Complete beginner to buying jewelry so please bear with me....
So in the past month I have decided that it is time to propose to the woman of my dreams and now the mission is to find the ring of her dreams. I know through previous conversations that she would like an emerald cut sapphire, white gold or platinum, and I know she likes antique style rings. I think the antique style however is really the least important of the 3 above.
I have never bought jewelry for anyone other than myself so this is a big way to start. Once I started I my research I have quickly come to realize that I am in way over my head. I went to a 4 jewelers in the past week (don't live in a huge city) just to see what sapphire rings are available and I only saw 1 ring that was even remotely close to what I want (but still not close to being something I would be proud to give her). I am now thinking that I will likely be buying the ring and/or stone online.
Here is what I am thinking so far....
Budget - 5k.
1-2ct Emerald Cut mid blue/dark blue Sapphire - VVS1 quality
Maybe 3 stone ring with 2 smaller side diamonds
Platinum or white gold band
And some questions.....
1) Does getting the stone GIA certified matter as much if I do not care about heating?
2) I know the stone is the focal point but how much of the budget would you put into the stone vs. the ring and possible side stones (If I buy them separately)?
3) Once I get the gems how long does it generally take for a jeweler to put the whole ring together?
4) Can you haggle with online retailers about the cost of free stones?
I am sure more questions will come up and I will try and post ring ideas I get on here so that she does not see them in my bookmarks or email.
Here are some gems/rings I like so far...
http://www.faycullen.com/Antique-Sapphire-Engagement-Rings-/8874/
http://www.wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10883/9970
http://www.gemsny.com/sapphires/1.91-Carat-Emerald-Sapphire-S1155DEC
http://www.langantiques.com/products/item/30-1-3711
Thanks everyone in advance!!!!!!!
So in the past month I have decided that it is time to propose to the woman of my dreams and now the mission is to find the ring of her dreams. I know through previous conversations that she would like an emerald cut sapphire, white gold or platinum, and I know she likes antique style rings. I think the antique style however is really the least important of the 3 above.
I have never bought jewelry for anyone other than myself so this is a big way to start. Once I started I my research I have quickly come to realize that I am in way over my head. I went to a 4 jewelers in the past week (don't live in a huge city) just to see what sapphire rings are available and I only saw 1 ring that was even remotely close to what I want (but still not close to being something I would be proud to give her). I am now thinking that I will likely be buying the ring and/or stone online.
Here is what I am thinking so far....
Budget - 5k.
1-2ct Emerald Cut mid blue/dark blue Sapphire - VVS1 quality
Maybe 3 stone ring with 2 smaller side diamonds
Platinum or white gold band
And some questions.....
1) Does getting the stone GIA certified matter as much if I do not care about heating?
2) I know the stone is the focal point but how much of the budget would you put into the stone vs. the ring and possible side stones (If I buy them separately)?
3) Once I get the gems how long does it generally take for a jeweler to put the whole ring together?
4) Can you haggle with online retailers about the cost of free stones?
I am sure more questions will come up and I will try and post ring ideas I get on here so that she does not see them in my bookmarks or email.
Here are some gems/rings I like so far...
http://www.faycullen.com/Antique-Sapphire-Engagement-Rings-/8874/
http://www.wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10883/9970
http://www.gemsny.com/sapphires/1.91-Carat-Emerald-Sapphire-S1155DEC
http://www.langantiques.com/products/item/30-1-3711
Thanks everyone in advance!!!!!!!