Help me not get screwed by robbins bros

[whitewave]

Whoa, three kids share a bday??? At least you have a great excuse, mine is usually me fat fingering what im typing

Yes, and it wasn’t planned that way either!!!

 

[Niel]

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F263813092023

 

[liaerfbv]

1. Talk to your gf.

2. **** what her fam thinks. Letting them control your actions now is setting yourself up for a long frustrating life.

3. Shocking that anyone would imply @Niel is anything but a helpful poster who has literally found thousands of rings for people here. Just because some people have Kay rings and are happily married doesn’t mean their jewelry isn’t still shit quality. Might as well avoid that now if you can.

4. WF with upgrade would be my choice.

 

[the_mother_thing]

I am thinking of possibly having a sit down and being up front with my gf.

I cannot tell you how much a heartfelt talk & hearing your feelings & perspective about this situation will likely mean to her. THAT is the right foot upon which to start a marriage; not stressing out and over-extending yourself on a piece of metal and a shiny rock.

 

[natasha-cupcake]

There's lots of good advice here, but IF I WERE YOU, this is what I WOULD DO:

1. Propose in August. Do not wait. As others have said, this is what your girlfriend really wants from you.
2. Spend within a few dollars of your $1200 maximum budget. Less gets you less, and you can’t afford anything more than that.
3. Stick with a traditional diamond solitaire. No colored stones, no three stone rings, etc. Your girlfriend sounds like a traditional person and going non-traditional may be a hit or miss proposition for her. Also judge-y family has less to judge if you stick with tradition.
4. You’re looking at a modest size diamond, which is absolutely fine. Smaller diamonds have a wonderful, dainty look and a dynamic that is totally different from larger ones. When you have more time on your hands check these out.
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/under-1ct-diamonds.25028/
5. Get the best diamond for your budget and keep your upgrade options open. Even a modestly sized diamond should be beautiful, bright and sparkly—after all isn’t that the entire point of a diamond? Whiteflash may be your best bet for premium quality, overall price, convenience, timing and upgrade value. Some options:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=2145445,4006522,3981491,3981510
6. Forget halos, channel sets, side stones (why split the budget into multiple smaller stones?), etc., for now. You can’t afford embellishments and resets down the road are still a possibility. As @kindred mentioned, if you upgrade the diamond in the future you might need another setting anyway. So, get a simple, well made, classic setting. Here are the four inexpensive, yet still beautiful settings that Whiteflash offers.
https://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-jewelry/compare.aspx?idnos=4026,4031,582,587
7. If preloved is okay, then @tyty333 found a nice one here. Downside is no upgrade options for the future.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/James-Allen-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-in-14KT-White-Gold-0-60ctw/253631613894?hash=item3b0d9f4bc6:g:XUIAAOSwvjBa~wNT&_udlo=0&_nkw=james+allen&_sacat=91427&_udhi=1,500&_from=R40&rt=nc&LH_TitleDesc=0|0
Or the Tiffany that @lovedogs found here
http://vi.vipr.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBay...descgauge=1&cspheader=1&oneClk=1&secureDesc=0
7. I don't think I agree that you need to have a big sit down discussion with her. She loves you, you love her, she's waited a long time and wants to be married, she's said she'd be happy with whatever you got her. I'd surprise her and give her the full romantic proposal.
8. Most importantly--do not stress out. This is a very special time for you and your soon to be fiancee. Enjoy this, all will work out beautifully in the end. Your efforts and intentions are wonderful and are independent of the size of your wallet. Good luck--I'm really rooting for you.

 

[ohsomethingshiny]

Wow how did I not see this before. That looks really nice.

It looks beautiful and if you wanted to see more pics or video, I’d call and ask for Frank or Graydon (his son). I know they’d be more than happy to chat with you. And they will take offers lower than their sales price. They gave me a great price on my ring. If you upgrade later, it would make a pretty right hand ring.

