Rings

[craltal]

I could not find a "big" ring that she liked... Its not the money because she never looked at the price tags. And in a way, the ring she really really liked, was about $600 and I kinda feel, well cheap even thinking about that one.

What is it about that ring that that she liked? You could always try to get something similar to it made or try to find one that has the attributes she likes but may be a bit more out of the ordinary. I had both our wedding bands her engagement ring custom made. Her engagement ring only has a 1/4 carat diamond, but it shines more than most 3/4's I've seen. Mind you the fact that the setting is Platinum and Damascus Steel helps with the uniqueness of the piece. Believe me, it'll mean so much more if you can add a personal touch to it.

[warbeak2099]

Gee I wish I had your dilema... can we switch?

[geekwarrior]

I could not find a "big" ring that she liked... Its not the money because she never looked at the price tags. And in a way, the ring she really really liked, was about $600 and I kinda feel, well cheap even thinking about that one.

well, my wife doesnt like the huge stones either (thankfully ) so go for a 1/2 carat really clear, good color diamond without imperfections. that'll set you back more then $600. Most jewelry stores have the diamonds loose and can set them in whatever ring she chooses. So tell her she can have the $600 one, and have them replace the diamond in there with a little bigger and nicer one.


edit: just read that she doesnt like the bigger taller. what size is the diamond that she likes?

[Lohman446]

well, my wife doesnt like the huge stones either (thankfully ) so go for a 1/2 carat really clear, good color diamond without imperfections. that'll set you back more then $600. Most jewelry stores have the diamonds loose and can set them in whatever ring she chooses. So tell her she can have the $600 one, and have them replace the diamond in there with a little bigger and nicer one.


edit: just read that she doesnt like the bigger taller. what size is the diamond that she likes?

The one she liked has 3 diamonds set along each other between white and yellow gold totalling abotu a 1/2 carat

[Steelrat]

Ever think about an interesting stone other than diamond? Diamonds actually aren't as rare as many other stones, it's just great marketing my DeBeers. Maybe she'd like another type of stone?

Also, is your budget high enough for a custom ring?

[Lohman446]

Ever think about an interesting stone other than diamond? Diamonds actually aren't as rare as many other stones, it's just great marketing my DeBeers. Maybe she'd like another type of stone?

Also, is your budget high enough for a custom ring?

I was aware of that and actually tried to talk her into a single diamond with an emerald on either side (her birthstone) to make it special to her. She was rather unreceptive to that idea though. I did discuss some custom ideas with her but shes not overly enthralled with the idea. There is a custom show coming up towards the end of the month I am going to go to with her and see if anything jumps out there

[geekwarrior]

The one she liked has 3 diamonds set along each other between white and yellow gold totalling abotu a 1/2 carat

if you get those 3 replaced with 3 diamonds with the highest clarity, color, cut and all those C's (been to long for me) that could still look really nice....and would be over $600 I imagine.

[jenarelJAM]

Since she isn't deciding based on price, I don't see what the problem is. Some people like what they like. Some people like simple and small. It appears that <i>she</i> wants a smaller ring, and I don't see why that's a problem. You seem like you want her to show it off to all her friends(and your friends?), and they will see how much you could afford to spend on her. It's a status thing.
So... Make a choice. Which is more important? Her preference, or your status?

(sorry to put it so bluntly... but that's how I see it)

Also, if you have extra money you really want to spend on her, there's nothing wrong with saving it. Put it in a bank account somewhere and use it on an anniversary or something. The day will come when you wish you could afford the more expensive... whatever... methinks.

[Lohman446]

I never denied that my vanity may be part of it. I just don't want her to wish she had something better later

[wimag]

get her what she likes. use some of the extra cash and buy a semi descent digi cam. spend the rest on a trip to Mexico in the Riviera Maya. Get drunk, get a tan, take lots of pictures. Simple solution.
You worry to much.

[hitech]

My first wife had her ring already picked out. It was $450 (in 1991) and it was cheaper than I expected. However, it was what she wanted, so she got it. But it didn't look like a teenager ring, so... I would let her pick out the ring. If that's what she likes, then why not. It's probably not what I would think looks like a teenager ring anyway.

[Madmarx]

It always feels good to buy something outrageous for your "significant other" (politically correct ), but don't go nuts just to satisfy your vanity. Get her what she wants. She's the one that's going to have to wear it all the time. I showed your first post to my wife and she said your girlfriend was putting you to a test, but after reading the rest of your posts, she said if she really picked out a ring without seeing the price tags then she really picked the one she likes.

Good Luck!

[craltal]

or just put the extra money aside for the cost of the wedding or honeymoon.

[Steelrat]

I was aware of that and actually tried to talk her into a single diamond with an emerald on either side (her birthstone) to make it special to her. She was rather unreceptive to that idea though. I did discuss some custom ideas with her but shes not overly enthralled with the idea. There is a custom show coming up towards the end of the month I am going to go to with her and see if anything jumps out there

No, I meant replace the diamond itself. I hate being a slave to convention. I love Alexandrite stones (the REAL ones, not lab grown) because the color actually changes from a green in daylight to red or pink in incandescent light. It's among the rarest stones, is hard and easy to maintain, and prized among jewelry experts. I also love Tanzenite, it's a gorgeous blue and quite rare, but a little softer and harder to take care of.

I've actually become a bit sick of diamonds. DeBeers has fooled everyone into believing how rare and precious they are, when in fact, emeralds, rubies and the like a much more rare. Diamonds look nice, but the idea that you HAVE to do a diamond gets a bit old. But if your girlfriend is a traditionalist, it has to be a diamond I guess.

Just do a search for Alexandrite and Tanzenite, just to give you an idea. Never hurts.

[Triangle]

Don't make the same mistake twice man.
I hope you know what you're getting into.
Hide the body this time.
Hell, I'll help.




Offtopic-How long have you been seeing her anyway?
And is this the one that led to injured ribs and awesome tractor stories?