The Real Women of Pricescope

[packrat]

4ever, that''s such a pretty ring!

JD just turned 35, and I''ll be 35 in October. Known each other about 1/2 our lives (sounds odd to say), together almost 10, married for 8 yrs in November. My first ring was a teensy weensy little diamond chip from Kay b/c that''s all he could afford. Nothing but problems w/that ring and customer service at the store, so I got a mother''s ring from Sears so I could have our birthstones in it. The stones in that are a lil bigger..not much tho! Currently planning for my new and forever ring-a lavender spinel in Coati''s JM setting.

Neither of us went to college, tho I did get me some-a that book lernin for a couple few semesters at the local community college, so I could quit working in factories and take a pay cut to work in an office..hmmmm. JD worked on the line at the local packing house until he got a Quality Assurance job w/the company, and then switched to Foreman. We are the bluest of the blue collar haha! I only work 1 day a week right now, and stay home w/our kids..otherwise known as Thing1 and Thing2.

We have a truck loan and house loan, a few thousand in cc debt.

I know JD was a little concerned when I first stumbled across PS and would show him pretty rings I liked. And when I mentioned getting a new ring he was concerned. But, he sits right down here with me and looks at settings and stones. I can buy the stone first and have it set later, so as not to spend it all at once. I''m happy with the ring I have now-but this will be a ring that is ME, and it''s something I''m doing *for* me, and he acknowledges that.

Rings aren''t very big here either. One of my coworkers saved up and bought herself a 1 ct marquise solitaire b/c that''s what she''d always wanted, and when she and her husband got married-25 years ago or whatever, they couldn''t afford it. I tell you what, the women in the office fawn over that ring-we always take turns trying it on and playing with it. I think if she''d''ve shown up w/1.8 or whatever, the office would''ve shut down.

I have a hard time relating when someone spends $20,000 (or whatever) on a ring-that''s almost half what my husband makes in a year, and would almost pay off our house. However, I loooove to look!

 

[Callisto]

Date: 6/30/2009 7:22:42 PM
Author: luv2sparkle
Boy, I bet the girl who posted about how she wasnt sure she liked her e-ring is sorry!!!

Haha that''s totally what I''ve been thinking as I was reading this thread, I love that you mentioned it haha.

As for being a real woman of pricescope....

SO and I are both pretty young, 21 and 22. I just finished my bachelors degree and am working as a lab manager at a university. Conveniently the university where the bf is finishing his last year of school (we carpool haha).

We''ve been together 3 years and have just started the non long distance(15 hours apart) part of our relationship which is very exciting. We''re looking to get engaged in about a year and mainly due to the fact that both of our parents were incredibly generous in paying for what remained of our tuition after scholarships we''re looking to spend about 3K on a ring. I''m hoping to aim for between .75 and 1 carat and sacrifice a bit on the setting for the time being. While I still drool over the 2 and 3 carat rings on this site I honestly don''t think I''d be comfortable wearing something that big. I just went shopping with intentions to splurge on new sunglasses and spent a whopping $8 because I was too afraid I''d lose or break them. I can''t imagine wearing something worth 20K+. Part of me almost wants to force myself to get something even smaller than we can afford to constantly remind myself that the marriage and our life together will always be the most important thing. We''ll see when the time comes.

 

[Maryww]

Thank you for the reality check, Mariposa! Sending you lots of hugs and positive support.

Me: 35 years old, high school grad, secretary for a local CPA firm.
Him: 49 years old (an older man! gasp!) displaced aircraft mechanic working for a railroad company.

Us: Married 15 years - my first ring was his great-grandmother''s - .21 carat. I recently got an upgrade to a .95 marquise which now looks HUGE in comparison! We bought a house 5 years ago; finally got good enough credit to buy new/newer cars (and a motorcycle for hubby) and we got my upgrade off of ebay. We also have a beautiful 11 year old son.

I think it''s easy to judge others reactions, especially during these tough times, but where else can you talk about loving or hating your ring other than Pricescope?

 

[4ever]

Packrat- thank you for the complement, you''ve made my day

I joined PS for the jewelery but continue to be amazed by the strong, beautiful, kind and supportive women who post here.

 

[Haven]

Mariposa--I''d like to join the group in wishing you a quick and painless recovery. You''ll be in my thoughts.

 

[Haven]

Date: 6/30/2009 4:00:14 PM
Author: gwendolyn
Sorry, but it gets under my skin a little bit when people get overly involved in appraising what''s ''appropriate'' for someone else, no matter how well they know you. I don''t even think it''s my mother''s place to know details of my finances, and she knows me better than probably anyone. My finances are between my partner and myself, and should be respected as off-limits.

I agree 100% with Gwennie.

You never know how people prioritize or what they do without in order to own what they believe is worth it. I''m 28, DH is 39, and I wear a 2 ct cushion e-ring, for which we paid cash. I''m a high school teacher, DH is a muscle specialist, we have collectively earned two bachelor''s degrees, three master''s degrees, and countless certifications in our particular specialties.

