Help me not get screwed by robbins bros

[the_mother_thing]

@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

A moment of levity ... from that listing:

Tiffany TIFFANY&Co. It is BJ diamond

 

[purplesilk]

A moment of levity ... from that listing:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but BJ is the store where the ring was originally bought from, BJ is similar to Costco

 

[the_mother_thing]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but BJ is the store where the ring was originally bought from, BJ is similar to Costco

BJ’s is a store, but I don’t believe it’s a sales channel for Tiffany. I could be mistaken though. Rather, I just read that with a dirty mind & found it funny.

 

[the_mother_thing]

Just throwing out another option for OP. It’s been cleaned, freshly rhodium-dipped and - per seller - in pristine condition. And I believe Knox has a pretty good reputation from what I’ve read. Personally, I’d have been thrilled to receive this with a proposal, and considered buying it ‘just because’.

Natural Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring by Knox Jewelers! Size 7. $1200
https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...ond-ring-by-knox-jewelers-size-7-1200-dollars

 

[OoohShiny]

As someone who, for various reasons, has technically zero savings and ridiculous debt, I feel for the OP!

As someone who is fed up paying off credit, I entirely agree with the approach of only buying what you can afford now.

Families are hard work, but I would hope that her family would respect you more when you say "I'm not putting us into financial peril just to get something big and shiny to impress other people - I want to build our future on solid foundations, not teetering on a house of cards."

If they still insinuate they are stupid/not rich enough/haven't worked hard enough, despite being aware of your recent financial hassles, well... I would thank them for their personal opinions.


Anyway, re: the ring, I think this post by coffeedonutcake has some excellent links:

It sounds like your girlfriend would like to get engaged as soon as possible, and you like the idea of proposing on your August trip. So I'd recommend finding a ring within 1k range. You don't have to settle on a used ring!

A quick search on Whiteflash shows the most affordable settings they have are under $250:
https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...ni-1rz7286-solitaire-engagement-ring-4026.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...ni-1rz7295-solitaire-engagement-ring-4031.htm

That leaves around $750 for diamond:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4006516.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3793595.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3983308.htm

You also get 3% off if you wire the money. You can totally buy a brand new ring for 1k!

Whiteflash also have great upgrade policy(100% trade up), in case if your gf and you want to upgrade to a bigger ring in the future.

In my opinion I would choose this setting because it's not too high and not too low, and is softer-edged on the head than other options in that price range:
https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...ffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-587.htm

and then go with the 0.358 I VS2 if size is a priority:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4006516.htm

or the 0.33 I VS1 if clarity is a priority:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3952935.htm


Looking at JA quickly, this solitaire has prongs that are nicely softened off and curved, which is a lot more feminine (to my eyes) than the straight-edged prongs of some of the alternatives:
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...olitaire-engagement-ring-flush-fit-item-63932
and while the prongs are a little 'heavy' face-on, they don't overpower the 0.55ct stone in the videos, so hopefully would not do so for a slightly smaller diamond. It might even be possible to slim them down / make them more pointy - that's a question that could be asked (but might cost money, so may not be an option).

If we trawl through the GIA XXX stock, a D could be in the running (HCA 2.8, Strong fluorescence)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...d-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5003394

HCA 2.5, Strong Fluor
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5391666
(What's a 'manufacturing remnant' in the inclusions list?)

HCA 2.7, Strong Fluor
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5065350

Is it me, though, or has JA's search engine had functionality removed? I swear we could sort by more variables previously.


If we look at Blue Nile, we could get 0.4ct H VS1 with HCA 0.8 and No Fluor, which looks good in the video:

$200 14k basic setting:
https://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/solitaire-engagement-ring-white-gold_19788

$898 stone:
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD10830271


There's also 0.38 G VVS1 VSB Fluor HCA1.7:
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD10380463

or 0.38 E VS1 VSB Fluor HCA0.8:
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD10690394

or 0.37 D VVS2 Strong Fluor HCA HCA0.9
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD10560295

If Fluor is fine, any of those last 3 would be awesome, depending on colour preferences!

If Fluor is not wanted (and I've a feeling it wouldn't be wanted by the demanding in-laws ), and size is, that H looks like the one I'd go for.

 

[tyty333]

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

The cut on this stone is questionable if you are worried about that at all (I know you may be going for the overall look). Its too deep at 63.5%. No
numbers on the angles...but like I said, you may be going for the overall look.

