Upgrade or ultrasound machine?

[backwardsandinheels]

If you had $24,000 to get a really sweet ultrasound machine or a really sweet 20+ years anniversary upgrade,
what would you get?

 

[Circe]

Um. I realize I'm going to sound like a moron, here, but ... what's the application of the ultrasound machine? Professional, or ...?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I'll have to agree that this is a very original question!!! (and I don't get it either!!!)

 

[ariel144]

If you had $24,000 to get a really sweet ultrasound machine or a really sweet 20+ years anniversary upgrade,
what would you get?

Ummm, you do know you are in Pricescope Forum, right? LOL! Just kidding. I would go for an ultrasound/ healing machine, a diamond is just a tiny little rock. (I assume your machine has frequencies that heal)

 

[backwardsandinheels]

Okay, DH wants one for his office. I would like the upgrade. Sorry for the confusion! I guess you could ultrasound your jewels if they're big enough...

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Well gee, I think in that case the answer is obvious! That is something for his work and the upgrade is for your pleasure! If he has a need for that in his office, fine, that is a business expense that hopefully will pay for itself over time. But that shouldn't keep you from getting an anniversary upgrade, either! I think you need to balance things out and get both (if he really "needs" the ultrasound) but perhaps reduce the jewelry budget a bit!

 

[backwardsandinheels]

Well, he already has an ultrasound machine and I already have a
20+ year old, 84-point pear with a broken prong. And I am a really cool wife!

 

[Circe]

Well, if he already HAS one ...

Seriously, though, is there a significant difference in terms of what his current one can do and what a shiny one can do? I know my OB had a "meh" one but he just had a doc with a high-res one come in once a week for the crucial scans. Is that the sort of thing we're talking about? 'Cause if it improves his business, draws more clients, and eventually produces more income ... I can see the appeal.

But for 20 years you should have something better than a ring with a broken prong! Hm ... if you split the budget, does 12K buy a decent modern ultrasound? Or is it an all-or-nothing situation?

 

[Snicklefritz]

Well, if he already HAS one ...

Seriously, though, is there a significant difference in terms of what his current one can do and what a shiny one can do? I know my OB had a "meh" one but he just had a doc with a high-res one come in once a week for the crucial scans. Is that the sort of thing we're talking about? 'Cause if it improves his business, draws more clients, and eventually produces more income ... I can see the appeal.

But for 20 years you should have something better than a ring with a broken prong! Hm ... if you split the budget, does 12K buy a decent modern ultrasound? Or is it an all-or-nothing situation?

Ditto! Split the difference. 12k is a nice budget!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Does the current ultrasound machine work? If so, what is the purpose in getting a new one? Again, if it is a need in order to improve his business and it will pay for itself, fine. However, I think a nice anniverary upgrade after 20+ years is perfectly reasonable!

 

[backwardsandinheels]

Did I mention I'm hot too? Well, post what you can get for
$12,000 to $24,000 complete.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Hmmm.... an U/S machine, while useful for his office, isn't a personal gift to you. Like getting a toaster--which can also be hot. hehehee

Is it an all or none situation--U/S OR ring?

cheers--Sharon

 

[backwardsandinheels]

It's probably a one at a time situation. He has a used one he spent around 10 grand on I think. We didn't have the money coming in at the 20 year mark and July will mark 22. I've been more than patient. I don't think a new one will allow him to actually make more money. It sounds like needing out on new electronics to me.

 

[fridays_child]

For me, I wouldn't want an anniversary ring or upgrade unless my husband truly wanted to give me one. So if I were in your shoes, I'd try to find a compromise of some sort, where your husband can gladly give you that ring - even if it means waiting.

Hope you come to a satisfactory decision between both of you and congratulations on your upcoming 22nd anniversary!

 

[junebug17]

For me, I wouldn't want an anniversary ring or upgrade unless my husband truly wanted to give me one. So if I were in your shoes, I'd try to find a compromise of some sort, where your husband can gladly give you that ring - even if it means waiting.

