Just Curious

[Apollo]

I''m new to PS but i have been reading through posts a lot lately. A little background, my BF and I have been dating for almost a year now (next month will be 1 year) and we''ve been talking a lot about getting engaged. We know that we want to get married, he''s even talked about where and when. A couple nights ago we went and tried on some rings so I can show him what i like and don''t like. BTW I thought for sure I wanted a split shank ring similar to Union Square by Daniel K but now I''m sold on a RB solitaire.
Anyway, what i am curious about is how many of you didn''t buy a loose diamond from WF or GOG. It just seems like alot of people did that. I just don''t think my BF is the type to order a loose diamond on the internet and then wait for it to be set into a custom setting. Don''t get me wrong...I''m all for the idea. But I think he just wants to learn enough about diamonds and then walk into a nice, reputable jewelery store and pick something out that''s already set and ready to go.
Tell me what your FI''s did.....

 

[caligal]

Hayyo- Oh you''ll get a ton of great info here! I think many of us thought the same, but just look at the Show me the ring forum and notice all the beautiful work that has been done there- and you might change your mind! Good luck!

 

[larussel03]

Hi there and welcome

You most definately do not have to buy your diamond online, although it is often the best bet price wise as I''ve heard (we''re inheriting a diamond so we''re not buying on online or otherwise. Buying online usually requires a little more knowledge that you gain on your own (although many vendors are on PS and happy to PM and give advice, online or on the phone), and buying at a store does require knowledge but the jeweler can help educate you in person as well. Online you may get a better deal, since many vendors do not have to deal with the overhead that regular stores do have to deal with. Maybe you can refer him to this forum, and he can chat with some of our diamond experts and gain enough confidence to find a diamond online. You can do it however you want : )

Def check out the show me the ring to get some ideas on what you''d like though : )

Good luck!

 

[AChiOAlumna]

We didn''t buy our stone or setting online and are very happy with the results. You can get a lot of information here about the pros and cons of buying online and make an educated decision for yourself. Welcome to the boards!

 

[Caribou]

Welcome Hayyo

My fiance didn''t buy our diamond on line, he bought it from a recommended jeweler, here in MI, who he had also make my ring. I got more than what we had originally looked at when we went shopping together. I love my ring it''s perfect.

BTW, my fiance will be together for 1 year next month too!!!

 

[goldengirl]

If you don''t want to wait for a custom setting, just go with a standard setting... a simple solitaire like you mentioned is usually in stock. Unless the ring at the jewelry store is already in your size, you have to wait for it to be sized, anyway. Some jewelers can do it the same day, but most are a 1-3 day wait.

I picked a diamond and a solitaire from Whiteflash. They set it, sized it, and shipped it the same day. They mail overnight, so I had it the next afternoon. I think that''s pretty dang fast, and I got a MUCH better stone than I would have at a local jeweler.

I know you asked for experiences from people who DIDN''T buy from WF or GOG, but I thought I''d throw it in anyway.

 

[appletini]

We live in the same city as WF for us it was the best of both, because we could in person and view the invenory online. The customer service cannot be beat.

 

[Incisor]

Bought the diamond over the phone as the jeweler in question website is just for advertising the kind of stone I wanted. I must say the Solasfera stone I bought is always almost the same so I wasa very confident buying from 5000km away. You can send a diamond back many times for the money you save from mall shops.

 

[Rhapsody]

If I understand what you''re saying you want to buy a pre-set ring rather than buying the stone loose. The problem you may have is finding a stone you want in a setting you like. If you like the setting the stone may be the wrong size or not the quality you want. It may sound easier to just go buy a preset ring but it can be even more of a pain than buying the two separately so that you can get exactly what you want.