While I know this post will probably evoke a number of different opinions, I figured the members of this site would be best suited to give me an "objective" view on the questions I am about to pose. Basically, I''m approaching the big purchase, and it''s time for me to lay down some financial guidelines. I''ve heard over and over again from my girlfriend how she just wants me and how the ring does not matter in the slightest, but I also know she loves diamonds, and I''ve caught her gawking with admiration at large stones especially. I''m a quality guy myself, so I''m looking for a way to balance the two, and define a decent budget. Let me start off with a little background...
Over the past 3 years, I''ve been saving with pretty much one primary focus...to propose to the woman of my dreams. I was able to save $25,000 over that period of time by living with family and watching my spending, and had always intended to spend it all on her ring/proposal. I do have to say I am a little concerned that if I do end up dropping that much, she''ll be upset with me for spending money that much money and not saving anything. So I''ve arbitrarily cut the budget down to $18K for the diamond, and $20K for the setting and proposal. However, I''m worried that I may still be overdoing it with my zealousness to surprise and wow her. I''ve formulated in my head that I would like to try to get to around 2ct and within the G-H, VS1-VS2 range on an AGS Triple Ideal, Hearts and Arrows diamond, in an attempt to knock her socks off with the size and sparkle, while giving me the satisfaction of knowing I purchased a great stone. I know I may not even be able to get to those specs without raising my $18K budget, but I want something really impressive that will also allow me to sleep at night knowing I got a good deal on a great rock.
So here''re my questions to you. Is this budget unrealistic and financially irresponsible? It''s a great deal of money, but it is after all, only money, and I only plan on doing this once. Plus, I won''t be taking on any debt, and it''s not money I am relying on for my well-being. If the budget is a little high, what would do you think would be more reasonable? And what would you sacrifice? Drop the size a bit? Maybe dip into an I color or a modest SI1? Also, how import do you think it is to balance cut and color (something like a G/VS1) instead of going for something offset (say, I/VS1)? I''d like to stick with my cut constraints, but I guess anything COULD be flexible at this point. I know all of this is "a personal decision", but I still would like to hear what you all have to say. Basically, I''m just trying to determine if I''m being unreasonable in the eyes of an objective audience.
Thanks in advance!
Over the past 3 years, I''ve been saving with pretty much one primary focus...to propose to the woman of my dreams. I was able to save $25,000 over that period of time by living with family and watching my spending, and had always intended to spend it all on her ring/proposal. I do have to say I am a little concerned that if I do end up dropping that much, she''ll be upset with me for spending money that much money and not saving anything. So I''ve arbitrarily cut the budget down to $18K for the diamond, and $20K for the setting and proposal. However, I''m worried that I may still be overdoing it with my zealousness to surprise and wow her. I''ve formulated in my head that I would like to try to get to around 2ct and within the G-H, VS1-VS2 range on an AGS Triple Ideal, Hearts and Arrows diamond, in an attempt to knock her socks off with the size and sparkle, while giving me the satisfaction of knowing I purchased a great stone. I know I may not even be able to get to those specs without raising my $18K budget, but I want something really impressive that will also allow me to sleep at night knowing I got a good deal on a great rock.
So here''re my questions to you. Is this budget unrealistic and financially irresponsible? It''s a great deal of money, but it is after all, only money, and I only plan on doing this once. Plus, I won''t be taking on any debt, and it''s not money I am relying on for my well-being. If the budget is a little high, what would do you think would be more reasonable? And what would you sacrifice? Drop the size a bit? Maybe dip into an I color or a modest SI1? Also, how import do you think it is to balance cut and color (something like a G/VS1) instead of going for something offset (say, I/VS1)? I''d like to stick with my cut constraints, but I guess anything COULD be flexible at this point. I know all of this is "a personal decision", but I still would like to hear what you all have to say. Basically, I''m just trying to determine if I''m being unreasonable in the eyes of an objective audience.
Thanks in advance!