But none of that really matters. We know exactly what we want, what we value, and what we are willing to sacrifice in order to live exactly the way we want to, and according to our values. Others'' assessments of what we "should" or "should not" own don''t matter to us, because we are the ones who have to be happy with the lives we''ve created for ourselves.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 6/30/2009 12:25:07 PM
Author:CharmCity
I would REALLY like to know what kinds of jobs you and your husbands have and how they relate to these GORGEOUS rings that have me addicted to this site. In my head you have to be a millionaire to be able to have a 2+ karat diamond!

_______________

if i were a millonaire i'll be sporting a 5 ct.

 

[princessplease]

Me: 24, work as a social worker for mentally ill adults full time, go to grad school part time for my M.A in criminal justice, and work during the winter selling food at my dad''s stand at the Eagles Stadium

Him: 25, works as an inside salesman for a semi-national truck parts company. He went to tech school for diesel mechanic work

Ring: My ring is an absolutely gorgeous and stunning .97 ctw WF flush fit with an AGS0 princess cut of .70 cts as my center stone. My side diamonds and surprise diamonds under the basket are WF ACA RB''s with a ctw of .27 cts. My ring may not be as big and flashy as other people''s and I do sometimes wish the center stone was 1ct, but I am beyond pleased and in love with my ring.

 

[Diva0413]

Date: 6/30/2009 1:45:11 PM
Author: Italiahaircolor

Date: 6/30/2009 1:21:05 PM
Author: Mariposa
I just want to say that I''m in total agreement with you. I actually had the misfortune of reading that post while I was at the hospital getting my 22nd round of chemotherapy. Needless to say I had nothing nice to sat about it, so I said nothing. The more I thought about it, the more it got to me...come on! Some people have REAL problems.

Me - 33 years old, on disability for stage 4 colon cancer, was diagnosed 4 months after marriage. Used to be a Histotech at a large hospital. 4 year degree + 2 year certification

Hubby - 35, attorney, $150k in debt for law school loans

Ring - 0.58ct ACA set into a gorgeous Van Creaynest set.

Mariposa

My thoughts are with you...I hope you make a full recovery soon! ((hugs))

Same here! Wishing you a full and fast recovery.

 

[princessplease]

Since I can''t edit my post, Mariposa, I wish you the best in your recovery.

 

[rockpaperscissors67]

We''re old and terminally engaged.

I''m 41 and a technical writer/trainer for a small software company. SO is almost 48 and an architect, now self-employed (laid off after 24 years with the same company).

I have 4 older kids, he has 3 older kids, plus we have a 2 1/2 year old together and I''m due in January with another. Yeah, we''re suckers for punishment! We also have one ex-husband and a stepmom for my kids, and a crazy ex-wife for his.

My stone is a princess cut, 1.15 ct., E, VS2, set in a cathedral setting with little stones down the sides. We''ve been engaged for 4 years and I have considered a remount about 598 times. I''m fickle. I also have a roughly .75 total mystery diamond that I fell in love with at a pawn shop (gasp!), and I wear that when I travel.

Things are tight now with SO''s business getting off the ground, but we do ok. We currently rent, but are hoping to buy a house in the next 2 years. SO has some cc debt. I have about $300 cc debt and that''s it. I don''t have much, but I love having so little personal debt.

As long as the kids have everything they need, our bills are paid, money''s going into the retirement accounts, etc., I''m comfortable spending on jewelry and so is SO. He already knows that sometime down the road, I have my heart set on a 2.5-3 ct. OEC/OMC from Erica Grace and he''s ok with that. He knows I wouldn''t say boo to him dropping that much money on something for himself either.

I probably do need to marry him before he''ll agree to a bigger diamond, though. Maybe one of these days...

 

[joelly]

Date: 6/30/2009 2:20:36 PM
Author: NakedFinger
mariposa- my prayers are with you and may god give you and your husband strength to get through this together.

charmcity- interesting thread. You expressed my ''ummmm......really?'' sentiments perfectly regarding that post as well. Now I cant say its ridiculous, because I am actually 25 and the ring I will be getting is 2ct (I know this because i was involved in the process). However, I would say that our situation isnt necessarily typical for our age.

Me-
25 Years old (actually 24, 25 on 7/16). Wedding & Event Planner in NYC. No credit card debt at all, started working when I was 14 years old, started in my industry at 17, worked my way up. I went to school full time and worked fulled time simultaneously (night classes). So I already had my career, making nice salary before I was even done with school (rather than just going to school, having to ''start out'' at 23). I bought my car outright with savings, so I have no car payment and low insurance, and was able to get scholarships and financial aid for school so my student loans which were paid off very quickly so I have no student loan debt. I bought my first house at 21, sold it recently, and my FF and I just purchased a new home. So we dont have to worry about saving for a down payment.

