Questioning my engagement purchase- Need Advice

[ChrisC42780]

Hey everyone,

I thought I did my research before purchasing the engagement ring, but after words I decided to start googling & I discovered Pricescope. Now I am questioning my purchase.
I actually feel kind of sick to my stomach over this whole thing. we will see what happens in this thread

Here is the backstory- I will try to keep it short
Girlfriend of 4 years, who I absolutely want to marry. I have purchased earrings, necklaces, rings from mall stores Kay & Zales during our relationship & she loved them all.

She had been telling since me last winter its time for me to take the next step. Christmas shopping last year, we stopped by Zales for a necklace for her mother. We ended up looking at rings & she tried this one on
http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11988181&kpc=1

She fell in love with it. Thought that this will be an easy purchase for me
White Gold- check
Princess cut- check
3 stone- check

After planning how much,budget, when I will do it, etc. Then I decided I will spend more with what she wanted & get this ring
http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11988155&kpc=1

2 weeks ago, I asked my mother to lunch & we go ring shopping. After doing research I knew I probably did not want these rings due to diamond quality, but its about what she wanted!

Salesmen ended up showing me the Celebration diamond along with the ring she wanted. After sitting their for an hour, I decided I wanted the celebration diamond due to better quality, certificate for the diamond. I felt the one she wanted looked cheap compared to the celebration diamond.
http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11622414&kpc=1

I ended up putting 15% down & getting the Zales credit card to pay off in 12 months & avoid any interest rates/payments, I also got the insurance for a total of almost $4K

In summary- I think she will love this ring, we are going to the Caribbean in 3 weeks, I booked a candlelight dinner on the beach at sunset

My concerns- returning this ring, Zales, Zales credit Card, each diamond being around 1/3 ct each, quality, get a bigger center stone, yikes!!

Thank you in advance for you advice, I will not be able to check until she is not around or asleep.
Chris

 

[JulieN]

Chris, so you want to return it or not?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

My advice would be to return and let us try to help you get a really good quality ring. It is really good you came here before giving it to her!

Here are some examples of settings with the sidestones and you'd have to choose the center stone for about $1000.

http://www.jamesallen.com/design-your-three-stone-ring/18k-White-Gold-3-Stone-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring.html

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/18k-White-Gold-3-Stone-Channel-Set-Princess-Engagement-Ring.html

These are going to be better quality than Zales.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

You can get an excellent cut .54 H VS2 center stone for around $936 from James Allen if you pay by wire. (Those Zales stones were I SI2!)

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1522478.asp

If you need financing, then your best bet may be Good Old Gold. They have 6 months interest free financing and then you can pay interest if you need to extend the payments longer. They carry a million settings so all you'd have to do is show them the picture of the zales setting she originally liked because they will have access to a similar setting and can help you choose an excellent stone.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/Home/

Call and tell them what you need, your budget, and your timeline. You do have time to do it if you act quickly.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Sorry, one more note. Never buy jewelry store insurance. That is a rip off because it usually doesn't cover just losing the ring. You need a jewelry insurance policy that covers your ring for any kind of loss or damage. Many here use a company called Jeweler's Mutual.

 

[LibbyLA]

Definitely return that and let the folks here help you pick out a much higher-quality ring.

Those diamonds aren't SI2, they're I2! Yike!



liz

 

[Lane03]

You can definitely get a better quality ring/diamond from jamesallen, whiteflash, bgd, etc for the same amount of money. The only potential problem you may have is the time constraints. As diamondseeker already said, you have enough time to get a new ring, but get the ball rolling right away.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Definitely return that and let the folks here help you pick out a much higher-quality ring.

Those diamonds aren't SI2, they're I2! Yike!



liz

I think that was not the final ring. The one that was supposedly "higher" quality was I SI2.

http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11622414&kpc=1

 

[LibbyLA]

DS,

Oops! I thought I'd clicked all the links, but I guess I hadn't. Thanks for the correction. (I just had to work on a web page with nearly 40 links to another web page that contained the linked files and I had to create the links then test every one. I'm linked out!)

liz

 

[JaneSmith]

Hi Chris! Welcome to PS, I'm sure you'll be glad you found it.
You have been given great advice already, and I have nothing more to add beyond saying that you (and your almost fiancé) have picked a very pretty ring. Now please return it and get some good quality diamonds!

