oh wow, thanks. I really like the first one. I''m just looking at the beverly k stuff right now, very nice!
 
Do you think that cushion is better than an emerald cut? I know she likes the emerald cut, but I don''t think she knows a whole lot. It seems like that stone would have a lot more sparkle to it than an emerald cut.
 
"Better?"... No. They are both beautiful and are very different looks. Neither is better than the other. As for sparkle... cushions are brilliant cuts, so they sparkle differently than step cuts (emerald cuts are step cuts). If she likes Emerald Cuts, then get her an Emerald Cut. I've called Pearlmans about getting Beverly K settings for different shaped stones and they've always been gracious and helpful and honest with me about whether or not it could be done. I would ask them if that setting can be made for an emerald cut (may not be), and then give them your total budget and ask them to find a center stone for you that would fit your budget including a Beverly K setting (there are many Beverly K settings and not all of them are pictured on Pearlman's website). Mention that you are PS member too, I think they take that into account for pricing. If you are looking for a center stone, I would work directly with Bill... Julian is good and has helped me with purchases, but Bill rocks!
 
I think I like this setting.
 
Date: 1/15/2009 7:17:38 PM
Author: Caleb R
I think I like this setting.
You have very good taste, Caleb! Just remember if you get a ring in a style like this, you''ll probably need to get the matching wedding band. So you may want to price that, too, when you call.

I will say that if you don''t know her ring size, I''d just go with the plain solitaire for the proposal and let her help pick out the permanent setting. I wouldn''t want to resize a new ring that has diamonds and engraving on the shank.

I had a great experience buying diamonds from both WF and GOG. I''d probably call GOG for a cushion or emerald shape.
 
are you sure about a princess cut? it''s not very antique or vintage looking... don''t jump just yet - you have time!!
 
Well jumping won't be a problem, I won't be able to afford this as soon as I had hoped. I'd like to get it done in time for Valentines day, but I just got into town and back to work, plus I'm moving. It's ok though, she'll appreciate the fact that I starved and saved for a few months to afford this even though she would probably marry right now without a ring.


I just like the princess cut because it's square/rectangle like she likes and also has a lot of fire to it.
 
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