Tell me about the time you "downgraded" and why! :)

[pearaffair]

I used to think I'd love to rock a 1.25-2ct diamond. Having seen some in person and tried a few on, I now know that I would feel too conspicuous and be too concerned of theft. Such a shock to me! I thought there could be no such thing as a diamond too big!

I'm currently saving up for a 0.30ct ACA round because I want to own a high quality diamond, but I've found petite is more my style (and it suits my budget).

Anyone else out there that has tried big and expensive but is finding other options work better for their lifestyle or comfort level?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Tell me about the time you

I think so much depends on the area where one lives and their social circle. A 1 ct diamond is large in some places and small in others. So comfort level is going to be very personal. It is interesting to have been here for 11 years and seeing people upgrade from the 1-2 ct range to 3-5 cts.

I have struggled with the size issue, although I am at an age where I can pull off greater size. It's just that not one of my local friends or family has ever upgraded their original diamonds from when they were married very young! I wore my original 1 ct stone for many years. When I came here when we were looking for an anniversary diamond, I went to 1.6 cts. I felt self-conscious for quite awhile. Then I decided I loved AVRs, and they never got any in with the size and specs I wanted, so I tried a few and ended up looking at over 2 cts! I ended up with 2.3 cts because the stones were even more beautiful the larger they were! It took me awhile to adjust. I don't need a stone this size, and I know I could sell it back anytime if I wanted. But for now I enjoy it and I am sure most people do not notice or care! It's insured so I don't worry about loss or theft.

So by all means buy what you are comfortable wearing and that meets your budget. We had two of our three kids out of college by the time I got the ring I have now!

 

[bunnycat]

Re: Tell me about the time you

I used to think I'd love to rock a 1.25-2ct diamond. Having seen some in person and tried a few on, I now know that I would feel too conspicuous and be too concerned of theft. Such a shock to me! I thought there could be no such thing as a diamond too big!

I'm currently saving up for a 0.30ct ACA round because I want to own a high quality diamond, but I've found petite is more my style (and it suits my budget).

Anyone else out there that has tried big and expensive but is finding other options work better for their lifestyle or comfort level?

I think a diamond of any size tends to look beautiful with a solitaire setting paired with an eternity band.

On size and personal comfort..I just de-haloed, upgraded my stone to a 1.65 and am very happy. It's a definite downgrade in the finger coverage department, but not in stone size. I love halos, but not for everyday wear. For me, a solitaire works better for every day, and I thought I would feel conspicuous with the larger stone, but I don't and am already used to it. And really, no one notices it like I "felt like" they would. They did notice the huge finger coverage of the halo, but the solitaire is unremarked, and maybe that is better....I don't live in a very "bling conscious" area. but I'm not out to please them, just me.

 

[pearaffair]

Sounds like some excellent "upgrades" DS!

I bet some of your peers upgraded their homes or cars instead of their rings.

 

[daintyG]

Re: Tell me about the time you

I personally prefer small diamonds on myself. I would feel self-conscious and even guilty wearing something more substantial. A lot of this is because of where I live and the role I have in my community. And another part of this is having small hands with short fingers and not feeling old enough to justify over a certain size.

I'm more interested in having several budget friendly rings rather than one ring to rule them all.

I once bought a 6.5 mm OEC and ended up returning it because it felt too big. I realized then that my 5.5x5.9 mm cushion was about as big as I wanted to go.

 

[EvaEvans]

Re: Tell me about the time you

I've never downgraded. I always buy bigger diamond, or better quality diamond, or just different diamond shape that I am currently attracted to.
I used to have 2.5ct K color, now I own 1.5ct E color (same clarity). I went down in size, but higher in color.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Tell me about the time you

Sounds like some excellent "upgrades" DS!

I bet some of your peers upgraded their homes or cars instead of their rings.

Thanks!

Oh, yes, lake houses, boats, trips, etc. People just spend money in different ways!

