Wedding Ring Shopping - The PASH Wedding Forums and Message Boards

Baldie · #1 12-05-2008, 02:08 AM

Well I set my budget to $3000 give or take. Does that sound cheap? Well anyhow I just don't know where to start. My the FH by the way. I've done alot of online research of course and came across several website, such as bluenile.com which I found to be informative. Friends have also told me to check out wedding conventions and ring conventions and such as they got their engagement rings there dirt cheap but not sure if that sounds like a good idea.

If there are any pointers you can give me I'd really appreciate. I'm looking to purchase the ring probably around Feb-March 09 and proposal thereafter. My FW already told me she doesn't care how many carats and that any ring will do but I definitely care but at the same time keep it in my budget. We've been together for 7 years.

#2 12-05-2008, 02:28 AM

I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt that you aren't going to turn into a vendor (we're always on guard for that.)

$3000 isn't too bad, but it depends on what you're looking for. Gold is obviously cheaper than platinum, so if you're on a tighter budget that's probably the way to go. I would put clarity and cut over how large the diamond is, because a huge dull diamond just isn't as impressive as a beautifully shiny smaller one. If you know the cut of diamond (round, square, etc) than that's a good place to start. Walk around various shops and look at the price ranges, and then you can go from there. Real stores are often more expensive because they have overhead, while online shops are cheaper. However, you don't know exactly what you're getting with an online shop, so that's always something to consider.

NovemberGal · #3 12-05-2008, 04:29 PM

Are you looking for a traditional solitaire ring? Do you have a sense of the shape FW would like? As Ciarrai says, definitely at least start by looking at jewerly stores. You can get a sense of what the shapes look like, and what the carat sizes look like--online stores are misleading because the pictures are always enlarged. If you then want to purchase from an online store you'll have a better sense of what to expect. Do your research about the online store itself, too, because as Ciarrai also noted, you don't see what you're buying first. So you want a reputable place (bluenile.com is good; I've heard good things but haven't used ice.com; I'm sure there are others).

$3000 is perfectly fine. Do your research to see what that will buy you in different places and decide if you're happy with that. (I don't know; I wanted a very non-traditional channel set ring...under $1K.

)

Baldie · #4 12-05-2008, 05:20 PM

Are jewelry stores flexible as far as payment plans? I mean I would prefer to pay cash or check card but I actually won't have that ring money till tax time next year. I was just wondering if I should do the shopping around now and go back in March and buy it. With Chrismas around jewelers might have deals out now. I've heard some jewelers accept a percentage down and pay the rest off within an amount of time. I just don't want to buy on credit because I do not want to go that route.

I'm sort of in a pressure situation and need to get this by next year. Totally my fault for waiting almost 8 years to finally ask her to be my FW. Debt/finances had to postpone it for me...

NovemberGal · #5 12-05-2008, 05:35 PM

I believe many jewelry stores do have payment plans, but you'd have to ask. Online shops almost certainly don't, and you'd most likely have to pay with a credit card.

#6 12-05-2008, 06:41 PM

Nov is right. A lot of stores do have sales on right now and many I've seen do have a purchase plan, but no online stores do and yes, it has to be a credit card from everything I've seen.

davidandbrittany09 · #7 12-05-2008, 08:05 PM

Most of the stores I've seen have a payment option with like a 12 months, no interest, if you open up a store credit card. You may not want to mess with a credit card, but if you KNOW going into it that you can pay it off in the 12 months, that may be an option!

MrsHatchettTOBE · #8 12-06-2008, 04:34 PM

I'm not sure if this will help you at all, but if you are buying a ring online- make sure you research the companies return policy. I bought my fiances ring online, and I made sure that 1) they were a BBB member 2) had a good return policy just in case it didn't look like the picture etc 3) shop around to make sure you're getting the best deal and 4) read reviews!!
PS. I think 3k is a great range for a ring! I got my ring for that price but at Zales. It was everything I wanted, and it was on special, thats the only reason I think we got such a good ring for that price.

kristasjewelry · #9 01-03-2009, 07:14 PM

Return policy is very important because you cant see the item in person before you buy it and there could be numerous problems (chipped stone, not right size, entirely wrong ring , etc.). As long as their return policy as at least 21 days you should not have much of a problem.

KaileK · #10 01-05-2009, 11:50 PM

Dang, I think a 3K budget is huge!!!

jerome · #11 01-13-2009, 03:12 PM

Diamond rings come in a variety of cuts. Here are 11 different cuts for a diamond ring.

1) Round setting - The round cut diamond ring is the most popular setting. The diamond is drilled at the top in a circle.

2) Princess cut - If the diamond has a lot of color, this is a beautiful cut. One drawback to a princess cut diamond ring is that it is held in place by only four prongs which means if one comes lose, the jewel could be lost.

3) Oval cut - Brides with long fingers may wish to choose the oval cut for their diamond rings. The oval elongates the finger and adds elegance to the hand.

4) Marquis cut - This cut looks like an oval with tips. In addition to the benefits of the oval cut, the Marquis makes the diamond look bigger than it actually is.

5) Pear cut - Many jewelers do not even carry the pear shaped cut of diamond rings because it is not very popular. Still, this may be one of the more romantic choices.

6) Emerald cut - This is one of the so called "fancy cuts" and it has its advantages for some women. The Emerald cut usually gives the impression that it is a large and perfect stone.

7) Radiant cut - The Radiant is a newer cut. The first time it was ever employed was in 1977.

8) Heart cut - Perhaps the most romantic of all engagement rings is the heart cut. Nothing says "I love you" more than a heart.

9) Asscher cut - Maybe the most unique of all of the diamond cuts, the Asscher is a deeply trimmed square that looks almost like an octagon.