 

[the_mother_thing]

@davidorangecali Here is a G color, VVS2 solitaire princess-cut Leo diamond option (though it has a yellow gold band, but the diamond is set in platinum), and it has a recent GIA certificate. It’s from a seller - Ivy & Rose Vintage - mentioned earlier in the thread by another poster.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/576956738/gia-certified-princess-cut-leo-diamond

A lot of people recognize the Leo name, so just posting it since you mentioned branding being something of possible ‘importance’ to your g/f and/or her family, and it’s in the budget you noted of possibly buying outright now to propose this month on your trip.

 

[davidorangecali]

James Allen on ebay...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/James-Allen-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-in-14KT-White-Gold-0-60ctw/253631613894?hash=item3b0d9f4bc6:g:XUIAAOSwvjBa~wNT&_udlo=0&_nkw=james+allen&_sacat=91427&_udhi=1,500&_from=R40&rt=nc&LH_TitleDesc=0|0 make offer, stone has nice numbers
FYI...for that first ring
here is the setting on JA
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-gold-tapered-pave-engagement-ring-item-58634 $630

One of my favorites so far! I also really like that setting!

 

[bludiva]

I'm open to the idea of pre-loved but its pretty hard to call a 20 year old ring 'antique' and I do think namebrand recognition would go a long way with her judgy family.

One more thing on this if she is open to pre-loved too...there are genuine vintage rings out there in your price point, vintage is totally in style right now, and you can have it polished/rhodium plated if needed to get it looking like new (not too expensive).

Whatever you decide best of luck & I think it shows a lot of love that you are doing all this research to get her what she wants/needs to keep her family off her back (which I totally get, she's already been hearing it from them for years it sounds like)

 

[kindred]

@davidorangecali, I really like @natasha-cupcake's advice. I am the kind of person who does not like surprises and would prefer to be in charge of the ring buying process. It sounds like your girlfriend is the opposite and values surprises. This month on vacation sounds like the perfect time to propose! She can get an Instagram worthy photo to show off to her family, too. Since you said that she is traditional and you are not sure how she would feel about a second-hand ring, I would get a round brilliant solitaire with a white gold setting (unless you find out that she prefers yellow gold) from Whiteflash. You can do that within your budget and then you have the upgrade option later. It seems like the "safest" bet to me. It's kind of like having your cake and eating it too, because of the upgrade option.

Having said all that, if you decide that you want to involve your girlfriend in the choice of the ring, I think that would also be a great decision. You can still surprise her with a proposal on vacation. Plenty of couples pick a ring together and then the proposal and presentation of the ring happen later.

If you decide to go with preloved, I love both of these rings suggested earlier. They are both a lot of bang for the buck.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/James-Allen-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-in-14KT-White-Gold-0-60ctw/253631613894

https://www.ebay.com/itm/263813092023


@whitewave, Are your kids triplets or is it all just an amazing coincidence?

 

[whitewave]

@kindred two are twins, the other is coincidence

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

And if DOC doesn't by any of these--this thread showcases the BEST of what PS'ers are made of.

cheers--Sharon

 

[bludiva]

TheRealReal sometimes has good finds also....Hard to tell how sparkly these would be but shipping is just 12 each way so worst case you would be out ~$25.

This one appears to have never been worn & is 20% off w/ code so under $600 all in
https://www.therealreal.com/products/jewelry/rings/cocktail-ring/ring-14k-diamond-gallery-ring

This one is Gabriel & Co which is a well known engagement ring brand so maybe will satisfy the in laws & it's 9mm across which will have great presence on her hand
https://www.therealreal.com/product...ng/gabriel-and-co-14k-diamond-engagement-ring

And if she's into a more antique there are lots of rings like this floating around at reasonable prices
https://www.therealreal.com/product...ng/ring-18k-vintage-diamond-engagement-ring-2

The better web shoppers here can add some critiques....