Oh, and your proposal idea sounds great!

 

[Lane03]

Just to follow up on two of diamondseekers links, you could get this ring (upgrade to platinum was only $125) with this diamond for $3425. That's about $600 less than what you paid at Zales and you would be getting a higher quality and larger center diamond plus a platinum setting.

As others have mentioned, you should check out jewelers mutual for insuring the ring. Insurance for a $3425 ring with $0 deductible is $50 per year - and they will have far better coverage than insurance through Zales.

 

[ChrisC42780]

Thanks everyone for the responses!

I always do this to myself, settle for the first thing I see & regret it after
Everything on James Allen looks fantastic & thank you for the recommendations
To be 100% honest with this type of purchase I want to see everything in person before I buy. so I am hesitant to do a internet purchase
Which leaves me with the Good Old Gold option since they are located 40 minute drive from me.

The diamonds in the celebration diamond ring from Zales I have now are .31 carat, .33 carat, & .38 carat

I can make a copy of the certification & post it at lunch, the color grade is E.

how do I approach a 3 stone ring without breaking the bank? Is carat size I have now normal?

Also I am nervous returning everything to Zales, will ti be an easy return?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

40 minutes to Good Old Gold?! What a dream! You need to call them first so they can get some diamonds in for you, though! They are great people and totally honest.

As far as Zales goes, tell them she has changed her mind about the kind of ring she wants (which is really because she wants better quality whether she knows it or not!) and you have to return the ring and are not yet ready to make another purchase (since they will try hard to make you exchange). Do not go into the quality issues because they will try to sell you something else.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

 

[E B]

As far as Zales goes, tell them she has changed her mind about the kind of ring she wants (which is really because she wants better quality whether she knows it or not!) and you have to return the ring and are not yet ready to make another purchase (since they will try hard to make you exchange). Do not go into the quality issues because they will try to sell you something else.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Great advice! And as soon as you've returned it, I would go see this in person, and discuss setting options within budget. There should be at least a few.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9799/ ($2050)

 

[Lane03]

Very lucky to live so close to GOG. Definitely give them a call and schedule an appointment to go in and let them know what you are looking for so they can have some stones/settings ready for you. I'm sure things will work out and in the end you will have a better quality ring for the same or even less money.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Do not go into the quality issues because they will try to sell you something else.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Yes, for sure do not discuss quality issues w/Zales. They will pressure you like crazy. I've shown my premium cut diamonds to mall jewelers and they've told me they're low quality. They will say ANYTHING to keep you as a customer!

Best of luck.

 

[mandasand]

Hands down...go to GOG. Just tell Zales you changed your mind. I bet they hear that all the time!! Run to GOG!

 

[marymm]

Just so you know, James Allen does have offices in the NYC Diamond District - if you did like that setting and diamond linked to, you could arrange an appointment with JA to personally examine the diamond and setting... it might make a slightly longer train ride for you, but it does give you another reputable vendor you can visit in person, should you be interested.

 

[ChrisC42780]

As far as Zales goes, tell them she has changed her mind about the kind of ring she wants (which is really because she wants better quality whether she knows it or not!) and you have to return the ring and are not yet ready to make another purchase (since they will try hard to make you exchange). Do not go into the quality issues because they will try to sell you something else.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Great advice! And as soon as you've returned it, I would go see this in person, and discuss setting options within budget. There should be at least a few.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9799/ ($2050)

I called GOG today & spoke to someone

I put this diamond on hold & looking at rings now. Hoping to go by on Friday to see everything in person

Thanks again

 

[ChrisC42780]

Here is a picture of the certificate for the current ring

Even though the color is H, the GOG diamond is better?

 

[Lane03]

Surprised to see the color is E, in the link in your OP the color was I. However, the GOG diamond is twice the size.

