So...

[Kitiaral]

I've laid off on the "future" topic since my last post. And since then HE as actually been bringing up little questions/discussions about getting engaged and how we would do the wedding (Vegas vs big wedding). These little talks aren't long or too in depth, and during them I don't act too interested b/c I don't want him to think that I'm rushing him or anything.

He has brought up the topic of the actual ring a couple times in the last week or so. He has a friend who works at a Rodgers and Hollands. So I have a couple questions:

1)I've heard rumors that buying an e ring from the mall jewelers isn't a great idea. I've been looking at ritani online and the mall stores do carry this. Where is the best place to buy the ring? You girls that have gone ring shopping, where do you go?

2) After reading a lot of posts here at ps, it seems that picking out the diamond is a lot harder than I thought! Again, should I buy online, or at a mall store. Or what about Robbins Brothers? Are they a good value?

I don't know where to begin. I don't want him to spend too much or get a bad deal. Neither of us have any experience in this area. Can I get the setting in one place and the diamond in another? Those of you who got your diamond online, which sites are the best and most reputable? Please help!

 

[ilovethiswebsite]

If I were you I would pick a style out that you like online, for eg. a Ritani style, then check for Ritani dealers in your area. Then you can check out the ring and diamond selection they have. Also, if you want Ritani, there are several online dealers that can offer great diamonds and a Ritani ring (e.g. Good Old Gold or ERD).

 

[ckrickett]

I would personally see what fits into your budget, what ring you want and how soon. If you want a ready made band with a diamond but you want it like asap a mall store might be good for you. (and I''m not gonna diss mall stores, my friend got engagaged and her ring is from zales and it''s beautiful and she loves it).

If you can wait awhile and want something spectacular I would research for awhile, and find a vendor that fits your needs, find settings and really make sure you get a quality piece of jewelry. I think it matters on YOUR prorities. I mean if your happy with a ring you see at the mall and you love it then go for it. It is what makes you happy!

(also sorry for the jumbled post, Merlot sets my head a spinning)

 

[BlueSki231]

Well, as far as actually purchasing the ring, I know that we will definitely go the online route. But as far as just shopping around and LOOKING, go all over the place! And ask a lot of questions! Try EVERYTHING on! And don''t forget to shop online too!! Go through the list of all the PS vendors here! You will really start to learn for yourself the differences in cost and value of what you''re getting from online vendors vs. mall stores.
Now one drawback of buying a stone online is that you have to buy the stone without seeing it with your own eyes. But honestly, with the quality ACA stones that come from WF and the handpicked stones from GOG I have almost no problem with this. Jonathan at GOG has a TON of videos he shot of diamonds.. and he will even make a video specifically for you if there are a couple stones that you would like to compare. He has some AWESOME videos of diamonds in different lighting conditions.. soo educational!

Honestly, I''ve been to Robbins Bros and IMO it is NOT a good value. They have some beautiful things but they are extremely over-priced. You can get the same settings, and even more beautiful diamonds than Robbins Bros or other mall stores from Whiteflash, GoodOldGold, Excel, Infinity, etc for a fraction of the cost. In most cases, you don''t have to pay tax, and some PS vendors even offer a PS discount!

You''re starting at a really good place: PriceScope!! I highly recommend checking out Goodoldgold.com also (it''s my FAVE can you tell haha)- he''s got sooo much diamond education info on there it should keep you busy for a while Not to mention some beautiful stones to drool over

And dont forget to check all the other vendors!! Do your research!
This is an exciting time! Enjoy it! Keep us updated too!

 

[Smurfysmiles]

i just want to defend buying in the mall store, we got our ring in our mall at helzburgs and i still cant looking at it and its been 3 months since we got engaged

 

[jcarlylew82]

I''d say... just do some research (or, let your guy. they like that sort of thing!)!
Definately try EVERYTHING on. gosh. i dont know how many styles i thought i loved until i put it on my finger. eek!

Once you do your research, if you happen to find a ring at a "maul" store, or B&M, and you love it, go for it! if you happen to see a ring online and you love it, then go for that! Being well educated about your purchase, is honestly the best ''purchase'' you can make!

PS here is a GREAT resource on online stores, B&M stores, and more!

 

[BeachRunner]

It''s not that mall jewelry stores "aren''t a good idea", but you will be able to find a better price and better quality working with an online vendor; you just have to know what you are looking for and be educated about it. I went to the mall jewelry stores to try on different rings and styles. The highest clarity they had at some of them were S1

, which they were trying to tell me was very good clarity! Some of the stores didn''t even have EC''s!

