Need Help Choosing Mother''s Ring

[sirdeity]

Hello,

I've always wanted to get my mother a ring with me and my brother's gemstones in it. It is sort of a family tradition because my mother and her 6 siblings came together to buy their mother a ring with their gemstones, etc...

Anyway, I figured it'd be wise to do some online comparisons and I am really, really confused. The more prices I see the more confused I get. My price range is about $200-.00-$350.00. I want a two gem, 14 karot yellow gold ring for my mother. For my birthstone (April), I want a genuine diamond. For my brother's birthstone (March), I want a genuine aquamarine. I'd also like our first names engraved on the ring itself. I've done searches for rings with these specifications and the prices range anywhere from $2XX.00 to $7XX.00. Can someone please, please help me in my decision making process? I would be so very grateful for the assistance.

I'm just a poor college student at the moment, but my mom is sick and I don't want to wait any longer. So I want to be sure I'm making the best purchase possible. I'd really like to start by providing you with an example in the hope that you can shed some light on the logic behind the various price differences I'm seeing across the web.

Here's two rings, which appear identical with two exceptions: (1) The April Gem and (2) the price:

(From http://www.joyjewelers.com/store/shopping_basket.php)
Loving Promise
- Item#LOVINGPROMISE_14ktgen_02
- Ring Size 12.0
- Metal Type 14kt yellow gold
- Stone 1 Genuine Diamond (+$50.00)
- Name 1 Eric
- Stone 2 Genuine Aquamarine
- Name 2 Adam
The total price of this ring is only $299.97.


A ring with a very similar (if not identical) design is as follows:

(From https://www.danielsjewelers.com/shop_cart.aspx)
SKU: LPROM
Ring Style: Loving Promise
Ready to Ship in: 2-3 Weeks
Ring Size:12
Metal:14KT Yellow Gold with genuine stones ($569.95)
Base Price: $569.95
Stone Config:2
Stone 1::April: White Sapphire
Name 1: Eric
Stone 2::March: Aquamarine
Name 2: Adam

As you can see, this ring appears to be the exact same design (Loving Promise). The two differences that don't make sense to me are (1) they don't have the option of genuine diamonds, thus I had to choose a gem (white sapphire) of lesser value, and (2) their price is substantially higher ($569.95).

As you can see, the last ring, with a gem of lesser value (assuming the gem sizes are the same), is $269.98 more expensive. Is there a reasonable explanation for the price difference? The gem sizes at Joy Jewelers are 2mm for that particular ring design. I wasn't able to find any gem size information at Daniel's Jewelers, but Daniel's is supposed to be a fairly reputable jewelry store.

I've noticed very similar price differences across the internet and there never seems to be an obvious explanation for it. Shouldn't they list the specific cut, purity, and size of the gems that go in the rings? How are we supposed to know if it's a good deal if we don't have access to this information?

Note: I really like the "Loving Promise" design, but I'm willing to consider alternatives. The biggest concern after pricing (value vs cost) is quality. I definitely don't want to buy my mother a ring that'll just end up losing its stones. She has already lost most of her diamonds from her engagement and wedding rings from my dad.

Thank you very much for you generous assistance and insight (and Happy Holidays to you)!

 

[ma re]

Reasons for diferences in prices can be many. From some stones being treated and others natural, to some being cut more shallow and others more deep (deep cuts tend to cost more eventhough they look the same and have the same diameter) or just some stores having higher markups or being more reputable (read: more fancy).

Reading your post I''d suggest a few things, especially because of a limited budget. First of all, does mom really love yellow gold? If not, think about silver. It will save you some money on the metal and leave more for nicer stones. Besides, stones will be more secure in a sturdy silver setting with proper weight, than in a gold one that weighs less than a feather, especially if it''s a style with prongs. And a combination of a colorless and blue generally looks nicer in white metal.

Finding a small aqua with a good color is tough, so think about something that sets it in a bezel, to darken it a little. You can have the other stone in a diferent setting, since they''re already of diferent colors (you can have it done if you end up with some spare money in the end).

Your style looks interesting, but here are some more you may like. First is a crossover ring like THIS or THIS and the other one is a, so called, toi et moi ring; style that was popular in the beginning of 20th century for e-rings (translation: you and me ring). You can find many examples of the later HERE.

Hope I''ve been of some help

 

[kaori]

Hello,

I don''t normally suggest this, but considering a tighter budget, would you willing to try jtv.com? This is an aquamarine for a good price (just for example) http://www.jewelrytelevision.com/index.aspx?tid=21847&up=UP2180028|Aquamarine&N=50%20271%201090&cm_sp=&cm_re=Results*3*1&cm_pos=9&bca=A7R117&ptid=7362&R=3092127


I hope this helps...

 

[Diamond*Dana]

Hi~
Try http://www.momsjewelrybox.com/mothers-family-rings.htm. I have purchased from them in the past and they have very good quality for your money. The Artcarved Celebrations of Life collection have names engraved on them....I have one of their rings and I love it!

 

[musey]

Your links don't work, but I wouldn't personally feel comfortable buying from either of those websites

sorry.

This may be a little out there, but it's just an idea. Beverly K stuff is quite customizable, so if you liked this design then you could ask to do it in 14k yellow gold and half or even 1/4 eternity to save cost. It may even bring it down into budget range, I don't know. Just an idea!

Beverly K Aquamarine & Diamond Floral Band