Him-
26, will be 27 in Feb. He did the same thing, started working very young, works for an electrician making salary, and opened his own electrical contracting company after getting his license. Now he works for someone getting steady income, while building his company as well. Since its his own, he makes a lot of profit. Little CC debt, and drives a company truck, and his only ''toy'' is his sailboat.

US- We both made smart decisions, made serious money at a young age, saved, and now that the down payment on the house is out of the way and we dont have debt, he was able to buy the ring with cash rather than having to finance it. If he had to finance it, or we had a lot of debt, or didnt buy the house yet(or were renting somethign) then I would have never let him spend so much. I think the difference with this is that at 24, many people are just getting out of school, trying to work they way up and make money, trying to move out of their parents house etc. So with no house, no salary, and student loans, yes its inconceivable that someone could by a $20,000 + ring

Ring- 2ct chucky cushion, G color, VS2, Excellent cut, in a platinum band with 3 side pave

If I may make a point though, I tend to do high end weddings with 6 figure budgets and up. A lot of my brides are not older couples paying for their weddings. They are ''daddy''s little girl'' with wealthy parents paying for everything they desire. I too, have be taken aback by some of my 22 year old brides sporting a 5ct cartier ring, a 7ct tiffany, and most recently the most YUM 10ct harry winston i''ve ever seen. I too thought to myself ''WHAT DO THESE GUYS DO??? HOW THE H*LL DID HE AFFORD THAT AT THEIR AGE??!!!''. Turns out, when the grooms parent''s are rich, that is the grooms parents ''contribution'' to the wedding. Brides parents pay for wedding, grooms parents pay for ring. You''d be surprised how many rings are bought, or at least ''chipped inn'' by the parents. If it makes you feel better

LOL!!! Sorry!!! I can''t help but laugh because I thought this is only happen in my family. Here is a background of my LOL. My younger brother was engaged to this beautiful girl and my parents like her so much. When my brother mention that he is thinking of proposing, they offered to help out. So they bought her a 5ct cartier e-ring. Plus, a rolex watch, sets of pink pearls, 4cttw of earrings, and some other family heirlooms. How can a girl say no to that, right?

A year after the engagement, they broke up and they didn''t even have the decency to tell my parents. Now, my brother has another girlfriend who he also mention to my parents that he wants to propose. My parents have a whole different attitude toward his engagement now. In short, they told him, good luck with that son!

Way to go mom and dad. Thats what I say.

Anyway, I am the oldest in the family. I came to the US when I was 23. Since I am a girl, the family dough is not mine. The Asian family prefer the boys because they are the one who carry the family name. So, I bust my ass off in school to be where I am right now. I am not quiet where I want to be but hopefully I will soon. Lots and lots of room to grow. God plays a great deal in my life. My prayer and my sense of pride is all I have. I met my FI seven years ago. He gave me 0.40ct PR (J color) then a year later a three stone e-ring (1.75cttw, D color). He paid them with his own money and I am very proud of him. I didn''t even dream of having a diamond ring, let alone having two now.

Total income for both us is $150K. I have no debt (knock on wood) and I save half of my monthly paycheck. My FI has no debt but he is not fond of saving so guess thats where I will come in later after the marriage.

 

[joelly]

Date: 6/30/2009 1:21:05 PM
Author: Mariposa
I just want to say that I''m in total agreement with you. I actually had the misfortune of reading that post while I was at the hospital getting my 22nd round of chemotherapy. Needless to say I had nothing nice to sat about it, so I said nothing. The more I thought about it, the more it got to me...come on! Some people have REAL problems.

Me - 33 years old, on disability for stage 4 colon cancer, was diagnosed 4 months after marriage. Used to be a Histotech at a large hospital. 4 year degree + 2 year certification

Hubby - 35, attorney, $150k in debt for law school loans

Ring - 0.58ct ACA set into a gorgeous Van Creaynest set.

Mariposa

I''m sending you a positive thoughts, Mariposa. Hugs!!!
BTW, I love your set. Its one of a kind yet never will be out dated. Love it!!!

 

[LamborghiniGirl]

I guess I am more of a "new" woman of pricescope as I joined not too many months ago!

A little about me:

I just graduated college.

I was fascinated with the internet very young and was able to buy upwards of 500 domain names very early. I now oversee their development; they are many of the websites you probably visit from day to day.

My BF and I aren't getting married anytime soon, as some may recall we had a rocky patch a little while back. I am so happy we are now stronger than ever and sometimes I am so shocked at how he has changed! He is in his 30's and works in the technology realm as well.

Right now I am in pursuit of a new puppy! A maltese, so I am frequenting those forums as well. I have put down a deposit with a breeder and am just waiting now to receive her!

With the nature of my business, my condo was paid off in a few years. And with the economy the way it is, I just took delivery of a certain car I have been wishing for at a much lower price which was great. I am very thankful not to have any debt.