Hope you come to a satisfactory decision between both of you and congratulations on your upcoming 22nd anniversary!

Yeah, good point fridays child, I feel the same way...I dunno, for me an upgrade kind of loses it's meaning if the husband isn't on board.

I really hope you and the hubs can reach a compromise on this so that both of you are happy!

 

[Circe]

For me, I wouldn't want an anniversary ring or upgrade unless my husband truly wanted to give me one. So if I were in your shoes, I'd try to find a compromise of some sort, where your husband can gladly give you that ring - even if it means waiting.

Hope you come to a satisfactory decision between both of you and congratulations on your upcoming 22nd anniversary!

Yeah, good point fridays child, I feel the same way...I dunno, for me an upgrade kind of loses it's meaning if the husband isn't on board.

I really hope you and the hubs can reach a compromise on this so that both of you are happy!

On the one hand, this is a lovely sentiment on the surface of it.

On the other hand, unlike the e-ring, where it's a philosophical point that "his" money will soon be part of a shared economy, they've been married for 22 years. It is a shared economy. So if Backwards wants to spend some of that joint moolah as discretionary spending ... I find it hard to muster any objections!

B, how DOES your husband feel, do you know?

 

[junebug17]

For me, I wouldn't want an anniversary ring or upgrade unless my husband truly wanted to give me one. So if I were in your shoes, I'd try to find a compromise of some sort, where your husband can gladly give you that ring - even if it means waiting.

Hope you come to a satisfactory decision between both of you and congratulations on your upcoming 22nd anniversary!

Yeah, good point fridays child, I feel the same way...I dunno, for me an upgrade kind of loses it's meaning if the husband isn't on board.

I really hope you and the hubs can reach a compromise on this so that both of you are happy!

On the one hand, this is a lovely sentiment on the surface of it.

On the other hand, unlike the e-ring, where it's a philosophical point that "his" money will soon be part of a shared economy, they've been married for 22 years. It is a shared economy. So if Backwards wants to spend some of that joint moolah as discretionary spending ... I find it hard to muster any objections!

B, how DOES your husband feel, do you know?

Circe, you make a good point and it's hard to disagree with it! I totally get what you're saying...I guess I just meant it might be a little harder for me to enjoy the upgrade if the hubs didn't feel excited and supportive, and resentful in that he would have preferred to spend the money on something else, since looking at it from his viewpoint, it's his money too...gah, I guess this can all get rather complicated, can't it? I suppose most married couples go through dilemmas like this. That's why I thought that maybe a compromise of some sort could help make everyone happy!

Backwards, I'm also curious as to how your husband feels about this? Does he have really strong feelings about wanting to purchase this machine? Or is it more of a "gee, it would be nice to have" kind of thing?

eta: Just read MC's post and she mentioned something that was niggling me at the back of my mind - it's not like he wants to get a new boat or car, or some such luxury - in his mind this is something that would be of benefit to him in his profession - he might, in some way, think that trumps a luxury item such as a ring. Just playing devil's advocate here a little. Did I mention this stuff can get complicated?

 

[MichelleCarmen]

It's probably a one at a time situation. He has a used one he spent around 10 grand on I think. We didn't have the money coming in at the 20 year mark and July will mark 22. I've been more than patient. I don't think a new one will allow him to actually make more money. It sounds like needing out on new electronics to me.

Can you convince him he needs a new TV instead?

Seems like an odd situation...I'm guessing he's not on board with the diamond and is seeing the economical value of the u/s machine even if it may not make more money? Chances are a new one will last a long time and technically is an investment as it will ensure he can run his office efficiently?

I like the idea of splitting the money or having 2/3 of it go to a newer machine and the other 1/3 going toward a diamond for you! You should be able to find an amazing stone with that budget and both of you feel satisfied by having a new "toy."