 

[davidorangecali]

I've been looking at the 1k suggestions and here are some of my favorites so far:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/263813092023?ul_noapp=true
One of my favorites but it worries me that the listing says size 7 and the paperwork says 7.5 I'm sure I could always resize it after proposing

https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/240...=estate 14k ring diamond&ref=sr_gallery-16-35
a beautiful vintage look!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/James-Alle...&_udhi=1,500&_from=R40&rt=nc&LH_TitleDesc=0|0
another one of my favorites

https://www.gesner.com/estate-engagement-ring-55ct-diamond.html?
I like it but at a lower offer

https://www.therealreal.com/products/jewelry/rings/cocktail-ring/ring-14k-diamond-gallery-ring
wow this seems great for under 600!

https://www.therealreal.com/product...ng/gabriel-and-co-14k-diamond-engagement-ring
looks great but the description says it has scratches which worries me.

https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...-and-10k-white-gold-diamond-wedding-set;23497
I know this wasn't the favorite of a couple of people but I still really like it for the price I'm just worried it'll look too 'used''

Again thanks everyone. I still haven't ruled out the layaway 2.5k option but these are some amazing finds for 1k. If anyone has any critiques of any of these please let me know because I think I am leaning to getting one of these.

 

[Bron357]

Here’s a plan to cover all bases. Note - discuss with gf first for her ok.
Buy a 1 carat Round Brillant Moissanite solitaire in a lovely gold ring. $550 from Charles and Colvard.
Moissanite are very beautiful, very diamond like, the in laws will not ever be able to tell the difference.
Start saving the pennies again. When ready, swap out Moissanite and replace with sparkling diamond.
No one will ever know.
Fiancée gets an impressive ring that silences the in laws and you can buy it and get within 10 days for that magic proposal.
Then you put in the diamond of her dreams at a later date.

 

[peacechick]

I agree with everything @natasha-cupcake said. Unless you are really stuck, let your gf have her surprise. I wanted a surprise e-ring too and all I told my BF was that I didn’t want a diamond centre stone. I was good with anything he bought that was within the budget I set (1.5 to 2k), I enjoyed the fact that that he put in all the effort which was what I treasured and still treasure.

I like the Gesner, the JA one you posted and the Blue Nile that Niel posted! 0.5 ct is very decent in my book and has good presence.

 

[2Neezers]

So many great suggestions! You would definitely find more bang for your buck pre-loved, but if she really wants a brand new ring, James Allen has this one on sale through tomorrow for $1,020.

https://www.jamesallen.com/fine-jew...blossoming-diamond-engagement-ring-item-62190

The nice thing about this ring is that the style is versatile enough that she could continue to wear it as a right hand ring if you were to upgrade her e-ring someday. Best of luck!

(edited to correct link)

 

[PintoBean]

How about a Tiffany half eternity band that's 30% off retail and like new never worn?
https://www.pricescope.com/communit...plat-channel-set-half-eternity-size-6.241329/

I think sizing it up from 6 to 6.5 should be no problem. And then maybe when you're getting married you present her a solitaire then?

I think a tiffany band would impress both your intended and your future in laws

 

[kindred]

@davidorangecali, of the ones you have narrowed it down to, here are my opinions. We all have different tastes though, so take this with a grain of salt.

1) The Blue Nile one on Ebay - Gorgeous but I might want her opinion before buying. Can you get a female friend of hers to nonchalantly show her a picture of it and ask her what she thinks of it? The friend could act like she is considering it for herself. Sizing 1/2 size on a shank like that would not be a big deal. It will have a LOT more presence than a solitaire! Seriously, this will look HUGE. @Neil has a real GIFT for bargain finds.

2) The Etsy one for $849.00 doesn't wow me. It could be seen as vintage or dated. Depends on what your girlfriend's opinion is. Unless you are sure that she likes this style, I would pass on that one.

