I am a guy...Help me with Engagement ring.

[IKnowDiamonds]

First of all, I think it is completely sweet that you want to ask her father's permission before you propose. It is a tradition that I still think should be upheld. I will not be able to say yes to any man who doesn't get the okay from my Dad.

Second, don't be afraid of buying an engagement ring online. Like Amazon, online jewelers who don't have stores are able to sell higher-quality diamonds and jewelry for about 30-40% less than if you walked into a Jared, or a Kay, and certainly Tiffany & Co or Bulgari and all of those high-end places.

I have made knowing about diamonds a priority. It started with an interest in the whole "conflict-free" thing and expanded from there. Diamonds are fascinating.

Some online jewelers also have great phone or chat customer service, so you don't have to feel alone during the process. Also, I have seen some that have 3-D images and "virtual loupes" (those thingies that you look through to check the diamond for flaws" so you can examine the exact diamond you want to buy. By far, the best images and customer service is at JamesAllen.com. You can pick a setting and the website will give you a selection of the best choices of diamonds for that setting. They have to be honest, or no one will keep shopping there. You can also pick from thousands of diamonds, but that can be frightening because there are so many choices.

I have spoken with a few of their customer service people and they are all so knowledgeable about their products. You can even request to talk to the owner of the whole company, Jim Schultz!

I don't want to sound like an ad for that company, but they are really good.

I want you to be able to knock her socks off on Valentine's Day. Don't be afraid of the online shopping. You'll get so much more for your hard-earned dollars.

Good luck!

 

[Swanky]

^you really are sounding like an ad . . . 3 out of your 7 posts posts. :s

 

[ame]

I thought the same thing. Just joined, and a lot of very pro-JA posts. Great, if you are a happy customer, but the wording sounds more like some PR person in the company wrote it than a happy customer.

 

[Allisonfaye]

yes, mine is a RB and I found one I wanted on Whiteflash and actually negotiated it down as it was an "in stock" item, not in an inventory of multiple jewelers type of inventory that they also have.
I took the specs of it to my jeweler and told her I'd give her 3 days to beat their deal.
She said:
"I would be offended if you didn't give me your business, but I would be if you didn't give me the opportunity" and boy did she work for it! My stone is equal in all ways to the WF one but half a carat bigger and better clarity for less. I'm actually half convinced she didn't make any $ off me. That's amazing for a B&M store to beat an online vendor like that IMO, especially for a stone that size. And I get the perk of having bought it locally - supported my local business, go in for checks cleaning, etc . . .

Good for you!

 

[courty]

how exciting! she is going to love whatever you get her, trust me. and i think a round solitaire is a good idea- it's simple and classic, and you just can't go wrong.

this may sound strange, but do you have Sam's Club or Costco near you? when i was shopping for diamond earrings a couple years go, a few people told me to check there, because they price their diamonds lower than other places, and their diamonds are certified. so an S1 diamond is the same there as it is anywhere else, but in some cases was a bit less expensive.

they also had a really nice booklet there about buying diamonds- it explained the differences between the diamond grades (eg at which point in the scale the inclusions become visible to the naked eye, nad things like that).

in the end i didn't buy there, but only because they didn't have the size i wanted in stock. i ended up going to the diamond district in NYC and getting a set made, but i used that booklet from Sam's to decide on the color and clarity grades i wanted!

oh, just wanted to add- if you're considering ordering online at all, you could try bluenile.com. i always hear nothing but raves about that site.

 

[ame]

yes, mine is a RB and I found one I wanted on Whiteflash and actually negotiated it down as it was an "in stock" item, not in an inventory of multiple jewelers type of inventory that they also have.
I took the specs of it to my jeweler and told her I'd give her 3 days to beat their deal.
She said:
"I would be offended if you didn't give me your business, but I would be if you didn't give me the opportunity" and boy did she work for it! My stone is equal in all ways to the WF one but half a carat bigger and better clarity for less. I'm actually half convinced she didn't make any $ off me. That's amazing for a B&M store to beat an online vendor like that IMO, especially for a stone that size. And I get the perk of having bought it locally - supported my local business, go in for checks cleaning, etc . . .

How did I miss this!? Dear lord! Bigger for less!?!!

 

[LeeMiller]

I understand that some people may choose not to shop at Tiffany's but I don't think its necessary to put down rings from there - - they have beautiful stones and beautiful rings.

 

[Swanky]

did anyone put down Tiffany's rings? I think w/ all designer goods it's common knowledge you pay a premium for them.

I would caution shopping at Costco, their diamonds are IGI certified. . . not at all reliable.

 

[Randomguy]

Thanks for even more info........I am sneaking out on Sunday to "watch football" with the boys...but instead I will be out looking at rings....is that a lie? Who knows? I plan on round rock, solitaire setting (I don't know about the # of prongs yet...prong is a funny word....whatever)....and I still am planning on picking it out and surprising her. If she doesn't like it, I will not be offended; after all: I do not have to wear it....As long as she is happy, surprised and crazy enough to say yes; I am good.

 

[ame]

...prong is a funny word....whatever)

Like Road. Ro-Ad. Roooo aaaadddd

Thanks for even more info........I am sneaking out on Sunday to "watch football" with the boys...but instead I will be out looking at rings....is that a lie?

The right kind of lie.

If she doesn't like it, I will not be offended; after all: I do not have to wear it....As long as she is happy, surprised and crazy enough to say yes; I am good.

THIS IS THE RIGHT ANSWER! I wish all guys agreed with such a correct sentiment.

 

[Swanky]

PERFECT!!!!!! That's exactly how you should feel!
Update us soon!

 

[courty]

yay! have fun ring shopping for the lucky lady. and be sure to update us!

 

[skphotoimages]

HI, I just wanted to add my two cents worth. I small local jeweler will is a much much better option that Tiffany's or any mall store. That being said, you'd be hard pressed to beat goodoldgold.com. I did, but I really shopped and talked a jeweler down for my diamond. I agree with avoiding craigslist, and I know nothing about ebay, but I'd be leary. But I could be wrong, because I'm getting ready to list two diamonds on ebay and mine are fabulous.
Pricescope is wonderful once you find a few stones to ask the members which they think is better.
Good luck!

 

[LornaLou]

Yay!! You have to let us know what she says! Going with a round/brilliant stone sounds good, it sounds like she would appreciate the simpleness of it

I myself am a Tiffanys girl, I don't mind the diamond being smaller and of less quality than a better one elsewhere. I just love the way they sparkle and the way they are set and of course the blue box and ribbon. I can't wait for this day

Good luck!!

 

[ame]

HI, I just wanted to add my two cents worth. I small local jeweler will is a much much better option that Tiffany's or any mall store. That being said, you'd be hard pressed to beat goodoldgold.com. I did, but I really shopped and talked a jeweler down for my diamond. I agree with avoiding craigslist, and I know nothing about ebay, but I'd be leary. But I could be wrong, because I'm getting ready to list two diamonds on ebay and mine are fabulous.
Pricescope is wonderful once you find a few stones to ask the members which they think is better.
Good luck!

I miss you. I haven't been over there in a while but I recall you being local to me in STL

I am making at trip to see the folks at GOG in 2 weeks and I cannot even wait. I was hoping to check out Facets too but if they got bought out I might not be able to!