Noob needs engagement ring

[Niel]

If she works in a gold shop, she should have access to a ring sizer. You say she is a simple country girl. This is sounding like a "mail order bride" situation, which would explain why you don't know anything about her preferences or size. Good luck to you.

Actually my fiancé confirmed she's a size 6. Sizing and units are different in Asia.

She's no more of a mail order bride than you are not a red neck. Thanks for your contribution to this thread.

*Caught caught* that pink one is already a size 6* cough cogh*

Im just saying it's her size. It fits your criteria to be an antique style setting with a sapphire. It's unheated (rare) well saturated (uncommon) and well cut (hard to find in a preset ring)

Your only problem is it's not your style but I thought you said she wanted anything and you wanted to find something quality.

 

[Niel]

I don't have a dog in the race, even though I'm pushing hard on that pink one. I just think the sapphire's you're choosing are not ideal and the settings you're gravitating towards are very masculine. If you're going to supruse her with both style and color, I think it should be a setting with a high likelihood of being a hit, and a color that is a trade ideal color ( or as close as you can get)

 

[joe12pack]

Your only problem is it's not your style but I thought you said she wanted anything and you wanted to find something quality.

Niel - I appreciate you trying to help. She is ok with anything but if I don't like it and I'm the one picking I'm going to pick something I like. Nothing wrong with what you suggest but it's just not for me.

With that all said I think I may have found what I am looking for that satisfies the short term (8 days) and the long term also.

I've known this girl for 8 years and we are finally getting married. Thanks to everyone for helping out. I'll come back and post some pictures at a later date as to what I end up getting.

 

[Niel]

Your only problem is it's not your style but I thought you said she wanted anything and you wanted to find something quality.

Niel - I appreciate you trying to help. She is ok with anything but if I don't like it and I'm the one picking I'm going to pick something I like. Nothing wrong with what you suggest but it's just not for me.

With that all said I think I may have found what I am looking for that satisfies the short term (8 days) and the long term also.

I've known this girl for 8 years and we are finally getting married. Thanks to everyone for helping out. I'll come back and post some pictures at a later date as to what I end up getting.

I hope whatever you choose is about her and her likes. Good luck .

 

[arkieb1]

I've been to Vietnam a couple of times, you do realise sapphires and rubies for that matter are cheaper there than from the US? Sapphires are not seen as anything particularly special there for that reason unless they are better quality ones that are really expensive. They enter Vietnam from Laos and Thailand. Diamonds on the other hand are more expensive there. If you want to make an impression, put aside your own preferences and consider a small simple diamond. Sapphires in that price bracket will not hold their value any better than diamonds.

It could be unique if you picked something like a Montanna (ie comes out of the ground in the US) sapphire.

If it is for every day wear sapphires also tend to suffer from abrasion along the top facet lines. Emeralds are worse they are too soft for every day wear.

How about a compromise like something like this;

http://eragem.com/three-stone-diamond-engagement-ring-w-sapphire-accents-14k-white-gold.html

Or the vendor you have linked also has Antique diamonds, that would be something unusual that holds it's value as well or this is another shop with preloved rings;

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/rings/vintage-antique

Something like this;

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/rings/estate-modern/51ct-round-brilliant-cut-diamond-solitaire-gia-g-si1#.WBkbNSgVq5Q

Or make this person a reasonable offer, you avoid taking any sort of hit so to speak on the price because the original purchaser already has done that, get it polished at a jewellers to look like new;

https://loupetroop.com/listings/rings/whiteflash-a-cut-above-diamond-solitaire-18k-white-gold;12851

This could be another simple elegant option;

https://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/antique-emerald-cut-diamond-solitaire-ring

 

[digdeep]

Bravo to all PS'er's for all the eye candy --more than one link had me lusting and now that the OP is gone....maybe I'll follow up... Great job people!!

 

[GemstoneNoob]

I know I'm a bit late to the party, but, there are some cultural differences to America, concerning engagement rings. A friend of mine moved here from Vietnam, and she felt like she had to "justify" her ring to everyone. Apparently, they lean more towards small diamonds and simple designs, at least, from her experience. Just something to consider?

