Too young for a larger stone?

[Sparkles22]

I''ve been told I''m too young for a larger stone (an e-ring upgrade).

I was wondering if you ladies (or guys who have given their ladies) out there would post the ct size and age at which you received it, and length of time married before upgrade if any.

If this is too personal of a question I appologize.

Thank you in advance. Perhaps this will help me to convince the "skeptics" that I''m really not too young

.

 

[decodelighted]

Roundin'' up the ammo ... SMART!

Sorry I can''t be of more help. I''s "not so young", only had the e-ring since Nov, not planning on upgrading. But here''s to your chutzpah, girlie! If you can "rock it" with pride ... why the heck not!

Future hand pix plsssss.

 

[movie zombie]

personally, i think you should wear what you''re comfortable with....regardless of your age.

movie zombie

 

[Mara]

ditto, wear what you feel comfortable with!!

what''s larger and what''s young? hehee.

 

[Sparkles22]

Okay let me give you some background. I've been married almost 3 years, and have already upgraded once (during the 1 year engagment---does that count?

) I went from a 0.33 ct princess with round cut 0.25tw anniversary band 14kt YG ---> to what I currently have now which is 0.63ct princess with 0.5 channel set princess band and plan wedding band, 14kt WG---> I want to upgrade to a 1.26 ct princess or other square cut, with a channel set princess platinum engagement band (0.4ct) and matching (although slightly smaller princess stones) wedding band (0.25ct). I feel that is something I would be confortable wearing everyday. Athough, funny they tend to shrink on my hand after some time, LOL

. I am in my early 20's. I'm in grad school, so my hubby is the only one working. I have 2 years left before I graduate and help with the income. I have a few more questions...

1) Also if I can't do the full upgrade now, if I found a setting I love then later upgraded the stone is that a no-no? I've been told to upgrade the center stone first. But I really like this setting I found.

2) I want to sell the setting I have now, when I get the platinum one, is it best to try to sell it alone or with a center stone mounted?

3) What are my options for selling it besides e-bay?

Thanks so much you guys!

My friends think I'm weird for being this "in-to" my ring, but I would like this to be my last upgrade for a while and I want something I am going to love. People just give me a hard time because I look younger than I am on top of being in my early twenties. So I was hoping to say seeeeeeeee---there are other people out there that are early 20's with a larger center (at least I consider 1.26 a larger stone)

. Also, my husband is worried it will look funny since I wear a size 4 ring, and I'm petite.

 

[marvel]

Go for it!!!

 

[angelainjapan]

Hi Sparkles,

I am in my 20's too and just got engaged with a 1.27 ct cushion. I love it! Also, my finger size is a 3, small, like yours.

You can see how my ring looks here: Loving my Harry Winston cushion pave ering

I'd say, go for the upgrade!

Good luck!

 

[movie zombie]

oh, my dear Sparkles, have you come to the right place!

if any group is going to understand ring shrinkage and upgrading, it is this group!!!!! the background info was helpful....but it didn''t change anything i said in my first response, expcept being considerate of hubby and the $$$ situation is good.

realistically, your friends and hubby may never really understand your obsession with diamonds no matter how young you are now or how old you may become. but you have found a support network [or enablers

] here at pricescope.

have fun and enjoy!

movie zombie

 

[Sparkles22]

Angelainjapan---Thank you for the pictures, your ring in beautiful!

It really helped seeing a similar size!

Movie Zombie---I''m so glad I found a support group, I''m definately going to need it! Especially since hubby has a hard time understanding the allure of jewelry nevermind an expensive ring. He just wants me to be happy, so I feel guilty when I spend a lot on jewelry. I might just do the setting for now, we''ll see....

Anyone out there---has anyone bought their setting/semi-mount, knowing they would later upgrade their center stone, but purchased the setting some time in advance and had it set with a smaller stone that they already had? Likes/Dislikes/Problems with it later--any feedback would be great!

Thanks again and I do appreciate the support!!

 

[Rhapsody]

Date: 4/25/2006 3:19:57 AM
Author: Sparkles22

Anyone out there---has anyone bought their setting/semi-mount, knowing they would later upgrade their center stone, but purchased the setting some time in advance and had it set with a smaller stone that they already had? Likes/Dislikes/Problems with it later--any feedback would be great!


Thanks again and I do appreciate the support!!

Just make sure you ask the jeweler to make sure it will accomodate the size stone you eventually want. A couple people on here have had problems with upgrading stones and trying to use an existing setting, but a lot of the depends on the type of setting it is.

The setting I wanted would not allow for a bigger stone to be put in later, so I had to make sure i was happy with the size now or face changing the whole thing out later (not a problem for most but I want to keep the setting).

As far as size and age, I agree that you should wear whatever you are comfortable with. And as long as your husband is comfortable paying for it go for it! I''m hoping to go back to school for grad school in a year or two and my BF has already told me my jewelery budget with decrease dramatically when I stop pulling in a normal income, boooooo

 

[Madam Bijoux]

Hi! I got my first diamond solitare for my 21st birthday. It''s 1.25 carats. Age should never be a consideration in choosing the size of your stone.