 

[737liz]

I vote for a safe simple solitaire, but if you think she'll like something other than a solitaire, this is a 0.5 centerstone with sidestones. It's listed overbudget but you could try putting an offer in. Brilliant earth platinum trellis.
I can't copy the link, because I'm an idiot. but here's a screenshot. Platinum can be resized easily by a jeweller who has a laser. They melt the metal back together, and then polish it up so it looks PERFECT and new. Not refurbed, but literally new. Whatever you decide, she'll love the amount of thought you have put into this project. Good job!

.

 

[737liz]

Ok, only a bit of a dummy, here is the link. It will give good finger coverage, is practical as is low set, platinum is a fancy metal, and brilliant earth is a step up from some well known mall stores. It's also a 'green' company, as is the choice to buy preloved.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/153118992071

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/153118992071

 

[Maisie]

I think there are some really good options here but the OP doesn’t have cash available to buy the ring from eBay/Whiteflash etc. He explained he needed to make repairs to his house so the ring budget was used up on that.

I honestly feel for him as he really wants to please his girlfriend. I also feel that this is huge pressure on him. There doesn’t seem to be a way forward that will make everyone happy. With all due respect, her family sounds a bit scary. I hope once they are engaged the wedding doesn’t become the next pressure to deal with.

 

[the_mother_thing]

@Maisie I believe OP said that he may have $1000-1200 to spend on something 'now' as in 'in time for the Aug proposal'. That's why we're looking for options in that range IF he chooses to go that route.

 

[737liz]

I think there are some really good options here but the OP doesn’t have cash available to buy the ring from eBay/Whiteflash etc. He explained he needed to make repairs to his house so the ring budget was used up on that.

Oh, oops, I thought 1200 was what was available to him immediately. Sorry.

 

[rockysalamander]

If she is traditional, I would stick with a solitaire and not a halo.

This is on par with some of the posted stones in terms of size.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5186362

You can get this in budget with a simple solitaire.

 

[SimoneDi]

While I think that everyone means well, there have been too many options for OP to select from and that is probably confusing him. Perhaps, OP can tell us if for certain if he would prefer to buy preloved or new and further if he would prefer a solitaire, halo, three stone, etc.

I personally don’t think that OP should be spending his budget on a premium super-ideal diamond when there are many perfectly beautiful GIA choices at a much lower price point. JA and BN also have upgrade policies that require the buyer to spend double the cost of the stone, which for OP eventually might not be a problem at all considering that we are looking at stones under 1k.

If I were to select something now with current cash budget, I would get something like the below:

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...k-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5313755 it is a nice FIC stone priced at $980

And select the cheapest setting which is still very nice btw: https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/e...nife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7115 $180

JA also sometimes offers “advantage discount” OP can inquire about it.

 

[soxfan]

While I think that everyone means well, there have been too many options for OP to select from and that is probably confusing him. Perhaps, OP can tell us if for certain if he would prefer to buy preloved or new and further if he would prefer a solitaire, halo, three stone, etc.

I personally don’t think that OP should be spending his budget on a premium super-ideal diamond when there are many perfectly beautiful GIA choices at a much lower price point. JA and BN also have upgrade policies that require the buyer to spend double the cost of the stone, which for OP eventually might not be a problem at all considering that we are looking at stones under 1k.

If I were to select something now with current cash budget, I would get something like the below:

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...k-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5313755 it is a nice FIC stone priced at $980

And select the cheapest setting which is still very nice btw: https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/e...nife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7115 $180

JA also sometimes offers “advantage discount” OP can inquire about it.

 

[farrahlyn]

This ebay JA ring is such a great buy. it's pre-owned but recently polished and the stone has really great angles. New, it's around a $2k+ ring. My favorite among the pre-owned options for sure. (i really love the setting) Some great choices to choose from too if you decide to go with new and upgrade later.

 

[natasha-cupcake]

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.

Ring #1-- Pros--exactly on budget, cute ring, good value. Cons--Cluster rings (smaller stones, clustered to look larger) may or may not appeal. Does not say "engagement ring" to me, but then again, I personally don't like cluster rings. I would pass on this one, but if you really like it, keep it under consideration.

Ring #2--Pros--on budget, charming vintage-y ring, good value. Cons--I'm a huge fan of vintage rings, but this one looks a little "worn" to me. Might be gorgeous in person, but if it disappoints you'll have to return and start over. Your timeline may be a little tight for this. This is a maybe for me, but I would probably pass due to the uncertainty issue. That being said, if you LOVE it, I would keep it in consideration.

Ring #3--Pros--on budget, nice size center diamond with decent or better cut (HCA=2, complementary angles) Cons--I can't think of any.