I have set aside enough savings to purchase my dream stone. Of course in my fairytale, my BF would surprise me with the stone of my dreams. He would have to go into debt for that to happen, and I think that is pointless, just for the sake of tradition. But in reality, I want to be very involved in the process choosing the stone/setting. So, he is in charge of paying for the setting when the time comes.

I do know that I am more of an exception to the rule. And that is why it bugs me when so many members are quick to judge, and often very immaturely, someone and their situation.

I will say I have grown up much faster than I planned.

 

[vintagelover229]

Let's see if I can remember everything:

Myself: 21 years old. A few classes left before I apply to UT downtown for the BSN program. 3.7 GPA (not saying much because its a community college). 3K student loans. Work part time at a steakhouse making 10.50 an hour ~15-20 hours a week. Enough to pay for school tuition (for now) and books, gas, etc.

Him: 32 in aug. Mechanical engineer for a local refinery. Makes ~95,000-100K a year with bonus. He has 30K in student loads. WE own both of our cars. Bought our house last year for 136K...owe less than 100K now and will have it paid off in 4 years if all goes as planned. He does very well in the stock market...up for the year (I can't believe that!) and saves almost every penny for retirement.

The ring: 1.31 chunky cushion from GOG with a Liz C. diamond pave band. ~cost is 6K total for both, bought the band used! That saved us a bunch of money!(thanks for me not being able to make up my mind on things). Working on getting a setting from BGD...but I must pay for that myself...so it may take a while..but thats ok!
All paid in full, no debt on CC, only student loans and the house.

We'll see how I do with my student loans though...we are going to try and pay in full per semester for UT downtown..but we'll see how expensive it is!

 

[joelly]

Date: 6/30/2009 10:42:21 PM
Author: redrose229
Let''s see if I can remember everything:

Myself: 21 years old. A few classes left before I apply to UT downtown for the BSN program. 3.7 GPA (not saying much because its a community college). 3K student loans. Work part time at a steakhouse making 10.50 an hour ~15-20 hours a week. Enough to pay for school tuition (for now) and books, gas, etc.

Him: 32 in aug. Mechanical engineer for a local refinery. Makes ~95,000-100K a year with bonus. He has 30K in student loads. WE own both of our cars. Bought our house last year for 136K...owe less than 100K now and will have it paid off in 4 years if all goes as planned. He does very well in the stock market...up for the year (I can''t believe that!) and saves almost every penny for retirement.

The ring: 1.31 chunky cushion from GOG with a Liz C. diamond pave band. ~cost is 6K total for both, bought the band used! That saved us a bunch of money!(thanks for me not being able to make up my mind on things). Working on getting a setting from BGD...but I must pay for that myself...so it may take a while..but thats ok!
All paid in full, no debt on CC, only student loans and the house.

We''ll see how I do with my student loans though...we are going to try and pay in full per semester for UT downtown..but we''ll see how expensive it is!

Hi Steph,
I paid my own way in college too. It was for my master degree. I finished it when I was 25. It was only a year ago. So, my heart goes to you but when its all done, nobody will be as happy as you. At least thats how I feel. There is a sense of pride in paying for your own degree, I think.

Good luck!!!

 

[iheartscience]

Date: 6/30/2009 9:22:58 PM
Author: Haven

Date: 6/30/2009 4:00:14 PM

Author: gwendolyn

Sorry, but it gets under my skin a little bit when people get overly involved in appraising what's 'appropriate' for someone else, no matter how well they know you. I don't even think it's my mother's place to know details of my finances, and she knows me better than probably anyone. My finances are between my partner and myself, and should be respected as off-limits.

I agree 100% with Gwennie.

You never know how people prioritize or what they do without in order to own what they believe is worth it. I'm 28, DH is 39, and I wear a 2 ct cushion e-ring, for which we paid cash. I'm a high school teacher, DH is a muscle specialist, we have collectively earned two bachelor's degrees, three master's degrees, and countless certifications in our particular specialties.

But none of that really matters. We know exactly what we want, what we value, and what we are willing to sacrifice in order to live exactly the way we want to, and according to our values. Others' assessments of what we 'should' or 'should not' own don't matter to us, because we are the ones who have to be happy with the lives we've created for ourselves.

Ditto Gwen and Haven. People can spend their money however they want. Last time I checked, PS was a diamond forum, yes? All diamonds are a frivolous luxury item, no matter how much money you make and how small your diamond is.

I think a thread on how hard we've all worked and how we paid for our diamonds are is more than a little ridiculous and unnecessary.

 

[les12]

I've been lurking around pricescope for a few weeks now, but this is my first post! I think it will be a good way to introduce myself.
First let me say, Mariposa, though I do not know you, my heart really goes out to you. I wish you the best, and you'll be in my prayers!

Me: 22 just graduated from college and am working full time with retail/graphic design sort of job. My salary is not too substantial but after my bf and I get married, I will move to a bigger city where there are more career opportunities for me. Went to school on scholarship, so I have absolutely no debt.

