Once you upgrade, is it enough?

[anne_h]

I am one of those girls who will always want to continue upgrading. As long ad I/we can afford it, I will go for it!

My husband does not "understand" my jewelry obsession, but he is supportive of it. Most of the money I spend is my own anyways(we don''t share finances).

Anne

 

[panda08]

I just got my ering, a 1.52 cushion solitaire, a couple of days ago and while I''m happy with it, I confess I sometimes wonder whether it''s substantial enough. **did I just say that outloud?!? my FI will think I''m such a spoiled brat!!!** I guess one can always go bigger but unless you''re made of $$$, we have our constraints. I saw the pics of your ring in your previous posts and I think it''s lovely. Maybe your jeweler can make the adjustments to it you want and you can wear it for awhile and see how you feel? When I first saw my ering, I questioned whether I made the right choice on the setting and sometimes, I still do. But I''m gonna wait and see how I feel. I figure maybe after my initial obsession about getting it exactly right wears off, I won''t care and start focusing on other things.

 

[NeverEndingUpgrade]

I just upgraded to a 1.05 ct. from a .36 ct, and considering all the time and gasoline I spent looking for a new ring and finally settling on a Tacori 3-stone wedding set, I have to say This Will Be It as far as a wedding ring goes. Does that mean I have to change my user name? LOL. But wait, there is always the RIGHT HAND!!!

What clarity/color is your center and is it a round? Rounds face up larger for their carat weight. Maybe you could trade in for a lower clarity/color. With an Ideal cut, it would still look white yet still afford you a larger stone. I bought an I/SI1 round for a right hand ring, and I absolutely love it, and I would go down to a K. I know others won't, but I will.

 

[AprilBaby]

I went from .38 to 1.21 and shrinkage set in quick. If hubby would allow I would go up ASAP!

 

[huangt0n]

Responding to neverendingupgrade - my diamond is VS1 cut with an I color or slightly higher. It is not certified (I know it is a terrible thing to do but unfortunately I did not learn about this website until after I purchased it. I have no issue with how much it shines, but it just looks much smaller than a 0.8 on my finger size of 3.75. Especially in the different lighting as can be seen in the pictures.

First picture - I like how it looks in this lighting. I feel pretty good about my ring.

Second picture - I feel that it looks much smaller (thought this picture doesn''t capture how much smaller it looks in real life). It is times like this that continues my worries on how I don''t have a ring that I love.

Any advice why my diamond looks this way? Does the prongs look big to you?

Did we overpay for this ring? We got this ring and a matching band for around $6,000. However, I felt like I got gipped out of this experience because my jeweler did not design the prongs from the top view as I hoped. It was actually uneven when I first got them and they didn''t compensate me in any way for that mistake.

 

[huangt0n]

Picture one.

 

[huangt0n]

Picture two - Please provide comments. I really need some help and my friends who aren''t engaged don''t understand why a ring means so much to me. No one can relate except you guys!

 

[huangt0n]

An example of the uneven prongs. This is how the ring looks like when I first got it. When they showed me the ring, I wasn''t pleased but I was too afraid to mention something to my jeweler and I didn''t want to hurt my fiancee''s feelings since I wouldn''t be in this situation if I didn''t insist on the custom prongs. I thought I would get over it, but many times when I look at my ring I really regret the decision I made. But I put the money down and I feel like I just am forced to live with what I have.

 

[vespergirl]

I upgraded from a 1.64 asscher solitaire to a 2 ct RB solitaire. It turns out that even though I love asschers, it didn''t have enough sparkle for me as an every day engagement ring. I love my 2 ct RB, and it''s the perfect size for my size 5 finger.

Maybe years from now I would upgrade to a D or E color stone from a G, but honestly, I would rather do a 3 stone EC right hand ring for a big anniversary. I really am satified with the 2 ct RB, and would at this point just rather get other jewelry than upgrade this.

