It took my DH about three months to find a stone he was happy with, then a little while longer to find a setting. He knew what he wanted (very high quality stones, three stone setting, low setting), so once he found that, he was happy. And so was I when he surprised me with it!
Engagement rings... how on earth did you pick...
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Thanks for your responses, everyone. I'm so impressed with the husbands that managed to pick out the ring all on their own.
We went to Tiffany this weekend just because we walked by. We ended up in a private room for about an hour because of course I managed to ask for the engagement rings they can't show in the big showroom. The first ring I tried on was $100,000, 2.5 carat Lucida. Oops. Out of our budget. We did, however, frankly tell her how much we were prepared to spend and she found diamonds that matched in their system.
I learned A LOT about Tiffany... they use their own grading scale which immediately made my SO wary.
Tiffany diamonds go down to the I on the color scale. I mentioned that I wouldn't mind a lower color-grade if there is some flourescence to make it appear that much more white to the eye, and the saleswoman told me that "doesn't know anything about that" and most of her clients prefer no flourescence.
She was super nice, but overall, I felt like she tried to push me towards the higher color grade diamonds. Let's say two stones are $100, but one is smaller and higher quality, and the other is larger and lower quality. Well, one is not better than another: their actual value is exactly the same.
In regards to bargaining with Tiffany, which it seems people here say is simply not done... well, I certainly did it. I told her there is no way I would ever spend this kind of money without at least asking. She was more than accomodating and said that once I found a ring I liked, she would see what they could do to make it work.
For my SO, this is no different than buying a car. We would never, ever bargain with an artist over a piece of artwork, but we both consider diamonds to be commonplace commodities and we're going to approach it with that mindset.
Tiffany's upgrade policy is that you have to spend 2x as much for the upgrade, and I didn't ask her to clarify whether they'd accept the diamond back at 100% of the value.
I can tell this isn't the place to buy for us. Anyway, thought I'd fill you gals in on some info, in case you didn't know. I'm just incredibly surprised that she didn't miss a beat when I asked her what she could do in terms of a discount, given what I've heard here. I kind of get the feeling people ask all the time.
Oh, and another thing, which I've never seen before... for the engagement rings that were $10,000 or less, all the prices were set out. As in, there was a little placad in front of the more modest engagement rings plainly stating the retail cost. I guess in this economy, Tiffany wants to know that they have things that are relatively affordable (and I use that term loosely).
We went to Tiffany this weekend just because we walked by. We ended up in a private room for about an hour because of course I managed to ask for the engagement rings they can't show in the big showroom. The first ring I tried on was $100,000, 2.5 carat Lucida. Oops. Out of our budget. We did, however, frankly tell her how much we were prepared to spend and she found diamonds that matched in their system.
I learned A LOT about Tiffany... they use their own grading scale which immediately made my SO wary.
Tiffany diamonds go down to the I on the color scale. I mentioned that I wouldn't mind a lower color-grade if there is some flourescence to make it appear that much more white to the eye, and the saleswoman told me that "doesn't know anything about that" and most of her clients prefer no flourescence.
She was super nice, but overall, I felt like she tried to push me towards the higher color grade diamonds. Let's say two stones are $100, but one is smaller and higher quality, and the other is larger and lower quality. Well, one is not better than another: their actual value is exactly the same.
In regards to bargaining with Tiffany, which it seems people here say is simply not done... well, I certainly did it. I told her there is no way I would ever spend this kind of money without at least asking. She was more than accomodating and said that once I found a ring I liked, she would see what they could do to make it work.
For my SO, this is no different than buying a car. We would never, ever bargain with an artist over a piece of artwork, but we both consider diamonds to be commonplace commodities and we're going to approach it with that mindset.
Tiffany's upgrade policy is that you have to spend 2x as much for the upgrade, and I didn't ask her to clarify whether they'd accept the diamond back at 100% of the value.
I can tell this isn't the place to buy for us. Anyway, thought I'd fill you gals in on some info, in case you didn't know. I'm just incredibly surprised that she didn't miss a beat when I asked her what she could do in terms of a discount, given what I've heard here. I kind of get the feeling people ask all the time.