Him: 22, also just graduated. School on scholarship as well, so no student loans or debt. Because of his fantastic gpa, he was able to land an amazing job after graduating, with a nice signing bonus attached. After the summer is over, he will be moving to work on a year-long project with his company. The company will be paying for his housing as well as a daily stipend for food, etc. In other words, during this year-long project, nearly his entire salary can be saved, for down payment on a house, etc.

Us: We have been together just over 7 years! We have picked out a ring, he is planning on proposing in the next few months I am so excited!

Ring: 1.41 ct center stone, gorgeous art deco ring. Total ct weight around 2 ct. The ring has already been paid for in cash. He and I went ring shopping for fun one day and I tried it on and fell in love. Never ever in a million years did I think I would have the ring of my dreams!! I am so beyond grateful to him

 

[GGx20NYC]

I am a fairly new user to this site... but a long time lurker.

Me (Christina): I am turning 24 next month. I work as an investigator for the government, and am currently pursuing my Master''s in Business Administration.
The Fiance: He is 29, works for a large wall street firm as a software engineer. He has an MS in software engineering. We also run our own software company that is slowly getting off the ground. I am the financial wizard of the business while he is the techie. lol I imagine it would take off faster if we had more time to devote to it and nourish it! Luckily, neither of us has student debt-he is done paying his loans and my tuition was paid by my job.

I would also like to add that while my fiance is an only child, I am the eldest of 4. Neither of us has received any kind of financial help from our parents... I have been working a 9-5 since I am 20.

I could cry over this, or I could thank my lucky stars that I am in a seriously stable position right now compared to some of my peers.

We have been together 5 years (dating for 6 1/2), and we just moved into our apartment in the Battery Park City section of NYC last June. We pay what is probably considered by most to be substantially high rent (over $3k per month) to be as close to work as possible. We are thinking of getting married at the end of the summer. I really have no budget for a wedding, but I prefer something very simple... perhaps city hall & then a lovely dinner for close friends & family.

We would like to have children soon, but want to wait until we are more financially comfortable and perhaps settled down in a house in the ''burbs somewhere.

My ring is a 1.51 H-color excellent cut set in "the ritani setting". I love it to death-its my dream ring. It has always been my motto that if you get the "dream guy" dont worry about the dream ring. I consider myself lucky to have gotten both.

Mariposa, positive energy your way. Stay strong.

 

[joelly]

I guess, instead of putting ourselves into someone else''s shoes, we tend to put others into ours. Good nite everyone!!!

 

[jstarfireb]

Date: 6/30/2009 7:23:22 PM
Author: MakingTheGrade

Date: 6/30/2009 7:12:18 PM

Author: tourmaline_lover

If you can afford a huge diamond, and that makes you happy, then that''s your perogative. It doesn''t make you a horrible person.

I think what made it awkward for me, is that HE is the one who has to be able to afford it. I think I''d have a totally different reaction if someone posted about buying herself a 2ct diamond ring with her own money, but I just have a hard time even thinking about asking my husband for a few extra thousand (on top of the thousands already spent) because I want a bigger diamond. Maybe it''s because my fiance''s never bought any luxury items for himself that were over 2k, and because of how he views jewelery as something mostly frivolous, and we both still view a thousand dollars as a lot of money. I might feel differently if my husband was very well off financially and habitually treated himself to expensive things. Who knows, in twenty years, maybe I''ll finally cast off my ''broke student'' view of money and be comfortable asking my husband to spend 20k on jewelery, guess only time will tell.

Exactly, MTG! An engagement ring is a gift, and a very meaningful one at that. I think it''s in poor taste to complain about the size of something that was given to you as a symbol of of love and commitment. If she was saving up to upgrade her diamond herself, no problem...but she was basically looking at a gift and saying "That''s not good enough; I wanted bigger." Heck, I merely mentioned the possibility of upgrading my engagement ring 5-10 years in the future, and my husband became really offended! He has a similar attitude to your FI when it comes to money and frivolous purchases.

Anyway, my info...

Me: "Just a small-town girl." 26 year-old medical resident in Philadelphia (ER doctor). Grew up in suburban PA. Studied biology and psychology in college. I am fortunate to have come from a comfortable financial background. I''ve had a lot of opportunities in life, and my parents paid for my college and med school tuition. So I''m very lucky not to have any loans! The flip side of this coin is that I have almost zero savings, since I didn''t get a big old student loan refund check each semester.

Him: "Just a city boy." 28 year-old medical resident in Pittsburgh (future radiologist). Grew up in NYC. Majored in economics and biochemistry in college. Lost his father at a young age and had to work through most of his childhood and adolescence to make sure he and his brother could eat. Put himself through college and med school. Takes pride in his ability to save money.

