One big ring....or two smaller ones?

[somehowcollide]

I guess I''m chiming in a little late, as it seems like you''ve already made up your mind (good decision, btw!) But if you need further validation, I would definitely prefer one substantial ring versus two of lesser value. You''ll definitely want that one WOW factor piece, and that cushion would be it!! Plus, you have forever (literally!) to get another sapphire ring (even if it is only 2 months after the wedding, a la coatmundi!

)

Goodness, now that I think about it, *I* am getting two rings! Yikes! We have the one marquise (my avatar) and are working on an Oval center stone ring. How hypocritical of me! Well, I guess technically one is a wedding ring, and the other is an engagement ring. But it wasn''t premeditated. I always wanted a marquise so that''s what we got. But FI always wanted to get me an Oval, and the one we have now practically fell into our laps.

Moral of the story: Only you and FI know whats best for your lifestyle. We''ll always be here, with a big tub of popcorn, waiting for the show!

 

[Meowtown2]

Hmmm, I really am liking the idea of a sapphire ring only a few months after the wedding...technically our engagement anniversary (does that even exist?) is about two months after our wedding, so perhaps that would be a good time?

I''m going to start lobbying for it now, so I have a lot of time for the message to sink in.

I was just checking out what diamonds would be available with the lower, two-ring budget, and at first glance saw these:

http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/inv_details.php?ID=1694&SHAPE=OM&PAGE=4&SORT=WEIGHT

http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/inv_details.php?ID=1072&SHAPE=C&PAGE=5&SORT=WEIGHT

http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/inv_details.php?ID=613&SHAPE=C&PAGE=6

(I can''t tell if that last one has an inclusion or if it''s just dirty.)

Obviously, it''s impossible to tell from these pictures, but they sure look nice. I absolutely love the first one, but it seems to be showing a lot of color. I''d still put it in the original asudesigner setting!

Sorry, I just never tire of looking at these old cuts. I think I''m just going to have to call around and see what is available at what budget. I''m going to send Jewelsbyericagrace an email today (woohoo!). And will probably call OWD next week. I live in London (I''m not British, just a displaced New Yorker), so the search is going to be difficult. Luckily I have a diamond-saavy friend in NYC who is willing to go look at the stones for me (she''s the MOH). I don''t know how much she knows about antique stones, but that is the best I can do.

I have done a lot of searching here in London, but you wouldn''t believe the markup on diamonds in this country. I am absolutely shocked by it. Seriously, I went to an antique diamond/jewelry store in the center of London and the prices were 2X, 3X and sometimes even 4X the cost of stones in the states. THis was a very reputable store, by the way, they''ve been around for ages. For example, I was looking at this stunning OEC, 2.17 cts, I, SI1 and guess how much it was? No, you''ll never guess because it is highway robbery....it was £20,000, yes, that''s $40,000!!! Can you believe it? I couldn''t. That was the worst of the worst, but I did look at smaller stones (cushions, OEcs and OMCs) that were almost as bad. This has been my experience at every single store I have been to.

Needless to say I am not going to be purchasing the stone here. Also, if I want LM to make the setting, import costs will go through the roof!!

(Sorry that was a long post!)

 

[Meowtown2]

Sorry, I should note that these price problems might just be London, which has gotten very pricey, and not the whole of the UK. I did some searching on UK stores when I first found PS, and it seemed like there were a few other people here who said that diamonds were just very expensive. If there is anyone out there who knows of a competitive antique diamond dealer, please share!!

 

[nycdye]

Date: 8/21/2008 8:00:25 PM
Author: asudesigner
Yay! You liked my idea!!! You get super quick photoshop!!! (I gotta go home and cook dinner or it would be a little nicer!)

Nice job asudesigner !!!

One ring to rule them all.

 

[Bliss]

You are one lucky lady! I would do the one ring... not for sentimental reasons, but just so you can focus your resources on one fab stone! If you want variety, maybe a RHR down the road or add a sapphire ring to your collection?

The Leon photoshopped ring is FAB FAB FAB!

 

[asudesigner]

See, this is what it should look like! I LOVE that deep blue sapphire!

 

[Meowtown2]

That is amazing, thanks for the preview! Yes, that is definitely ''the one ring''. I''m on the search for the antique cushion as we speak. I''ll post options when I have some!

Thanks everyone!!!

 

[Meowtown2]

My new avatar, courtesy of asudesigner.

 

[Meowtown2]

(I hope you don''t mind that I use it--let me know if you do)! I really love it, thank you so much, asudesigner!

 

[asudesigner]

Date: 8/22/2008 2:53:27 PM
Author: Meowtown2
(I hope you don''t mind that I use it--let me know if you do)! I really love it, thank you so much, asudesigner!

I don''t mind at all! In fact, here it is again cropped to maintain proportions for an avatar!

 

[Meowtown2]

Thanks!