To JustLooking.
First off, I have to apologize for resurrecting this old thread, but I just came by this website today in search of information and advice on how to buy an engagement ring. I'm in the Bay Area and have been reading with great interest threads on 2 particular retailers, Derco and Simayof. This was the only one I could find that actually had anything in the way of pictures and I was so impressed with the ring that you got, so a big hearty congratulations!
[1.] With that said, would it be too much to ask if you could give me a roundabout idea on how much you spent on that ring/diamond? I am on a very strict budget and would like to get an idea on what I can expect to pay for that size/quality combination. Hopefully you are still participating or reading the letters in this forum. If not, does anybody out there have an idea?
[2.] Also, a few names were thrown about with regards to getting an appraisal. As a newbie, is it somehow possible to get an appraisal first before purchasing the ring or do I have purchase it first and have it appraised next? What if the ring turns out to be lesser in worth than what it was sold for based on the appraisal?
[3.] Also, any good recommendations for an insurance company once I've made the purchase?
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So many more questions, mostly with regards to the purchase process, such as how to look at both the ring and the diamond since I obviously don't have a trained eye, but I thought I'd start with these first just so I can get them out of the way and then later, concentrate on learning how to look at the ring in it's entirety.
Thanks in advance for any help I can get out here! This is a wonderful place to gather information and advice.