Opinion on promise ring.

[davethomasowns]

Hello all!

First of all, I am 21 years old. I am a full-time college student so I do not make much money. I have been with my girlfriend for over two years (been friends with her since Kindergarten,) and I wanted to get her a promise ring for Valentines Day. I went to the mall with no knowledge and looked at 5 stores. I still have no knowledge (heh) and I simply chose the one that I thought was pretty and that I thought she would like. I ended up with this one:

http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2917718&fbc=0

It was "On Sale" for $199, and I guess I sorta talked him into taking an additional $20 off for the "Insurance" or whatever it''s called. I was simply going to buy the ring for $200 and then he told me that I had to pay $20 to have it sized, which all of the places told me. He then offered the lifetime warranty that covers sizing and cleaning or whatever for $39.99. I told him that if he took $20 off the ring I would get it, that way it would cost the same as just the sizing which I had to get anyways. So basically I got that ring, and the insurance for about $234.

I saw earlier that somebody asked an opinion about a promise ring he bought for his girlfriend, so hopefully it''s okay that I do. I simply want to know honest opinions about whether or not this is an okay deal. 1/5 ct and 10k for $200?

Thanks for any advice! I greatly appreciate it.

Shane

 

[Italiahaircolor]

For the money you spent, it seems okay...but in general, I would try to avoid mall stores.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think that is a very sweet ring for the money! She''ll be so happy! Just remember to come back here before you decide to buy an engagement ring, because we can help you get great quality for a good price! I don''t think you''ll do much better for $200, and the reviews on their site for that ring were very good!

 

[surfgirl]

Dave, can you return this Kay's ring if you want to? If so, and depending on your GFs taste, if it were ME, I'd much prefer this Tiffany Elsa Peretti sterling silver ring and small diamond in the center. So classic and elegant...but I dont know your GFs taste (It's a bit more at $265 though, and you dont need insurance!)...

http://www.tiffany.com/Shopping/Item.aspx?sku=GRP00176&mcat=148204&cid=288152&search_params=s+5-p+4-c+288152-r+-x+-n+6-ri+-ni+0-t+

Or if it doesn't have to be a diamond:

http://www.tiffany.com/Shopping/Item.aspx?sku=GRP00249&mcat=148204&cid=287466&search_params=s+5-p+25-c+287466-r+-x+-n+6-ri+-ni+0-t+

But if you want a more engagementy looking ring, I think you got the right one.

ETA: or this one I just saw....A lot more finger coverage and under budget:



http://www.ice.com/customer/jewelry_promotion2.jsp?product=135422177&spot=24530&sh=gen&p2=&page=

 

[ByGoneEraBride]

I want to say, that you did great. Why? because you chose it from your heart. Sometimes we get caught up on value, when it isn't the most important all the time.

The value you got for that piece is pretty good. I avoid the mall stores now when I have to, but I understand why - they are easily accessible, and sometimes have a lot of 'easy' buys. And especially with only a few days until Valentine's day.

That ring is very sweet, you are the only one that has to be ok with your purchase.

Now, if you are truly worried about it, I suggest you search up stores online that have free shipping upgrades for the next day or two.


Now, if you want more 'bang' and more wow for your buck, I can personally recommend this ring. I normally don't shop at Zales, but I own this ring and another (the other is not in your price range, I don't think). But I DO know they have this ring in the store, and they also have it in a few other colors:
http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2348983&cp=2071132.2109136&cp=2071132&fbn=Stone+Type%7CBlue+Topaz&f=PAD%2FStone+Type%2FBlue+Topaz&fbc=1&categoryId=2109136&parentPage=search&searchId=23078505483



ETA: The ice.com ring that surfgirl posted is stunning!

It is the same price as the one you bought.

 

[phoenixgirl]

I think you did a good job. I had a promise ring too (mine came from eBay second hand!) which was about 1/5 ctw. I wore it proudly.

Now, when it''s time to get engaged, THEN I think you should read up on buying a diamond and shop online or at non-mall local store. But for a ring in your price range, you did just fine.

 

[davethomasowns]

Hey guys! Thanks for the tips.

Regarding ordering online. Looking at www.ice.com I found this: http://www.ice.com/customer/product_detail.jsp?product=91986617

It is sorta like the one I got, but a 1/4 instead of 1/5 and 14k gold instead of 10.

Its only $50 more and I kinda like the look of it. Would this one make a nice promise ring?

Compared to the Zales one, which would you guys honestly choose? I really like the Zales one but the bands on the sides run up to the top of the stone. Hard to explain, but I don''t know if I like that (I can take a pic when I get home.)

Lastly, is Ice. reputable? It says free overnight. If I ordered today, any chance I would have it by V-Day?

Thanks so much!
Shane

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Sure, they are reputable. I''d call them and verify about overnight delivery and receiving it before Valentine''s Day.

 

[Cleo]

Hi Shane!

Just wanted to reply and say that both of the rings you posted are really pretty - and that you did great job in choosing!

Whichever one you go for I''m sure your girlfriend will absolutely love.

I think my personal preference is for the second one you posted from ice.com - but go with whichever one seems to speak to your heart, and the one you think your girlfriend will love most.

I haven''t used either of those stores as I live in the UK - but I think both those rings seem like great value for money, compared to what you''d have to pay in England for them, so you''ve done well!

Your gf is a lucky girl to have a man that cares so much as to take this amount of trouble in choosing a special promise ring for her.

x x x

 

[ImpatientOne]

Date: 2/11/2008 10:16:37 AM
Author: Cleo

Your gf is a lucky girl to have a man that cares so much as to take this amount of trouble in choosing a special promise ring for her.

My thoughts, exactly! I think you did a great job, Shane!

 

[LegacyGirl]

Date: 2/11/2008 11:09:30 AM
Author: ImpatientOne

Date: 2/11/2008 10:16:37 AM
Author: Cleo

Your gf is a lucky girl to have a man that cares so much as to take this amount of trouble in choosing a special promise ring for her.

My thoughts, exactly! I think you did a great job, Shane!

Yup! They are both very nice. What a lucky gf you have.

 

[davethomasowns]

Thanks for the kind words guys!

I called Ice.com and they said I would most-likely get it Wed if I order tomorrow before 1pm. So now I just got to decide.

So honestly, #1 Zales or the #2 Ice.com. Which you everybody honestly prefer.

Thanks so much,
Shane a

 

[ImpatientOne]

Well, Shane, I asked my daughters (20 and 1 which they like better - one chose #1 and the other chose #2!!! I like them both, however #2 is 14k gold (versus 10k) and it is slightly more ctw, so I think I''ll vote for #2!!!

Best wishes!!!

 

[heather318]

I actually have the Zales ring that you want to buy.. I enjoyed it as a promise ring for 2 years.. It actually sparkled pretty well for it''s tiny little size!