Ring #4--Pros--Pretty ring, good value if you can get a lower price. Cons--center diamond is really small. I'm on the fence with this one. I still think something more traditional would be better.

Ring #5--Pros--Great price, looks pretty from the picture. Cons--cluster ring, so my comments from #1 apply; not sure of the diamond quality either. I'd pass on this.

Ring #6--Pros--Great price, lots of bling. Cons--scratches, not sure of diamond quality. Is your girlfriend the bling-y type? If so, keep it in consideration. If not, pass.

Ring #7--Pros--Great price, lots of bling. Cons--It does have an inexpensive look to it, and again, is your girlfriend the bling-y type? My impression is that she's more traditional and might appreciate understated elegance over bling.

I still think a traditional solitaire from Whiteflash would be an excellent option. Pros--Best possible diamond quality if you stick with ACA (Super Ideal diamond) or Expert Selection (near Super Ideal quality), brand new, traditional (which, if I read you correctly, best describes your girlfriend's taste and aesthetic). Diamond will appear larger and brighter than lesser quality cuts, due to edge-to-edge brilliance; color will appear higher than diamonds with lesser quality cuts. You can order and receive the diamond within a reasonably short period of time. Excellent return and upgrade policies. Cons--top of your budget; you'll probably need to use wire transfer pricing to get the largest possible diamond. Here's two I put together to try and maximize the size and get the best bang for your buck. The first one is .406 H VS1 Expert Selection The second is a .417 I VS2 ACA. In the 6 prong Ritani white gold knife edge setting the first ring would be $1205.66 using the wire discount price. The second one would be $1265.66 wired price.

Ritani 1RZ7295 Solitaire Engagement Ring - Whiteflash | 4031

Diamond | 0.406 ct H VS1 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 2145445

Diamond | 0.417 ct I VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified |

 

[SimoneDi]

1. None of the preloved options would allow OP to upgrade in the future and it appears that eventually he might want to get her a “better”/bigger ring.
2. Also, she has been waiting for a ring for a while, she might not be too happy about the idea of preloved, even though it appears that most of all she just wants to be engaged.
3. Her family will be judgemental if the ring is preloved, not sure if OP wants to deal with that.

We will make OP very confused with the overwhelming list of option. Sometimes less is more.

 

[Maisie]

@Maisie I believe OP said that he may have $1000-1200 to spend on something 'now' as in 'in time for the Aug proposal'. That's why we're looking for options in that range IF he chooses to go that route.

Ooh I missed that. Just ignore me

 

[the_mother_thing]

While I think that everyone means well, there have been too many options for OP to select from and that is probably confusing him. Perhaps, OP can tell us if for certain if he would prefer to buy preloved or new and further if he would prefer a solitaire, halo, three stone, etc.

I personally don’t think that OP should be spending his budget on a premium super-ideal diamond when there are many perfectly beautiful GIA choices at a much lower price point. JA and BN also have upgrade policies that require the buyer to spend double the cost of the stone, which for OP eventually might not be a problem at all considering that we are looking at stones under 1k.

If I were to select something now with current cash budget, I would get something like the below:

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...k-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5313755 it is a nice FIC stone priced at $980

And select the cheapest setting which is still very nice btw: https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/e...nife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7115 $180

JA also sometimes offers “advantage discount” OP can inquire about it.

I would agree with you here; great point! Once finances stabilize for OP, upgrading with JA would still be relatively easy given his goal budget if he chooses. And we could certainly help him choose the best diamond for the $ if/when he is ready.

 

[Maisie]

I don't even know if this interests you but I think its beautiful. Its $995 and would be a perfect placeholder for the bigger diamond you can buy later on. She can then switch this to her right hand.

 

[farrahlyn]

1. None of the preloved options would allow OP to upgrade in the future and it appears that eventually he might want to get her a “better”/bigger ring.
2. Also, she has been waiting for a ring for a while, she might not be too happy about the idea of preloved, even though it appears that most of all she just wants to be engaged.
3. Her family will be judgemental if the ring is preloved, not sure if OP wants to deal with that.

We will make OP very confused with the overwhelming list of option. Sometimes less is more.

i agree, it is probably VERY overwhelming with all the options being thrown at him. Perhaps the OP can start a new thread once he has decided on preloved or new.

 

[whitewave]

1. None of the preloved options would allow OP to upgrade in the future and it appears that eventually he might want to get her a “better”/bigger ring.
2. Also, she has been waiting for a ring for a while, she might not be too happy about the idea of preloved, even though it appears that most of all she just wants to be engaged.
3. Her family will be judgemental if the ring is preloved, not sure if OP wants to deal with that.