The one thing that I do plan to do is change my solitaire setting in a year or two - I am using the same setting for my RB that I used for my asscher, and since the stone is too big for the setting, the prongs are bent & the stone isn''t sitting in the setting straight. Since I was told that it would cost about $400 to send the ring back to Veraggio and replace the head, I would rather just get a new plat setting for the RB - I like 6-prong settings better for RBs, but with the economy like it is right now, I just figured that I would wait to get the setting I really want for my RB.

 

[Lorelei]

Huang, maybe it is the face up spread of the diamond which could be a little less than it could be, but we have no real way to tell without the proportions of the diamond, depth, table, angles, girdle and importantly the diameter measurements. But it is a very pretty diamond, maybe you could get the prong tips redone which might make you happier?

 

[LGK]

First, I think it looks like at least a carat on your ittybitty finger!

Second, I think the diamond isn't returning as much light as a superideal cut would; the cut is probably decent but not top shelf, so when it is in dimmer light, it isn't performing as well as it could... that's my impression from the pics anyway, but I could be wrong. So, since it's not returning light edge-to-edge it looks smaller in dimmer light.

The prongs are not so bad, I think most people would never even notice they're thickish; that being said I am a freak about prongs too, and would probably want to do... something... with them (reset? new head?). It's a nitpicky thing though, of course people aren't looking at your ring going "OHMIGOD LOOK AT THOSE HUGE PRONGS." It's the sort of thing only the ring owner notices after staring at the thing endlessly.

Perhaps if you think that your FI wouldn't love the idea of an upgrade- kinda depends on the guy, and how long you've had the ring, too- you could get it reset, maybe in a halo to make it look bigger. Sometimes settings can make a HUGE difference, in perceived size and in how much we love a stone. You could always get a gemstone set in this setting for a pretty RHR, because it is a very pretty setting and I bet it's got a great profile view!

 

[huangt0n]

LittleGreyKitten - question about your comment. You said that a not as nice cut diamond would not return the light in low light settings. However, I feel that it is the opposite with my ring. It looks BETTER in low lighting for some weird reason. The first picture of my ring was in the shade. The other picture was in direct lighting. Does anyone else have this issue?

Because my diamond looks better in low lighting is my issue really the heavy prongs? Attached is a picture of the diamond head. Is it worth it to have it look "nicer" on the profile to sacrifice it on the top since most people only see the top anyhow? What would you guys do?

 

[huangt0n]

Also can someone address the question of whether I overpaid for the ring? I really don''t want to spend more money on getting an appraiser if I might turn in the diamond. But I really would like to know whether this ring plus the matching shared prong band was worth $6,000.

Thanks again for all the comments. I really appreciate it!

 

[Rhea]

I''ve never upgraded. I realised that I''m more of a collector than an upgrader. I love having variety.

 

[LostieLovesBling]

I just upgraded (from a 1 carat e-ring) to the rings in my avi (2.43 carat center). However, my sights are now on different jewelry items so I do not think I will have the desire to "upgrade" my wedding set again, but I will want MORE MORE MORE of other things

 

[kcoursolle]

For me an upgrade in size is actually enough, but the cravings for other jewelry projects never cease unfortunately!

 

[NeverEndingUpgrade]

I responded to your other thread too, but I don''t think that the diamond looks small on your hand at all! BTW, I wore an uncerted diamond for 14 years.

 

[LGK]

Date: 10/3/2008 2:57:48 PM
Author: huangt0n
LittleGreyKitten - question about your comment. You said that a not as nice cut diamond would not return the light in low light settings. However, I feel that it is the opposite with my ring. It looks BETTER in low lighting for some weird reason. The first picture of my ring was in the shade. The other picture was in direct lighting. Does anyone else have this issue?


Because my diamond looks better in low lighting is my issue really the heavy prongs? Attached is a picture of the diamond head. Is it worth it to have it look 'nicer' on the profile to sacrifice it on the top since most people only see the top anyhow? What would you guys do?