3) James Allen on Ebay. This is one of my faves! A little vintage but still traditional. And a .6 carat stone!

4) Gesner - Not a fan. The diamonds are small (center stone is only .25 ct.) and princess cuts are not really in fashion right now. (Edited to add: Princess cuts also face up smaller than round brilliant cuts.) Unless you know that she loves princess cuts and wants a 3 stone ring, I would pass. You can get a much larger center stone with the other options.

5) The Real Real halo ring #1 for $645 before 20% off - I love the style a LOT and think that it has a clean look but it looks like the center stone could be a mess. If you sign up to their site you may get to see more info on it.

6) The Real Real halo ring #2. - I like halos but not this particular ring. I don't like the air line (gap) between the center stone and the halo. The ring doesn't look well executed to me.

7) 14k & 10k ring on LoupeTroop - I forgot to mention this one earlier, but I really like it. I think it is a lot of bang for the buck. It is a very popular style right now but the idea comes from a very classic ring. No, it will likely not be the highest quality diamonds you could get, but that would make it a MUCH more expensive ring. It is very blingy and very affordable! The 2 questoins I would ask the seller are:
A) Do the diamonds on the band go all the way around the back of the ring? If so, it will not be resizable. Even a half size can make a huge difference in comfort level, and wearing two rings together can make you need to go up a half size vs. wearing just one ring, so I would definitely check on this.
B) Are the diamonds eye-clean or close enough for you?
Edited to add: An inexpensive rhodium dip should take care of it looking "too used".

Good luck with your decision. You are probably feeling a little overwhelmed right now but I think that the most important thing to your girlfriend is that you propose, and SOON. Like you said, she will be happy with whatever ring you get her. So don't let this stress you out too much.

 

[lovedogs]

I've been looking at the 1k suggestions and here are some of my favorites so far:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/263813092023?ul_noapp=true
One of my favorites but it worries me that the listing says size 7 and the paperwork says 7.5 I'm sure I could always resize it after proposing

https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/240907001/c1950s-diamonds-14k-white-yellow-gold?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=estate 14k ring diamond&ref=sr_gallery-16-35
a beautiful vintage look!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/James-Allen-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-in-14KT-White-Gold-0-60ctw/253631613894?hash=item3b0d9f4bc6:g:XUIAAOSwvjBa~wNT&_udlo=0&_nkw=james+allen&_sacat=91427&_udhi=1,500&_from=R40&rt=nc&LH_TitleDesc=0|0
another one of my favorites

https://www.gesner.com/estate-engagement-ring-55ct-diamond.html?
I like it but at a lower offer

https://www.therealreal.com/products/jewelry/rings/cocktail-ring/ring-14k-diamond-gallery-ring
wow this seems great for under 600!

https://www.therealreal.com/product...ng/gabriel-and-co-14k-diamond-engagement-ring
looks great but the description says it has scratches which worries me.

https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...-and-10k-white-gold-diamond-wedding-set;23497
I know this wasn't the favorite of a couple of people but I still really like it for the price I'm just worried it'll look too 'used''

Again thanks everyone. I still haven't ruled out the layaway 2.5k option but these are some amazing finds for 1k. If anyone has any critiques of any of these please let me know because I think I am leaning to getting one of these.

For the first one you can easily resize after proposing if you need to. I like that option a lot.

Of the ones you are seriously considering, my favorites are the blue Nile and James Allen ones from eBay, and the loupetroop one. I like those 3 better than either of the ones from the real real and also more than the gesner or etsy ones. The Etsy vintage one would be my fourth favorite.

I know some people didn't like the LT option, but I think it's great for the price, and gives awesome finger coverage.

In the end of course the choice is yours, but those are the 3 I would be deciding between if I were you.

 

[kindred]

Ok, I just realized that the first ring has a D colored center. That makes it even more special!

