New guy looking for help on purchase

[hwkkix]

I have found myself at this place after two kids (7 & 3) and approximately 25 years with the same wonderful woman. Marriage was never the priority for us both until education, house, jobs and family were established. We''ve got a good handle on most of this stuff and during our family vacation to Disney World this Christmas I''d like to surpise her with an engagement ring and proposal from myself and the boys. (I hope she says yes!) At any rate, I am very excited at the prospect and am certain she will be blown away as it is truly not expected at this point. Needless to say she deserves a VERY special ring and expereince for her patience and understanding. After all this time I honestly want to show her it was worth the wait.

Though I''ve had plenty of time to educate myself in these matters I am at a loss on where to begin. I''ve looked at craigslist and such to get an idea on what people are buying but I am not sure it fits the bill. I am hoping to get a lot of help here to educate me on what she might like and where to get it. All suggestions are welcome at this point as I do not have preferences and neither does she. I''d like to say money is not an object but of course it is. However, though funds are tight I beleive I have the resources to find the right ring with all of your help.

I''m sure there is more information that I could provide to help you help me but cannot think of any beyond the fact that she is a sort of plain girl. This in no way is meant to be mean. I love it about her. She is just not into being too flashy. In fact she owns little jewelry now.

This woman is the best and deserve such. If you guys could help me in showing her I would be very appreciative. Proposal ideas are welcome as well.

Thanks in advance. I have until Dec 12 so am getting nervous I do not have enough time!

 

[Ellen]

Hi there! Love your idea, she''ll be thrilled!


Ok, before we start suggesting things, can we get a better sense of her style/life style?

Is she active? (besides the kids!)

Does she work with her hands a lot?

What type of clothing style does she wear?

Is she a "symmetrical" person, or more easy going?

Have you ever been with her widow shopping? has she mentioned ring styles or shapes of stones that she likes?

 

[Regular Guy]

Very sweet story; I read more in the testimonials section from you.

Go to a quality jewelry store, to get your own sense of preference for color & such.

Whitefish is pretty good, I like them, and I like their rings, which I can see on their web site, and this does help me visualize the whole package.

So, for example, I think your plan to include your children symbolically is lovely.

You might consider this combo... (and note Pricescope readers get a 5% discount on the diamond...)...

Regards...

 

[hwkkix]

Date: 9/16/2008 8:33:07 PM
Author: Ellen
Hi there! Love your idea, she''ll be thrilled!


Ok, before we start suggesting things, can we get a better sense of her style/life style?

Is she active? (besides the kids!)

Does she work with her hands a lot?

What type of clothing style does she wear?

Is she a ''symmetrical'' person, or more easy going?

Have you ever been with her widow shopping? has she mentioned ring styles or shapes of stones that she likes?

Thank you for the reply Ellen.

She is a fairly active person and a professional. On the weekends we are jeans at the campground people. She is very down to earth. For lack of a better word she is a bit plain in that she does not like to be flashy. Very practical. WE''ve never been shopping and I rarely buy jewelry for fear of dissappointment it was not "the big one." We typically do not settle and prefer to wait until we can get what we really want. This is an area i would really like to do the same.

I like this place!

 

[hwkkix]

Date: 9/16/2008 9:23:48 PM
Author: Regular Guy
Very sweet story; I read more in the testimonials section from you.

Go to a quality jewelry store, to get your own sense of preference for color & such.

Whitefish is pretty good, I like them, and I like their rings, which I can see on their web site, and this does help me visualize the whole package.

So, for example, I think your plan to include your children symbolically is lovely.

You might consider this combo... (and note Pricescope readers get a 5% discount on the diamond...)...

Regards...

Thanks RG. I was looking at that setting. I take it you liked the three stone idea? To be clear, the two side stones are part of the ring and then i buy the center stone? Can you elaborate a bit on what makes this stone desirable? Sorry.

5%! You''re talking my language.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 9/16/2008 9:23:48 PM
Author: Regular Guy
Very sweet story; I read more in the testimonials section from you.

Go to a quality jewelry store, to get your own sense of preference for color & such.

Whitefish is pretty good, I like them, and I like their rings, which I can see on their web site, and this does help me visualize the whole package.

So, for example, I think your plan to include your children symbolically is lovely.

You might consider this combo... (and note Pricescope readers get a 5% discount on the diamond...)...

Regards...

I feel I am missing something, but I don''t see a thread in the testimonial section.

I take it you are looking at a 3 stone design?

 

[MMT]

I was thinking a classic solitaire or bezel setting since she is active. How very sweet of you

 

[Regular Guy]

Ellen, it appears his original post is just deleted...but yes...I believe he shared a potential budget of $7 - 8K, and the potential idea of recognizing his children in 2 side stones.

Date: 9/17/2008 8:25:39 AM
Author: hwkkix

Thanks RG. I was looking at that setting. I take it you liked the three stone idea? To be clear, the two side stones are part of the ring and then i buy the center stone? Can you elaborate a bit on what makes this stone desirable? Sorry.

hwk...I read that yes, the 2 sidestones are included in that one (versus other options they describe where they are not included).