We will make OP very confused with the overwhelming list of option. Sometimes less is more.

Thank you!!

A simple solitaire— sink all the money into the stone.

 

[davidorangecali]

While I think that everyone means well, there have been too many options for OP to select from and that is probably confusing him. Perhaps, OP can tell us if for certain if he would prefer to buy preloved or new and further if he would prefer a solitaire, halo, three stone, etc.

I personally don’t think that OP should be spending his budget on a premium super-ideal diamond when there are many perfectly beautiful GIA choices at a much lower price point. JA and BN also have upgrade policies that require the buyer to spend double the cost of the stone, which for OP eventually might not be a problem at all considering that we are looking at stones under 1k.

If I were to select something now with current cash budget, I would get something like the below:

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...k-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5313755 it is a nice FIC stone priced at $980

And select the cheapest setting which is still very nice btw: https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/e...nife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7115 $180

JA also sometimes offers “advantage discount” OP can inquire about it.

That stone does look amazing! But I'm concerned that since it isn't already made that it'll take too long to get here. If I bought it tomorrow (which I'm not even sure I can hit 1.2k by tomorrow I think I would have to wait until my next paycheck next week to be able to hit 1.2k) I don't believe it'll ship until Monday of the week that we leave for the trip and we leave thursday morning of that week. Plus I really don't like the solitaire setting personally.

Ok, only a bit of a dummy, here is the link. It will give good finger coverage, is practical as is low set, platinum is a fancy metal, and brilliant earth is a step up from some well known mall stores. It's also a 'green' company, as is the choice to buy preloved.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/153118992071

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/153118992071

That looks amazing but it's listed as a 6.5 size but in the description it says its a size 9 and most people here have mentioned that platinum is not great for resizing especially if it has to come down to 6.5 from 9

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.

I DO live in socal! That might be a choice but I feel like it would require a lot of time.


To everyone else giving me the amazing simple settings with smaller stones from whiteflash for 1k I think I'm going to avoid those because I'm not 100% sure that it would arrive in time for our trip and honestly I can't really see myself proposing with a single .3 ct single diamond on a thin band even if I can upgrade later. She's BIG on pictures and sharing everything on social media and I don't think those small diamonds would look that great in photos. If I go the August 1k route I think it'll have to be like new/good condition pre-loved. If I do go the layaway route I'm definitely going to be looking at WF and JA and I'll be asking everyone opinions but for the 1k option in August proposal I'd have to stick to rings similar to this post I had made earlier. AND my boss just caught me on this forum instead of working so I should really get back to work. But I think going off of my top list should give people an idea of what I'm looking at for the 1k range. and It would also have to be something that ships in time for Aug 15.

 

[whitewave]

1.2 HCA




$1187 total

It can be finished by Monday.

Direct link to stone: https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

 

[the_mother_thing]

@davidorangecali When you have a moment ... and I forget if this was asked earlier, but any chance there is an heirloom diamond and/or ring in your family (not hers) that you can possibly propose with? There is a sentimentality associated with having one's family offer up a ring to someone, kind of as a means of 'welcome to our family'. Just another thought.

 

[whitewave]

This is a .56 on a size 7 finger to give you a size visual

 

[canuk-gal]

@davidorangecali When you have a moment ... and I forget if this was asked earlier, but any chance there is an heirloom diamond and/or ring in your family (not hers) that you can possibly propose with? There is a sentimentality associated with having one's family offer up a ring to someone, kind of as a means of 'welcome to our family'. Just another thought.

Great minds!! I asked this page 1.

 

[Acinom]

1.2 HCA




$1187 total

It can be finished by Monday.

Direct link to stone: https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

This is a great option!!! And you can save up for a luxurious wedding and/or eternity band to wear with it.

 

[nala]

Trust me. Go to Kevin Jewelers. It will take less time than an appointment with Robbins bros Bc you just walk in! Lots to choose from. Bring her! She will love it.

 

[natasha-cupcake]

1.2 HCA



$1187 total

It can be finished by Monday.

Direct link to stone: https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

I REALLY like this option. Beautiful diamond, great size for your budget (.5 carat!), new, priced right, and would work with the timeline.

Nice find, @whitewave! Only downside is that the upgrade policies aren't as generous as Whiteflash. You'd have to spend double to upgrade, but that might not be so difficult in the future, given the excellent price here.