Getting details

[RockyTop]

I have learned so much reading through these forums. In fact, that is part of the problem. I now have a very deep appreciation for the wide variety and many different attributes of diamonds. However, I am having a hard time finding out what exact my GF wants. When I bring it up, I get general statements about a square cut and a solitare setting. She seems mainly interested in size, but I think that cut seems very important especially in a solitare. I have a budget of ~5k.

Does anyone have a suggestion on getting more information without bringing her to pick out the ring?

What is a a reasonable tradeoff of cut and carat weight that I can find in my budget?

Thank you.

 

[JohnQuixote]

Hi Rocky Top.

Glad you are enjoying PriceScope! Here are some thoughts on how to find out without her finding out.

#1: Ways to discover what she likes.

Take note of what metal she wears. Platinum? White Gold? Gold? You can get the best ideas for taste by looking at what she wears now (all the time, not what sits in her jewelry box). As for style, see if it's classic or contemporary and that may give you setting ideas.

Go on a sly shopping trip. Tell her you're looking for something for your mother (Christmas is coming), and be sure to pause at the engagement ring counter. See what piques her interest.

If you plan ahead, maybe even get a salesperson in on it, and when you "happen by" that person could perform an impromptu "in-store survey" as to what her preference is in e-ring styles. You could even walk away and let the salesperson take notes, then return for the info later! Be up-front about what you're doing with the salesperson, and if you are not going to buy on the spot don't deceive them. Of course, if you were to set this up it will be nice to do something for your salesperson/accomplice, whether you purchase your final ring from him/her or not.

#2: Enlist help.

If her mother or sister know your intentions you could ask them to find out what she wants. Same thing with a trusted friend. BEWARE - secrets are hard to keep amongst family and friends, and even if they don't tell her directly, the "circle of gossip" could burn you...

#3: Be practical.

If she's very active or works with her hands a lot you may not want to mount a stone high (it can catch on things). Again, check her daily-wear jewelry. As for looks, GO FOR WHAT SHE WANTS... But understand that a long diamond (oval, pear, marquis) can make short fingers look sleek - but don't overdo it because it might wind up having the opposite effect. Similarly, wide bands make fingers appear shorter than they are. Women with long fingers can easily wear bold ring styles but a setting that's extremely delicate could get lost on large hands (over-emphasizing their size).

 

[JohnQuixote]

I found some info on finding out her ring size, posted on PS some time ago by bbb

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Make an Impression
If she’s in the habit of leaving any of her rings lying about, make an impression of one. A bar of soap, a piece of clay or even a piece of bread can be used to take a reliable measurement.

Put it in Writing
You could even trace the inside of the ring on a piece of paper which the jeweler can then use to determine an accurate measurement.

Try it on for Size
Simpler still, just put one of her rings on your own fingers. Push it down as far as it will go and then mark the spot with a pen. Then just show the marking to your jeweler who can measure it for you.

What are Friends For
A friend of the soon-to-be bride’s can be of great assistance in this particular endeavor. It’s not uncommon for one friend to ask another for their ring size as a matter of curiosity. Just be sure you choose a friend who can keep a secret.

The Real Thing
If you can bring one of her rings to the jeweler without arousing any suspicion, this will probably be the safest course of action. Offer to take her jewelry to be cleaned and have the jeweler measure her ring at the same time."

i have heard that platinum is more difficult to resize than gold - don't know how true that is

good luck in your endeavours
- - - - -

 

[RockyTop]

Thanks for the sizing advice.
She doesn''t have a ton of jewelry and I have bought most of it. (of course, she has told me that she loved it, but I figured that is a biased opinion)

I did buy her a ring (non-engagement) so I know her size and that she prefers white gold.

I was actually looking for some advice from experience on how to figure out on which of the four Cs that she will appreciate. Additionally, there seem to be many square shapes (princess, radiant, asscher, and then branded ones such as Dream, etc...) I just don''t know how to figure out which one she would prefer without dragging her all over town and giving away the fact that I was about to buy a ring.