Help find a vintage/antique or like new used for under 800

[nala]

I think he can't make up his mind because he doesn't know what he can realistically buy with 800 USD in a brick and mortar store, he's better to see what the market offers.

This. At Kevin jewelers. The cheapest of all mall stores. 600 dollars will get you 50 tcw .

 

[tyty333]

Get the loupetroop set...its a whole lot of ring(s) for $850! Its a popular style and the amount of diamonds will be impressive. This has gotten down
to a no brainer with your budgets/wants/timeline.

It looks to be in great condition. A polish ($20 at my jeweler) or a re-dip (not sure the cost of this but probably less than $50) will give it the brand
new look. Maybe the current owner can get it done and just add it to the total.

Not to mention you are running out of time and this seems to fit all your needs...

 

[SimoneDi]

This. At Kevin jewelers. The cheapest of all mall stores. 600 dollars will get you 50 tcw .

That’s a nice set as well!! Brand new, maybe that is where OPs hesitation is, maybe he doesn’t really want preloved. This is less ctw, but also a pretty ring!

 

[MamaBee]

This. At Kevin jewelers. The cheapest of all mall stores. 600 dollars will get you 50 tcw . [/QUOTE]
Pretty Nala! Did you make a special trip to look for him? So nice!

 

[MollyMalone]

Looks to me like the prongs eclipse the diamonds on the shank-band of the Kevin set. So because I'd rather see more diamond than metal, I think it's worth paying $200 more for the LT set.

(Plus, I take a dim view of jewelers who put ridiculous "retail" price stickers on their merchandise as a ploy to convince unwitting consumers that the mark-down prices is a big bargain. And although I know the practice is widespread, especially in mall-type jewelry stores, I hate to see these jewelers profit by that kind of shenanigans.)

 

[natasha-cupcake]

It's hard to find something in this price range that doesn't look cheap or tacky. I think the Kevin set or the Ivy and Rose options look nice for the money. A major advantage of the Kevin set is that OP can see it before purchasing. Ivy and Rose has a return/exchange policy. The loupetroop set does not have ANY return options. I would steer away from the loupetroop set, for that reason alone.

In my opinion, at this point in time, I would strongly urge @davidorangecali to go to Kevin's. The set is there to see and can be purchased immediately.

 

[nala]

I was at the mall. So I stopped in. This is just an example. Located in Lakewood Mall ( by Long Beach) so if OP is local to Orange County, Ca. But my point is that most KJ carry choices in this price range. Good luck.

 

[MollyMalone]

It's hard to find something in this price range that doesn't look cheap or tacky. I think the Kevin set or the Ivy and Rose options look nice for the money. A major advantage of the Kevin set is that OP can see it before purchasing. Ivy and Rose has a return/exchange policy. The loupetroop set does not have ANY return options. I would steer away from the loupetroop set, for that reason alone. * * * (emphasis added by MM)

Ordinarily, a final sale policy gives me pause (or will stop me in my tracks). But in this case, the PSer who's selling the LT set has offered a number of photos plus the 3 videos, lasting more than few seconds & showing the set in different lightings. So I'd feel very comfortable that what I'm seeing is what I'd get. I'm personally not much taken with either of the Ivy & Rose rings, but more importantly here, I think the LT set will look more impressive to the fiancee's family and her Instagram audience than the Ivy and Rose rings or budget Kevin set.

 

[Weecam]

Ordinarily, a final sale policy gives me pause (or will stop me in my tracks). But in this case, the PSer who's selling the LT set has offered a number of photos plus the 3 videos, lasting more than few seconds & showing the set in different lightings. So I'd feel very comfortable that what I'm seeing is what I'd get. I'm personally not much taken with either of the Ivy & Rose rings, but more importantly here, I think the LT set will look more impressive to the fiancee's family and her Instagram audience than the Ivy and Rose rings or budget Kevin set.

Totally agree!