Oh, and another thing, which I've never seen before... for the engagement rings that were $10,000 or less, all the prices were set out. As in, there was a little placad in front of the more modest engagement rings plainly stating the retail cost. I guess in this economy, Tiffany wants to know that they have things that are relatively affordable (and I use that term loosely).
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$100k for a 2.5 is ca-ra-zay! LOL!
I know people are dying for a Tiffany's ring, but you pay SOOO much from the little stamp inside the band that no one will ever see.
My stone is more than a full carat larger and we didn't pay anywhere near $100k and the cut is excellent. wow!
I know people are dying for a Tiffany's ring, but you pay SOOO much from the little stamp inside the band that no one will ever see.
My stone is more than a full carat larger and we didn't pay anywhere near $100k and the cut is excellent. wow!
Me too! Just try lot's on. If you love the ring who cares if it will date. I love to see older ladies rings and the beautiful, different styles.
THAT IS RIDICULOUS!
I mean that's just plain crazy. Looks like Tiffany's price has gone up alot since we bought ours. I have a 2.5 carat Lucida and it is NO where near that price!
you really need to try them on and then think about being old and sitting on the porch swing with your hubby next to you - while you are still admiring your ring.
I have an estate set that I love. I went in to try them on by myself, picked my ring, then took my Mom to see it. When my husband came home and we went to the jeweler, he picked out a few and I asked him about my ring. He made me try on dozens of rings and picked mine.
It suits me, it looks like me and I know that when I am 80 I will still love my ring. As for the diamond? I will probably change it out in the next few years, but will keep my settings. However, I still want my 3 diamond ring for my right hand.
I have an estate set that I love. I went in to try them on by myself, picked my ring, then took my Mom to see it. When my husband came home and we went to the jeweler, he picked out a few and I asked him about my ring. He made me try on dozens of rings and picked mine.
It suits me, it looks like me and I know that when I am 80 I will still love my ring. As for the diamond? I will probably change it out in the next few years, but will keep my settings. However, I still want my 3 diamond ring for my right hand.
I looked with my fiance, but did not choose the ultimate ring. I didn't want to know when he was going to propose, so I wanted to be left out of the purchase process. He knew what kind of stones and settings I liked... while he KNEW he also added his own twist to the ring he gave me, so it wasn't exactly what I probably would have chosen, but it is very me, and I love it.
You really just have to find a store he is comfortable with. I know others have said it before, but just because it doesn't come from one of the noteable designers does not mean you will sacrifice quality or service. But you just have to find the store that is right for you. Even though we live in the city, our jeweler is in the Chicago suburbs. For us, they are worth the drive. Have you asked friends where they got their wedding jewelry? Might be a good place to start. Just if you're comparing T&Co to internet jewelers like WhiteFlash prices... our jeweler ended up being pretty much spot on. The difference would have been sales tax, but due to our plans we had to have the ring shipped so we avoided that.
You really just have to find a store he is comfortable with. I know others have said it before, but just because it doesn't come from one of the noteable designers does not mean you will sacrifice quality or service. But you just have to find the store that is right for you. Even though we live in the city, our jeweler is in the Chicago suburbs. For us, they are worth the drive. Have you asked friends where they got their wedding jewelry? Might be a good place to start. Just if you're comparing T&Co to internet jewelers like WhiteFlash prices... our jeweler ended up being pretty much spot on. The difference would have been sales tax, but due to our plans we had to have the ring shipped so we avoided that.
I would try very hard to steer away from buying from big name jewelers. Granted you will get a great stone...but the mark-up is insane!!!
When we first started shopping for e-rings, my SO and I went the big jewelers (Debeers/Tiffany/Cartier) but only to get ideas on the cut/carat size and style. After I decided what cut I wanted, I then went to a wholesaler and had them custom make it for me.
I have a 1.5 radiant centerstone on a pave-diamond setting. It is absolutely stunning and looks like it came from one of those stores mentioned above...only mine is a fraction of the price
I would go and try on as many as possible. Don't be afraid of pushy SAs. Just tell them you are just looking right now. Be firm. Then, go get yours custom made. I assure you, it is the best way to get exactly what you want. Plus, your piece will be one of a kind! Blue Nile.com is a great place to do a custom ring as well.