Basically, from what I understand (and my experience owning a few) poorly cut diamonds tend to look worse in dimmer light; bright spotlight can make them sparkle a bit. For example a jewelry store's brilliant spotlighting can make even the cruddiest stone sparkle a little, but once you're out in the real world you'll find it dead as a doornail. Not sure what it would mean that your sparklie looks better in dim light; could be a peculiarity of the particular cut yours has, or just your taste that you like the way it looks in certain lights and not others.

As far as choosing which you prefer, a neat profile view or a cleaner top view, I think that's mostly personal preference. I'm really, really picky about profile views so I would probably leave the prongs alone if it were mine. However, if it really bugs you it might be worth it to just get a new head put on, because it's true you see the top view more.

Can't speak to price- it seems maybe a smidge high, but ? Without a cert, we'd just be guessing; you might want an appraisal, especially since you'll need one for insurance purposes anyway.

ETA: Oh, and re: whether or not the prongs are making the stone darker. Probably not, unless it leaks a LOT of light. Occasionally a poorly cut stone will get a bit darker looking in an enclosed setting like a bezel but most stones, it makes no difference. Yours looks like it isn't that enclosed, anyway, so I'd say the thickish prongs make no difference at all in the light return.

 

[Lynn B]

My husband is fine with my upgrading. And why not? It makes me happy. Plus he knows I am basically a VERY practical person, so he knows I would never spend more $$$ on bling than we could comfortably afford.

(And sadly for me

we are about there! )

 

[ootori227]

I just upgraded my diamond from 1.3 to 1.8. My husband and rest of my family think it''s BIG but DSS has gotten me already..
I do not think I will stop think about it till I get 2.5 or bigger. I have no idea when or if I am able to upgrade again but I will keep on dreaming about my future honker!
My husband does not understand any of this ''diamond business'' so I guess he tries to be happy for me being happy.

 

[LaraOnline]

I think a lot of an individual's perception of 'acceptable/attractive/desirable' style comes a lot from the crowd you run with. In that way, a diamond really IS about keeping up with the Jones's!

Stones of a size of 2.5 or even higher seem outlandish to me... surreal... although I have to confess, when I saw Victoria Beckham's, I thought it was pretty classy - surreal, but classy. Perhaps that is PS talking to me!

In the end, for me, desirable size is a mental thing. 1.2 'sounds' nice.
When I went to visit stones in person, I was surprised to see how big 1.2 really was! Now, I'm thinking just under a carat *might* suit me nicely for a forever ring. Or... I could hold out for the 1.2, depending on finances, and how long I wanted to wait! I will be going for an upgradeable stone, which will let me have my cake, though...

Currently, I have a melee ring, with a centre bezelled stone that is about 10 points (I think.. to be honest, it could be smaller than that).

Huang, I think your ring is really gorgeous, and the size is great, really. The ring is really blingy, but it doesn't wear you. The centre stone is an elegant stone, perfect for the overall 'look' of the ring. It looks balanced to me. it is blingy, but you can wear it anywear. With that style of ring - so many diamonds - it would be important to me that the centre stone is not waaay 'OTT" haha, I mean, you do have to wear this ring every day, upon every occasion, with all manner of company.

Regarding the prongs, well I guess more knowledgeable people would answer you better. I don't mind a little 'hardware' on a ring personally, I think it looks modern.

Try not to be too concerned about your husband's response at this stage. I mean, restraint on your part is always appreciated by a guy, and I would choose an appropriate time, such as a significant anniversary, etc etc. Have you had it very long? You are not yet married, I see from the photos. Try to live with it - say for five years - and then take it from there.

My man is theoretically supportive of me upgrading my ring. This is a big step forward for me, as he is totally ignorant of the pleasures of jewellery, but he does appreciate the significance of the wedding jewellery, and I do believe he enjoys being married to me!

So I will be getting an upgrade one day. Probably not for some time.
I hope you enjoy your ring while you have it, and perhaps upgrade - if you decide to - at a later time. Perhaps you could have the prongs attended to though, for a birthday or Christmas present - or for the wedding day upcoming!