 

[whitewave]

Here’s a plan to cover all bases. Note - discuss with gf first for her ok.
Buy a 1 carat Round Brillant Moissanite solitaire in a lovely gold ring. $550 from Charles and Colvard.
Moissanite are very beautiful, very diamond like, the in laws will not ever be able to tell the difference.
Start saving the pennies again. When ready, swap out Moissanite and replace with sparkling diamond.
No one will ever know.
Fiancée gets an impressive ring that silences the in laws and you can buy it and get within 10 days for that magic proposal.
Then you put in the diamond of her dreams at a later date.

Tianyu from China would be even cheaper.

 

[nala]

Want to add. Go to Kevin Jewelers. I have recently discovered that they sell estate jewelry that has been reconditioned to look like new. And it is inexpensive! And it will come in a box from a mall store! They will recognize the brand from commercials. There is a kJ in practically every mall in So Cal and the choices are decent and endless! Hopefully you live in So Cal.

 

[lovedogs]

@Bron357 and @whitewave OP has ruled out moissy and other Sims.

 

[whitewave]

@Bron357 and @whitewave OP has ruled out moissy and other Sims.

Thanks.

 

[Bron357]

@Bron357 and @whitewave OP has ruled out moissy and other Sims.

Ok dok.

 

[yssie]

Ditto @PintoBean... if OP’s intended is the sentimental type upgrades etc. may not be viable.

The lovely thing about engagement bands (as opposed to rings featuring centerstones) is that there is literally nothing to upgrade to. Dainty bands with small melee or 5/7/9-stone rings with slightly larger stones have far more visual presence than small solitaires, will always be in vogue, can’t be compared (favourably or unfavourably) to any other (or others’) pieces, and will always work with additional rings or bands you two might purchase down the road. A well-crafted band is easily affordable in your August budget and is a piece that she could enjoy for a lifetime.

https://m.ebay.com/itm/Authentic-Ti...&_pgn=2&_nkw=tiffany+eternity&_from=R40&rt=nc

YG though -
https://m.ebay.com/itm/Tiffany-Co-d...iant-1-19cts/371818966540?hash=item5692232e0c

 

[peacechick]

Ditto @PintoBean... if OP’s intended is the sentimental type upgrades etc. may not be viable.

The lovely thing about engagement bands (as opposed to rings featuring centerstones) is that there is literally nothing to upgrade to. Dainty bands with small melee or 5/7/9-stone rings with slightly larger stones have far more visual presence than small solitaires, will always be in vogue, can’t be compared (favourably or unfavourably) to any other (or others’) pieces, and will always work with additional rings or bands you two might purchase down the road. A well-crafted band is easily affordable in your August budget and is a piece that she could enjoy for a lifetime.

https://m.ebay.com/itm/Authentic-Tiffany-Co-Channel-Full-Eternity-Band-Platinum-0-80Ct/172751815676?hash=item2838cf83fc:g:-hgAAOSwPK1ZUvuU&_sop=15&_pgn=2&_nkw=tiffany+eternity&_from=R40&rt=nc

YG though -
https://m.ebay.com/itm/Tiffany-Co-d...iant-1-19cts/371818966540?hash=item5692232e0c

I think a band is not an option since OP has already said that his gf has always dreamt of the traditional diamond e-ring proposal and there are family expectations to live up to. Even a Tiffany band would be considered unconventional. I think the best options are the ones OP is already considering. A 10th anniversary upgrade would be a very lovely thing to look forward to and at that point, she can be actively involved in designing her own ring.

 

[purplesilk]

@davidorangecali : I would be happily impressed by the famous blue box:
https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/purpose-inc/item/90040585/
Japanese size 13 is American size 6.5; gold can be resized; ring comes with the box and papers.
With import taxes, you'll pay under 1500 USD

 

[purplesilk]

Japanese sellers are very reliable; on Rakuten there are some cheaper Tiffany's rings but they are in platinum so they can't be resized; there also some pretty Cartier ellipse rings both in YG and WG.