My Dad is engaged! Help finding a ring for his lady?

[CrisM]

Never say never.

Dad went on vacation a couple of months ago and made a stop in Paris to see some old friends. One of said friends is someone he hadn't seen in 40 years but lightning hit them both and they are engaged to be married. They talk and email several times a day, every day, and skype. He blushes and laughs whenever I see him. It really is amazing and I am thrilled for him. It's a whirlwind romance and long distance for now, until she finishes one more working year before she can retire and relocate. She's coming to visit for a couple of weeks in December and he's going to Paris in the Spring for her birthday. Amazing.

So the romantic and PSer in me offered to help Dad choose a ring to present to her when she arrives. I suggested he do it over dinner when they go away for the weekend after her arrival but he doesn't want to wait that long (!). The champagne is already chilled and he plans to present her with it the night she lands.

Given that his lady love arrives December 13th, I'm in a bit of a crunch to find just a few options from which he can choose and to have it received in time. According to him, she's modest and has simple tastes. Probably the best way to go is an estate / pre-owned / pre-made Etsy ring? So I'm asking for some help in the hunt! Can anyone help my Dad find a pretty ring for his old friend and new fiancee?

*He guesses she's probably a size 6 but best to have the ring be resizable.
*Not more than $500. Philosophically, anything more crosses his threshold of a symbolic gesture / offering. They're both previously married. This really is more of a romantic surprise on his part and to please her.
*Simple, elegant design
*A color center stone, not a diamond
*She's a nurse. If she choses to wear the ring daily, it will likely need to be set low and be unobstrusive.

Thoughts on these? Others?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84077921/tear-drop-aquamarine-engagement-ring-in

http://www.etsy.com/listing/7929507...ax=500&ga_page=4&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=

Too big? http://www.rubylane.com/item/635099-R-445-FT/Amazing-Vintage-Solitaire-Spessartite-Garnet

Resizable? http://www.rubylane.com/item/635099-R-279/Gorgeous-Vintage-Pink-Tourmaline-Cabochon

http://www.rubylane.com/item/739491-102x20Rubyx20rg/Outstanding-14k-gold-ruby-ring

Honestly, I'm not thrilled with any of these and wish I knew something more about her tastes. But, this is very sudden and we are all getting to know each other. I am so happy for them!

 

[gongli]

a bit over budget but i like this one

http://gemrite.com/cubecart/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=144

not sure about resizability but the cuts will be good

 

[anotsomadhatter]

Fun! "Simple tastes" is a tough one - does that mean modern or vintage or just "doesn't need to be expensive". Hard to tell.

I'm sure lots of others will have suggestions for you but this shop: Link has a few different classic solitaire & three stone choices under the $500 mark.

 

[pregcurious]

How about a diamond half-eternity band that is sizable? It is simple, is low profile, and goes with everything.

The toughest part is that it will only be sizable within a certain range. You could contact www.idjewelryonline.com to ask their advice and prices. Let them know you are from PS. You can search for reviews on ID here--PSers have had good experiences with them.

 

[movie zombie]

the good news is that if she's european....or just been there for so many years.....she's not going to want a big stone. i'm liking the idea of a band with some stones/diamonds....and then another for the wedding band. actually, don't many in europe skip the wedding band and get a band as the engagement and only ring?

eta: the 14k ruby ring works. also, in europe they are not as hung up on higher carat gold and in many cases even go 10k.

2nd eta: slightly above his "budget":

http://www.langantiques.com/products/item/10-1-4245

http://www.langantiques.com/products/item/10-1-4235

 

[marymm]

Etsy vendor Heart of Water is located in Thailand but there should still be time enough for something to arrive by mid-December. They have a number of rings that are within budget and seem to meet your guidelines - http://www.etsy.com/shop/HeartofWaterJewels - I think their new Pure ring is such a lovely design - http://www.etsy.com/listing/85316130/pure-handforged-aquamarine-and-diamond - though it is $25 over budget, plus shipping, it is ready now in a size 6 and sizeable.

And thanks for sharing your dad's story of reconnection and love - it was wonderful to read, especially since you share in his joy. Good luck with ring shopping!

 

[Cluless]

Oh yes heart of water jewels I love their Lotus ring it's a real beauty

http://www.etsy.com/listing/30425590/heart-of-water-jewels-lotus-ring-in-18k?ref=v1_other_1

 

[Pandora II]

the good news is that if she's european....or just been there for so many years.....she's not going to want a big stone. i'm liking the idea of a band with some stones/diamonds....and then another for the wedding band. actually, don't many in europe skip the wedding band and get a band as the engagement and only ring?

eta: the 14k ruby ring works. also, in europe they are not as hung up on higher carat gold and in many cases even go 10k.