Also, a colored stone engagement ring is a personal choice, and not something all women agree with. A lot of traditional women, have a strong preference for diamonds, so it's definitely something worth asking about. My husband proposed without a ring, but he told me that i could create something perfect for me, within a defined budget. To me, that was quite romantic, as he knew i'd be able to pick out exactly what i wanted. It's a bit of a double edged sword though... We got married yesterday, and I still haven't finished my ring. Just another point to consider.

 

[distracts]

I know I'm a bit late to the party, but, there are some cultural differences to America, concerning engagement rings. A friend of mine moved here from Vietnam, and she felt like she had to "justify" her ring to everyone. Apparently, they lean more towards small diamonds and simple designs, at least, from her experience. Just something to consider?

Yes, most of the time when we see people living in Asia or proposing to someone living in Asia here, they want D-F, IF-VVS2, something like half a carat, and in like a platinum baguette setting or a solitaire. Not at all like what most Americans pick.

 

[minousbijoux]

I know I'm a bit late to the party, but, there are some cultural differences to America, concerning engagement rings. A friend of mine moved here from Vietnam, and she felt like she had to "justify" her ring to everyone. Apparently, they lean more towards small diamonds and simple designs, at least, from her experience. Just something to consider?

Also, a colored stone engagement ring is a personal choice, and not something all women agree with. A lot of traditional women, have a strong preference for diamonds, so it's definitely something worth asking about. My husband proposed without a ring, but he told me that i could create something perfect for me, within a defined budget. To me, that was quite romantic, as he knew i'd be able to pick out exactly what i wanted. It's a bit of a double edged sword though... We got married yesterday, and I still haven't finished my ring. Just another point to consider.

Do you literally mean yesterday?! If so, congratulations!

 

[SparkliesLuver]

With that all said I think I may have found what I am looking for that satisfies the short term (8 days) and the long term also. I've known this girl for 8 years and we are finally getting married. Thanks to everyone for helping out. I'll come back and post some pictures at a later date as to what I end up getting.

I look forward to seeing what you picked! The best of luck to you.

 

[distracts]

I know I'm a bit late to the party, but, there are some cultural differences to America, concerning engagement rings. A friend of mine moved here from Vietnam, and she felt like she had to "justify" her ring to everyone. Apparently, they lean more towards small diamonds and simple designs, at least, from her experience. Just something to consider?

Also, a colored stone engagement ring is a personal choice, and not something all women agree with. A lot of traditional women, have a strong preference for diamonds, so it's definitely something worth asking about. My husband proposed without a ring, but he told me that i could create something perfect for me, within a defined budget. To me, that was quite romantic, as he knew i'd be able to pick out exactly what i wanted. It's a bit of a double edged sword though... We got married yesterday, and I still haven't finished my ring. Just another point to consider.

Do you literally mean yesterday?! If so, congratulations!

Oh wow how'd I miss that? CONGRATS!

 

[Tourmaline]

If she works in a gold shop, she should have access to a ring sizer. You say she is a simple country girl. This is sounding like a "mail order bride" situation, which would explain why you don't know anything about her preferences or size. Good luck to you.

Actually my fiancé confirmed she's a size 6. Sizing and units are different in Asia.

She's no more of a mail order bride than you are not a red neck. Thanks for your contribution to this thread.

I have tried for a few minutes to understand this statement, but the double negative confuses me too much. I guess my neck must be too red.

 

[joe12pack]

She's no more of a mail order bride than you are not a red neck. Thanks for your contribution to this thread.

I have tried for a few minutes to understand this statement, but the double negative confuses me too much. I guess my neck must be too red.

Just remove the "not" and try to understand. Whatever you decide that means-- it's the opposite.

Stay classy.

 

[soxfan]

Ok, this is not everyone's taste, but I've been DROOLING over this ruby ring. Do you think she would like it? Could you push your budget a teensy bit and make an offer on this?

https://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-colored-stone-center/unheated-mozambique-rubies-and-diamond-ring-with-video-in-18-kt-yellow-gold;12936

 

[soxfan]

I like this one too...

https://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-colored-stone-center/certifed-heat-only-burmese-ruby-and-old-cut-diamond-halo-ring-size-7-sizable

 

[minousbijoux]

I like this one too...

https://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-colored-stone-center/certifed-heat-only-burmese-ruby-and-old-cut-diamond-halo-ring-size-7-sizable

Love this one but think the first one is not that attractive - somehow OTT and cheap looking?

