Need some advice...

[06USMC21]

I am in the US Marines, currently deployed in Japan, the unit i am stationed with is a rapidily deploying one. My lady to be and I have discussed about getting married sometime in the near future but don''t really find it viable right now cause of the unit i am with. I had planned on proposeing to her the next time I am on leave in the middle of next year. The advice i am looking for is what vendors do you all know of that would be able to work with me in spaced out periods where i would be unable communicate with them for a weeks up to a month on certain times, and not be frustrated and write me off.
Also because of the time i am gone she understands, if it does happen, i may not be able to find that one perfect ring and would happy with whatever she can get till the times right. But i am not happy with that i want to give her what she wants and what she deserves. From your alls expierence which is a better choice simple first and give her what she wants later, or possibly take little while longer and give her what she deserves. I know either way she would be happy, and not upset one way or another.

 

[arjunajane]

Hi there and welcome!
There are a number of vendors that are very popular around here for great service and amazing product - namely Whiteflash.com and Good Old Gold - there are other great vendors too, but this will give you somewhere to start.
They both do a ton of business over the internet, and if need be you can finalize the whole transaction via email.
I am in Australia and have purchased from both these vendors, so distance will not be an obstacle.
As far as your other question, I kinda like the idea of getting something special for the proposal - if you find later this is not suitable, or your girl wants to upgrade, both these vendors also have lifetime upgrade policies. I would think that working closely with one of the helpful reps from WF or GOG, you will definately be able to get your perfect ring.

If you are happy to, you can post some specs/ideas on what you're after and your budget, then other PS'ers will happily help you hunt down a great deal.

Also, you can do a quick search here on WF and GOG and read all the top feedback from happy customers.
hth

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/20/2008 5:22:52 AM
Author: arjunajane
Hi there and welcome!
There are a number of vendors that are very popular around here for great service and amazing product - namely Whiteflash.com and Good Old Gold - there are other great vendors too, but this will give you somewhere to start.
They both do a ton of business over the internet, and if need be you can finalize the whole transaction via email.
I am in Australia and have purchased from both these vendors, so distance will not be an obstacle.
As far as your other question, I kinda like the idea of getting something special for the proposal - if you find later this is not suitable, or your girl wants to upgrade, both these vendors also have lifetime upgrade policies. I would think that working closely with one of the helpful reps from WF or GOG, you will definately be able to get your perfect ring.

If you are happy to, you can post some specs/ideas on what you''re after and your budget, then other PS''ers will happily help you hunt down a great deal.

Also, you can do a quick search here on WF and GOG and read all the top feedback from happy customers.
hth

Welcome!

Ditto AJ, just explain to the vendor you use your situation and they will be able to work with you.

 

[06USMC21]

Are there any vendors you all would recomend who are more accomadateing for time? And for the other question would you ladies feel cheated/dissapointed whatever if your guy gave you less then his best, but knew he would make up for it in then end? And I am in no way saying she is ungreatful or would be ungreatful, she is more then understanding/patient with my job.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/20/2008 5:52:08 AM
Author: 06USMC21
Are there any vendors you all would recomend who are more accomadateing for time? And for the other question would you ladies feel cheated/dissapointed whatever if your guy gave you less then his best, but knew he would make up for it in then end? And I am in no way saying she is ungreatful or would be ungreatful, she is more then understanding/patient with my job.

I would think the above mentioned vendors would all be sympathetic to your situation and they are used to dealing with military in some cases, so just explain the situation and you should be fine.

Personally I would think your GF would be happy with whatever you give her, plus to actually be engaged is a wonderful thing when you are in the mil, it can help with those lonely days. What you could do is this, some of the vendors like WF, GOG, Wink Jones etc do good upgrade policies on some of their diamonds, so if you wanted to get her a smaller diamond now which is upgradeable later, then you could do that if you think your GF would welcome that as a way to get a larger diamond later. Or just get her what you can afford now, and tell her when you are able you will get her a larger diamond or more ornate setting as well if that is what she wants.

In my opinion I would rather get engaged with a smaller ring now and wait to get a more expensive ring later, that is what we did actually and upgraded over the years. My Husband couldn't afford much when we got engaged but he has bought me lots of lovely jewellery over the years. However my tiny tiny diamond he gave me when he asked me to marry him has a meaning no other piece can ever compare to.

 

[06USMC21]

the money part isn''t an issure it more the setting thats bothering me just cause of the time it takes to make one and deployments, i appreciate the advice, no comes the question, if i do go down the road and have one custom made, from expierence or general do most have problems holding it for 5-7 months until i get back?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/20/2008 6:55:15 AM
Author: 06USMC21
the money part isn''t an issure it more the setting thats bothering me just cause of the time it takes to make one and deployments, i appreciate the advice, no comes the question, if i do go down the road and have one custom made, from expierence or general do most have problems holding it for 5-7 months until i get back?

You would need to ask if the vendor could hold the piece for you, is there a family member you could have it shipped to? The thing is with custom is that it is best to have the client approve it at various stages, so it would be advantageous if you would be available via email to approve the waxes etc as the ring is created. I know that can be difficult due to internet access depending on where you are. Do you have a design in mind?

 

[06USMC21]

before when we talked about it she drew i guess what would be an antique style ring with all these engravings and a cushion for a center stone, now she says she likes these ones where the ering and the wedding ring look like they are supposed to fit together, but she would like to find a set with both incorporated, one of her friends had a ring done by Mark Morrell (sp?) and she loves it. I am just listening to her gush about rings right for the time and picking up what she likes while i wait and see how much time i have to invest in getting something before i get sent off again

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/20/2008 7:14:59 AM
Author: 06USMC21
before when we talked about it she drew i guess what would be an antique style ring with all these engravings and a cushion for a center stone, now she says she likes these ones where the ering and the wedding ring look like they are supposed to fit together, but she would like to find a set with both incorporated, one of her friends had a ring done by Mark Morrell (sp?) and she loves it. I am just listening to her gush about rings right for the time and picking up what she likes while i wait and see how much time i have to invest in getting something before i get sent off again

Mark Morrell is my favourite designer, his work is incredible! That is the best way is to keep an ear open as to what she likes!

Here is Mark's website. http://www.mwmjewelry.com/