Going ring shopping.. for the first time!

[juliebaboolie]

Ladies!
I have been a LIW for AGES.. and the time has FINALLY come to start shopping for a ring. My boyfriend and I have been together for over 4 years now and he finally has asked me to go and check out rings with him this weekend! EKSKSK! I am so excited! I know it isn''t the most "traditional" way to go about things, but I know he wants to make sure I am happy!

Any suggestions on how to go about this? Has anyone else done this before? How do I tell him what I want without sounding too "greedy"?!?! I just want everything to be perfect.

Help or suggestions from anyone out there that has done this type of unconventional ring browsing, as a couple, before the actual engagement would be very helpful!

 

[LabRatPhD]

My fiance and I went ring shopping together and I picked out my own ring. I think the best thing to do is to be clear about a budget before you go. This way, you can both be comfortable when looking at rings within the budget. I would also try on all diamond shapes on your finger so that you can see what looks good on your hand.

Congrats on getting to this stage and have fun!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/4/2010 3:54:51 PM
Author:juliebaboolie
Ladies!
I have been a LIW for AGES.. and the time has FINALLY come to start shopping for a ring. My boyfriend and I have been together for over 4 years now and he finally has asked me to go and check out rings with him this weekend! EKSKSK! I am so excited! I know it isn't the most 'traditional' way to go about things, but I know he wants to make sure I am happy!

Any suggestions on how to go about this? Has anyone else done this before? How do I tell him what I want without sounding too 'greedy'?!?! I just want everything to be perfect.

Help or suggestions from anyone out there that has done this type of unconventional ring browsing, as a couple, before the actual engagement would be very helpful!

Hi Julie!

Congratulations on your exciting news! Just have fun and try on as many different shapes as you can unless you are absolutely sure of what you want such as a round diamond, but it can sometimes be enlightening to try on different shapes nevertheless as it can happen that you think you want say a round but you try on a Princess and love it. Has your BF discussed budget with you? It might be helpful if you could get some idea of what he wants to spend if you can, that way you can maybe prioritize in order to get what you want.

Some suggestions; if you want to maximize size for the budget, look at G H or I colour which are GIA or AGS graded and VS to SI clarity if eyeclean. That should get you the most ' bang for the buck.' If you want a step cut such as Asscher or Emerald Cut then a higher clarity of VS and above is often needed as these shapes can show inclusions more easily, likewise with colour but again the above range would still look very white.

Cut quality; depends on your preference but if you are going for a round diamond then you don't have to have a top cut h&a in order to have a pretty stone, sometimes a fine make cut can be perfect and result in a beautiful diamond. If you are unsure, go and compare some diamonds in person and view some top cuts such as AGS0 Peerless brand from Jareds if you have one closeby or alternatively, Hearts on Fire if there is a dealer near you. This would give you a base of comparison with stones of known cut quality when looking. You can also run your selections through the Holloway Cut Advisor to help narrow things down and also post all the proportions and info of any of your selections here so we can advise.

Hope this helps and have fun!

 

[juliebaboolie]

I have had my heart set on a cusion cut diamond... I am from Canada and it doesn''t seem to be as common. However, I certainly know that anything can be custom ordered.

I have tried on rounds and princess cuts, but never have I had a cusion on - so hopefully there is some success in finding one this weekend!

 

[winternight]

Congrats! Shopping for rings is the best! But a little stressful. I think its really key to discuss budget, it doesn''t sound romantic, but honestly finances are something you''ll have to discuss from now on so its good practice. You should have a sense of what things might cost in my opinion just so that you look without starting off with something waay over budget then gushing about how its perfect. Take your time and enjoy the process!

 

[spoogenet]

Congratulations and I totally understand your enthusiasm. It may not be traditional, but hey who cares? Just make sure you enjoy the process together and start your own traditions.

Now, for the tougher part, I''d recommend trying to mask some of your enthusiasm while at the stores. Enthusiastic customers sometimes invite unwanted behavior from salespeople, such as being even more pushy or trying to take you down a path you may not yet be ready for.

Have a look at different types, go to different stores to see their different selections, both big name brand and smaller independents. I''ve been to some who custom make their own settings and that was pretty enlightening to see some of the different designs he can make.

Above all, have fun and remain patient, the search can take much longer than a weekend. Remember that what''s perfect to you will be different than the next person.

b

 

[puravida]

I would suggest you take your time......I wouldn''t have had it any other way than to shop for the ring with my BF. In fact, I''ve done all the research but he has been patient along the way. In a way I think he appreciates that I''m doing the research bc a) then he doesn''t have to and b) then he will be happy knowing that I got exactly what I want.

I am fron Canada too. At first I poo pooed the idea of buying a stone online. But after finding PS and learning about stones and online vendors, the online prices make the B&M stores look like a joke. I can''t even find a well cut diamond locally to even try on! And good luck finding AGS stones, which is something I was after.

I woujld say don''t have your hear t set on finding something this weekend. It''ll take time. Maybe you will find something you love and then sleep on it and decide maybe you''d prefer something else. Try on as many as you can and then wait a few days/weeks and then go try them on again. Also take a look at the photos people post here as they are a good inspiration. You can also search for settings online to narrow down the ones you''d want to try on.

About sounding too greedy....just ask him what his budget is. Ask him what he''d feel comfortable spending. You SHOULD be able talk about money. I mean, if you plan on getting married, the topic about how much he wants to spend should not be taboo. If the amount is lower than you expected, then offer to pitch in. He may say no at first but talk it over and let him know that you are fine with it (if you are) and that you''d rather chip in a bit of money now than have to get something you''re not in love with or have to upgrade later. I have absolutely no problem chipping in for my stone and setting. In fact, since what I want is more than what I would feel comfortable with my BF spending on his own, I would refuse him to buy what I have my eye on without my chipping in.

Good luck!

 

[spoogenet]

I also agree that you should be able to talk about the budget with him, if that''s something you''d like to do. I would not at all mind if my fiancee wanted to set a budget with me. I did spend more than she would have spent on herself, and part of this is because I wanted to give her something nicer than she would have gotten for herself. Generally we''re practical and frugal with the finances, but I wanted to go that extra mile for her.

b

 

[oneandahalfrock]

I know I''m just echoing the other ladies but you have some sound advice so far;
-Establish your budget before you go shopping and STICK TO IT!
-Don''t be afraid to ''window shop'', you may find a better selection online, but you want to make sure know how things look before you commit to a shape/size (especially if you end up buying online).
-Maybe do an early round (day before) with a female friend so you have a better idea of what you''re looking for when you go shopping with him
-HAVE FUN! as much as we stress over these things, it''s a piece of jewelry in the end- a symbol for your love yes, but nothing to lose sleep over