Where did you get your engagement ring? A large jewerly chain or a small local shop? Did you buy the diamond and the ring at the same place or at separete places? How much did you spend and for what kind of ring? I'm just curious...I'm thinking of being willing to spend up to 3, 4, possibly 5 grand...
2006-12-27 03:36:47 · 18 answers · asked by someguy 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
try zales.com, bluenile.com, adiamor.com
2006-12-27 03:41:55 · answer #1 · answered by stephyrose87 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband took me to Jarrods and let me pick out what I wanted. He was willing to spend more, but I wanted something smaller. We had done some asking around for the best place in our area with good quality and reasonable prices because I'm not a jewelry wearing person and we had no idea where to start.
We bought our wedding rings there too but only after looking around at 5 other stores. They had the style we wanted. My rings aren't a set so I had more options.
My engagement ring is of the style "eternity" with 3 diamonds (2 smaller and one larger in the middle) and my wedding ring was from the "anniversary" collection. Didn't matter to me that they weren't official engagement/wedding rings. I liked them and am more than thrilled to be wearing them for the rest of my life.
As to being told a man should spend a certain amount, that's a crock of manure. You shouldn't go into deep debt to buy the rings. You need to figure out what she likes and wants to wear. Better yet, let her chose with you. Also, she may be in a job that prohibits wearing rings or necessitates a smaller stone than the huge glitzy one that would impress all and sundry.
You can also find some beautiful and unique estate jewelry at the smaller local jewelry shops that might be just what you're looking for.
2006-12-27 04:24:10 · answer #2 · answered by parsonsel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please don't listen to people who say you are supposed to spend a certain number of months salary on a ring. That is absurd and it's from a damned commercial...geez...
Okay my suggestion would be first off to consider what shape of diamond your fiancee would prefer. Some women are very specific as to their preferences. Also does she like white gold or yellow gold? Diamonds used in yellow gold rings tend to not be as good a quality as diamonds used in white gold rings because jewelers take advantage of using yellow tinged diamonds in yellow gold rings. The gold hides the flaws...Don't go with platinum either if you want that white gold look. Stick with white gold, there is a difference..
It truly doesn't matter if you use a big chain store or a smaller jeweler as long as you take into account the quality of the stone(s)....look at the cut, the clarity of the stone and the karat weight. Make sure you look for flaws...you can ask for a jeweler's loop to look at it more up close.
I think you need to take into account how unique of a ring you think your future fiancee might like. Some women like unusual rings with a more unique design while other women are more traditional. You have the money to be creative from what you have mentioned already.
Good luck!
2006-12-27 03:52:10 · answer #3 · answered by Cute But Evil 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, don't believe the people who say you are "supposed to" spend two or three months' salary - that's a bunch of hooey spread around by the jewellery companies and diamond brokers. Only spend what you can afford - and don't go into debt over something like a ring; save the money for your life together.
What matters to a mature woman is that YOU choose the ring, and that symbolism of what the ring means, the promise, is what is important. Honestly.
2006-12-27 10:48:09 · answer #4 · answered by Lydia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy the diamond and the ring together. Try http://www.ice.com They have beautiful jewelry at more than fair prices. To shop in person, I'd look at some of the high-quality jewelry chains like Zales.
And do not get the big cheap flawed diamonds. Girls CARE about quality and will be very happy with a smaller nearly perfect diamond.
2006-12-27 03:47:49 · answer #5 · answered by Enchanted 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I purchased the engagement ring at a local jeweler. I did buy a diamond with a GIA certificate. I spent around 7K. I suggest that you read the information below. If one is going to spend several thousand dollars for a diamond, then certification is important.
The largest diamond on-line retailer is Blue Nile. Their costs are low as compared to a brick and mortar store.
2006-12-27 04:00:57 · answer #6 · answered by david42 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i personaly would never buy froma chain store. hey sell thousands of the same exact rings. there is nothing unique or special about them. u dont want some one coming up to u and saying "oh look i have the same ring"!!! buy the engagement ring first them the two of u can decide on the bands. a local respectable jewler will have unique rings in that price range. ask around to find one with a good reputation!
2006-12-27 06:38:37 · answer #7 · answered by angelface8074 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Three to Five Grand will buy you a VERY nice ring. I don't think that you can say a big retail store is better than a small one. At that price, you could have one made. If you choose to do that, look on the Internet, find some ideas, and then take it to a mom & pop place. The customer service will be better and you will have something that is one of a kind!
Good Luck!
2006-12-27 03:46:42 · answer #8 · answered by purple_amanecer 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you got the money for it , then go for it. I find that a good marriage starts debt free. So if you get a ring pay cash. You may even use that money to put down on buying a house. A ring is a symbol of marriage, the real marriage is keeping it for ever and like I said starting debt free is a good start.
2006-12-27 03:48:34 · answer #9 · answered by papa G 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My engagement ring was nothing special but I did have my wedding band custom designed. I love knowing that I am the only one who will ever have a ring like mine. We spent more on our rings than our wedding, after a wedding lasts a day, your marriage and your ring last a life time.
2006-12-27 03:53:31 · answer #10 · answered by 2littleiggies 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I spent 2 grand on a Heart Shapped .5 carat diamond set in platinum band. Diamond may have been small, but rounds and hearts are harder to cut (more expensive) and is nearly flawless.
Bought it at Kay Jewelers.
2006-12-27 04:27:58 · answer #11 · answered by cisco_cantu 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