Engagement ring advice!?

[valheru]

Ok, I''ve been sweating over buying a surprise engagement ring for my girlfriend (hopefully my soon to be fiancee if all goes well).

My first idea was to go with an oval pink sapphire center stone flanked by two trillion cut diamonds. My problem with this is that I haven''t seen any pink sapphires locally so I have no feel for what the stones actually looks like (I have never seen a nice oval cut pink sapphire, only cheap ones that I definitely would not buy).

I have seen this idea done with a nice blue sapphire by the local tiffany''s, and besides being the wrong color, the ring was overpriced to my best guess ($9400 CDN for a 1.6ct sapphire, .36tw diamonds, F VS1, platinum).

My second idea has been to get a diamond ring with two pear cut ruby sidestones (from bluenile). Something around a 1 ct ideal cut diamond vs2 or si1, F color.

I have fears in regards to going non-standard instead of just buying the classic diamond ring. I flip-flop daily on my decision and have tried to get as much information from my girlfriend as I dare on her likes. She has mentioned that she likes rubies, but it isn''t an out and out preference. Her tastes tend toward elegant.

So, anyone have experience with pink sapphires? Do they make a good center stone for an engagement ring? Can they be brilliant, and are they more so than a darker stone like a ruby?

Any advice and experiences are appreciated!

 

[wen104]

I think that sounds beautiful and I would love to wear that!

That being said the best place to get a nice sapphire with the lots of choices would be The Natural Sapphire Company. They have many choices of colors and shades and even rings that are already done. You can choose the setting , the style and anything else you want. That could be a good starting point. There are several recommended cutters who can cut custom stone such as Jeff White but it all depends on how long you have before you plan on presenting the ring. Custom anything takes a while. Keep looking and I think both choice are good ones. We always advise here again rushing so sneak in some extra talks with her on whether she would rather a diamond or gemstone as the main stone. Good luck and welcome to pricescope

 

[marcy]

There are wonderful pink sapphires out there that would be GORGEOUS as a center stone. Do you have a Shane Co in your local area? Their loose sapphires are marvelous. They are not popular here on PS but some of us have had wonderful experience with them. I have a round sapphire from them that is stunning, clear, bright and sparkly.

There are also many online vendors that would be good sources and I''m sure others will give you their names.

 

[Pandora II]

Date: 3/21/2008 1:54:31 AM
Author:valheru
Ok, I''ve been sweating over buying a surprise engagement ring for my girlfriend (hopefully my soon to be fiancee if all goes well).

My first idea was to go with an oval pink sapphire center stone flanked by two trillion cut diamonds. My problem with this is that I haven''t seen any pink sapphires locally so I have no feel for what the stones actually looks like (I have never seen a nice oval cut pink sapphire, only cheap ones that I definitely would not buy).

I have seen this idea done with a nice blue sapphire by the local tiffany''s, and besides being the wrong color, the ring was overpriced to my best guess ($9400 CDN for a 1.6ct sapphire, .36tw diamonds, F VS1, platinum).

My second idea has been to get a diamond ring with two pear cut ruby sidestones (from bluenile). Something around a 1 ct ideal cut diamond vs2 or si1, F color.

I have fears in regards to going non-standard instead of just buying the classic diamond ring. I flip-flop daily on my decision and have tried to get as much information from my girlfriend as I dare on her likes. She has mentioned that she likes rubies, but it isn''t an out and out preference. Her tastes tend toward elegant.

So, anyone have experience with pink sapphires? Do they make a good center stone for an engagement ring? Can they be brilliant, and are they more so than a darker stone like a ruby?

Any advice and experiences are appreciated!

Welcome to PS!

There are far more variables with coloured stones than you will find with diamonds.

The exact shade of a blue sapphire can drive the price up enormously. Outstanding blue sapphires from Kashmir can go for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

So a 1.6ct sapphire - which is almost certainly good quality being Tiffs, plus the setting and the Tiffany mark-up, the price was probably about right.

As far as a coloured e-ring goes, there are plenty of people here who have them, myself included. In the UK it''s very common to have a coloured e-ring, but elsewhere I would feel that you have to know that that is what you want.

Personally I would be a bit wary having a coloured centre stone unless I knew for certain that that was what she wanted. Colours also look different against different skins. I love the pinks and oranges but they are not a good look on my hand.

The centre diamond with coloured sides is a nice look - I did one for my FSIL with emerald pears on the sides and it was beautiful. Personally, I would have some-one look out some top red spinels for the side-stones rather than ruby. I don''t care for the rather opaque look that a lot of in-expensive ruby has (very fine ruby is extremely expensive - far more than any comparable sized white diamond), but that is a matter of personal taste.

For an e-ring, I would look at the Natural Sapphire Company, Palagems (no prices there but amazing stones) and Cherry Picked for some examples of what is available in terms of colour etc.