2nd eta: slightly above his "budget":

http://www.langantiques.com/products/item/10-1-4245

http://www.langantiques.com/products/item/10-1-4235

Depends on the part of Europe. Places like Italy, you either get a sizeable e-ring (diamond or coloured stone) or nothing at all. Countries like Germany I believe it's more of a band thing. France can go either way.

I would go for a nice coloured stone in a low-set semi-bezel. I think bands are potentially a bit too everyday. Stone-wise, I would stick to spinel, chrysoberyl or sapphire. A cabochon could work as well - I'm doing a pair of cufflinks for my BIL with cabochon moonstones and a blue sapphire halo that brings out the blue in the moonstone. Something like that could be a bit different and cabs wear quite well and are easy to repolish if needed.

What kind of colours do she or your father like? Is she French or an American who has been living in France?

 

[SB621]

Have you checked out the pre-owned forum...is there anything on there?

 

[chloeishere]

It's so hard to say on this one, since "simple, elegant taste" can refer to all sorts of styles. I'm going to assume she doesn't want a really big stone, generally. Does he know her favorite color or what colors she favors in clothing? White or yellow metal?

The first etsy seller I thought of was JanishJewels. All her rings look very low profile and glove safe. I contacted her about my e-ring, but she didn't work in any of the metals I needed (she only works in gold and silver, but different alloys of either). She did communicate quickly and was very nice. I think she has fairly good reviews on here, and I believe she works very fast (from what I remember of her reviews on here), so if you wanted to do a custom variation of one of her rings, she could probably get it to him in the time needed.

Star sapphire ring: http://www.etsy.com/listing/61532963/star-blue-sapphire-ring-18k-gold-and
Carved aquamarine: http://www.etsy.com/listing/75282766/carved-aquamarine-ring-18k-gold-and
Granulated 22kt gold ring (this style I think is a bit of a more elaborate "simple" style. Since she wants a colored stone, though, maybe this could be set with a different stone?) http://www.etsy.com/listing/51508940/22k-gold-granulated-herkimer-diamond-or

This is a little different, but would probably be incredibly comfortable. Looks like the jeweler can use many different stone melees. http://www.etsy.com/listing/68442644/14k-yellow-gold-with-4-diamonds-ring?ref=v1_other_1

I hope this helps!

ETA: Of the rings you had in the original post, I thought the rose-cut tangerine diamond ring in the simple bezel setting was really stunning, elegant, yet modest.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Oakgem has many lovely pieces. This is new and diamond, but:

http://oakgem.com/Products/Purely_Bridal_Two_Prong_Twist_Diamond_Engagement_Ring_4823.aspx

cheers--Sharon

 

[CrisM]

The members on this forum never cease to amaze. Thank you for your help! Some of these are sweet enough to tempt me but I'm staying focused

I'd love to offer him colored stone options as he stated that was his preference. Maybe something a little sparkly but no diamonds. Thoughts there? Again, it would have to be a quick turnaround - by December 13.

I'll compile these suggestions for him. They're all lovely, actually.

ETA: "simple" is indeed hard to define but doesn't need to be expensive is my closest guess. Wish I knew her better but this has all been a big surprise. I asked what color are her eyes: noissette (light brown) / hazel.

 

[vintagelover229]

That is SOOO sweet Congratulations to your dad for finding love again


http://www.etsy.com/listing/84378494/beautiful-antique-deco-18k-old-euro?ref=sr_gallery_10&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=sapphire+ring&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage%2Fantique

http://www.rubylane.com/item/396840-4621/Art-Deco-18K-Platinum-Diamond

This can't be re-sized so you'd have to find out more
http://www.rubylane.com/item/599172-x2310923RubyEternityRing/Vintage-Estate-Retro-Ruby-Tri

With a green stone
http://www.rubylane.com/item/519854-16838/14k-Yellow-Gold-Band-Style

A nice silver one with a light pink stone
http://www.diamondbistro.com/category/219/Colored-Center-Stone/listings/24311/Sterling-SilverRose-Gold-JKT-ring-with-Gene-Tourm.html

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NATURAL-PINK-TOURMALINE-BEZEL-SET-VINTAGE-10K-GOLD-RING-/230660234508?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item35b46bdd0c

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2CT-DIAMOND-VS1-VINTAGE-ESTATE-1920s-RING-SAPPHIRE-18-/170725938297?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item27c00f1479

Rubies
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Marquise-Ruby-VVS-Colorless-Baguette-Diamond-Ring-14K-Gold-Estate-Jewelry-/360408176407?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53ea005717

