shape
carat
color
clarity

Is 3ct too big for ladies in the mid 30s?

I upgraded from a 2.1 round to a 3 in my mid 30s, so no it's not too big. Speaking from personal experience, a halo (in my case a different cushion stone), a birkin/kelly, is not going to wane your desire for a 3ct. Been there, done both, still got the upgrade.:P2
But at least now you have a fabulous bag to wear with your gorgeous ring!

@skydiamond88 - See, I told you nothing but a bunch of enablers;)2
 
I think that you should get what you want as long as you’re not going into debt or spending beyond your means. Life is too short not to live a little and enjoy non-necessities if that’s what you really want to do.

I enjoy a nice bag too, although I don’t have a Birkin. I do notice nice handbags, but I enjoy jewelry more. I think your husband has good intentions, but I think you should get what makes you happy and not worry about what others will notice.

I’m in my 50s and just now bought a 3 ct. it’s like a lot of other things I waited to do, like lasik for my eyes, I wish I had done it sooner so I could enjoy it longer.
 
I am curious since you just got a bigger stone are you able to upgrade without much of a lose? If not then see about finding a jeweler that allows you to upgrade because you just may be wanting something bigger later on. After saying that, I’m in the upgrade party but I’ve also learned I’m a size whore and my ring has a 4.6ct center stone (I’m 33 and my social circle definitely doesn’t sport that kind of size). I wear it because I love it and I’m comfortable wearing it, if you are comfortable wearing a 3ct then do it.
 
You have the money. You will appreciate it. No one else will notice. There are very few diamond fans out there. The general population only briefly looks at your ring when you are first engaged. That’s it. They don’t care to keep looking. I started with a .9 and now I have a 2.52 and only 5 people in real life cared to notice and comment. Five. And I know a lot of people.
No to the purse. Do the upgrade now. Put the money into the one ring.
 
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If you can easily afford it, why not? I would just be careful where I wear it.
Will definitely stand out. Be aware of your surroundings!
 
@atp223 I LOVE the band you’re wearing with your solitaire. Would you mind sharing where you got it and what mm width it is?
 
@atp223 I LOVE the band you’re wearing with your solitaire. Would you mind sharing where you got it and what mm width it is?

It’s from an etsy shop called Ferko’s Fine Jewelry and is 1 mm wide. I have no idea what quality of diamonds it has, but it was only $300. The prongs are a LITTLE snaggy but overall I’m happy with the quality and the size for its purpose/price (to say “she’s married but I’m not the one who is supposed to shine” ).
 
I am curious since you just got a bigger stone are you able to upgrade without much of a lose? If not then see about finding a jeweler that allows you to upgrade because you just may be wanting something bigger later on. After saying that, I’m in the upgrade party but I’ve also learned I’m a size whore and my ring has a 4.6ct center stone (I’m 33 and my social circle definitely doesn’t sport that kind of size). I wear it because I love it and I’m comfortable wearing it, if you are comfortable wearing a 3ct then do it.

My current one is a super ideal that I can trade in with a 100% value. Hence, I only need to buy a new setting.

Wow a 4.6ct :shock: that would probably be when I am 45 or 50 :D
 
I'm a big advocate of 'do it once, do it properly' - the money we lose in depreciation and extra work during the middle steps can be saved by just going for the biggest / best thing you really want now! Plus prices only ever seem to go up, so it might be 'cheap' now... lol

I upgraded from a 2.1 round to a 3 in my mid 30s, so no it's not too big. Speaking from personal experience, a halo (in my case a different cushion stone), a birkin/kelly, is not going to wane your desire for a 3ct. Been there, done both, still got the upgrade.:P2

You have the money. You will appreciate it. No one else will notice. There are very few diamond fans out there. The general population only briefly looks at your ring when you are first engaged. That’s it. They don’t care to keep looking. I started with a .9 and now I have a 2.52 and only 5 people in real life cared to notice and comment. Five. And I know a lot of people.
No to the purse. Do the upgrade now. Put the money into the one ring.


Exactly, only 1 friend commented about my ring (i went from 1.2ct to 2.06ct). However my ring get compliments everytime I go to jewelry stores like Cartier, Tiffany, etc. I think only people who loves jewelry themselves would notice..

I also feel it's better to put the money into the big upgrade rather than buying a lot of other things just to postpone the craving
 
Wow.. very well said
May I know why you want to sell yours?

