Newbie with questions

[Cozystitches]

Hi All,

So, I'll preface this with this is my first post. I was directed here by some awesome knitters from Ravelry. I am looking at a long range plan (read: not buying right now), for a new ring. Here are my questions:
1. It looks like most people do not care for mall chain stores. I am concerned about buying online because I can't see what I'm buying. Also, I know the mall stores offer warranties, this eases my concern some, but I am not sure that online vendors have this type of warranty, what do you all do w/your rings? I'm rough on my rings and do not want to worry about fixing/re-dipping/resizing/etc..
2. I've looked online and am totally confused and overwhelmed at all the information on this site. I am torn between getting my original set changed up (use my engagement stone 1/3 carat changed into a 3 stone) and just getting a new 3-stone, any advice?
3. My band is pretty thin (it's a wide band but thin itself) so anything I get I want to look good w/it. Are there 3 stone rings that have low settings that are of the smaller size (under 2ctw). I have larger hands (ok, are there any girls on this site who wear an 8???) and am rough on my rings.

Sorry for the blurry pics...

 

[Cozystitches]

Ok...trying to attach files...

 

[Cozystitches]

Top view

 

[Cozystitches]

Hand shot

 

[Todd Gray]

Date: 3/2/2010 11:30:40 AM
Author:Cozystitches
1. It looks like most people do not care for mall chain stores. I am concerned about buying online because I can't see what I'm buying. Also, I know the mall stores offer warranties, this eases my concern some, but I am not sure that online vendors have this type of warranty, what do you all do w/your rings? I'm rough on my rings and do not want to worry about fixing/re-dipping/resizing/etc..

2. I've looked online and am totally confused and overwhelmed at all the information on this site. I am torn between getting my original set changed up (use my engagement stone 1/3 carat changed into a 3 stone) and just getting a new 3-stone, any advice?

3. My band is pretty thin (it's a wide band but thin itself) so anything I get I want to look good w/it. Are there 3 stone rings that have low settings that are of the smaller size (under 2ctw). I have larger hands (ok, are there any girls on this site who wear an 8???) and am rough on my rings.

Sorry for the blurry pics...

So what you're saying is your band is wide, but not very deep? So you want a low-profile, three stone setting... Some settings are definitely lower than others in terms of height, but keep in mind that a certain amount of height is required due to the depth of the diamonds and the cagework required to hold them securely...

Yes, I'm sure there are quite a few women on the forum with size 8+ fingers, it's not uncommon at all

If you like the diamonds you have, why not use them? And if you need additional diamonds, a qualified jeweler or diamond dealer should have no problem matching them up for you...

Most of us aren't fond of "maul" stores because very few of them carry anything of decent quality (by PS standards) and rarely have what PS'ers consider to be 'knowledgeable' sales staff... But I'm sure you could find a brick and mortar jewelery store in your area who would be capable of helping you redesign your wedding set if you don't want to shop online. You might consider giving us some idea of where you live in hopes that somebody on the forum will know a good brick and mortar jeweler in your area.

The "warranties" offered by most jewelry stores are not worth the paper they are written on, you would be much better served by an actual insurance policy issued by a homeowner's or renter's insurance company such as State Farm, Chubb, Jewelers Mutual (no particular order) - there are many threads on this subject to be found here on the forum, so I won't get into it here...

Your pictures are blurry because you're trying to take them from too close a distance, I have the same problem from time to time and I take a lot of jewelry pics... Then I'll remember that I seem to get better pictures from further away, like a few feet - maybe somebody can help you take the pictures from across a table? But they are good enough for us to get an idea of what you're working with...

 

[Cozystitches]

Thanks for replying! Yes, my wedding band is wide but not deep. I am in Tucson, AZ. I don''t know custom jewelers, and was at Helzberg because I like the sales lady there, she''s extremely helpful.

Now, as for using my stone,the only stone I''m interested in is the center one, the wrap doesn''t have the best quality, but hubby proposed w/the center one , I''m fine w/that, but am wondering about my options...

I do like this ring Quest Ring and this one:
Another 3-stone

But in 14K gold to go w/my band. Most of the rings I''ve seen are WG or Platinum...So for my pricerange is a 1.5ct ring possible? How would insurance work on repair work/sizing/re-dipping?

tammy