Us: As you can tell from where we are, long-distance. This was a byproduct of the horrible residency match process, and it has been really trying for our relationship. We met in med school in 2004 and got married this year (5/10/09) after a 2-year engagement. Both of us are renting apartments (he''s sharing a house with 2 other people, and I''m in a studio apartment) and have never owned a home. I''m planning on going to Pittsburgh for just a couple of years because I''ll finish residency before he does, but since I don''t like living in Pittsburgh (no offense to those who do, just hate the weather!), we''ll move somewhere I like after he finishes.

Ring: Custom-designed platinum Whiteflash ring with a 1.016/I/VVS2 ACA princess and 2 5-point princess-cut surprise diamonds in the head. I''m very grateful that husband allowed me to design the setting and that we picked out the stone together. He gave me a budget of $5-10k, and I stayed close to the lower end with what I picked out. If I upgrade, I will be the one to put the extra money into it...but husband has asked me never to change the setting, and it can accommodate only up to 1.5ct, so I have limited upgrade potential. I would go to a slightly larger stone and higher color.

 

[LamborghiniGirl]

Ditto Gwen and Haven. People can spend their money however they want. Last time I checked, PS was a diamond forum, yes? All diamonds are a frivolous luxury item, no matter how much money you make and how small your diamond is.


I think a thread on how hard we''ve all worked and how we paid for our diamonds are is more than a little ridiculous and unnecessary.

+1000.

I completely agree. I felt the need to share my situation because I find it frustrating how posts keep popping up saying if you want a big diamond, that must mean you are delusional and ungrateful. Sometimes that may be true, sometimes it is not.

 

[jaylex]

Mariposa- Sending lots of prayers to you.


Me- 19 years old (gasp!). Class of '08 hs graduate. Taking college classes online. Paying for them by myself. No debt. Even though my parents love me and are relatively "there for me", I've been self sustaining since I was 15 (pay my own medical bills, medication, clothes, food, random other stuff, paid cash for my lovely laptop i'm currently using). Live with mom and stepdad for now. I'm an interior designer. I've been working at an interior design studio for the past 2 1/2 years.

Him- My Soulmate (sounds mushy, i know). He's (almost) 21 years old. Graduated one year early in '06. Finished with college/trade school that he paid for himself. No debt. He has paid for everything for himself since he was 15 (same as me). Currently lives with his parents. He and his stepdad own a HVAC-R business. He's been working as a tech for the past 6 years.

Us- We've been dating for 3 and 1/2 years. We aren't officially engaged yet as he wants to surprise me with the proposal, but last december he bought (paid for in 3 months) my BEAUTIFUL GIA cert, .81, VVS2, Excellent Cut, I color (show up larger and whiter) diamond that we refer to as "the pretty"

.. see pic below. Last month, our custom rose gold scott kay inspired setting (which he paid cash for) was completed! The pretty looks BEAUTIFUL! but right now he has "full custody" of it and I refuse to wear her on my ring finger until he officially proposes.

. I did tell him that I would accept a twist-tie with a piece of chewed gum stuck to it, if that was all he could afford. I'm marrying him, not the diamond. But I'm so very grateful to him for such a lovely ering.

After we get engaged, we will either be purchasing a home (if the price is right) or renting an apartment for the first 6 months to a year of our engagement. We plan on getting married in May of 2012, as we will be paying for most, if not all of our wedding ourselves.
i don't feel comfortable stating what we make.. we're pretty private when it comes to that.

Friends Rings: I have the largest stone of any of my friends, and most of my female family members (including FMIL and Mom's ering stones (both have .75 marquise center stones)). I am also the only person in my "circle" that has a Certified diamond.
Stepsister's ering is about a .4 Carat RB. My only married friend has a .75ish emerald cut. Engaged friend #1 has a 1CTW ring. Engaged friend #2 has a .25-.3 carat rb solitaire. Engaged friend #3's ring is similar to that of friend #2.
Clients rings: Range from anywhere between 1CTW Eternity Band to 4 Carat Marquise. (Just guesstimates. I would never ask anyone their carat size, especially a client lol).

Jstar, I LOVE your journey reference

.


Edit: Eek! Sorry the pic is so huge! (and the post is so long.. i've been rather bad about that lately)

 

[CBL]

Firstly, Mariposa--I work on a floor with mostly abdominal surgery patients (many of them have colon cancer). I''m so sorry to hear what you are going through--it''s truly unfair--and my thoughts are with you. Also, your set is gorgeous, classic, and utterly oggle-worthy. It reminds me of what a wedding set *should* be.

On a less important note, I completely admit that during my short time on this forum I have seen some posts that seem rather unnerving in their flippancy--to me, a 2 ct diamond is like, worthy of being in a museum. However, I then must consider the fact that I am sitting staring at these peoples'' rings on my computer for two hours at a time, so really I know I''m just jealous.