 

[jaz464]

I say go for the biggest diamond you guys can afford

I got engaged in Nov and my ering center diamond is 2 carats. I am 26.

 

[blodthecat]

Do you make your own decisions in life...or do you let other people make them for you?

EXACTLY!

 

[Lorelei]

Everyone has given you great advice, can''t add much except to say as Jazmine said, get the size you want if you can afford it and don''t worry what other people think! Of course...ahem...the big rocks do look very becoming on more mature hands

if you want an age consideration lol, but get whatever you want, you are the one wearing it and need to be happy with it!

 

[diamondfan]

I think while most people associate bigger stuff with being older, I say, wear what you are comfortable in.

How you carry yourself, to me, dictates it more than just an age number.

I do not think you would ever regret the upgrade, as long as you can do it financially and dh is supportive.

Enjoy it!

 

[diamondfan]

Oops...did not answer part one of you question

24...engaged 1.53 rb in yg

35 upgrade, 3 carat center stone, ec, one carat on each side, ec too, in plat from Tiffany''s

40 ugrade, 9.22 center stone, tapered baguettes, in plat, from Tiffany''s (LAST ONE or dh might kill me!)

 

[asscherisme]

Hi,
I got a .81ct solitaire engagement ring when I was 25. Then just recently after 11 years of marriage I was given a 3 stone asscher cut ring, 1.58 center stone and .40 each (.80 total) sides asscher, so its 2.38ctw.

I am 36 and a mom of 4 children and I think the 3 stone ring is perfect. It was not meant as an upgrade but as rhr. However, I have started wearing it on my left hand with my wedding band because I love the look of it. I asked my husband if he minded if I wore it instead of my original engagement diamond and his response was wear it whereever I want and he is happy I like it so much. He also said, as long as I don't sell my original round diamond he does not care if I wear it or not. I will eventually remount it in a pendant or a less engagement looking ring.

I am a stay at home mom and would not feel comfortable with anything bigger. I think my 3 stone ring is the perfect size to really "pop" and is a great size but not so big I feel unsafe wearing it.

I do have a round 1.60 carat eternity band, channel set that I use to wear with my round solitaire. I wear it once in a while but am not so crazy about the look with the asscher. Most days I wear my plain platinum 3mm comfort fit wedding band with my asscher ring (also platinum) and I wear the eternity band if I don't wear the 3 stone ring.

All that being said, a ring should never cause a financial hardship. With you being in grad school maybe its not the best time to be buying diamonds? If you can afford it and your husband is on board than go for it.

My husband is older than me and well established in a professional career. We own a home, and have no debt, zero. So it was a good time to buy a ring. But if I had grad school debts, and did not own a home there would have been no way that I would have wanted a new diamond ring.

edited to add, my husband I did have HUGE college and grad school debts and it took us 10 years to finally pay off. So my new ring came after all that nasty debt was paid off. And good for you for grad school. Even though I'm a stay at home mom, I am thankful for my degrees, and my husband has really made the most of his post grad work and degrees as well!

 

[KristyDarling]

I got my upgrade (3.56 carat round) in my early thirties after being married 5 years and having two babies. My friends think I'm nuts. But it's true what someone else said that your friends/family may NEVER understand your passion for diamonds, so you might as well get whatever you love and can afford.

That said, I agree with Lorelei that the extra mongo-big rocks (5 carats plus) look especially nice on mature hands.

There's just something about how a lady of a certain age carries herself and can wave around a skating rink on her hand without a second thought! I hope that's me someday.

 

[jcrow]

engaged in nov.
2+ carats
age 25

first and hopefully only ering (no plans to upgrade)

 

[Sparkles22]

Good, judging from others responses I''m not insane! LOL

My husband thinks my 0.63 princess center stone is "huge", I picked it out. He is going to be in real sticker shock when we finally do go looking. Any suggestions, to ease him into it? I picked out my first upgrade after he said he didn''t care if I upgraded and said look honey do you like it?--LOL, but now when he talks to people he says it''s the ring I bought, because he feels didn''t really have any part in it. And I try to explain to him it''s our money, so you bought it for me I just picked it out.

THANK YOU EVERYONE---I really really really appreciate the responses.


Asscherisme--Yeah we will definately have some debt when I am done with school, so I was considering the idea of just the setting right now. Then the center can be for graduation as well, because even if we stick most of it on a credit card, that''s for example no interest for 6 months, my earning potential will increase 10 fold once I have my degree, and we''ve been living off of just his income mostly, so we could pay it off super quick. So I could get it a little before I graduate perhaps

 

[brneyedgrl]

I''m 29, and I will be getting two rings. One with a 4 ct. round brilliant, another more modest ring at 1.21 ct. round for the center stone. I have tried on the 4 ct. when it was in a setting that was too big for my hand, and although I loved it, I felt that it is too big for every day, at least for me. It is going to be in a plain solitaire setting, but it will be sized for me. I don''t yet have the rings, so I don''t know how I will feel. I lead a very modest lifestyle. Yes, I have been fortunate to be involved in some impressive things for my age, but I don''t necessarily want the limitation of only having the big stone. I like to wear jewelry, and although I don''t wear a lot, I think that I will use both rings about equally.