@skydiamond88 thanks for reading my post and giving it some thought. If I can help one other person with my tale, well it's well worth it.

I don't want to hijack your original topic. With that said, I am not a "regular" amongst the PS community here, so I ask anyone to take my opinion "with a grain of salt." Guess what I'm trying to say is I am by no means an "expert" in the diamond and jewelry division-smile-I just know me and the life experiences around me.

And at the risk of boring those who already know the story a bit, I'll give you the version, since you asked (which I thank you for). If nothing else, it makes for a good read, I suppose :roll2:

So, my current marriage is my second one (husband's too) and we didn't do the whole "engagement ring" thing...doing that felt silly to us at the time plus we were oldish when we met/engaged-smile. For whatever reasons, in early 2017, I decided I wanted a diamond solitaire for my cancer battle and (what was) my upcoming 60th birthday. I fell in love with CvB designs and somehow found a pre-loved Casablanca Setting on Diamond Bistro. Rather impulsively, I snatched up the pre-loved Casablanca and pursued finding an OEC diamond for its center.

Now, I've never had nice jewelry in my life, nor did my mom or any of the women in my life have beautiful (or any) jewelry. My folks were poor Italian immigrants and that's how I was raised. I do not have much family, nor do I have a large circle of friends. So, I had ZERO idea about how large the Casablanca Setting was and how large a diamond center for it...2.43 OEC...how large and COSTLY that diamond would be!! Most important, I gave zero thought to how SELF-CONSICOUS and UNCOMFORTABLE I'd be wearing so much diamond! How would I know beforehand, right?

I am from humble means and my husband and I are not wealthy. I lived in New York City (Manhattan) for 15 years, which is a different world...lots and lots and lots of wealth. But NYC was my world until we moved to Michigan. I never gave size sensitivity any thought. Never really gave thought to the "wealthier" or affluent folks in NYC and what they donned for jewelry. That wasn't my world but it was "there." The expensive, flashy jewelry looked okay...it's jewelry, right? What's the big deal??? Why would I care about the SIZE of a diamond, right? So, this was embedded in my mind, really...assimilated, I guess.

But I now live in southern Michigan in a small farming community near Ann Arbor. I circle with extremely humble people. I am not affluent, nor is my community or the people in it. But it is an Ann Arbor suburb, so...

I just didn't think things through...never entered my radar.

Immediately, I found myself "hiding" and spinning my ring anytime I wore it. I realized I was very uncomfortable wearing it...anywhere. I felt uncomfortable with the glances & stares I got from others. I felt terribly self-conscious and detested wearing the ring. Plus on my hand, the 2.43 OEC in the Casablanca looked ridiculous...it really did.

So, there goes the Casablanca. Now enter thoughts for a "custom" setting for this gigantic 2.43 OEC which was an absolute disaster and a huge mistake. I thought perhaps OUT of a halo, the 2.43 OEC would be okay, at least that's what I hoped and that's what I was told (although I had STRONG doubts). Wrong!

So, now the 2.43 OEC goes back into the Casablanca and out for sale (which no one wanted). Then I am told, "You know what the problem is...YOU are a MRB person." I'm like, "Okay, I am a MRB person." So, in comes a horrible MRB 'cause I know zero about diamonds, right?

New MRB...disaster. So, the MRB goes as a trade-in to a brick 'n mortar store in Ann Arbor for a beautiful 1.91 OEC for my "custom" setting due to my "size sensitivity" and "what the setting calls for." AS I WRITE THIS STUFF NOW, IT SOUNDS RIDICULOUS!

So, the new 1.91 OEC while precious also did not work in the CvB setting. Part of the problem was the setting, part of it was the ill fit of the 1.91 OEC in the custom CvB setting...too small.

So, out with the custom CvB setting (on consignment with Erica @LAD), out with the first 2.43 OEC (on consignment with Erica @LAD), gone is the Casablanca (sold). Gone is the 2.10 MRB. And now I have a 1.91 OEC and no setting, an annoyed husband and we're $29,000 poorer.

I take full responsibility for all of this and I feel awful. I was clueless about how uncomfortable I'd be at this time in my life sporting so much bling. People scoff at me when I tell them this but it's true. No "Diamond Shrinkage Syndrome" here. I guess a big beautiful diamond solitaire ring is just not that important to me any more. It's just not who I am, or where I am at this point in my life.

I guess IRL, I am very private and quite self-conscious. I don't want jewelry, or other outward displays to represent or define me. I hope you understand. It's just not for me.