I mean, if you''re going to go the way of virtue and all that, in a way, this whole forum is a bit ridiculous and unnecessary (oh man, I hope I don''t get skewered for that). No one *needs* to spend thousands (even hundreds!) of dollars on some itty bitty thing that spends its life on an itty bitty finger; and certainly, no one needs to spend precious minutes or hours of her life drooling over pictures of said itty bitty things on a computer screen!! But I think we can all agree that it is easy to get sucked into the world of diamonds, for whatever reasons--some like the scientific aspects of the cut and the quality, others like to find good deals or display their wealth, and others just think they''re a sparkly and magical example of nature''s inexplicable power and creativity.

That said, I like this thread. It''s refreshing to hear about the people behind the ''things.'' For my part, I''m 26 and getting my master''s in nursing and my hubby (also 26) is a third year medical student. My diamond is an heirloom from his great-grandmother--if it weren''t for her, I''d be happily sporting a band right now. However, thanks to her (and his mother, who passed it on to him) I''m wearing, on a daily basis, the most lovely thing I''ve ever owned--and it was placed on my finger by the man I love! How awesome is that??! I can''t explain it and to be honest, he doesn''t really get it, but diamonds (and gemstones, too) are just special things. Not necessary in any way, but special.

I''m rambling. I guess my point is: I love to look at them all. That''s what this forum is for, I think? However, the posts that really warm my heart are those coming from the people who are truly taken with and grateful for the gorgeous and wonderful things they are lucky enough to own.

 

[cindygenit]

Mariposa, my thoughts and prayers are with you. My uncle was diagnosed with prostate cancer and i am still trying to deal with it.

Me- 21 yrs old chemical engineer, no debt, and trying to save up for a house and wedding.

Fiance- 31 yrs old baker/pastrychef , no debt, trying to save up for wedding as house as well. He has money saved up for his future business as well.

The ring- a 0.59 ct D VVS2 princess.

I envy others who have much bigger rings than me, but i can''t justify spending a huge amount of money on a diamond ring. Maybe when i become a millionaire and i can afford that kind of stuff LOL

 

[Phoenix]

Mariposa - hugs and positive vibes going your way. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Charmcity - I'll try and give you an abbreviated version:

Me - in my early forties, a qualifed UK chartered accountant (the equivalent of the American CPA) and holder of a Master in Finance (was top of class - sorry, can't help showing off there!

), currently am not working as I followed my hubby just over three weeks ago to Shanghai, but hoping to set up my own business and/ or pursue a PhD.

Hubby - late forties, holder of a juris doctorate, currently working as General Counsel in China for a large MNC.

We have no debt except for our mortgages which we'd like to pay off asap.

I was born in Vietnam into a middle-class family but we lost it all when the Vietnamese communists took over South VN. We left as political refugees when I was in my early teens on a boat, got hijacked by pirates who took the little money/ gold we had with us. Went to the UK (via France, long story, which I won't go into here) and started our lives all over again. Had a grant from the British government for my bachelor and later went to work for a big accountancy firm. Got seconded to Hong Kong, where I met my husband (who went there from Chicago) and decided to make Asia our permanent home. He proposed with a 1ct stone and I was over the moon! Was not into jewellery at all (I know, shocking!

) until a few years ago.

One of the things that changed my perception about spending and wearing jewellery was the death of my dear mom. After she died, we found a bunch of clothes and shoes she'd bought but never worn. She also had some diamonds which she only took out for special occasions.

I used to be very very stingy with my money, saved practically everything I earned, rarely ate out and only took public transportation. I hardly spent money on anything "frivolous" like a diamond. Hubby was/ is not as stingy but he's a saver too. After my mom's death, that's when I started to buy more and bigger diamonds. Don't get me wrong, we don't go into debt doing that. We give to family and charities and are on the way to a very comfortable retirement. We don't overspend on "extra's" but figure life is short, you might as well spend on things you love and enjoy. Oh, and we're investors too, which accounts for most of what we have, I'd say. I mean we earn pretty decent salaries but it is our investments that have allowed us to reach some of our financial goals.

So, basically, that's our story. Thanks for letting me share.

 

[pannini]

Mariposa- I am thinking of you and wishing you a speedy recovery. My grandmother in the past 10 years has recovered from breast cancer and colon cancer, and now teaches Tai Chi to seniors recovering from cancer at the hospital (she is 88 this year). All my prayers for you....


Me- 30 years old, BA in Psych, wandered into legal admin work, then nonprofit media/marketing work, now entering an MA in Organizational Behavior, hoping to study women leadership, and cross-cultural organizational behavior. I have no student loan debt, but will be once classes start this Fall... Loans! Blech.

BF- 30 years old, BS in Chemical Engineering, working as a Pharmaceutical Engineer. Makes a healthy salary, and will be visiting me often while I study at grad school in Southern California. Bf will be staying at our tiny apartment in San Francisco during my two years. He just paid off his undergrad student loans.

US- Together for 4 years and going strong. I am in love with him more and more as time progresses, especially knowing everything I will miss. I can't imagine taking our relationship for granted after this two year stint. For now we rent an apartment in SF, saving up for a home and a wedding, and a life together as a family if all works out well after my graduation.