 

[arjunajane]

My first ering was a 3 stone ~0.75tcw. I recently had quite an upgrade to a 1.25 ideal cut RB solitaire.
I think I would like to upgrade again sometime in the future if circumstance permits - maybe 2 or 2.5ct Tops. But I would have a hard time parting with my current stone - I do love it so !
So, for now I don''t want anything different as I love my ering too much.
As far as my guy, he was cool with the upgrade as he knew it made me happy and it didn''t break the bank.

 

[MMT]

First I want to say your ring is beautiful and it looks plenty big on your small fingers. I originally had a 1.13 RB and just upgraded to 1.67 RB. I love my new diamond and will never upgrade it. That being said I could see myself changing out the setting down the road. My husband doesnt get it but he supports it. Good luck!!

 

[risingsun]

18 months ago, I upgraded from a .80 to a 1.23. Today, I did a second upgrade to 1.62 ct. There was a significant price differential between each upgrade. If I upgrade again, it will be under 2 ct. The price jump for what I want in a diamond is just to pricey for me

 

[Harriet]

I upgraded from a 0.42 and that''s enough. The next diamond will be of a different cut.

 

[mrsv]

I think it depends on the circumstance of your upgrade. Was the ring lost, stolen, or damaged in some way? If so you will likely be satisfied with a new stone, it was not our choice to lose to original.
Are you going from a stone or shape that you dislike to one you love, again it seems likely you would be content.
If you see your "upgrade" as a stepping stone ie....you say geez I have a .83 stone, want a 1.5, but can afford a 1.2...well is seems like you are more likely to want another.
I also think if you are uneasy with your setting that you are more likely to want to swap stones.

 

[Fly Girl]

After 25 years I got a new 1.5 ct diamond, which was a nice step up from the original 0.18 ct. I don''t plan to ever upgrade that diamond.

However, I have discovered colored stones, and am having a blast checking those out, and having new pieces of jewelry made. So, was the upgrade enough? Yes if you are referring to my engagement ring diamond size. No, if you mean will I never buy another ring.

 

[bebe]

Are upgrades ever enough?

I guess it depends on what you ultimately want. And then all the other factors, one being money, have to be considered.

I just recently upgraded. I have gone from a 1ct. Pear, to a band, now to a 4.26 Cushion. It was a long journey and I''m still
very conflicted about my decision. I''ll know in about 9-12 weeks, Is it enough? Sure. But will it satisfy my thirst for a perfect
stone, no.

Money was never the true issue. It was paralysis by analysis! I could never make up my mind what I wanted. Little did I know,
what I thought I wanted in the end, was another journey. Like the Stone''s say, "You can''t always get what you want"

''cause it ain''t out there'' lol

 

[tberube]

I agree with the theory of getting a new obsession. I haven''t upgraded so far, and when I first got my diamond and came onto PS, I thought that in five years or so I would upgrade my .90ct to maybe a 1.5 or 2 ct. But then we bought our house and got a puppy, and I''m totally obsessed with both those things, and all of a sudden my diamond seems much more perfectly sized and I don''t want to change it at all.

 

[Fly Girl]

Date: 10/5/2008 7:33:34 PM
Author: tberube
I agree with the theory of getting a new obsession. I haven''t upgraded so far, and when I first got my diamond and came onto PS, I thought that in five years or so I would upgrade my .90ct to maybe a 1.5 or 2 ct. But then we bought our house and got a puppy, and I''m totally obsessed with both those things, and all of a sudden my diamond seems much more perfectly sized and I don''t want to change it at all.

How wonderful for you, tberube! And how true!! Why did I wait 25 years to upgrade? Because we were busy establishing careers, raising children, paying off a home, saving for retirement, and the thought to change my diamond just never occurred to me. A 0.90ct is a nice size, and will serve you well for many years, at least until the diamond obsession returns in force!