Question about price range and others

[pad3006]

Hi everyone;
I am involved with a woman now who im sure I will marry. We were talking about rings the other day and she told me she likes pear shaped and marquie shaped diamonds. SHe said she liked Jessica Simpsons ring a lot, thats a pear shaped with side stones.
Its too early for me to buy the ring now but Id like to save up the money so I wont have to finance it when the time comes. But I was wondering. Is it best to go into a store or whatever with a specific price range in mind, or to look around and see what I should expect to spend?
Also, I know every woman always wants to show off the ring and all, and they want a specific style. So I know its good she told me what she likes in terms of the center stone. But I know she wants one that will really look awesome. Would it be werid when the time comes to take her sister or her closest cousin with me to pick one out for her?? Thanks

Phil

 

[pqcollectibles]

You might want to learn a bit about diamonds in general and pear shaped cuts specifically.

Here's a link to the Tutorial to learn about diamonds:

http://diamonds.pricescope.com/

Here's a link to the Cut Chart for Pear shaped diamonds:

http://www.gemappraisers.com/

In the left hand toolbar at that website, select AGA Cut Grade Charts and Rules. Then on the upper right, there is a pull down bar. Select Pear cut and you'll see a set of specs to use for screening diamonds.

Pears are considered a Fancy cut. Fancies are tougher to select on specs alone than Round Brilliants. The Cut Charts are just guidelines for screening candidates. Fancies really need further analysis and need to be seen in person.

Here's an example of a well cut Pear for you:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/pear_1_19ct_g_vs2.htm

Since you are in the planning stages, it's definitely a good idea to get out and look. You need to learn about color, cut quality, and clarity levels. Learn what appeals to your eye and what doesn't. Will an I color diamond work, or do you need to consider F or G? Can you live with an SI diamond or do you need to have VS? You can also get a feel for prices to help you plan your budget. Maybe you'll find a saavy local jeweler or diamond broker that offers reasonable pricing. You might also learn that you might get the best bang for you buck by shopping on the internet.

It's not odd at all to take someone with you. Your gal's cousin is an extra set of eyes. She may see something you don't. She may be familiar with your gal's tastes in settings. Never hurts to have another person to bounce ideas off of.