Big rock or rockin' bling?

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jan228

jan228

O.G.
May 3, 2008
1,502
19
#1
So I have a dilemma and I'm hoping to get some input as to your thoughts on the matter.

I would like to get a nice piece of jewelry to wear as a wedding/engagement ring. I don't know whether I want a larger carat size (~2.5 carat solitaire) for an engagement ring upgrade or a gorgeous eternity band with some spectacular diamonds (.4-.5 per stone). Eventually it might be in the cards to get both down the road, and wear them on different hands, but for now, I'd like one or the other.

I don't really have a strong preference for one over the other, so I made a list of pros and cons for both:

Eternity Pros:
-Major finger coverage/better value.
-"Wow" factor of knowing that my ring is made up by ~15 of the average size engagement ring (in the US).
-Not feel as judged when wearing a band as opposed to a solitaire (harder to figure value).

Eternity Cons:
-My finger might get fat (lol) and I'd have to get it reset.
-Worried about damaging setting/diamond when they go all the way around.
-I would have to clean it/have the prongs checked more often.

Big Rock Pros:
-It's a huge f'ing rock! Who doesn't love that?
-The "oohs" and "ahhs" it will get.
-The WOW factor of owning such a spectacular piece of jewelry.

Big Rock Cons:
-Someone else is always going to have a bigger, better rock.
-The attention it might get from the wrong people.
-Easier for other people to "judge".
-Much more expensive = longer waiting time.
-Feel like I'm putting "all my eggs in one basket" so to speak.

I found examples on Pricescope as to what I've been looking at; pics are attached below. Links to the threads are here:

Baguette eternity band (round diamonds are also an option)
Round brilliant solitaire

What are your thoughts? Share some pros and cons of your own! :tup:

 

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#2
Bigger rock!! Bigger is always better.. LMAO!! jkjk!!

I personally like a nice big solitaire, looks so amazing and it really makes a statement!! :tup: If you are ever scared of getting attention from the "wrong" people, simply just flip your ring over so the diamond is inside your palm! :yes: But I'm sure whatever you get will be beautiful!! I hope you wear it in good health!! :hugs:
 
#3
I've had two eternity bands. Both had to be re-done becuase I gained wieght, then lost weight. It's a big downside for me. Big enough that I didn't bother with a third and probably won't. They are indeed gorgeous but they can't be sized, they are very difficult to repair unless they are prong set, they get very dirty very quickly and nobody really ever sees the palm of your hand.

Plus, a larger single stone is much, much easier to resell or trade up.


Large diamond over eternity band, that's my vote.
 
#4
GnomeNisse said:
I've had two eternity bands. Both had to be re-done becuase I gained wieght, then lost weight. It's a big downside for me. Big enough that I didn't bother with a third and probably won't. They are indeed gorgeous but they can't be sized, they are very difficult to repair unless they are prong set, they get very dirty very quickly and nobody really ever sees the palm of your hand.

Plus, a larger single stone is much, much easier to resell or trade up.


Large diamond over eternity band, that's my vote.
Click to expand...

This whole post is very true. Esp. the high lighted part. My wedding band does not go all way around, it's 3 diamonds that match up with my engagement ring. And when we go chose DF's I think we're going to chose a half eternity so that way we can size it later when he gains weight from being so happily married. Hehee. :laugh:
 
#5
One other thing, eternity bands just lack that sparkle a solitaire has. Becuase the diamonds are set low and rest on the skin, they look flat. A solitaire is set to make use of light.
 
#7
bigger rock...totally agree with GnomeNisse & missie above.

plus, you get more for your money in a larger stone...less of a mark-up. maybe in this economy, you might even be able to bargain on the price.
 
#8
I'm looking to get the eternity band for these reasons:

I'd be afraid to lose the solitaire, whereas if I lose a stone in the band, it wouldn't be so hard to replace.
My wedding band is wide (5-6mm) and I would need a HONKER of a stone for it to look decent. Replacing the band is not an option.
I've never really been a solitaire type of person; I'll save a small solitaire diamond for a pendant someday. :)
 
#9
Kitsunegrl said:
I'm looking to get the eternity band for these reasons:

I'd be afraid to lose the solitaire, whereas if I lose a stone in the band, it wouldn't be so hard to replace.
My wedding band is wide (5-6mm) and I would need a HONKER of a stone for it to look decent. Replacing the band is not an option.
I've never really been a solitaire type of person; I'll save a small solitaire diamond for a pendant someday. :)
Click to expand...

Lets hope she has insurance!! :tup:

And I'm a bit confused, you'd wear an eternity engagement ring to sit along side your wedding band?? I've never really seen that before, coolio. :D But do you think it'll just look a bit cluttered and that the two rings will blending in?? Like two thick bands next to each other, an eternity band and a wedding band together once your wedding band is already thick to begin with. (and the eternity band OP is looking at is pretty thick too!!) I think I'll have to see it to get a better understanding, hehee. I've seen thin eternity bands go along with other thin bands, or even one thick band and one thin one, but two big thick ones?? Sounds unique.
 
#10
an eternity band with .4/.5 stones seems like overkill also i never understood the concept of having diamonds on the back of my finger where nobody can see it plus i be worried about holding onto things like railing or my laptop. i may either chip the diamond or scratch up the laptop.

if you can afford it why not go for a bigger diamond. it doesnt have to be 2.5ct it can be 2ct. i think once you get up to the 8mm mark the extra .5 really doesnt make a difference.
 
#13
I am clearly in the minority, but I personally would go for the band! However, I have always been more attracted to band rings in general. If you work a great deal with your hands, I can see how wearing an eternity band would be cumbersome and even detrimental to the band itself, but I have no problems with my eternity bands. I like seeing the stones of my band when I am looking at my palm lol! I also play with my rings a lot, especially when I am nervous, and its fun/soothing for me to rotate my eternity bands :)

Either way, you must post pics of your final purchase.

Diana
 
#15
I would probably go with two smaller eternity bands and wear one on either side of my wedding band. I just prefer the lower profile of band style rings.
My wedding band is nearly 20 years old so it has been with me for a long time!
 
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