10) Cushion cut - Are you proposing over candlelight? Then your diamond ring should be a cushion cut. There's no cut that is as appealing under the soft glow of candles as this large facet, rounded corner cut.

11) Triallian cut - The Trillian cut is done in the shape of a wedge. It looks like a triangle from the top. The Triallian cut is the best diamond shape to reflect light.

ashley.reid · #12 01-16-2009, 10:03 AM

dat was quite informative for a newbie like me!! thanx

EmeraldEyes · #13 01-30-2009, 06:53 PM

One thing your going to want to look out for when shopping, especially if you ring has significant diamonds is a diamond grading report. When it comes to diamond grading reports my experience has been that GIA is the most respected and trusted.

Besides, if you want to get your ring insured, which you really should, most insurance companies will only take GIA grading reports.

Baldie · #14 02-10-2009, 11:54 AM

Would you trust any rings off of Ebay? It looks like each ring does come with papers and appraisals. I get stuff off ebay quite often but didn't think about an engagement ring and did a look last night and there are quite a bit to choose from and affordable. Any opinions? I've included a few links below that caught my attention:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=350109116387
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=270340653387
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=270298449712

Heather · #15 02-10-2009, 12:00 PM

never buy a diamond ring off ebay

Heather · #16 02-10-2009, 01:01 PM

Comment from Sarah+Tim:

I missed out on the first time you asked. I did read through it but still wanted to put in my two cents.
Tim got my ring at BJ's, not sure if you have that where you are. I love it and believe it or not, it is super beautiful, I get complements on it a lot. But we got the set for $2200, 1.5 tw, it is .5 carot with small diamonds accenting on all sides. I haven't had it assessed yet but it did come with a certificate and a 'value' of $3300. The wedding band also has diamonds of it, I have a picture of it but I'm at work. We had it checked at Kay's and they said that the diamond was worth roughly $1600, for just the .5 carot part. I can't remember exactly what the clarity was but I know he was impressed and I looked at it under the scope and it was very clear, only one little tiny white feather. Definitely look at the ring under a scope, if they are a real jeweler they will have a scope and let you look at your ring., it is interesting if nothing else.
So I look at it like we bought the engagement ring and got the matching wedding band for free.

Rosey · #17 02-19-2009, 05:16 AM

I wouldn't buy a diamond from a jewelry store. The markup is huge. Ask around and try to find a diamond dealer, or go to a trade show. I went to a diamond dealer and got a 1.5 carat center stone with another half carat of side stones in a white gold setting for $5-6K. You could easily get a nice 1 carat in your price range. When I shopped at regular jewelry stores, the diamonds were lesser quality and STARTED at $16K! I could not believe it! The ring was appraised by an independent appraiser at $19K.

I would put money into color and carat. Clarity only matters if you can see it with the naked eye, so as long as the stone has SI3 or better you're fine. Also I would make sure the table measurement is less than the depth because you risk getting a short, stout appearing stone. (ideal depth is 59.3 and ideal table is 53). I always tell people to use www.buydiamonddirect.com as a reference for prices. My brother in law got a great deal at Kay's before Christmas. He got 50% off a 1 carat solitaire which put it in the same price range as the diamond dealer was selling similar quality diamonds. Good luck. Obviously, I spent some time dreaming about my ring and researching stones.

Baldie · #18 03-02-2009, 01:30 AM

I went to the "jewelry district" in downtown Los Angeles and was referred to a wholesaler jeweler by my fiance's brother-in-law, who is known to be a tight-wad even though he makes good money.

Anyhow his jeweler gave me this deal:
Quote 1
Carat: .80
Color: G
Clarity: VS1
Cut: Round
Band: 18K White Gold w/6 prongs - Simple and thicker than normal w/no side stones. (Fiance wanted it simple)
She is giving it to me for $2900 out the door.
Quote 2
Carat: .88
Color: E
Clarity: Same as above
Band: Same as above
She will give it to me for $3800 out the door

She set each diamond in the band to let us see the differences under different types of light and also let us view each diamond with their magnifier tool. She also let my fiance wear each to view it on her hand. Both looked great with the band she picked and size difference was hardly noticed. She also stated that the diamonds will look a little larger once it is set in the band,which was true with her sisters ring (.92 looks almost 1). Each will come with an apprasial and GIA report. Also she stated when I decide to upgrade to bring the diamond back and they will gladly do a trade-in. I like Quote #1 because of the price, of course, but the question I have is would spending an extra $900 be worth it? My budget was $3k-$3500k. She was very nice and helpful and didn't pressure me at anytime.

Any opinions and/or advice??

SerendipityCrafts · #19 03-02-2009, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baldie

Any opinions and/or advice??

I can't comment on your particulars (only because I am no expert) but we also went to a referral only, wholesale place to get DH a band. Not only did we save money but he got a better quality ring.

Baldie · #20 03-02-2009, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharon.gmc

Your budget is quite large!

Well I was trying hard to keep it under $3K. Visiting retail jewelers it just seemed my budget was not enough to get a decent engagement ring. I was even contemplating Ebay but quickly shot down that option.

AngelRoseFyre · #21 05-15-2009, 06:38 PM

I got my original ring online and it was crap, the diamonds were all REALLY dull and looked horrible. I was really lucky to find a local jeweler to help replace the diamonds. So he ordered me new diamonds at whole sales (I double checked with Rio Grand), changed out the stones, and re-plated my rodium for about a quarter of the price of chain stores. And it took him less than a week. With the economy the way it is a lot of local jewelry stores are sometimes a better deal, but check around to make sure they are reputable before you trust one, so you don't get ripped off.