 

[natasha-cupcake]

Everyone's tastes are different, and only the OP's tastes really matter in the end. I do think he needs to make a decision quickly, in order to meet his timeline. If it were me, I'd go to Kevin's as soon as possible, put some eyeballs on a few sets, and walk out with something in hand. But, that's just me. I'm hoping he picks out whatever makes his heart sing and that he meets his timeline. I think the commitment and the thought behind the ring matters more to his girlfriend than the actual ring.

 

[purplesilk]

Everyone's tastes are different, and only the OP's tastes really matter in the end. I do think he needs to make a decision quickly, in order to meet his timeline. If it were me, I'd go to Kevin's as soon as possible, put some eyeballs on a few sets, and walk out with something in hand. But, that's just me. I'm hoping he picks out whatever makes his heart sing and that he meets his timeline. I think the commitment and the thought behind the ring matters more to his girlfriend than the actual ring.

I totally agree with you, I hope he gets the ring, any ring HE prefers, in time for the mid August proposal.

 

[ohsomethingshiny]

I just hope that whatever @davidorangecali decides to do, that he will come back and share his proposal story with us.

 

[MamaBee]

I hope so!

 

[MollyMalone]

@natasha-cupcake and @purplesilk -- I'm sorry that you seem to have misunderstood the reason for my "more impressive" opinion; the genesis for that comment is because, in his very 1st post kicking off this thread, david let us know it matters that his ring choice comes off well to her family & that his fiancee will be eager to show the ring on social media.

Like everyone else, I'm looking forward to seeing post-proposal pics of the ring on her finger, no matter which ring he chooses! And think it's great that he's going to propose sooner rather than later

 

[dtnyc]

Since OPs GF is concerned about what family thinks, buying a bargain ring from the mall is probably not the best call- too easy for people to see the same mass produced ring in mall jewelry stores.
Go with the LT set.

 

[whitewave]

Did Op come back or is this a dead thread now?

 

[nala]

Since OPs GF is concerned about what family thinks, buying a bargain ring from the mall is probably not the best call- too easy for people to see the same mass produced ring in mall jewelry stores.
Go with the LT set.

Most mall rings are very similar. He didn’t specify unique. He did specify soc media worthy and that’s what soc media is about in certain social circles. Posting what others can relate. Also, Just under 800 bucks and brand recognition if it’s new. Some people think Kevin jewelers bc it’s in the mall is a good brand. Everyone has given up on pushing ps quality on op bc those are not his priorities. At this point, we are suggesting easy and inexpensive solutions. He will have many choices. Not just this one at KJ if he makes time to go.

 

[purplesilk]

PSers are great people, but pushing the OP in only one direction - the LT ring - is not fair IMO; he's so indecisive because he knows nothing about e-rings/diamonds; so I think he should see with his own eyes different rings in order to make an informed choice...I don't doubt that the LT ring is the best option for the PS standars, but typical people set a budget, go to brick and mortar and choose what seems the best to their eyes...I personally consider buying unseen very very stressful.
Based on my milieu, family and friends would be more impressed by a new ring better than by a preowned one; typical people look at the overall impact of the ring no matter if it comes from the mall shop.

 

[KristinTech]

Did Op come back or is this a dead thread now?

He said he would be spending the weekend with his GF, and probably wouldn’t make a decision until Monday. At least that’s what I gathered!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

The entire point is that he is not going to get what he is aiming for new no matter how many stores he looks at (unless he goes with fake stones). He wants a blingy halo diamond ring for $850. That's why we are directing him to the LT set which would definitely cost more than $850 new at a mall store.

These would be a good option if he absolutely wants new, but it's a good example of what $800-900 will buy, and that's more of a cluster ring with a tiny center stone. Still, these are pretty if new is a requirement. I'd choose these over mall store rings, personally, and they can be ordered in her size (which he needs to be sure about).

https://www.jamesallen.com/fine-jewelry/royal-halo/?MaxPrice=908

 

[kindred]

@nala, is that set at Kevin Jeweler's new or used? If new, and they have other choices in that range, maybe that is a better bet (even though that entire ring is only the ct. size of the center stone of the Loupe Tropp ring). They would probably do nice packaging and they could say that it came from a mall store.

