Need some Newbie Help, looking to pop the question...

[JLux]

Hello, all!

I am looking through the threads here, but could still really use some help. Am ready to pop the question, but really need some advice/help when it comes to getting the best diamond for my money. Sadly, I am pretty much on my own here, can't really consult family or many friends too much (as most of them are miles and miles away).

I'm looking to spend around $3k, but could go to $4k. I really like the Cushion style, but also Princess cut. Have mostly been looking at cushions, though. Size is not as important to me as the diamond itself being clean, as colorless as possible, and having lots of fire. Most of the stones I have been looking at are around .8 carats.

I did a search here at Pricescope and found some diamonds that fit my criteria, from B2C & Solomon Jewelers, anyone have experience here? Or what are some other placing I should be looking? I am a little nervous about buying via an online retailer as well. Basically I am looking for any tips, advice, help, links to diamonds, etc...anything at all!

When it comes to the ring itself, my girl is really into retro styles, and if the ring itself is vintage, that would be a plus (but not a necessity). I do have a solitaire diamond ring that my Father gave my Mother before he passed away...is it a bad move to remove the stone from this ring and use it as the setting for an engagement ring? Its 10k gold.

Thanks in advance for the help, everyone. I really do appreciate it.

 

[Enerchi]

Welcome! You have a lot of ideas here which are great, but I think you have to decide to narrow down whether you would like to be reusing a family stone (what shape is it?) vs purchasing new and if purchasing new, what shape do you want? WAIT--- what shape does your future FI want?!?!

Would you be comfortable discussing w her her preferences? She is the one who will be wearing the ring for the next 50 years (ok, probably there may be at least 1 upgrade in there....! but the point being, its on HER finger)

Budget is decent for the size you are looking for. Is that diamond only or does it include setting as well? Gypsy just found an amazing set for a friend - check this out:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/our-friends-beautiful-engagement-and-wedding-rings.171767/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/our-friends-beautiful-engagement-and-wedding-rings.171767/[/URL]

 

[JLux]

Welcome! You have a lot of ideas here which are great, but I think you have to decide to narrow down whether you would like to be reusing a family stone (what shape is it?) vs purchasing new and if purchasing new, what shape do you want? WAIT--- what shape does your future FI want?!?!

Would you be comfortable discussing w her her preferences? She is the one who will be wearing the ring for the next 50 years (ok, probably there may be at least 1 upgrade in there....! but the point being, its on HER finger)

Budget is decent for the size you are looking for. Is that diamond only or does it include setting as well? Gypsy just found an amazing set for a friend - check this out:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/our-friends-beautiful-engagement-and-wedding-rings.171767/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/our-friends-beautiful-engagement-and-wedding-rings.171767/[/URL]

Sorry for not being a little clearer, I'm really new at all of this

As for the family ring, I was curious about removing the current stone, buying a new stone, and then putting the new stone on the older ring. The stone in there now is .75 carat, but is slightly cloudy. I basically didn't know if re-using a ring was a "no-no." My budget is probably for stone & ring. I really couldn't go higher than $4k for the whole thing, and that is stretching it a bit.

And you know, I really don't know what she would rather have! This is my biggest struggle right now, I want to pop the question and give her what SHE wants, but I also want it to be a surprise, and to show that I put a lot of thought and effort into picking just the right ring. She doesn't wear much jewelery, so I feel as if I am basically stuck between "risking it" by doing this on my own, or by involving her and ruining the surprise.

Would it be taboo to pop the question using the ring I have, then going out and letting her be involved in the process, seeing what she likes, then coming back here to find a better value via pricescope/online? I feel like this might be ideal, but then I also feel as if that takes away from giving her a really special ring up front.

Argh! Haha, thank for the response. I literally just don't know which way to go here. Totally out of my element. Will check out your link, and thanks again!

 

[ChrisES]

I like the idea of asking her with the ring you have, and you can tell her something like this is a family heirloom; I want to get you a more impressive diamond, but I want you to have the option of having the stone set in this ring so there is family history or of having an entirely new ring.

I think that would also implicitly invite her to help shop for the ring, as in she might suggest that she would like to help, or at least suggest what sort of ring she might like, or she might leave you to your own devices.

As for whether this would be "taboo," I don't think it would be taboo but it might not be her style. Do you think she would be happier knowing that you picked out something all on your own, or happier knowing that you thought about it and decided to bring her into the decision?

One definite piece of advice is to get the ring (metal and stone) professionally cleaned before you propose. Can make a huge difference.

 

[yssie]

Welcome! You have a lot of ideas here which are great, but I think you have to decide to narrow down whether you would like to be reusing a family stone (what shape is it?) vs purchasing new and if purchasing new, what shape do you want? WAIT--- what shape does your future FI want?!?!

Would you be comfortable discussing w her her preferences? She is the one who will be wearing the ring for the next 50 years (ok, probably there may be at least 1 upgrade in there....! but the point being, its on HER finger)

Budget is decent for the size you are looking for. Is that diamond only or does it include setting as well? Gypsy just found an amazing set for a friend - check this out:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/our-friends-beautiful-engagement-and-wedding-rings.171767/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/our-friends-beautiful-engagement-and-wedding-rings.171767/[/URL]

Sorry for not being a little clearer, I'm really new at all of this

As for the family ring, I was curious about removing the current stone, buying a new stone, and then putting the new stone on the older ring. The stone in there now is .75 carat, but is slightly cloudy. I basically didn't know if re-using a ring was a "no-no." My budget is probably for stone & ring. I really couldn't go higher than $4k for the whole thing, and that is stretching it a bit.

And you know, I really don't know what she would rather have! This is my biggest struggle right now, I want to pop the question and give her what SHE wants, but I also want it to be a surprise, and to show that I put a lot of thought and effort into picking just the right ring. She doesn't wear much jewelery, so I feel as if I am basically stuck between "risking it" by doing this on my own, or by involving her and ruining the surprise.


Would it be taboo to pop the question using the ring I have, then going out and letting her be involved in the process, seeing what she likes, then coming back here to find a better value via pricescope/online? I feel like this might be ideal, but then I also feel as if that takes away from giving her a really special ring up front.

Argh! Haha, thank for the response. I literally just don't know which way to go here. Totally out of my element. Will check out your link, and thanks again!

I like this idea best - only I wouldn't even use your heirloom, I'd use a plain band that she can wear as a wedding band afterward - every woman needs a plain band in her jewellery wardrobe!

I think you need to first find out whether she'd like an heirloom ring - and you need to find out in a way that doesn't obligate her to accept or refuse. Some people would be over the moon with such a sentimental, emotional offering, others (like me) would be very uncomfortable.


I do think it's very sweet of you to be putting so much thought into what she'd like best even if she'd rather be involved in choosing the ring, the actual proposal - the what/where/when - can still be as much of a surprise as you'd like