Ring- I haven't seen it yet, but it's 1.30 carats RB, in a Leon Mege with pave setting. I can't imagine wanting anything bigger. It is perfect as is.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 6/30/2009 10:39:41 PM
Author: LamborghiniGirl
I guess I am more of a 'new' woman of pricescope as I joined not too many months ago!

A little about me:

I just graduated college.

I was fascinated with the internet very young and was able to buy upwards of 500 domain names very early. I now oversee their development; they are many of the websites you probably visit from day to day.

My BF and I aren't getting married anytime soon, as some may recall we had a rocky patch a little while back. I am so happy we are now stronger than ever and sometimes I am so shocked at how he has changed! He is in his 30's and works in the technology realm as well.

Right now I am in pursuit of a new puppy! A maltese, so I am frequenting those forums as well. I have put down a deposit with a breeder and am just waiting now to receive her!

With the nature of my business, my condo was paid off in a few years. And with the economy the way it is, I just took delivery of a certain car I have been wishing for at a much lower price which was great. I am very thankful not to have any debt.

I have set aside enough savings to purchase my dream stone. Of course in my fairytale, my BF would surprise me with the stone of my dreams. He would have to go into debt for that to happen, and I think that is pointless, just for the sake of tradition. But in reality, I want to be very involved in the process choosing the stone/setting. So, he is in charge of paying for the setting when the time comes.

I do know that I am more of an exception to the rule. And that is why it bugs me when so many members are quick to judge, and often very immaturely, someone and their situation.

I will say I have grown up much faster than I planned.

Is this car your name sake? congrats!!

Would love to see pics.

 

[wolftress]

CharmCity, this is a great idea for a thread. I''ve often wondered about what other PS-ers do for a crust. It sounds like we have all been very sensible with our money and not gone into debt over our diamonds. I was also surprised at the number of women who wear marquise diamonds. They are such a lovely shape, but I don''t often see them in the SMTR forum.

Mariposa, I am so sorry to hear about your illness. Sending out lots of well wishes your way!

Me: 29 yo working in trade publishing. I graduated with a BA at 20 and worked for 2 years, then used a large portion of what I saved up over the 2 years to finance getting my MA. Worked as a journalist for a year, then moved cities to be closer to DH. Worked as an editor for another 2 years, and now I am a publishing co-ordinator. I have no student loans at all. My parents very generously funded my BA and helped with my personal expenses while I was studying for my MA full time. I have no personal debt, and I pay off my credit card every month. My general rule is: If I don''t have the cash to pay for a purchase the next day, I won''t charge it to my card.

DH: 31 yo working as an IT consultant. He has a fairly large student loan that he pays off every month. He also has a car loan that we both contribute to

Us: We are currently renting and saving up for a downpayment on a house. Unfortunately, where we live, $400k will only get us a dinky starter home. We paid for our own wedding with a $4k contribution from our parents. Our wedding was modest - we only spent about $15k in total. We made our own wedding invitations, I bought my dress second-hand, got most of my wedding accessories off ebay, etc. The only thing I splurged on was gifts for my bridesmaids, which I got from Tiffanys. DH isn''t very good with money; I''m quite sensible with mine, so thankfully we''ve come to a compromise on a high-interest savings account and a joint account, while keeping a personal account each with a fixed ''fun money'' sum that goes in every fortnight for us to spend at our own pleasure.

Ring(s): DH proposed while we were still Uni students, so my first ring was a modest but very pretty 1/3ct F SI rb solitaire. When we both started earning a regular income, I was upgraded to a .75ct H SI rb solitaire that I never wear anymore and sits at home in the safe. I also have a .90ct L OEC in a Heart of Water custom setting and a .85ct I transitional in a LOGR halo setting. I switch between these two rings depending on my mood and what I''m wearing. I also have a variety of bands, most of which DH bought for me as anniversary/birthday/Christmas presents. Half of my jewellery collection is from DH, and the other half is stuff I bought for myself over the years or generous gifts from my parents. DH and I have discussed upgrading to a 1.5ct antique cushion/oval by our 5th anniversary, but I am so happy with the rings I currently have, I think I can hold out until our 10 year anniversary

 

[Dannielle]

Me- I am 19 years old and am a full time University student studying Psychology. I currently don't work but in the next few weeks am going to start working with a boy with autism, teaching him social skills and speech skills. I'll be with him roughly 6-12 hours a week.

Him- He is 24 years old and had a degree in Computer Science and is doing his Masters via correspondence. He works for HBOS as a business support analyst and makes roughly $85,000 a year.

Us- We have been together since May 2005, Living together since the end of 2007 and engaged since September 2008. We rent a 2 bedroom apartment at Cronulla beach, Sydney and have two beautiful fur babies.

The Ring- 0.78 carat cushion center stone, G/VVS2, Legacy inspired setting. The TCW is 1.50.. its perfect

ETA: Just wanted to say that my thoughts and prayers are with you Mariposa