I love diamonds and diamond stuff, love looking at it and I admire & adore beautiful diamond jewelry on others...just don't need to own it and certainly don't want to wear (a lot of) it right now. Life changes. :oops:

Sigh...brevity is also not one of my strong suits...apologies.
 
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Go for it!...nothing is more important than diamonds! :wink2:
 
I think I got my 3ct in my late thirties. Loved it and wish I'd kept it (sold to a friend, but now regret). I also have Birkins and Kellys. A lot of ladies where I live have these handbags but sport smaller diamonds. I used to know this girl in her early 30's who had like 30 Hermes bags but wore a 1ct+ diamond. I don't know why - it's all down to personal preferences. But I would personally spend the money on bling, if I had to choose btw that and a handbag. Handbags, you can always buy later.

I suspect if you went to a handbag forum, they'd prob tell you to do the opposite.

I am of no help!:lol:

PS. my finger size is 4.
 
@skydiamond88 thanks for reading my post and giving it some thought. If I can help one other person with my tale, well it's well worth it.

I don't want to hijack your original topic. With that said, I am not a "regular" amongst the PS community here, so I ask anyone to take my opinion "with a grain of salt." Guess what I'm trying to say is I am by no means an "expert" in the diamond and jewelry division-smile-I just know me and the life experiences around me.

And at the risk of boring those who already know the story a bit, I'll give you the version, since you asked (which I thank you for). If nothing else, it makes for a good read, I suppose :roll2:

So, my current marriage is my second one (husband's too) and we didn't do the whole "engagement ring" thing...doing that felt silly to us at the time plus we were oldish when we met/engaged-smile. For whatever reasons, in early 2017, I decided I wanted a diamond solitaire for my cancer battle and (what was) my upcoming 60th birthday. I fell in love with CvB designs and somehow found a pre-loved Casablanca Setting on Diamond Bistro. Rather impulsively, I snatched up the pre-loved Casablanca and pursued finding an OEC diamond for its center.

Now, I've never had nice jewelry in my life, nor did my mom or any of the women in my life have beautiful (or any) jewelry. My folks were poor Italian immigrants and that's how I was raised. I do not have much family, nor do I have a large circle of friends. So, I had ZERO idea about how large the Casablanca Setting was and how large a diamond center for it...2.43 OEC...how large and COSTLY that diamond would be!! Most important, I gave zero thought to how SELF-CONSICOUS and UNCOMFORTABLE I'd be wearing so much diamond! How would I know beforehand, right?

I am from humble means and my husband and I are not wealthy. I lived in New York City (Manhattan) for 15 years, which is a different world...lots and lots and lots of wealth. But NYC was my world until we moved to Michigan. I never gave size sensitivity any thought. Never really gave thought to the "wealthier" or affluent folks in NYC and what they donned for jewelry. That wasn't my world but it was "there." The expensive, flashy jewelry looked okay...it's jewelry, right? What's the big deal??? Why would I care about the SIZE of a diamond, right? So, this was embedded in my mind, really...assimilated, I guess.

But I now live in southern Michigan in a small farming community near Ann Arbor. I circle with extremely humble people. I am not affluent, nor is my community or the people in it. But it is an Ann Arbor suburb, so...

I just didn't think things through...never entered my radar.

Immediately, I found myself "hiding" and spinning my ring anytime I wore it. I realized I was very uncomfortable wearing it...anywhere. I felt uncomfortable with the glances & stares I got from others. I felt terribly self-conscious and detested wearing the ring. Plus on my hand, the 2.43 OEC in the Casablanca looked ridiculous...it really did.

So, there goes the Casablanca. Now enter thoughts for a "custom" setting for this gigantic 2.43 OEC which was an absolute disaster and a huge mistake. I thought perhaps OUT of a halo, the 2.43 OEC would be okay, at least that's what I hoped and that's what I was told (although I had STRONG doubts). Wrong!

So, now the 2.43 OEC goes back into the Casablanca and out for sale (which no one wanted). Then I am told, "You know what the problem is...YOU are a MRB person." I'm like, "Okay, I am a MRB person." So, in comes a horrible MRB 'cause I know zero about diamonds, right?

New MRB...disaster. So, the MRB goes as a trade-in to a brick 'n mortar store in Ann Arbor for a beautiful 1.91 OEC for my "custom" setting due to my "size sensitivity" and "what the setting calls for." AS I WRITE THIS STUFF NOW, IT SOUNDS RIDICULOUS!