 

[backwardsandinheels]

Okay, some more information. $9,000 was spent on the used ultrasound a year ago. He wants a new one because the picture sucks he says (he looks more at muscles and soft tissue btw, not OB). So, it sounds like he would really like an upgrade. Not sure how much he'll
spend on that but it is sounding more and more like I have to wait.

More background, we had a deal early on that every 5 years would be a jewelry year since we had little. Well, I did get a platinum chain last September because the white gold chain I wear nearly everyday was wearing the rhodium plating off. It holds a white gold double pave heart from Nordstrom. The heart was for 15. 10 was an Edwardian emerald/diamond five-stone vintage estate piece. 5 was a fake Tiffany silver heart. Remember those? So, I guess I can count the platinum chain...I know that that is a nice thing to have in your jewelry wardrobe .

Also, fix the broken prong situation or a new to me vintage wedding band to wear? Or a new setting for the old one maybe? They are soldered together because they were a set so I can't wear a wedding band alone, so frequently I wear nothing. My sister told me this weekend she just got a sapphire/diamond band for her 20th anniversary. And we got married at the same place 2 years before her. That did not help!

 

[Lotus99]

Is there any way to compromise on this? I assume he can resell the old ultrasound machine for at least a couple of thousand dollars. That, paired with the tax write-off for the new machine might net you around $7,000 or so for a nice ring. Just a thought.

 

[Gypsy]

Okay. How about this. I can get you a BEAUTIFUL and diamond band for 600-1000 (depending on the style and size) or a lovely 75 point OEC in a platinum setting with baguette sidestones for 1800.

What size are you?
I think you should get SOMETHING lovely for now so you have it to wear on your finger. Then you guys agree NOW that you get the ultrasound machine. And that in 2-3 years either for or just before your 25th you get a BIG budget upgrade.

 

[Gypsy]

Just to show you what's out there in the 1000 and under range here are some options. I can HONESTLY say that I would buy any of them and consider ANY of them a good purchase.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/170817077808?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/360448405503?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/380408876323?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MINT-3-4CT-DIAMOND-PLATINUM-ANNIVERSARY-RING-/300689444058?pt=US_Wedding_Bands_with_Diamonds_Gemstones&hash=item46027cccda (personal favorite)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MINT-PLATINUM-DIAMOND-ANNIVERSARY-RING-/300693562561?pt=US_Wedding_Bands_with_Diamonds_Gemstones&hash=item4602bba4c1

http://www.ebay.com/itm/230774002454?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/380404543310?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 (I'd offer 500)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/380404546165?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

[Enerchi]

Okay. How about this. I can get you a BEAUTIFUL and diamond band for 600-1000 (depending on the style and size) or a lovely 75 point OEC in a platinum setting with baguette sidestones for 1800.

What size are you?
I think you should get SOMETHING lovely for now so you have it to wear on your finger. Then you guys agree NOW that you get the ultrasound machine. And that in 2-3 years either for or just before your 25th you get a BIG budget upgrade.

That sounds like an offer too good to resist! I'd jump on Gypsy finding the OEC in Plat w baguettes! and then DH gets his U/S machine to continue to bring in income to the marriage... so that at 25 - ITS ALL ABOUT YOU!

Compromise that you both feel good about, is the key. Some times you win/sometimes he wins, but over all, you both win because you are both happy with the joint decision. Good luck! (and congrats on the 22nd anniversary!)

 

[Circe]

Just to show you what's out there in the 1000 and under range here are some options. I can HONESTLY say that I would buy any of them and consider ANY of them a good purchase.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/170817077808?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/360448405503?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/380408876323?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MINT-3-4CT-DIAMOND-PLATINUM-ANNIVERSARY-RING-/300689444058?pt=US_Wedding_Bands_with_Diamonds_Gemstones&hash=item46027cccda (personal favorite)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MINT-PLATINUM-DIAMOND-ANNIVERSARY-RING-/300693562561?pt=US_Wedding_Bands_with_Diamonds_Gemstones&hash=item4602bba4c1

http://www.ebay.com/itm/230774002454?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/380404543310?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 (I'd offer 500)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/380404546165?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

LOVE those last two ....