I have bought coloured stones through Wink - www.winkjones.com - we discuss what I''m looking for and he has access to more places than I will find looking on line. He sends me details and if I like the sound of something, he will call it in and I get to watch it on Wink TV. I don''t tend to have them sent to me as I''m in the UK - but Canada isn''t so far! I have been more than impressed with every stone.

Gary Dutton, Jeff White, Richard at Art Cut Gems and many others here also have great eyes/stones or can custom cut stones to your specifications.

 

[cnkav]

If you are in Toronto - GTA area, you can go go the Jewellery Exchange on Yonge/ Dundas. Many jewellers/ wholesalers are there, they offers great price and they do beautiful custom works. If you are interested, I can refer you to my jeweller - she is in there as well. Let me know,
Good luck.

 

[mel047]

BF and I are looking at erings together.

I toyed with the idea of a ruby center stone. He wasn''t a fan of the idea and felt that others might see it and not realize it''s an engagement ring (despite my argument that I''d be wearing it on that certain finger). I want him to love it too, so we''re still looking. He''s definitely more traditional than me.

Anyway, point being, you mention that she wants something elegant. I think the biggest issue to address is how traditional/untraditional is she?

 

[E B]

val,

A pink sapphire engagement ring would be gorgeous! As wen said, The Natural Sapphire Company offers settings in addition to stones, and you can choose the color/size of the sidestones. Attached is an example of one of their settings with trillions (to fit an oval).

 

[wen104]

Yum that is perty! EBree that is what I was think when he said trillion and oval. Anyone photo shop friendly, I don''t have it at work!

 

[valheru]

Hi guys,

Thank you for all the advice so far!

To answer some questions raised, I am in Vancouver (not Toronto unfortunately). I have looked at a lot of the jewellery stores here, at least the ones downtown, and was not particularily impressed with their prices, especially in regards to diamonds. Compared to online some stores have quoted prices at about 1.8 times just on the diamond (it was a mall store though).

The tiffany''s stone was very nice, and by overpriced I was referring to what I assumed to be a tiffany''s markup (not sure how much that would be). Are they known to have a particular markup or good prices? The ring was actually very pretty, I just have no sense for how much a colored stone should cost.

A lot of the rings with the idea I am talking about (including from the natural sapphire company which I have just looked at, thanks for the tip!!) use a square or rectangular cut center stone. My guess on this is that an oval stone will be more brilliant, is this true?

I have unfortunately wasted a lot of time flip-flopping on the decision of what to buy so it is probably too late to get something custom (leaving on April 15th to Europe where I will be making the proposal). That being said, are the jewellry stores in London or Paris better in terms of price / selection for buying such a ring? Because I could just buy something there in the limited time that I have.

I would love to let my girlfriend have direct input on the ring but am worried about it making the moment unromantic. I could always propose with a cheap ring and a note saying lets go pick yours out, anyone think that is more or less romantic?

Anyways, thanks again for all the help so far. I really appreciate it and I will be sure to let everyone knows what I finally decide and post some pics of the final ring!

 

[E B]

Date: 3/21/2008 2:54:28 PM
Author: valheru

I would love to let my girlfriend have direct input on the ring but am worried about it making the moment unromantic. I could always propose with a cheap ring and a note saying lets go pick yours out, anyone think that is more or less romantic?

This, this! You get to propose with a sapphire/diamond and she (with your input) gets to choose her perfect ring. It's a win/win situation.

 

[enbcfsobe]

Date: 3/21/2008 3:27:10 PM
Author: EBree

Date: 3/21/2008 2:54:28 PM
Author: valheru

I would love to let my girlfriend have direct input on the ring but am worried about it making the moment unromantic. I could always propose with a cheap ring and a note saying lets go pick yours out, anyone think that is more or less romantic?

This, this! You get to propose with a sapphire/diamond and she (with your input) gets to choose her perfect ring. It''s a win/win situation.

If you go this route, I wouldn''t buy the stone first (it seems like that is what EBree is suggesting), but just do a beatiful, but not very expensive, ring. It should either be something silly and meaningful or something she will wear a lot but just doesn''t have the cost or ''impact'' of a typical ering.

http://www.clay-pot.com/scp_detail_SCP15681__014__JEANINE_PAYER_REESE_RING.html

http://www.clay-pot.com/scp_detail_SCP8606__014__RAY_GRIFFITHS_Round_Citrine_Ring.html

http://www.clay-pot.com/cpw_detail.jsp?item=CPW1661&category=CPWSOLITAIRES


http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10156192

 

[E B]

enb has a point- a temporary ring allows her to help choose the stone and the setting, which is also a good idea.

 

[Fly Girl]

We picked out my e-ring together. Frankly, I think that is the most romantic way to do it, but I just love picking out my own jewelry.

 

[Pandora II]

Date: 3/21/2008 2:54:28 PM
Author: valheru
Hi guys,

Thank you for all the advice so far!