So, the new 1.91 OEC while precious also did not work in the CvB setting. Part of the problem was the setting, part of it was the ill fit of the 1.91 OEC in the custom CvB setting...too small.

So, out with the custom CvB setting (on consignment with Erica @LAD), out with the first 2.43 OEC (on consignment with Erica @LAD), gone is the Casablanca (sold). Gone is the 2.10 MRB. And now I have a 1.91 OEC and no setting, an annoyed husband and we're $29,000 poorer.

I take full responsibility for all of this and I feel awful. I was clueless about how uncomfortable I'd be at this time in my life sporting so much bling. People scoff at me when I tell them this but it's true. No "Diamond Shrinkage Syndrome" here. I guess a big beautiful diamond solitaire ring is just not that important to me any more. It's just not who I am, or where I am at this point in my life.

I guess IRL, I am very private and quite self-conscious. I don't want jewelry, or other outward displays to represent or define me. I hope you understand. It's just not for me.

I love diamonds and diamond stuff, love looking at it and I admire & adore beautiful diamond jewelry on others...just don't need to own it and certainly don't want to wear (a lot of) it right now. Life changes. :oops:

Sigh...brevity is also not one of my strong suits...apologies.
Thank you for sharing.
 
@skydiamond88 thanks for reading my post and giving it some thought. If I can help one other person with my tale, well it's well worth it.

I don't want to hijack your original topic. With that said, I am not a "regular" amongst the PS community here, so I ask anyone to take my opinion "with a grain of salt." Guess what I'm trying to say is I am by no means an "expert" in the diamond and jewelry division-smile-I just know me and the life experiences around me.

And at the risk of boring those who already know the story a bit, I'll give you the version, since you asked (which I thank you for). If nothing else, it makes for a good read, I suppose :roll2:

So, my current marriage is my second one (husband's too) and we didn't do the whole "engagement ring" thing...doing that felt silly to us at the time plus we were oldish when we met/engaged-smile. For whatever reasons, in early 2017, I decided I wanted a diamond solitaire for my cancer battle and (what was) my upcoming 60th birthday. I fell in love with CvB designs and somehow found a pre-loved Casablanca Setting on Diamond Bistro. Rather impulsively, I snatched up the pre-loved Casablanca and pursued finding an OEC diamond for its center.

Now, I've never had nice jewelry in my life, nor did my mom or any of the women in my life have beautiful (or any) jewelry. My folks were poor Italian immigrants and that's how I was raised. I do not have much family, nor do I have a large circle of friends. So, I had ZERO idea about how large the Casablanca Setting was and how large a diamond center for it...2.43 OEC...how large and COSTLY that diamond would be!! Most important, I gave zero thought to how SELF-CONSICOUS and UNCOMFORTABLE I'd be wearing so much diamond! How would I know beforehand, right?

I am from humble means and my husband and I are not wealthy. I lived in New York City (Manhattan) for 15 years, which is a different world...lots and lots and lots of wealth. But NYC was my world until we moved to Michigan. I never gave size sensitivity any thought. Never really gave thought to the "wealthier" or affluent folks in NYC and what they donned for jewelry. That wasn't my world but it was "there." The expensive, flashy jewelry looked okay...it's jewelry, right? What's the big deal??? Why would I care about the SIZE of a diamond, right? So, this was embedded in my mind, really...assimilated, I guess.

But I now live in southern Michigan in a small farming community near Ann Arbor. I circle with extremely humble people. I am not affluent, nor is my community or the people in it. But it is an Ann Arbor suburb, so...

I just didn't think things through...never entered my radar.

Immediately, I found myself "hiding" and spinning my ring anytime I wore it. I realized I was very uncomfortable wearing it...anywhere. I felt uncomfortable with the glances & stares I got from others. I felt terribly self-conscious and detested wearing the ring. Plus on my hand, the 2.43 OEC in the Casablanca looked ridiculous...it really did.

So, there goes the Casablanca. Now enter thoughts for a "custom" setting for this gigantic 2.43 OEC which was an absolute disaster and a huge mistake. I thought perhaps OUT of a halo, the 2.43 OEC would be okay, at least that's what I hoped and that's what I was told (although I had STRONG doubts). Wrong!