I like that the diamond is a) close to consistent with your budget, AGS 0, and sourced from WF. That it is an ACA is a bonus, I might prefer to do without, if I could get an AGS0 from them without the H&A, but they have engineered that category to null (if not deemed H&A, it won''t be sent for to earn the docs to give it so...so they are mutually exclusive). The H is OK. I''d prefer G, but I may not be able to notice the difference, and you may not either.

As I''ve been harping lately, I can''t really tell what GOG charges for their rings...maybe they are cheaper for all I know. I should do a separate thread on them to ask this question, so I can stop obsessing.

Both of these vendors are well vetted. Others here are good, too...but these 2 are easy to like.

 

[hwkkix]

Date: 9/17/2008 8:44:06 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 9/16/2008 9:23:48 PM
Author: Regular Guy
Very sweet story; I read more in the testimonials section from you.

Go to a quality jewelry store, to get your own sense of preference for color & such.

Whitefish is pretty good, I like them, and I like their rings, which I can see on their web site, and this does help me visualize the whole package.

So, for example, I think your plan to include your children symbolically is lovely.

You might consider this combo... (and note Pricescope readers get a 5% discount on the diamond...)...

Regards...

I feel I am missing something, but I don''t see a thread in the testimonial section.

I take it you are looking at a 3 stone design?

I am torn as i think she is more of a solitare girl but was thinking of three stone to represent me and our two sons. Corny - I know. Just thought.

 

[hwkkix]

Date: 9/17/2008 8:51:52 AM
Author: MMT
I was thinking a classic solitaire or bezel setting since she is active. How very sweet of you

I need to llok at the bezel.

 

[hwkkix]

Date: 9/17/2008 9:37:21 AM
Author: Regular Guy
Ellen, it appears his original post is just deleted...but yes...I believe he shared a potential budget of $7 - 8K, and the potential idea of recognizing his children in 2 side stones.

Date: 9/17/2008 8:25:39 AM
Author: hwkkix

Thanks RG. I was looking at that setting. I take it you liked the three stone idea? To be clear, the two side stones are part of the ring and then i buy the center stone? Can you elaborate a bit on what makes this stone desirable? Sorry.

hwk...I read that yes, the 2 sidestones are included in that one (versus other options they describe where they are not included).

I like that the diamond is a) close to consistent with your budget, AGS 0, and sourced from WF. That it is an ACA is a bonus, I might prefer to do without, if I could get an AGS0 from them without the H&A, but they have engineered that category to null (if not deemed H&A, it won''t be sent for to earn the docs to give it so...so they are mutually exclusive). The H is OK. I''d prefer G, but I may not be able to notice the difference, and you may not either.

As I''ve been harping lately, I can''t really tell what GOG charges for their rings...maybe they are cheaper for all I know. I should do a separate thread on them to ask this question, so I can stop obsessing.

Both of these vendors are well vetted. Others here are good, too...but these 2 are easy to like.

Could you define ACA and AGSO and H&A?

I really need to get some education tonight.

Do you have these rings indelendantly appraised upon reciept?

Other than the quality of the diamond itself - what do you think makes a ring unique and special?

 

[jmtomaui]

I don''t think the 3 stone to represent you and the kids is corny at all! I married a man who has 2 sons. When we were looking for my ring, I choose a 3 stone. The center diamond represents my union with my husband and we chose 2 blue sapphires as the side stones to represent the love I have for my stepsons.

So I may be biased but I love the 3 stone idea....

 

[Kelli]

I like that three-stone idea as well! Go with ACAs or AGS-0. They will sparkle the most. Even a non-flashy woman wants her diamonds to sparkle!

 

[Ellen]

Thanks Ira!

hwk, I don't think that's a corny idea at all. However, if your gut is telling you she's more of a solitaire gal, and it does kind of sound that way, I would try to incorporate your sons in a different way. Maybe with surprise stones in the setting, or hidden stones inside the band. Just a thought!

As for stones, H&A, etc., yes, try to do some reading up. There are vendors that sell GIA stones that are just as nice as AGS stones (I am wearing one), sometimes nicer (all AGS are not created equal). You just need to know what to look for.

 

[hwkkix]

Date: 9/17/2008 10:43:59 AM
Author: jmtomaui
I don''t think the 3 stone to represent you and the kids is corny at all! I married a man who has 2 sons. When we were looking for my ring, I choose a 3 stone. The center diamond represents my union with my husband and we chose 2 blue sapphires as the side stones to represent the love I have for my stepsons.

So I may be biased but I love the 3 stone idea....

That sounds awesome.

 

[hwkkix]

Date: 9/17/2008 11:17:05 AM
Author: Kelli
I like that three-stone idea as well! Go with ACAs or AGS-0. They will sparkle the most. Even a non-flashy woman wants her diamonds to sparkle!

