Kay's or custom?

[K2000]

Hello all, I'm seeking advice on pursuing a custom order or keeping a last minute retail purchase. Short term rising prices are weighing on my decision. I'm really weary of paying more now for mediocre loose stones. Online loose stone inventory is low, especially for budget stones I1 -S1 the price is literally up about 60% for the size and shape I want compared to a few months ago. The semi custom costs of online retailers and build a ring websites have risen quickly. Last year I could get something decent. Now it's feeling like it's not worth my time and I should have gone to a retail store to begin with.

The online buying experience is uncomfortable. I have buyers' remorse about not buying sooner. Getting the loose stone, that I have, was a hassle with invasive buying policies from JA. This process has created conflict between me and my partner. I feel like my overall options are underwhelming and I'm not sure I'll be happy with either decision/ring. The ring has definitely lost its romanticism and sentimentality.

Due to rising prices I made a few last minute purchases and I'm unsure about it all. At the moment I have a loose stone and a completed retail type of ring. I'm in the return window for both but I feel conflicted, neither are of great quality. I purchased a loose stone online. It's ok but it's not great. I'm actually really glad I didn't have it sent in a setting. Disappointed, I went to look in person at some retail stores. I found a completed eye clean ring on sale. I bought it because it was basically the cost of buying the pave halo setting

If I continue with a custom online order I'd have to return the stone or keep it and settle for a mediocre stone. Like I said, the I1, SI2 and SII stones I was looking at a few months ago are now considerably more for the same "average" type of quality.

The big box retail ring is smaller but looks acceptable. The setting compensates for the smaller stone size, however the ring is not the right size and needs to be resized.

Is there a way to determine metal and setting durability on these big box retail rings? I know that side/pave stones are more likely to be an issue with retail rings from Jared's, zales, kays when compared to custom design quality.

 

[marymm]

If neither are of great quality, I recomend you return both for refund.

If budget and inventory and market timing are adversely affecting your purchasing experience, then may I suggest taking a step back, re-evaluating what is necessary for your purpose (is this for an ER?), and make some new decisions -- i.e., consider going with matching platinum or gold bands (plain? engraved? two-tone metal?) to celebrate your engagement from a favorite local jewelry store or online vendor eweddingbands.com, or perhaps a slim super-ideal eternity or diamond band from Brian Gavin Diamond or WhiteFlash (both highly reputable online vendors) -- any of these can transform into a WB whenever in the future you may decide to shop for an ER.

 

[lulu_ma]

If you are comfortable, can you share your budget and preferred carat size and color? You would be amazed at how many talented pro-sumers there are on Pricescope.

 

[tyty333]

I would return both. It seems simple in the short run to keep the pre-made zales (or whichever store its from) ring/set but
in the long run, you may come to regret not getting a better quality stone/set. For the JA stone, I would not throw good money
after bad. Return it.

I like @marymm 's suggestion about just getting nice quality matching wedding bands or getting a 7/9 stone wedding band that you
can put with an engagement ring in the future.

The other option is to go with a lab diamond. They're worth taking a look at. I* would rather have a well-cut lab stone than a poorly
cut Zales set but YMMV.

And as @lulu_ma mentioned, if you give your budget we may be able to find something really nice for you. Dont eliminate pre-loved
from your search.

Bottom line, I would return both items you have purchased.

Good luck!

 

[MrsBlue]

Hello friend--You can post certs and pictures of your purchases, along with information about your budget and preferences, and the kind people here will be happy to help you. Lean on their expertise and assure your partner that you're gathering information to make the best possible decision for you both.

Good luck to you!

 

[yssie]

Return everything you can that you aren’t happy with (which sounds like - everything). Doing more with those pieces is just throwing good money after bad.

Reevaluate this whole ring thing. Prices go up and down - there will always be something wonderful for every budget. I read this:
This process has created conflict between me and my partner. I feel like my overall options are underwhelming and I'm not sure I'll be happy with either decision/ring. The ring has definitely lost its romanticism and sentimentality.
Yet another stone/ring - no matter how nice - isn’t going to bring back any romanticism or sentimentality, and isn’t going to fix this conflict between you and your partner. You can be engaged without any diamonds at all. You can be married without any diamonds at all! Maybe start with plain band(s) and try the diamond ring project again in a year or two, or three. Or, if you’d like something sparkly to celebrate those occasions with, perhaps consider a different piece altogether (earrings, bracelet, pendant, brooch?).

 

[anangel]

You got some great suggestions!
Return anything you aren’t happy with while you’re in the return period. Mass produced jewelry (like Kay’s) is only going to drop in value if you resell it yourself.
If you’re comfortable, share your budget. There are so many people on here willing to help once they know what your budget is.
Figure out your priorities. What’s important to you:
Are you color sensitive?
Picky about clarity (based on your post, eye clean seems to be the only requirement)?
Is size important? Are you shooting for as a big as possible, or is there a specific size you’re trying to purchase?
What is important about the setting? Does she want a simple solitaire or something more ornate? What metal type?
Finally, if your budget is really tight have you considered lab grown? Even if you’re goal is a mined diamond long term, you can go as cheap as $800-$1200 for a one carat from Lightbox, put it in a nice solitaire, and it will look better than the options at Kay’s. You’re right- supply is lean right now, and it may make sense to save towards an upgrade even if you propose now.

 

[tyty333]

Question...are you the wearer of the ring or the giver? I assumed the ring was for you but if not, please let us know.

 

[SandyK]

You've gotten some great advice above, so I just want to echo the recommendations to return both the loose stone and completed ring!

I'm so sorry that this process has gotten stressful and upsetting. But the good news is that you are still within the return window for both items, so you have the chance to walk away with all of your money and then figure out where to go from here. I love the idea of getting beautiful bands now, and then saving up for a ring you will truly love. Please don't waste your hard-earned money on something you already know won't bring you happiness. There's no rush!!

A lot of people come to PriceScope too late, at which point they generally either have to try and live with a ring they don't like, or try and sell it at a big loss (and selling is also a very stressful process).

You are in great hands here - I'm rooting for you!