Oh, I would also check out craigslist.com and idonowidont.com. You may be able to find a deal on there as well. People are always trying to get rid of engagement rings.
Good Luck!!
When we first started shopping for e-rings, my SO and I went the big jewelers (Debeers/Tiffany/Cartier) but only to get ideas on the cut/carat size and style. After I decided what cut I wanted, I then went to a wholesaler and had them custom make it for me.
I have a 1.5 radiant centerstone on a pave-diamond setting. It is absolutely stunning and looks like it came from one of those stores mentioned above...only mine is a fraction of the price
I would go and try on as many as possible. Don't be afraid of pushy SAs. Just tell them you are just looking right now. Be firm. Then, go get yours custom made. I assure you, it is the best way to get exactly what you want. Plus, your piece will be one of a kind! Blue Nile.com is a great place to do a custom ring as well.
Oh, I would also check out craigslist.com and idonowidont.com. You may be able to find a deal on there as well. People are always trying to get rid of engagement rings.
Good Luck!!
Wow, I had the hardest time picking out a ring. I went to local high end jewelers, Tiffany, Cartier, Van Clef, and to NYC's diamond district. In the end I got the first ring I tried on a classic Tiffany ring from signedpieces.com, so we paid much less than retail. My mom had a similar ring so I think maybe it was a little sentimental but looking closely at my style I realized that I often prefer a very simple look, v-necks, ballet flats, classic lines. So while I love some vintage style rings they wouldn't really 'go' with everything.
I also told myself that it was ok to be a little unsure that that in the end I'd just make the decision and focus on other things (like the diamond tennis bracelet that I keep telling my fiance that I want!) I really do love my ring and I've had it for awhile now.
I also told myself that it was ok to be a little unsure that that in the end I'd just make the decision and focus on other things (like the diamond tennis bracelet that I keep telling my fiance that I want!) I really do love my ring and I've had it for awhile now.
i know this has been said but WOWSERS!! $100K (USD!) for a 2.5 carat lucida!! In Australia you can get the same size priced from $70k ... aussie bucks!
My ring is 'inspired' but the Lucida (but princess cut) and it was less than $10k for the diamond and setting in platinum. Okay, its a lot smaller at 1.01 but still ...
what size are you looking at?
My ring is 'inspired' but the Lucida (but princess cut) and it was less than $10k for the diamond and setting in platinum. Okay, its a lot smaller at 1.01 but still ...
what size are you looking at?
I have two engagement rings. First one from when we got engaged originally and the second one for our 10th anniversary. Ring #1 is 1.5 carat round in 6 prong white gold setting. Ring #2 is 3.5 carat princess cut w/trillions (4 carat t/w) in white gold setting. I wear Ring #1 more than Ring #2. Ring #2 is for special occasions. Ring #1 is daily wear.
The following is an interesting piece on the meaning of diamond shapes:
The following is an interesting piece on the meaning of diamond shapes:
They have started doing this at 5th Ave, too. Mostly it's on the sterling floor which is the most highly trafficked. For stuff like the RTT or Somerset collections, their best-sellers, etc., they have put little signs with prices next to a lot of the items. I think it's because people ask for the prices alllll the time but at Tiffany's you can't *just* ask for prices, they pull it out and let you try it on and all that, so maybe it saves time if people know beforehand what the price is, so they only try on things they can afford (unless they are me in which case they try on everything).
I would be a little wary of their own in-house grading scale, too. Makes it a little hard to know how the price compares to other vendors- but maybe that's the point.
Even though I think I know what I like, I can't imagine actually plopping down the money and saying, "Yep, that's the one I want to wear for the rest of my life." That's such a big decision!
there is a Tiffany & Co Emerald Cut diamond (4ct) with baguettes on Ebay right now for 59k....please buy this ring, if somebody doesn't buy it...i seriously am considering draining my stock account for it....i keep going back to it
maybe if i sold my car.....
just kidding, but that is my dream ring...i wish somebody would buy it!!!!!
i am challenged when it comes to posting links... but this is the ebay # 220326160423
maybe if i sold my car.....
just kidding, but that is my dream ring...i wish somebody would buy it!!!!!
i am challenged when it comes to posting links... but this is the ebay # 220326160423
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