 

[Gypsy]

As far as Zales goes, tell them she has changed her mind about the kind of ring she wants (which is really because she wants better quality whether she knows it or not!) and you have to return the ring and are not yet ready to make another purchase (since they will try hard to make you exchange). Do not go into the quality issues because they will try to sell you something else.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Great advice! And as soon as you've returned it, I would go see this in person, and discuss setting options within budget. There should be at least a few.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9799/ ($2050)

I called GOG today & spoke to someone

I put this diamond on hold & looking at rings now. Hoping to go by on Friday to see everything in person

Thanks again

Good job. Ask them if they can do that stone and this setting (they will finish it and set it with the other diamonds needed) for you, in budget.
http://www.stuller.com/products/121609/2822851/?groupId=101576 Should fit that stone and suit her tastes AND work with your budget as well.

 

[ChrisC42780]

As far as Zales goes, tell them she has changed her mind about the kind of ring she wants (which is really because she wants better quality whether she knows it or not!) and you have to return the ring and are not yet ready to make another purchase (since they will try hard to make you exchange). Do not go into the quality issues because they will try to sell you something else.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Great advice! And as soon as you've returned it, I would go see this in person, and discuss setting options within budget. There should be at least a few.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9799/ ($2050)

I called GOG today & spoke to someone

I put this diamond on hold & looking at rings now. Hoping to go by on Friday to see everything in person

Thanks again

Good job. Ask them if they can do that stone and this setting (they will finish it and set it with the other diamonds needed) for you, in budget.
http://www.stuller.com/products/121609/2822851/?groupId=101576 Should fit that stone and suit her tastes AND work with your budget as well.

I picked this ring/setting

this is exactly what she wants & what GOG sent for that diamond

http://www.uniquesettings.com/products/show/4253

 

[Lane03]

The certification for the current ring, who is that by? It doesn't look like a GIA cert and if so you can't compare it to GOG diamond.

 

[ChrisC42780]

Surprised to see the color is E, in the link in your OP the color was I. However, the GOG diamond is twice the size.

twice the size plus similar in price

will my girlfriend tell the difference between H & E- definitely not

Should I be concerned?

 

[Gypsy]

I like the Stuller one better as it's got more fluid lines and a more feminine overall design, but it's a personal choice. I used to have a setting by Unique Settings and it was a tank, nothing ever made an impression on it. So it's up to you what suits better. I would at least ask for a quote on the Stuller though. Doesn't hurt to ask.

No, your lady will not be able to tell the difference because that other stone wasn't a REAL E. It was probably no better than an real H to start with, and the light return on the new one will knock the other out of the park with sparkle and white light.

 

[Lane03]

I like the Stuller one better as it's got more fluid lines and a more feminine overall design, but it's a personal choice. I used to have a setting by Unique Settings and it was a tank, nothing ever made an impression on it. So it's up to you what suits better. I would at least ask for a quote on the Stuller though. Doesn't hurt to ask.

No, your lady will not be able to tell the difference because that other stone wasn't a REAL E. It was probably no better than an real H to start with, and the light return on the new one will knock the other out of the park with sparkle and white light.

Exactly what I was going to say. I'm guessing the current stone would be an I by GIA standards. I too personally like the stuller one, but get which one you think SHE would like best. One benefit of the stuller setting is that you can get it with X1 white gold (no rhodium plating).

 

[ChrisC42780]

The original one she loved at Zales had the hearts- I also think GOG sent me unique settings- due to the timing constraints

She said when I stop by on Friday they will show me a wax model, will this be a problem?

Looks like the side stones are included, does this mean only the center stone is needed?

 

[Eskiez]

She will be so pleased that you took the time to do your research. If she liked the Zales ring, she willl LOVE the quality you'll receive from GOG. A bigger stone and better quality?!? Best wishes to you both!

 

[Gypsy]

The original one she loved at Zales had the hearts- I also think GOG sent me unique settings- due to the timing constraints

She said when I stop by on Friday they will show me a wax model, will this be a problem?

Looks like the side stones are included, does this mean only the center stone is needed?

I didn't know that. If she liked the hearts detail originally then the Unique Settings one is the perfect choice. I didn't realize that was a feature she liked.

Wax is a good thing. As for the stones... that's good too, I'm sure GOG will use good quality melee for you! Very exciting!