I agree - she may not be into flash but I''m betting she''ll be a great fan of sparkle

 

[hwkkix]

Date: 9/17/2008 12:25:52 PM
Author: Ellen
Thanks Ira!

hwk, I don''t think that''s a corny idea at all. However, if your gut is telling you she''s more of a solitaire gal, and it does kind of sound that way, I would try to incorporate your sons in a different way. Maybe with surprise stones in the setting, or hidden stones inside the band. Just a thought!

As for stones, H&A, etc., yes, try to do some reading up. There are vendors that sell GIA stones that are just as nice as AGS stones (I am wearing one), sometimes nicer (all AGS are not created equal). You just need to know what to look for.

I will get my homework done and be back. As an FYI - how long does a ring take to prepare? If I want it in hand and ready to go for early December - what shoudl i consider my drop dead order date?

 

[hwkkix]

Date: 9/17/2008 9:37:21 AM
Author: Regular Guy
Ellen, it appears his original post is just deleted...but yes...I believe he shared a potential budget of $7 - 8K, and the potential idea of recognizing his children in 2 side stones.

Date: 9/17/2008 8:25:39 AM
Author: hwkkix

Thanks RG. I was looking at that setting. I take it you liked the three stone idea? To be clear, the two side stones are part of the ring and then i buy the center stone? Can you elaborate a bit on what makes this stone desirable? Sorry.

hwk...I read that yes, the 2 sidestones are included in that one (versus other options they describe where they are not included).

I like that the diamond is a) close to consistent with your budget, AGS 0, and sourced from WF. That it is an ACA is a bonus, I might prefer to do without, if I could get an AGS0 from them without the H&A, but they have engineered that category to null (if not deemed H&A, it won''t be sent for to earn the docs to give it so...so they are mutually exclusive). The H is OK. I''d prefer G, but I may not be able to notice the difference, and you may not either.

As I''ve been harping lately, I can''t really tell what GOG charges for their rings...maybe they are cheaper for all I know. I should do a separate thread on them to ask this question, so I can stop obsessing.

Both of these vendors are well vetted. Others here are good, too...but these 2 are easy to like.

Ira,

What do you think of this G as compared to the one you proposed?
compare

I really had no idea i would have this much fun.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 9/17/2008 12:38:03 PM
Author: hwkkix

Date: 9/17/2008 12:25:52 PM
Author: Ellen
Thanks Ira!

hwk, I don''t think that''s a corny idea at all. However, if your gut is telling you she''s more of a solitaire gal, and it does kind of sound that way, I would try to incorporate your sons in a different way. Maybe with surprise stones in the setting, or hidden stones inside the band. Just a thought!

As for stones, H&A, etc., yes, try to do some reading up. There are vendors that sell GIA stones that are just as nice as AGS stones (I am wearing one), sometimes nicer (all AGS are not created equal). You just need to know what to look for.

I will get my homework done and be back. As an FYI - how long does a ring take to prepare? If I want it in hand and ready to go for early December - what shoudl i consider my drop dead order date?

Well, a lot of it depends on if you pick a stock setting, or custom. Also, some stock settings from designers have to be sent with the stone TO the designer for setting. And that can take a few to several weeks. Custom can also take several weeks. So, it''s hard to say. I would shoot for the middle of October for having all your ducks in a row. If it takes less time, no problem, but that should leave you with enough time for whatever you decide.

 

[Regular Guy]

Date: 9/17/2008 1:01:31 PM
Author: hwkkix

Ira,

What do you think of this G as compared to the one you proposed?
compare

I really had no idea i would have this much fun.

Great question...and it was not responsible of me to make the suggestion without addressing it.

Any SI option, including the SI 1 I suggested, requires a clinical hand. Though VS2 is a bit more...you hardly have to ask...with any SI...and especially SI2 (I tend to screen them out initially, but that may be a mistake) you want to ask if it''s eye clean...and not obstructed by grade making clouds.

Both my pick and yours seem sufficiently yucky on the cert for both to be good news. Talk with a specialist at WF to review this issue.

There''s reason to be optimistic for both...and if yours is eye clean by a conservative definition (your girl being able to see inclusions while sorta trying to), go with your G!

 

[diamondsman]

Hi
I read your thread, it seems like you guys have a wonderful relationship and I am sure she will say yes

when searching for a diamond make sure that you find out first of all what shape she really likes, I know its somtimes difficult to do while planning a surprise, any way the way to shop these days is to compare what you can and where you can get the best stone for the best price, you need to shop the internet and compare .
in order to get the most brilliance in a round stone without being too technical is to stay withing these paramters
depth :59-62.5%,table:53-57% :girdle:Thin-Medium,or medium-Slightly Thick,culet:N,polish:VG-EX,SYMM:VG-EX CUT:VG-EX,FLOUR:NONE-FAINT On high color stones, if its a low color stone than you can also go with Medum Blue or Strong blue


hope this helps
diamondsman