 

[SQ809]

Re: Tell me about the time you

Not me but my soon to be fiancé was engaged before, she had a huge ring, over 2 carats but the guy was worse than any diamond could make up for. She told me everyone asked if it was fake, and she travels a lot for work. She said she always thought people would rob her too... and that she would be comfortable anywhere between 1 carat and 1.6. I just got her a 1.23, but plan to upgrade to maybe a 1.5 one day. I think smaller does look nice on her because she's so petite with a size 4.25-4.5 and this way if she ever wants to add a halo (which she might, she has some right hand ring halo styles) it won't overwhelm her. Our social circle has rocks, but no one has fingers her size that we hang out with so I do think her 1.23 will look up to par with all of their rings.

 

[baby monster]

Re: Tell me about the time you

Feeling comfortable in your social circle is an interesting concept. What if your friends are into water sports and have a 20K boat and couple jet skis? It's the monetary equivalent of having a 2ct diamond in a nice setting on your finger. Yet, they most likely don't feel conspicuous using or talking about enjoying their boat. If you truly enjoy wearing a 1.5-2ct diamond, insure it and wear without a second thought.

 

[december-fire]

Re: Tell me about the time you

Feeling comfortable in your social circle is an interesting concept. What if your friends are into water sports and have a 20K boat and couple jet skis? It's the monetary equivalent of having a 2ct diamond in a nice setting on your finger. Yet, they most likely don't feel conspicuous using or talking about enjoying their boat. If you truly enjoy wearing a 1.5-2ct diamond, insure it and wear without a second thought.

baby monster,

Each person probably has an idea of what they prefer when it comes to diamond size, based on the look on their particular hand.

However, unfortunately, a lot of people are probably influenced by what other people will think. That's sad that someone might forego what they'd really like because of what other people might think.

You make a very good point in your post; I've bolded the part that really stuck out to me. It seems as though some expenditures are more socially-acceptable than others; cottages, boats, trips are all great, but diamonds are not as acceptable. I wonder why that is; it doesn't seem to make sense.

To be honest, I realize that I'm guilty of being influenced by what other people might think. I'm working on that,though.

 

[vintagelover229]

Re: Tell me about the time you

I went from a 1.64 H VVS1 near ideal cut diamond ring, which I loved and we got an amazing deal on but was floored by how much it was to insure it, and the fact it was MUCH MUCH bigger than any of my family/friends and even their upgrades. My earrings were bigger than all of theirs too, it didn't bother me much at first but when I had my first child and was just a stay at home mom I realized it just wasn't 'me' anymore. I loved at AVR so I decided to sell the stone to jonathan at gog for a hefty profit, get an 1.64 N SI1 hoping that the ideal and unique cut and downgrade in 'value' would help me in terms of being worth less. It didn't, I loved the ring and the stone still yet-but it still wasn't me. Finally I sold the stone back to GOG-ended up with a .68 bezel set sapphire in a gold leaf setting. For your viewing pleasure all 3 of them.

Sometimes I regret changing anything, just bc I really did love my first ring but the fact is it paid for a decent amount of stuff from the profit that we made from it and I adore my new sapphire set. Plus I haven't felt self concious or whacked it on anything! I've sold almost ALL of my diamonds now, but still have a lot of jewelery. Mostly heavy gold pieces I haven't bothered to share on PS.

 

[pearaffair]

I went from a 1.64 H VVS1 near ideal cut diamond ring, which I loved and we got an amazing deal on but was floored by how much it was to insure it, and the fact it was MUCH MUCH bigger than any of my family/friends and even their upgrades. My earrings were bigger than all of theirs too, it didn't bother me much at first but when I had my first child and was just a stay at home mom I realized it just wasn't 'me' anymore. I loved at AVR so I decided to sell the stone to jonathan at gog for a hefty profit, get an 1.64 N SI1 hoping that the ideal and unique cut and downgrade in 'value' would help me in terms of being worth less. It didn't, I loved the ring and the stone still yet-but it still wasn't me. Finally I sold the stone back to GOG-ended up with a .68 bezel set sapphire in a gold leaf setting. For your viewing pleasure all 3 of them.

Sometimes I regret changing anything, just bc I really did love my first ring but the fact is it paid for a decent amount of stuff from the profit that we made from it and I adore my new sapphire set. Plus I haven't felt self concious or whacked it on anything! I've sold almost ALL of my diamonds now, but still have a lot of jewelery. Mostly heavy gold pieces I haven't bothered to share on PS.