So, now the 2.43 OEC goes back into the Casablanca and out for sale (which no one wanted). Then I am told, "You know what the problem is...YOU are a MRB person." I'm like, "Okay, I am a MRB person." So, in comes a horrible MRB 'cause I know zero about diamonds, right?

New MRB...disaster. So, the MRB goes as a trade-in to a brick 'n mortar store in Ann Arbor for a beautiful 1.91 OEC for my "custom" setting due to my "size sensitivity" and "what the setting calls for." AS I WRITE THIS STUFF NOW, IT SOUNDS RIDICULOUS!

So, the new 1.91 OEC while precious also did not work in the CvB setting. Part of the problem was the setting, part of it was the ill fit of the 1.91 OEC in the custom CvB setting...too small.

So, out with the custom CvB setting (on consignment with Erica @LAD), out with the first 2.43 OEC (on consignment with Erica @LAD), gone is the Casablanca (sold). Gone is the 2.10 MRB. And now I have a 1.91 OEC and no setting, an annoyed husband and we're $29,000 poorer.

I take full responsibility for all of this and I feel awful. I was clueless about how uncomfortable I'd be at this time in my life sporting so much bling. People scoff at me when I tell them this but it's true. No "Diamond Shrinkage Syndrome" here. I guess a big beautiful diamond solitaire ring is just not that important to me any more. It's just not who I am, or where I am at this point in my life.

I guess IRL, I am very private and quite self-conscious. I don't want jewelry, or other outward displays to represent or define me. I hope you understand. It's just not for me.

I love diamonds and diamond stuff, love looking at it and I admire & adore beautiful diamond jewelry on others...just don't need to own it and certainly don't want to wear (a lot of) it right now. Life changes. :oops:

Sigh...brevity is also not one of my strong suits...apologies.
Thank you for sharing your life story !! It’s very touching and gives live prospective . I am sure you will sell that last stone and invest money in something what makes you happy !nice vacation -help others -purchase some great memories :love:
 
I think 3ct would be nice on a finger your size. Where I am living now 3cts is the entry, I regularly see diamonds which I would guess are 5-8cts as the center stones. No one really pays anyones jewelry much mind outside of the initial "congratulations on your engagement" talk.
If your hubby thinks you ought to have a new handbag he could always get you one as a very fancy gift bag to wrap the new ring.
 
I'm almost 60 and I still don't have a 3ct on my finger or any diamond for that matter. ;(
 
Rather than get an in between stone that won’t scratch your itch, I say go for it. You get to enjoy the stone for a longer period of time rather than wait for a few years...
 
I think it’s a matter of pacing rather than size. Since your DH just upgraded your ring to 2cts just a few months ago, maybe next year feels too soon to go up to 3. I would aim for the next approaching milestone, whether it’s a 10th wedding anniversary, a job promotion or your 40th, whichever comes first!
 
Hi everyone,

Last weekend, I tried on a 3.1 ct ring at Tiffany and I could not stop thinking of it. I did not know that a 3ct would look that much larger than a 2ct. I'm a size 4 and my current e-ring is a 2.06ct diamond which my husband just upgraded for me a few months ago and he thinks it is a decent size for me. I brought up the idea to him that I would want to upgrade to a 3ct diamond for my 35th birthday next year, but he thinks that with our age sporting a 3ct diamond may seem a bit too much. He said maybe when I'm 40 it would be a good time to upgrade again.

What do you think? does a 3ct seem too much for ladies in the mid 30s?

Heck no. If that's the size (and quality) you want and can afford I say go for it. That's right. My motto is "Go big or go home" (if one can afford to of course and big is relative) and enjoy the heck out of your gorgeous new diamond.:kiss2::appl:
 
Idk if you mentioned it, but would you be compromising color or clarity or cut to go bigger? Bc that would also factor in for me. Or would you also be upgrading those? I don’t know your rings stats.
 
@SimoneDi I think my next upgrade has to be a 3ct or else I will waste more money on a setting of a 2.5ct knowing I will change it to a 3ct as soon as I could. Esp since I've tried that 3.1ct Tiffany ring (which looked substantially larger than a 2.5ct ring I tried there as well). I definitely want a 3ct next :D

Here is a picture of my current ring.

IMG_0684.JPG

Beautiful ring! Sometimes you can change the head of the setting to fit a different size without having to replace the entire setting, which is why I suggested going up in size gradually. Nonetheless, I absolutely know what you mean - the heart wants what the heart wants ;)
 
@skydiamond88 - do what makes me happy! If you can swing it and it would make you happy, do it! I don’t thing age has a relationship to diamond size. You do you! And I agree that you should spend to get what you want as stop gap measures rarely end up making the person or the wallet happy - at least on this forum!

