Hey all - let me start off with saying how great it has been browsing the forums for a couple weeks. I am planning on proposing to my girlfriend of 7 years in mid-march and am looking to surprise her with a ring. She isn't big on jewelry and all she currently has is a necklace I bought her years ago and "costume" jewelry. She does not wear any rings on her fingers but from trying things on in the past she is a 4.5 - 5.5. I am planning on finding a simple band - though I do think she would like some of the settings with side stones or pave.
I even went into a couple larger stores to look at things in person. Here is my concern with buying online - the sizing of the ring and aftercare. That's really it. I am concerned the size won't be perfect but I really want to surprise her as she won't see it coming! Thoughts?
I would really appreciate your help and suggestions towards getting her the best diamond ring for what I can afford at this time. I need to keep it under $3,000 USD. I have been getting familiar with James Allen and Blue Nile so any suggestions from those sites would be great.
Here are some of the settings I have been considering:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-ringssolitairering/item_57-8435.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/2mm-Knife-Edge-18k-White-Gold-Solitaire-Ring.html
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-White-Gold-Thin-French-Cut-Engagement-Ring.html
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/-18k-White-Gold-Tapered-Baguette-Diamond-Engagement-Ring.html
I like the more delicate looking bands - she isn't one to like large or fancy designs.
The diamond is the hardest part for me. I think that the 1 carat stones look too large - I believe I am leaning towards something similar to the ones I am linking - but I am so lost. I think from what I saw in person something in the range of 3/4 carat is a good size - more or less is alright too. I want the best I can get for my money at this time that would look good in a simple, thin, 4 prong, white setting. Please help if you can I appreciate it so much. I think that cut seems to stand out the most to me which is why I have been looking at diamonds with excellent or so cut.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1452032.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1444596.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1408024.asp
Thanks!
I even went into a couple larger stores to look at things in person. Here is my concern with buying online - the sizing of the ring and aftercare. That's really it. I am concerned the size won't be perfect but I really want to surprise her as she won't see it coming! Thoughts?
I would really appreciate your help and suggestions towards getting her the best diamond ring for what I can afford at this time. I need to keep it under $3,000 USD. I have been getting familiar with James Allen and Blue Nile so any suggestions from those sites would be great.
Here are some of the settings I have been considering:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-ringssolitairering/item_57-8435.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/2mm-Knife-Edge-18k-White-Gold-Solitaire-Ring.html
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-White-Gold-Thin-French-Cut-Engagement-Ring.html
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/-18k-White-Gold-Tapered-Baguette-Diamond-Engagement-Ring.html
I like the more delicate looking bands - she isn't one to like large or fancy designs.
The diamond is the hardest part for me. I think that the 1 carat stones look too large - I believe I am leaning towards something similar to the ones I am linking - but I am so lost. I think from what I saw in person something in the range of 3/4 carat is a good size - more or less is alright too. I want the best I can get for my money at this time that would look good in a simple, thin, 4 prong, white setting. Please help if you can I appreciate it so much. I think that cut seems to stand out the most to me which is why I have been looking at diamonds with excellent or so cut.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1452032.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1444596.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1408024.asp
Thanks!