@diamondseeker2006, She doesn't want a cluster ring, either, so those are out.

 

[nala]

@nala, is that set at Kevin Jeweler's new or used? If new, and they have other choices in that range, maybe that is a better bet (even though that entire ring is only the ct. size of the center stone of the Loupe Tropp ring). They would probably do nice packaging and they could say that it came from a mall store.

@diamondseeker2006, She doesn't want a cluster ring, either, so those are out.

So KJ has a clearance section. Some are new and some are not. This one was new. Each store has a different selection! I myself look for their estate pieces bc I know their quality is better. Lol. Here is a pic of an oec bracelet they have. The salespeople will not call it estate. They claim they don’t know if it is or isn’t. But duh. I recently discovered this section when I bought a gorgeous .90 6 stone band for 600 dollars. I have a thread on it.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

@nala, is that set at Kevin Jeweler's new or used? If new, and they have other choices in that range, maybe that is a better bet (even though that entire ring is only the ct. size of the center stone of the Loupe Tropp ring). They would probably do nice packaging and they could say that it came from a mall store.

@diamondseeker2006, She doesn't want a cluster ring, either, so those are out.

Yeah, I am aware of that. But she's not gonna get what she really wants because they are both clueless about what diamond rings cost with the preferences expressed here. The Kevin ring has about the same total weight as the JA ones, a half carat, so I am not seeing that it is better than these from JA.

 

[nala]

Yeah, I am aware of that. But she's not gonna get what she really wants because they are both clueless about what diamond rings cost with the preferences expressed here. The Kevin ring has about the same total weight as the JA ones, a half carat, so I am not seeing that it is better than these from JA.

DS. Every KJ has different clearance sales. I’m not necessarily suggesting only this one. I just hope that he reads my post and sees an example of what is out there and even more possibilities.

 

[Akalahab]

Have you been to a pawn shop? If you have a jewelry pawn shop in your area, even better. This was $150. You can spend less than $800 now and save the money for a more expensive ring later (or maybe you'll want to spend it on your wedding or honeymoon)



Another ring. Price: $400 when I saw it a year ago.

 

[kindred]

@Akalahab, I wouldn't suggest a pawn shop in this case. It seems like the OP is pretty new to diamonds and he is busy with working overtime and going to school and is on a tight deadline. I'm not sure he even realizes how tight of a deadline he's on!

Hopefully he has time on Monday to either 1) buy the loupe troop ring or 2) one of the Ivy and Rose ones or 3) get himself to Kevin's Jewelers and buy a ring. ASAP.

I am amazed at the bargains some of you folks find, though! And so jealous! I feel like we need a group shopping trip where everyone helps kindred find amazing deals!

 

[peacechick]

@Akalahab, I wouldn't suggest a pawn shop in this case. It seems like the OP is pretty new to diamonds and he is busy with working overtime and going to school and is on a tight deadline. I'm not sure he even realizes how tight of a deadline he's on!

Hopefully he has time on Monday to either 1) buy the loupe troop ring or 2) one of the Ivy and Rose ones or 3) get himself to Kevin's Jewelers and buy a ring. ASAP.

I am amazed at the bargains some of you folks find, though! And so jealous! I feel like we need a group shopping trip where everyone helps kindred find amazing deals!

That would be fun! The CS sub-forum has a $600 and under bargains thread so you guys should start the equivalent of that here. Maybe $1000 and under, seeing that it’s diamonds?

 

[arkieb1]

So, what did the OP get???

 

[Rpb]

That would be fun! The CS sub-forum has a $600 and under bargains thread so you guys should start the equivalent of that here. Maybe $1000 and under, seeing that it’s diamonds?

I love this idea....maybe someone should start this...

 

[MamaBee]

So, what did the OP get???

I think he’s going to do something today because he spent all weekend with his girlfriend.