@tlfiore - thanks for sharing your story. I also do not suffer from diamond shrinkage syndrome and when I wear bigger bling, I also sometimes spin it around in certain situations as not to draw attention to myself. Honestly, even some of my smaller stuff makes me self conscious and as much as I love looking at bling, wearing much of it really isn’t me. My point is that I am sympathetic and empathetic to your story. My husband and I have no children but we’ll enjoy passing down the jewels I do have to nieces and nephews.
 
You can comfortably afford the upgrade so why wait if it is what you want? A diamond is really no different than any luxury item. It is bought for pleasure and if a 3 carat pleases you then it seems like a great idea.
 
HI:

In truth I wish I had gotten my 5 carat (6.25 ctw) ring for my 10th anniversary not my 20th. Rock it as early as possible!! lol

cheers--Sharon
 
I went from 2.02 ct (8.0 mm) to a 2.43 ct (8.7 mm) before even getting my engagement ring at 33, then upgrading to a 3.3 ct (9.8 mm) at age 36 after baby. To me, diamond size really isn't an "age appropriate" thing... so if you want to get the big upgrade now, then do it! ;)
 
@Phoenix Thanks for sharing! I adore Holly and I am aiming for a F VS2 as well for my next 3ct upgrade although with the jump in price I think I may need to lower the spec to F/G VS2/SI1.

Btw, I think I read it before that you were in one if the big 4 when you wore your 3ct? I was working in one of the big 4 in Singapore as well when I was just graduated but it was in 2002-2004. Your 3ct ring must have caught a lot of attention =)2

Re getting diamond vs kellys and birkins, well getting these bags are so hard and prices have never gone down. Ppl can even make a big profit from selling its 2nd hand so my husband think it's a much better investment than diamond. But I feel wearing a diamond gives me a different kind of sarisfaction and happiness. Wish me luck in getting a permission to upgrade my ring soon from my husband :D

I think I got my 3ct in my late thirties. Loved it and wish I'd kept it (sold to a friend, but now regret). I also have Birkins and Kellys. A lot of ladies where I live have these handbags but sport smaller diamonds. I used to know this girl in her early 30's who had like 30 Hermes bags but wore a 1ct+ diamond. I don't know why - it's all down to personal preferences. But I would personally spend the money on bling, if I had to choose btw that and a handbag. Handbags, you can always buy later.

I suspect if you went to a handbag forum, they'd prob tell you to do the opposite.

I am of no help!:lol:

PS. my finger size is 4.
 
I think it’s a matter of pacing rather than size. Since your DH just upgraded your ring to 2cts just a few months ago, maybe next year feels too soon to go up to 3. I would aim for the next approaching milestone, whether it’s a 10th wedding anniversary, a job promotion or your 40th, whichever comes first!

Exactly! I think it's the pace of just getting my 2ct upgrade a few months back to another 3ct upgrade (hopefully next year) which makes me feel guilty and selfish.

My husband does mention a 10th wedding anniversary (which is in 4 years) but like @icy_jade @canuk-gal @msop04 @LisaRN @Dancing Fire and everyone else here said: might as well do it sooner so I can enjoy it longer. Hahaha.. i think eventually I will need my DH to give a green light though so wish me luck
 
Thank you so much for being open and to share your story @tlfiore
I hope everything will fall into place for you and although it is probably not the happy ending you wished for, i hope you will be able to move on from this as a stronger person.

@skydiamond88 thanks for reading my post and giving it some thought. If I can help one other person with my tale, well it's well worth it.

I don't want to hijack your original topic. With that said, I am not a "regular" amongst the PS community here, so I ask anyone to take my opinion "with a grain of salt." Guess what I'm trying to say is I am by no means an "expert" in the diamond and jewelry division-smile-I just know me and the life experiences around me.

And at the risk of boring those who already know the story a bit, I'll give you the version, since you asked (which I thank you for). If nothing else, it makes for a good read, I suppose :roll2:

So, my current marriage is my second one (husband's too) and we didn't do the whole "engagement ring" thing...doing that felt silly to us at the time plus we were oldish when we met/engaged-smile. For whatever reasons, in early 2017, I decided I wanted a diamond solitaire for my cancer battle and (what was) my upcoming 60th birthday. I fell in love with CvB designs and somehow found a pre-loved Casablanca Setting on Diamond Bistro. Rather impulsively, I snatched up the pre-loved Casablanca and pursued finding an OEC diamond for its center.