Nice emerald bezel halo ring
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FABULOUS-0-60CT-EMERALD-1-28CT-DIAMOND-18CT-RING-/200672398681?pt=UK_Jewellery_Watches_VintageFineJewellery_CA&hash=item2eb901cd59

This had no gemstones but the diamonds are nice and it's unique
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-ESTATE-DIAMOND-18k-50pts-ENGAGEMENT-RING-SIZE-5-5-/320790435049?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_with_Accents&hash=item4ab09994e9

Another nice ruby ring
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FINE-VICTORIAN-DIAMONDS-RUBY-18-ct-GOLD-RING-/300622180505?pt=UK_Jewellery_Watches_VintageFineJewellery_CA&hash=item45fe7a7099

If she really is a size 6 this is also very pretty
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ESTATE-JUDITH-RIPKA-18K-YELLOW-GOLD-FLOWER-MOTIF-DIAMOND-BAND-RING-/110774192445?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19caa8093d

Vintage sapphire halo ring
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Beautiful-18ct-gold-Platinum-art-deco-Sapphire-Diamond-ring-/330636388674?pt=UK_Jewellery_Watches_VintageFineJewellery_CA&hash=item4cfb76e942

Another nice sapphire/diamond ring
http://www.ebay.com/itm/14K-VINTAGE-SAPPHIRE-DIAMOND-RING-SIZE-7-25-LB931-/310213105126?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item483a2455e6

filigree sapphire/diamond ring
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1900S-FILIGREE-PLATINUM-14K-SAPPHIRE-EURO-DIAMOND-RING-/370495687750?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5643438c46

Another unique sapphire/diamond halo ring
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gorgeous-Platinum-18K-Art-Deco-50-ctw-Diamond-Sapphire-Ring-Sz-5-/110771658531?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19ca815f23

Beautiful opal ring
http://www.ebay.com/itm/18ct-gold-Platinum-art-deco-Opal-Diamond-ring-/330577396934?pt=UK_Jewellery_Watches_VintageFineJewellery_CA&hash=item4cf7f2c4c6

Another emerald halo and diamond but squared
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ART-DECO-EMERALD-DIAMOND-CLUSTER-RING-18ct-PLATINUM-I-/370529925946?pt=UK_Jewellery_Watches_VintageFineJewellery_CA&hash=item56454dfb3a


I realize some of these weren't quite what you were looking for but if you find stuff that you like but isn't quite right just let me know and I'll continue to search within those

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

I think you mentioned she works as a nurse and would be wearing her ring to work (therefore needs a low setting). Am I correct? Given that information I would not recommend an emerald. Actually, many, colored stones might not be the most "durable" choice given frequent handwashing/direct patient care.

cheers--Sharon

 

[Cluless]

ok, now i'm going to side track you sorry lol. How does he feel about pearls?

This is a beauty says size 2 1/2 sizable.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Estate-Diamond-Pearl-Gold-Heart-Cocktail-Ring-Fine-Heirloom-Old-Jewelry-/150696816699?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item23163af03b

 

[pregcurious]

I agree with Canuk and would stick to sapphires. They are very durable and come in a lot of colors, and in small sizes are very affordable.

I like these from ID Jewelry, one for $450 the other for$395. They are bezel set and low profile, so they should do well with frequent hand washing.
http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?products_id=10631&cType=
http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?products_id=10724&cType=ER

 

[CrisM]

Just wanted to thank everyone for your help in getting so many beauties lined up. Despite wanting a color center, Dad did a u-turn: he chose small diamonds, one for each decade it took for them to be reunited. Very sweet.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/68442644/14k-yellow-gold-with-4-diamonds-ring

 

[chloeishere]

That is such a sweet sentiment!

Awwwwwwwww!

 

[pregcurious]

That is very pretty and sweet. I love it!

 

[movie zombie]

good reason and good choice. again, congrats to your dad and his love!

 

[anotsomadhatter]

Very sweet! Looks like it will be very practical for her job as a nurse too.

 

[SomethingSinful]

awww so sweet

 

[minousbijoux]

I love stories like this because the romantic in me says that maybe I'll someday rekindle something with an old flame...contented sigh.

 

[CrisM]

I almost want to re-name this thread "big love on a small budget"!

 

[autumngems]

I'm loving this one, it sits low and is in your budget
http://www.etsy.com/listing/41971367/bella-handforged-sterling-and-18k-gold

 

[autumngems]

ALso pretty
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-1920s-VIVID-Pink-Diamond-18k-Gold-Filigree-Ring-/280762840169?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item415ec4f469

 

[Enerchi]

I think that is wonderful - love at any age can be overwhelming and all encompassing! How romantic

I also loved the sentiment regarding the years they were apart --- too sweet! The old guy still has a lot of romance in him