To answer some questions raised, I am in Vancouver (not Toronto unfortunately). I have looked at a lot of the jewellery stores here, at least the ones downtown, and was not particularily impressed with their prices, especially in regards to diamonds. Compared to online some stores have quoted prices at about 1.8 times just on the diamond (it was a mall store though).

The tiffany''s stone was very nice, and by overpriced I was referring to what I assumed to be a tiffany''s markup (not sure how much that would be). Are they known to have a particular markup or good prices? The ring was actually very pretty, I just have no sense for how much a colored stone should cost.

A lot of the rings with the idea I am talking about (including from the natural sapphire company which I have just looked at, thanks for the tip!!) use a square or rectangular cut center stone. My guess on this is that an oval stone will be more brilliant, is this true?

I have unfortunately wasted a lot of time flip-flopping on the decision of what to buy so it is probably too late to get something custom (leaving on April 15th to Europe where I will be making the proposal). That being said, are the jewellry stores in London or Paris better in terms of price / selection for buying such a ring? Because I could just buy something there in the limited time that I have.

I would love to let my girlfriend have direct input on the ring but am worried about it making the moment unromantic. I could always propose with a cheap ring and a note saying lets go pick yours out, anyone think that is more or less romantic?

Anyways, thanks again for all the help so far. I really appreciate it and I will be sure to let everyone knows what I finally decide and post some pics of the final ring!

Unless you want to spend A LOT more than you will in the US, don''t do this! I''m in London, and there is a reason why I buy in the USA (the exchange rate helps I will admit)...

There is an amazing selection in New Bond Street - but we are talking Graff, Tiffany, Moussief etc. I was in the diamond district - Hatton Garden - last week window-shopping coloured stones and wasn''t overly impressed by what I saw especially in terms of cut.

A lot of other European countries don''t do the e-ring thing at all (Italy for example), so you mainly find ''fashion'' jewellery over there. Definitely stick with the US both for quality and price.

I vote for proposing with a cheap ring and then picking the e-ring together. Maybe an eternity ring - which she could then wear for travelling or other places where you don''t want to wear the real thing.

My FI proposed without a ring at all (he knew better

), on the sofa at home and it will always be one of the most magical and romantic moments of my life - and a total surprise! I took so long to design and pick the stone etc for my engagement ring, so I also have a sapphire and diamond eternity band which was my ''place-holder'' for the first few months.

I think it''s much more romantic to pick out or design a ring together, to have the fun of going and trying things on to see what they look like on your hand and perhaps create something unique - also there are quite a few threads on PS from girls who were less than in love with what their SO''s picked out, and it''s a painful business!

An e-ring is a once-in-a-lifetime gift and I think you should put the time that that deserves into it. Plus you will know she has something she loves - and that fits properly!

I believe that the Tiffany mark-up is around the 35% mark...

If you are unsure on buying coloured stones - and only very few come with reports, unlike diamonds - I recommend dealing with some of the PS or PS recommended vendors. I trust them to help me choose a stone as if they were choosing it for a member of their own family - and find me the best they can for my budget.

 

[krisvrn]

Date: 3/21/2008 1:54:31 AM
Author:valheru
Ok, I''ve been sweating over buying a surprise engagement ring for my girlfriend (hopefully my soon to be fiancee if all goes well).


My first idea was to go with an oval pink sapphire center stone flanked by two trillion cut diamonds. My problem with this is that I haven''t seen any pink sapphires locally so I have no feel for what the stones actually looks like (I have never seen a nice oval cut pink sapphire, only cheap ones that I definitely would not buy).


I have seen this idea done with a nice blue sapphire by the local tiffany''s, and besides being the wrong color, the ring was overpriced to my best guess ($9400 CDN for a 1.6ct sapphire, .36tw diamonds, F VS1, platinum).


My second idea has been to get a diamond ring with two pear cut ruby sidestones (from bluenile). Something around a 1 ct ideal cut diamond vs2 or si1, F color.


I have fears in regards to going non-standard instead of just buying the classic diamond ring. I flip-flop daily on my decision and have tried to get as much information from my girlfriend as I dare on her likes. She has mentioned that she likes rubies, but it isn''t an out and out preference. Her tastes tend toward elegant.


So, anyone have experience with pink sapphires? Do they make a good center stone for an engagement ring? Can they be brilliant, and are they more so than a darker stone like a ruby?


Any advice and experiences are appreciated!

Great alternative ideas but make sure your gal is ok with a non diamond center. Some gals would not want that.

 

[Deelight]

I have been helping my BF pick my diamond for the e-ring and it is really romantic. Over here it is not really the done thing but I think it is uber romantic to have input into the item that commemorates your first steps into a completely committed life that ring then truly becomes an expression of the both of you .

A placeholder ring in the meantime is something to consider you could go the eternity band route and later when you take the next step she can use that as a wedding ring if she so choses

GL with your decision