Now, I've never had nice jewelry in my life, nor did my mom or any of the women in my life have beautiful (or any) jewelry. My folks were poor Italian immigrants and that's how I was raised. I do not have much family, nor do I have a large circle of friends. So, I had ZERO idea about how large the Casablanca Setting was and how large a diamond center for it...2.43 OEC...how large and COSTLY that diamond would be!! Most important, I gave zero thought to how SELF-CONSICOUS and UNCOMFORTABLE I'd be wearing so much diamond! How would I know beforehand, right?

I am from humble means and my husband and I are not wealthy. I lived in New York City (Manhattan) for 15 years, which is a different world...lots and lots and lots of wealth. But NYC was my world until we moved to Michigan. I never gave size sensitivity any thought. Never really gave thought to the "wealthier" or affluent folks in NYC and what they donned for jewelry. That wasn't my world but it was "there." The expensive, flashy jewelry looked okay...it's jewelry, right? What's the big deal??? Why would I care about the SIZE of a diamond, right? So, this was embedded in my mind, really...assimilated, I guess.

But I now live in southern Michigan in a small farming community near Ann Arbor. I circle with extremely humble people. I am not affluent, nor is my community or the people in it. But it is an Ann Arbor suburb, so...

I just didn't think things through...never entered my radar.

Immediately, I found myself "hiding" and spinning my ring anytime I wore it. I realized I was very uncomfortable wearing it...anywhere. I felt uncomfortable with the glances & stares I got from others. I felt terribly self-conscious and detested wearing the ring. Plus on my hand, the 2.43 OEC in the Casablanca looked ridiculous...it really did.

So, there goes the Casablanca. Now enter thoughts for a "custom" setting for this gigantic 2.43 OEC which was an absolute disaster and a huge mistake. I thought perhaps OUT of a halo, the 2.43 OEC would be okay, at least that's what I hoped and that's what I was told (although I had STRONG doubts). Wrong!

So, now the 2.43 OEC goes back into the Casablanca and out for sale (which no one wanted). Then I am told, "You know what the problem is...YOU are a MRB person." I'm like, "Okay, I am a MRB person." So, in comes a horrible MRB 'cause I know zero about diamonds, right?

New MRB...disaster. So, the MRB goes as a trade-in to a brick 'n mortar store in Ann Arbor for a beautiful 1.91 OEC for my "custom" setting due to my "size sensitivity" and "what the setting calls for." AS I WRITE THIS STUFF NOW, IT SOUNDS RIDICULOUS!

So, the new 1.91 OEC while precious also did not work in the CvB setting. Part of the problem was the setting, part of it was the ill fit of the 1.91 OEC in the custom CvB setting...too small.

So, out with the custom CvB setting (on consignment with Erica @LAD), out with the first 2.43 OEC (on consignment with Erica @LAD), gone is the Casablanca (sold). Gone is the 2.10 MRB. And now I have a 1.91 OEC and no setting, an annoyed husband and we're $29,000 poorer.

I take full responsibility for all of this and I feel awful. I was clueless about how uncomfortable I'd be at this time in my life sporting so much bling. People scoff at me when I tell them this but it's true. No "Diamond Shrinkage Syndrome" here. I guess a big beautiful diamond solitaire ring is just not that important to me any more. It's just not who I am, or where I am at this point in my life.

I guess IRL, I am very private and quite self-conscious. I don't want jewelry, or other outward displays to represent or define me. I hope you understand. It's just not for me.

I love diamonds and diamond stuff, love looking at it and I admire & adore beautiful diamond jewelry on others...just don't need to own it and certainly don't want to wear (a lot of) it right now. Life changes. :oops:

Sigh...brevity is also not one of my strong suits...apologies.
 
Idk if you mentioned it, but would you be compromising color or clarity or cut to go bigger? Bc that would also factor in for me. Or would you also be upgrading those? I don’t know your rings stats.

My current eRing is a 2.06ct E so I don't think I can upgrade in terms of spec.
I'm very color sensitive and my husband is even more so (he was the one who insisted on getting me an E) but given the price jump to a 3ct i am aiming for a F/G VS2/SI1 (totally eye clean)
 
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