So I'm not an expert, heck, I'm no even a dabbler. I accidentally found this site from a scathing review of the Shane Company, so my previous expertise amounted to radio ads. However after stumbling around a little bit I found out that I know almost nothing about gemstones and mounts, and probably wasn't going to be able to be an instant expert either. So I figured that I might be able to avail myself on the expertise of this forum, and hopefully untutored internet explorers are welcome for the brief period they attempt to find what should be the most important ring of their lives. That being said, I did do a bit of exploring and found the list of vendors that has been stickied, and did do at least a cursory look at some of the sites listed. I'm looking for a sapphire engagement ring in the $500-$900 range in a style similar to these.
http://www.belljewels.com/product.cgi?group=122&product=2704
http://www.belljewels.com/product.cgi?group=122&product=7081
I found these through the links provided, which seemed to include a lot links to loose gemstones, but not complete engagement rings. I'm looking for a complete engagement ring because, if possible, I intend to surprise my girlfriend and running around getting a loose gem, a setting, and getting them put together, is less the feasible. Though I will admit that laziness on my part as well is why I'm looking for an entire ring rather than a loose stone and a setting. So essentially I'm asking if the rings in the links are reasonable priced for the gems and settings offered, can anyone find a better priced or larger gem for the same price in the same style, and if I wanted to go to an actual store instead of an online one which one would be most recommended? If it matters, I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. Thank you for all your help, and for helping to reveal the technical mysteries of what, to me, is merely lots of shiny expensive things. I hope I haven't violated any forum rules or protocols in this post, as you can see by my post count, it is my first, and once again, thank you for your help.
http://www.belljewels.com/product.cgi?group=122&product=2704
http://www.belljewels.com/product.cgi?group=122&product=7081
I found these through the links provided, which seemed to include a lot links to loose gemstones, but not complete engagement rings. I'm looking for a complete engagement ring because, if possible, I intend to surprise my girlfriend and running around getting a loose gem, a setting, and getting them put together, is less the feasible. Though I will admit that laziness on my part as well is why I'm looking for an entire ring rather than a loose stone and a setting. So essentially I'm asking if the rings in the links are reasonable priced for the gems and settings offered, can anyone find a better priced or larger gem for the same price in the same style, and if I wanted to go to an actual store instead of an online one which one would be most recommended? If it matters, I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. Thank you for all your help, and for helping to reveal the technical mysteries of what, to me, is merely lots of shiny expensive things. I hope I haven't violated any forum rules or protocols in this post, as you can see by my post count, it is my first, and once again, thank you for your help.