I can just tell that that sapphire suits you! It's a gorgeous set! And do I remember correctly that you made the band yourself? Lovely!!

 

[vintagelover229]

Re: Tell me about the time you

I went from a 1.64 H VVS1 near ideal cut diamond ring, which I loved and we got an amazing deal on but was floored by how much it was to insure it, and the fact it was MUCH MUCH bigger than any of my family/friends and even their upgrades. My earrings were bigger than all of theirs too, it didn't bother me much at first but when I had my first child and was just a stay at home mom I realized it just wasn't 'me' anymore. I loved at AVR so I decided to sell the stone to jonathan at gog for a hefty profit, get an 1.64 N SI1 hoping that the ideal and unique cut and downgrade in 'value' would help me in terms of being worth less. It didn't, I loved the ring and the stone still yet-but it still wasn't me. Finally I sold the stone back to GOG-ended up with a .68 bezel set sapphire in a gold leaf setting. For your viewing pleasure all 3 of them.

Sometimes I regret changing anything, just bc I really did love my first ring but the fact is it paid for a decent amount of stuff from the profit that we made from it and I adore my new sapphire set. Plus I haven't felt self concious or whacked it on anything! I've sold almost ALL of my diamonds now, but still have a lot of jewelery. Mostly heavy gold pieces I haven't bothered to share on PS.

I can just tell that that sapphire suits you! It's a gorgeous set! And do I remember correctly that you made the band yourself? Lovely!!

Thanks We were going to go to the den in toronto and make it but decided just to have carol make the matching wedding band. Would have been a fraction of the price to make it ourselves but with it being an hour away, finding a sitter for our 2 boys and not sure how it would come out made my husband just want to pay the extra money and have one that was perfect. I love how it looks together, but still want to go make something together in the future!

 

[pearaffair]

I went from a 1.64 H VVS1 near ideal cut diamond ring, which I loved and we got an amazing deal on but was floored by how much it was to insure it, and the fact it was MUCH MUCH bigger than any of my family/friends and even their upgrades. My earrings were bigger than all of theirs too, it didn't bother me much at first but when I had my first child and was just a stay at home mom I realized it just wasn't 'me' anymore. I loved at AVR so I decided to sell the stone to jonathan at gog for a hefty profit, get an 1.64 N SI1 hoping that the ideal and unique cut and downgrade in 'value' would help me in terms of being worth less. It didn't, I loved the ring and the stone still yet-but it still wasn't me. Finally I sold the stone back to GOG-ended up with a .68 bezel set sapphire in a gold leaf setting. For your viewing pleasure all 3 of them.

Sometimes I regret changing anything, just bc I really did love my first ring but the fact is it paid for a decent amount of stuff from the profit that we made from it and I adore my new sapphire set. Plus I haven't felt self concious or whacked it on anything! I've sold almost ALL of my diamonds now, but still have a lot of jewelery. Mostly heavy gold pieces I haven't bothered to share on PS.

I can just tell that that sapphire suits you! It's a gorgeous set! And do I remember correctly that you made the band yourself? Lovely!!

Thanks We were going to go to the den in toronto and make it but decided just to have carol make the matching wedding band. Would have been a fraction of the price to make it ourselves but with it being an hour away, finding a sitter for our 2 boys and not sure how it would come out made my husband just want to pay the extra money and have one that was perfect. I love how it looks together, but still want to go make something together in the future!

At least that explains why it matches so perfectly

 

[Laila619]

Re: Tell me about the time you

I am definitely an outlier on PS. I went from a 0.98 ct round, then upgraded to a 1.80 ct (too big for me and too expensive to insure), then downgraded back to the original 0.98, then downgraded to a 0.63 ctw diamond band, then finally downgraded to just a plain gold band with no stones. As a busy mom of 4 little kids (soon to be 5!), I found I just wasn't interested in diamonds anymore. Maybe that will change again one day though. I love wearing a plain gold band though, it's so easy and timeless.

 

[Begonia]

Re: Tell me about the time you

Are you going to have a baby Laila?

 

[Tourmaline]

Re: Tell me about the time you

As a busy mom of 4 little kids (soon to be 5!)

Yay! Congratulations! We tried for a few years for #5, but it didn't happen. So we have 4 and that's that.