For me, I looked at other women my age and the size of their rocks. I do see some 2-3 carats (usually round brilliant as a reference), 4 and up seem to be more popular with women who are a bit more mature. But as everyone has said, it is all relative. Other factors to consider include the shape of the diamond and your finger size.

As for upgrading, well, right now, I don''t plan on upgrading or buying any more diamond rings. I may want a nicer pair of diamond stud earrings or maybe a pretty silver bracelet. I don''t have a "need" to upgrade, but maybe if I had started out with something smaller, I would have liked to. Also, consider inflation, the time it takes to select a stone, and how long it takes to pick a setting. Maybe going with the biggest stone that you can afford now will save you from upgrading later.

 

[linvillegorge]

I think you need to ask yourself three questions:

What are YOU comfortable with wearing?
How much of a sacrifice in color, clarity, cut, etc. are you willing to make to get to your "ideal size"?
Now, can you afford a stone of your ideal size with an acceptable color, clarity, cut, etc. for YOU?

After honestly answering those questions, you should have your answer.

Jewelry is a very personal thing. You''re the one who will be wearing it. One person''s dream ring may be hideous to another and vice versa. As long as you like it and you''re comfortable with it, it really doesn''t matter what others think!

Good luck!

 

[Gonzodogg]

I just propsed with a 1.7 carat RB and she is 22.

She also has pretty small fingers (4.75) so it looks pretty huge on her hand and it sometimes get some unwanted attention but she loves the ring and that makes me happy. (She also swears that she will never want to upgrade and that makes me VERY happy)

I agree with most of the group, get what you feel comfortable with

just my .02

 

[Mara]

actually ladies i think that the big mongo rocks look great on younger hands too just because younger hands are typically better looking and filled with the beautiful flesh of youth, but heck by the time i get my 3.5c i''ll have mature hands too.

 

[jimhwu]

I really doubt you will have a hard time convincing your husband on the upgrade. Guys like to complain about costs and such, especially on a piece of carbon that does not emit loud noises, have a gazillion pixels to view, or 300+ hp. As long as you are flexible in letting him enjoy his hobbies, he shouldn''t let you stop upgrading jewelry if your finances can support it!

Now, you do mention you will have some debt when you finish school. I do think it would be better if you and your husband work out a timeline on when the upgrade can happen, because going from a .63ct to 1.2+ ct is a pretty big jump in price. Since you said your salary will jump tremendously, why not wait a couple of months after you have been working before going out to shop for upgrades, who knows, you might be able to go even bigger when all the finances are worked out! Anyways, just one guy''s opinion.

Jim

 

[Rod]

Date: 4/25/2006 11:51:57 AM
Author: Mara
actually ladies i think that the big mongo rocks look great on younger hands too just because younger hands are typically better looking and filled with the beautiful flesh of youth, but heck by the time i get my 3.5c i'll have mature hands too.

Mara......you crack me up

I'm betting that your hands will be quite lovely when you get your 3.5c!!!!

 

[orange_horse_fiance]

I agree with wearing what you can afford and what you feel comfortable in. I received my e-ring last year just before my 28th b-day and it was 4.21ct. My sister had received her 3ct RB at 21. In was engaged at 18 to a previous guy and received a 1.9ct RB also. I do not see any correlation to age and carat weight....

 

[Houseparty]

Hi,
Participants on this forum are in no way reflective of society at large, so the responses are totally skewed. That''s like asking the members of my church if they voted Republican in the last election. Based on this sample you would think that there was no rival political party.

I am a believer in living below ones means. That could mean 0.3ct, 0.6ct, 1.2ct, 3 ct, etc. depending on your circumstances. Spend a little less than you "deserve". If you do that you will find that your investments have grown, and you can live better in the future, but still below your means. That''s my bourgeois perspective.

Anyway to answer your question, my wife''s e-ring was 0.85ct ($2,500) she was age 24.
We upgraded this year, age 38 to 1.24ct ($5,000). Wt and prices are center stone only.

Sincerely,
David

 

[kevinyonker]

From what I''ve read, I don''t think it is an appropriate time to upgrade. Why not wait until you graduate and are working. Once your finances iare in good shape and order, you can determine how much of an upgrade you can afford. The comment about putting the purchase on a credit card was a factor in my opinion.

But hey, if you and your husband are financially secure, then go for it now.

Kevin

 

[diamond_quester]

The size you want is lovely, not too large.

It's hard for anyone to suggest what you should or should not do as we do not know your finances and how much you are willing to sacrifice other luxuries to get this ring. I personally am not comfortable with putting something on credit even if one's future earnings potential is much higher. Instead, I would look forward to purchasing a more expensive ring when I can easily afford it.

Also, I would not get a new setting without the stone right now unless you are 100% sure you want a stone with the measurements to fit in the setting. Are you sure you would not want a center stone larger than 1.26ct in a few years? Maybe a 2ct will beckon.

It's harder to get rid of an extra setting than a center stone.