where to try on rings in NYC?

[twee one]

Hello All, this is my first posting ever, anywhere. I am just beginning my search for an engagement ring and am hoping you all can point me in the right direction. I''m pretty sure I want a cushion cut but need to try on actual rings to determine what carat size is appropriate for me. I think the diamond district in NYC may be worthwhile for research...suggestions?

Thank you. I am so excited to be Pricescoper, I have been lurking for a little while now and throught I should just swallow any shyness and get some help!

 

[Kaleigh]

Hi and welcome to PS.

If you''re looking for a cushion, I would make an appointment with Mark Turnowski at www.engagementringsdirect.com He has found many Pscopers fabulous cushions. He''s right in the diamond district. Good luck, HTH

 

[SoonIHope]

My fiance found my cushion at Michael C Fina on 5th Ave and we were very pleased with them!

ETA: oops, I meant to say, and WELCOME TO PS!!!

 

[decodelighted]

Hey there ... glad you decided to post. Welcome!

In my search I just showed up at the Diamond District one day & walked around. I was also "just looking" for what worked on my hand etc ... and deciding between cushions & asschers.

Windows are awesome ... you can tell a lot about the stores by the windows & how pushy the staff is in trying to get you in. If you''re pretty strong-minded, it''ll be ok but if you''re a "push-over" or worried about hurting peoples feelings, you might want to bring a tough friend to run interference.

I found my setting & stone at Golda Jewelry, right on the strip there. Hitting there and a few other places will give you an idea about what works. But I totally concur that Mark T at engagementringsdirect has an "eye" for cushions. Once you narrow down what you want - make an appt & have him find some stuff to show you. Though - if you find one you can''t live without - that''s great too. I would, however, advise not to purchase THAT DAY. Maybe hold a stone or setting or two & think on it. Spirits run high on a day''s adventure like that. Don''t get TOO swept away!

 

[Regular Guy]

Also, consider taking a short trip out to Good Old Gold, on Long Island.

 

[spacecadet]

yes, i second that. go visit rhino (jonathan) on GOG! am about to make a purchase from him.
learn all the stuff online and then go to him with as much info/questions as you have.
he is great!!
we were very impressed when we saw him! great guy!

-spacecadet

 

[windowshopper]

i would NOT recommend you go to Mark T or any other dealer first. You need to go to a retail store with lots of rings and try on many styles and sizes. Mark T will want to get in loose stones and set in temporary mountings--not the way to go. Go to Tiffanys, Michael Fina, FOrtunoff, Stephen Russel and Fred Leighton. You will get all prices points and lots of different looks............

 

[marriahlyn]

I agree with windowshopper. I would go browsing and find out what you really really like then I would personally visit goodoldgold since I''ve bought from them before and can recommend them as good people with great prices.

 

[twee one]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I did a combination of all your suggestions yesterday. I did call Mark T (I have been hearing his praises sung for so long now) who said I should go to Tiffany and try on the Lucida ring to get a feel for how the carat weight would look - he suggested that it is similar enough to a cushion cut to visualize. I am thinking along the lines of a 3 carat. My ring size is 4 and my hands are kind of small - I''m 5''6 and 115 pounds - but I really, want a significant diamond. I am not a big jewelry wearer and I feel this one piece will be a statement and I''ll never ask my fiance-to-be for anything else

...does this sound like so much wishful thinking? So the gentleman at Tiffany showed me up to 2.8 carat solitaires and I do think a 3-ish will be fine.

After Tiffany I strolled down to the diamond district for some window shopping- such a gorgeous day here yesterday, I just couldn''t go back home yet. I recalled the name of Firenze from a few other posters so I stepped in to look. I met Miles who showed me a few stones and offered to pull more for me to come back to see. Is it okay to have multiple sources showing diamonds to you? I don''t want to waste anyones time, especially considering I''m really looking forward what Mark will show me. Miles said he''d call me today or tomorrow to come and see. Afterward, I will hopefully have a clear idea of what size I will beconsidering and let Mark T. know.

Update to follow...

 

[Kaleigh]

Sounds like you had quite a fun day. As long as you are honest and say I am working with a couple jewelers for this cushion, it''s ok. Sounds like Miles will bring in some nice stones too. I know you will enjoy working with Mark. I have heard nothing but nice things about him. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Very exciting!!!

 

[dlg]

I agree about starting at a retail store. We got my cushion in the diamond district but started off at the fancy retail jewelry stores like Mayors and Baily Biddle.