Diamond shopping can be tedious if you know what you want. Educate yourself on the 4 C''s, and determine which is most important to you. Diamond shopping takes time to find exactly what you are looking for!

Good Luck with your shopping!!

 

[Winks_Elf]

I can''t advise you on the ring buying/picking out a diamond because it could be viewed as self-promotional, but YEAY!!! He''s interested, asking questions, and obviously it is on his mind!!!

 

[neatfreak]

My rule with maul stores (and yes this includes places like Robbins and Jareds) is look but don''t buy. You can get much more for your money elsewhere.

 

[iheartscience]

Date: 1/19/2009 8:51:03 AM
Author: neatfreak
My rule with maul stores (and yes this includes places like Robbins and Jareds) is look but don''t buy. You can get much more for your money elsewhere.

Ditto!

 

[hearts-arrows_girl]

Date: 1/18/2009 10:48:21 PM
Author:Kitiaral

He has brought up the topic of the actual ring a couple times in the last week or so. He has a friend who works at a Rodgers and Hollands. So I have a couple questions:

I don't know where to begin. I don't want him to spend too much or get a bad deal. Neither of us have any experience in this area. Can I get the setting in one place and the diamond in another? Those of you who got your diamond online, which sites are the best and most reputable? Please help!

That sounds like good news that he is actually thinking not only if he is going to get a ring, but where. I would start going everywhere that sells rings, just to try on things you like. Check out different clarities, carats and colors to see what is the lowest you would go without being disappointed in how it looks. It took me over 1 year to find the stone that I have now. I read alot of tutorials on Pricescope and gathered alot of diamond opinions and knowledge. I didn't get my stone online because my husband chose the place we would buy from. (Sometimes you have to pay a little more if the person buying the diamond doesn't like online large purchases. Just be happy you are being given some input into your ring selection.) People get really shakey about spending that kind of money, and even though buying from a friend isn't always a great idea, it may be the only way HE will feel comfortable spending his money. You get to pick out the style, let him pick out the store. If you go to his friend at R&H, don't be afraid to speak up and ask to see certain stones and reject stones he may offer. Sometimes friends suggest middle of the road "Good" cut stones because alot of B&M customers are OK with that and they figure they are doing their friend a solid by saving them the money an Ideal or Excellent stone would cost. Be diligent on your quest, have him show you many stones, not just 5 or 6. I would xerox off the grading report on stones I was interested in, then go home and use the HCA to dump the dogs. I was really glad I did, because when I was down to my final 3 stones, the HCA helped me immensely. I even had my saleslady go on the internet and look up some stones on the HCA right then and there. I used my eyes, the HCA, and the grading report to decide. Go to R&H by yourself anonomously and have a look around. Don't connect with any sales staff too much, or when you go to buy from your boyfriend's friend, the previous salesclerk may be entitled to part of the commission for having partly helped you. Maybe go to another branch of that store to be safe. if you want to armchair setting browse just to get an idea of what's out there, Robbins Brothers' site has many setting to look at. Good luck! I hope he lets you go shopping soon!
(Yes you can get the stone in one place and the diamond it the other. If use R&H, I would get both from the same place just to make sure that both setting and stone are their responsibility in case something gets screwed up in the setting process. Otherwise you could have the different locations throwing blame on the other while you're waiting for your ring to be set correctly)
*Online ring purchasing can save you alot of money, but both you and SO have to be comfortable with it.

 

[Still_Waiting]

Date: 1/18/2009 10:48:21 PM
Author:Kitiaral
I''ve laid off on the ''future'' topic since my last post. And since then HE as actually been bringing up little questions/discussions about getting engaged and how we would do the wedding (Vegas vs big wedding). These little talks aren''t long or too in depth, and during them I don''t act too interested b/c I don''t want him to think that I''m rushing him or anything.

LOL. That''s what everybody always says to do, but it didn''t work for me! The last time either of us talked about it was in October (me, explaining I don''t need a super fancy ring)...and he''s said nuthin'' since! Oh, well. I''m glad it''s got your guy interested!!! Hope you guys can find something perfect.

 

[Kitiaral]

Thanks for all the imput ladies! You all have really helped me. Although I think it may be another 6-12 months till I get a ring, it feels good being better educated. I''ll keep you posted!