Need advice on engagement ring purchase!

[sab]

Please help!

I just discovered this website a few days ago and I''ve been stressing over my decision to buy an engagement ring. I''d appreciate anyone''s advice, because even after reading dozens of threads I''m lost.

My two choices are:

1. .91 VS1 J for $3295 (Shane Co.)

2. 1.01 VS1 I for $3,700 (Costco)

both are princess cut in white gold


I''ve heard good and bad things about both of these companies. I think the Costco ring might be better, but it sounds like such a hassle to get it fitted into a new ring and worry about having it stolen when getting fit into another company''s ring. The costco ring looks so flat on the top and not sparkly, but it could be the lighting, but my girlfriend doesn''t want a yellow diamond. The setting I really want is at Shane Co. I can''t find any local jewelers in the Portland, OR area and I don''t want to buy online (because I want to propose very soon). I know I didn''t provide enough information, but I''m new to this and don''t want to find out the cut grades and such.
Please let me know what I should do.

Thanks

 

[thelittleguy]

Now I'm kind of a rookie at this whole thing...but I think perhaps I can offer you a little advice...

First of all..most vendors you will find on pricescope offer free next day air on shipping...this might make buying something online more appealing...

Second of all, why not save the money you would spend on tax and purchase a stone like this one...

http://www.goodoldgold.com/0_908ct_j_vs2_h&a.htm

...and get it set in white gold...you would probably come out about the same price wise, it would be shipped to you quickly, and you would most likely have a stone that was leaps and bounds above what you would find at Shane or Cosco...

just some thoughts

woops...I didnt see you where looking at princess cuts...I'm a rookie, what can I say...

 

[Regular Guy]

I can't find any local jewelers in the Portland, OR area and I don't want to buy online (because I want to propose very soon). I know I didn't provide enough information, but I'm new to this and don't want to find out the cut grades and such.
Please let me know what I should do.

What is the answer: Nice Ice

What is the question: What is about 3 hours away?

Background: forget the options you've considered, and check them out; the drive will be worth it. Check out their web site, first, I suppose, to satisfy yourself that they have some options to spy, but they're a well regarded vendor here, and I think the 3 hours will be worth your while!

Regards,

 

[LadyluvsLuxury]

Well, first I don't understand your statement "and don't want to find out the cut grades and such". Cut is the most important factor when purchasing a stone. Also, I agree with the two previous posters, because you want to propose soon does not mean you should not look into purchasing a stone with an internet vendor. TLG offered you some nice options, if I were you I'd look into them. Nice Ice is another reputable vendor and it would definitely be worth your while to check them out (I would call in advance though) in person especially if you are in a rush. Finally, no one will give you information based upon carat weight, color and size alone, as these all mean nothing without knowing cut information such as depth, table etc. Goodluck!

 

[cutes814]

Everyone brings a valid point. Just because you are short on time, that is not a reason you can't buy online! Online vendors usually ship overnight, so unless you are planning to propose tonight, then it is possible to buy online. Unless there is another reason you don't want to buy online.

You will most likely get a better cut stone online for a better price. CUT is the most important of anything. Do some more research on this site and you will learn a lot. Have you gone through the diamon tutorial? I've gone through it three times and everytime I go through it, I still learn something new!

Don't sacrafice anything and don't settle for anything less than the best. After all, you are asking this woman to spend the rest of her life with you.

If you need more help, many people will be willing to help you with your search. I for one will be glad to help, but I'm no expert on princess cuts and don't know what is needed for a great princess stone. The vendors here are very friendly and reputable. Take some time and give them a call. They will most certainly be willing to offer you advice and information to find a great princess diamond. Slow down a bit, okay? This is one piece of jewelry that she is going to wear EVERYDAY for the REST OF HER LIFE.

Let us know if you need more help. Good luck!

 

[mrmedoes]

Most vendors have on hand stock and basic settings (non-designer) usually available. Honestly the turnaround would not be bad at all, even if you wanted to do so quickly.

That being said, if you''re really not concerned about learning the standards of the stone and doing a little research on what to look for, I just recommend buying whatever looks good to you and makes you happy. That''s what''s most important in the end. No one here is going to sit there and recommend a stone without cut statistics or knowledge other than what you''re giving.

Personally, I agree with what everyone said about maybe looking into a vendor that deals in ideals. You can''t go wrong. I will say one thing... if you''ve seen these rings that costco and the other has and they''re normal level cuts, ideals blow them away. My fiancee will tell you the same.

 

[TimeTraveller]

Date: 8/18/2005 5:05:02 PM
Author: thelittleguy


Second of all, why not save the money you would spend on tax and purchase a stone like this one...

If the original poster is indeed in the Portland, OR area, then there''s no sales tax for him. OR is one of those delightful states which have NO sales tax period.

Sab, if as you say your GF really doesn''t want a yellow diamond, then go with the Costco option. Even with a color of "I", it may very well be noticibly yellow to your GF. I would definitely suggest you stay away from the J color stone. Or try finding at least an "I" color diamond at Shane Co with the setting your GF likes.

 

[cutes814]

Date: 8/18/2005 10:39:28 PM
Author: TimeTraveller

Sab, if as you say your GF really doesn''t want a yellow diamond, then go with the Costco option. Even with a color of ''I'', it may very well be noticibly yellow to your GF. I would definitely suggest you stay away from the J color stone. Or try finding at least an ''I'' color diamond at Shane Co with the setting your GF likes.

Oooooooh, you''re asking for trouble here.

"I" color stones are not yellow at all! Some color sensitive people might find it a little warm, but it is nowhere even near yellow! G-H-I-J colors are all in the near colorless range, so by far from yellow. I am buying an I VS2 H&A for my engagement ring and I''ve seen the stone in person many times, even pavilion side up on a white sheet of paper and I can''t even see a tint of warmth!

And not all J''s are created equal. Have you seen some of the ladies'' J stones here? They are not yellow, maybe some look a little warm from the side view, but definitely not yellow! Hrm....I think I got my point across.

I said "not yellow" like ten times.....hee, but it''s true.

Sab, if your GF is color sensitive, then go higher in color grade and sacrafice a little in size and clarity, but no matter what, NEVER SACRAFICE ON CUT!!! That is the utmost important thing when buying a diamond. It is a big factor on how the diamond performs.

Good luck in your search!

 

[diamondfan]

Sab, I understand your time concerns but have a couple points.

1. This is a signifcant purchase for a significant occasion. Educate yourself, you will feel so much better about spending the money for a stone or ring if you do.
2. Even if you found an amazing loose stone that you could get to your home quickly, you could put it in a temporary mounting and propose, then let her help with the setting. She will be so thrilled to see a stone and be proposed to and then she can feel a part of the process...but you will have had the choice of the stone.
3. Try to browse a couple jewelry store windows to find out what she likes, since no one likes to open a box and be disappointed, especially with their engagement ring.

If you order on line, just make sure what the return policies are before, and learn some of the facts about stones...but keep in mind it might sound great on paper but not look great in person and vice versa, so seeing is the only true test. Good Luck and Congratulations in advance!