Need all sorts of help

[pghcol]

Ok.. I am new here, but have read the board a few times.

Here are my issues..I have been with my girlfriend for 4 and a half years. We both know that an engagement is coming. I have been silently looking/listening for the last few months but I have no idea what the hell I am looking for. I know that she wants an antique looking ring and she likes the rings on www.antiquengagementrings.com. Well that is great and I''d be fine with that, but I am a little scared to buy something this important without ever having a feel for it or seeing it in person. I have read reviews about the site and nothing bad has really popped up, but I still can''t shake the feeling.

I was wondering if anyone knows of any antique jewelers in the Pittsburgh area or if they have any other suggestions.

I am pretty sure she likes cushion and princess cuts and likes the not so over-the-top antique look. More of a modern-antique if there is such a thing. Any help at all would be fantastic as I would like to get into the deep searching very soon.

 

[Lorelei]

Welcome!

If a cushion or Princess is what you are after, you could have one set in an antique style setting or even go custom, some of the vendors here do some wonderful custom work - if you are comfortable buying online that is.

I would suggest you contact Mark at www.engagementringsdirect.com if you are considering a cushion, he has an excellent rep with these shapes.

Also Jon at www.goodoldgold.com has a good eye for a cushion and also sells well cut Princess - it is the cut quality and craftmanship of a diamond which gives it the beauty, so it is important to concentrate on that.

Also www.winkjones.com and www.whiteflash.com also sell top cut Princess and other shapes.

Whatever you do, work with a vendor who sells well cut diamonds and who can advise you, also provide detailed photos and other cut aids such as ASET to help you make an informed choice. Otherwise if you try to buy a diamond just by a couple of numbers such as depth and table, you have no way of knowing how that diamond will look.

I haven't heard of the vendor you mention but maybe you could try searching the archives here and Google.

 

[pghcol]

That all sounds good, but what do I do about the feeling of not being able to see it before buying it. Do you know of any good antique-like jewelers to reference. She is a very small girl so it isn''t going to be an extravagant ring in terms of size and structure. Something that will make the diamond stand out I guess. I am not sure what the hell I am doing haha..I feel like this has to be just perfect, am I right?

 

[Inanna]

Have you thought of getting your girlfriend involved in shopping, or do you want to do this on your own? Personally, my boyfriend and I just finished ring shopping together (which was a nearly 6 month process) and I am so thankful he pushed for me to be involved.

I used to live in Pittsburgh and the only jeweler I have experience with there is Henne (in Shadyside). John Henne in particular is a great source for information. Based on the store''s appearance, it might look intimidating, but several male friends have told me that they saved a great deal at Henne over Orr''s Jewelers (if that means anything to you) and preferred Henne''s customer service.

I''m not sure what Henne has in the area of vintage style rings, but it wouldn''t hurt to ask. They may even have authentic antique rings as I know they do consignment and trades (friend of mine exchanged a Rolex she had inherited for a watch more her style).

Also, it''s my understanding that the Pricescope vendors Lorelei listed are very good about returns and have great customer service. Don''t necessarily rule them out.

Good luck!

 

[pghcol]

Thanks both of you, I will have to look into the online ones. I will also try Henne in the Shadyside. If anyone else has any other suggestions that would be great too. Like I said I know nothing..haha. This is a whooooole different world to me.