 

[canuk-gal]

Just to show you what's out there in the 1000 and under range here are some options. I can HONESTLY say that I would buy any of them and consider ANY of them a good purchase.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/170817077808?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/360448405503?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/380408876323?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MINT-3-4CT-DIAMOND-PLATINUM-ANNIVERSARY-RING-/300689444058?pt=US_Wedding_Bands_with_Diamonds_Gemstones&hash=item46027cccda (personal favorite)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MINT-PLATINUM-DIAMOND-ANNIVERSARY-RING-/300693562561?pt=US_Wedding_Bands_with_Diamonds_Gemstones&hash=item4602bba4c1

http://www.ebay.com/itm/230774002454?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/380404543310?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 (I'd offer 500)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/380404546165?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

This is the PS at it's BEST. Good on ya Miss G.

cheers--Sharon

 

[Christina...]

You mentioned that he was able to buy a used machine before, would it be possible for him to do that again and the savings going toward an upgrade for you?

I loved some of Gypsys choices!

 

[Gypsy]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MINT-PLATINUM-DIAMOND-ANNIVERSARY-RING-/300693562561?pt=US_Wedding_Bands_with_Diamonds_Gemstones&hash=item4602bba4c1

Thanks everyone. I need to remove this from the list. I would not buy this one. The other's are great though. I got this one confused with another this seller used to have that was higher color and clarity.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Well, I think for the 20th anniversary (two years late), you should have a nice piece of jewelry and then get something really great for your 25th! He can sell the old ultrasound machine and use that money for your gift! Since it sounds like you could use a diamond band that could be worn as an alternative to your wedding set, here are some suggestions (all new, about $1000 to $4000):

a nice 5 stone band...

http://www.whiteflash.com/wedding-bands/five-stone-shared-prong-diamond-wedding-band-820.htm ($3800 for platinum or $3100 for white gold)

or this new 7 stone...

http://www.oakgem.com/Products/New_Hearts_On_Fire_Adoration_Seven_Stone_Diamond_Wedding_Band_Ring_7875.aspx

or this new Kwiat eternity if it happened to be your size...

http://www.oakgem.com/Products/Kwiat_Platinum_Diamond_Wedding_Ring_Band_7819.aspx

more....

http://www.oakgem.com/Products/Platinum_1.00ctw_Marquise_Diamond_Wedding_Band_Ring_3617.aspx

http://www.oakgem.com/Products/Deco_Style_Platinum_Sapphire_Diamond_Wedding_Band_Ring_3622.aspx

http://www.oakgem.com/Products/Hearts_On_Fire_Truly_Bridal_Double_Row_Diamond_Wedding_Band_Ring_6444.aspx

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KWIAT-DECO-PLATINUM-1-10ctw-DIAMOND-RING-8325-/200750314179?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item2ebda6b2c3#ht_1560wt_922

 

[Gypsy]

A few more, higher priced, options.

6k: http://www.ebay.com/itm/330707634111?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

3,300: http://www.ebay.com/itm/270931280892?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 (diamond looks quite nice and the set is gorgeous and platinum. Honestly the setting and the band would cost you that much, without the diamond. And when you upgrade you can put that diamond in a pendant).

1,850: http://www.ebay.com/itm/300674028428?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

[backwardsandinheels]

Wow, wow, wow the advice and care and concern and logic are palpable. I love so many of the beauties posted, thanks, Gypsy, Canuck, Circe, Diamondseeker, etc-mmmwah! I couldn't post earlier because I had said,"How was your day, honey?" and he said, "Terrible! A needle broke off in one of my patient's knees." Soooo, we talked about that and I had to get in there and see if the older ultrasound had a part in that needle incident. It might have, a better picture could have helped, hard to know? It does happen occasionally. So, I haven't brought up any jewelry questions. It is so not on his radar right now. Ugghhh, disappointment/resentment/understanding, repeat