 

[boerumbiddy]

I love that ruby, especially if treatment is really heat only. Don't recognize the lab. Isn't Athenaworth one of ours?

 

[GemstoneNoob]

I know I'm a bit late to the party, but, there are some cultural differences to America, concerning engagement rings. A friend of mine moved here from Vietnam, and she felt like she had to "justify" her ring to everyone. Apparently, they lean more towards small diamonds and simple designs, at least, from her experience. Just something to consider?

Also, a colored stone engagement ring is a personal choice, and not something all women agree with. A lot of traditional women, have a strong preference for diamonds, so it's definitely something worth asking about. My husband proposed without a ring, but he told me that i could create something perfect for me, within a defined budget. To me, that was quite romantic, as he knew i'd be able to pick out exactly what i wanted. It's a bit of a double edged sword though... We got married yesterday, and I still haven't finished my ring. Just another point to consider.

Do you literally mean yesterday?! If so, congratulations!

Oh wow how'd I miss that? CONGRATS!

Yes, I did literally mean yesterday. We got married on Halloween. Thanks!!

 

[Strawberry129]

Yes, I did literally mean yesterday. We got married on Halloween. Thanks!!

Congrats!!

I know I'm a bit late to the party, but, there are some cultural differences to America, concerning engagement rings. A friend of mine moved here from Vietnam, and she felt like she had to "justify" her ring to everyone. Apparently, they lean more towards small diamonds and simple designs, at least, from her experience. Just something to consider?
Yes, most of the time when we see people living in Asia or proposing to someone living in Asia here, they want D-F, IF-VVS2, something like half a carat, and in like a platinum baguette setting or a solitaire. Not at all like what most Americans pick.

I remember being at goodoldgold and my fiance and I were befuddled when they told us that the < one carat D IF would probably be snatched by a Singaporean customer soon. "I was like huh?...b..but it's so small and so expensive!" and he told me that lots of asian international buyers are looking for smaller stones with perfect clarity and cut. I told him that's certainly not me since I love size and he said "it's because you're americanized"..haha Different cultures and upbringing demand different things. They would never want my "flawed" bigger diamond with less than perfect color/clarity and vice versa.

I am a complete noob. I am headed to Vietnam to see my fiance leaving on Nov 8th (8 days from now) so time is of the essence.

I am not interested in diamonds as I don't believe they are as precious as people believe them to be. The reason is that I have quite a bit of experience investing in gold bullion. When you buy gold and then turn around and sell it back to the dealer you will lose a small amount. However when you buy a diamond and turn around and sell it back to the dealer you just bought it from you'll get 50% if you are lucky. Sorry if that offends some of you.

Diamonds do depreciate so does every other luxury item you buy in life. It's called a luxury for a reason and inflation is real with diamonds. Certainly, most people don't eat an amazing steak or drink expensive cocktails at high end restaurants and then moan and groan over how it depreciates in their stomachs. They just accept that it''s a nice dinner and worth it. Somehow with diamonds, it's okay to justify how it's depreciating and people who pay for it are "fools." To me, it's more of the price shock that makes a lot of people talk bad about diamonds and this so called "depreciating." Sounds like sour grapes sometimes.

Many people buy diamonds because of its beauty and because life is short. Many of us on here are very aware of depreciation, but we still love to behold the beauty of a diamond. Also, I've searched high and low on idonowidont, loupetroop, etsy, etc. and I have yet to see an ideal cut diamond of a nice size losing its value by 50% when selling privately. They just don't happen nearly as much as you think. As long as diamonds are in demand, the price will hold up decently even if it's not as rare as other stones.

 

[chrono]

Yes, I did literally mean yesterday. We got married on Halloween. Thanks!!

Congratulations!

 

[joe12pack]

Diamonds do depreciate so does every other luxury item you buy in life. It's called a luxury for a reason and inflation is real with diamonds. Certainly, most people don't eat an amazing steak or drink expensive cocktails at high end restaurants and then moan and groan over how it depreciates in their stomachs. They just accept that it''s a nice dinner and worth it. Somehow with diamonds, it's okay to justify how it's depreciating and people who pay for it are "fools." To me, it's more of the price shock that makes a lot of people talk bad about diamonds and this so called "depreciating." Sounds like sour grapes sometimes.

Many people buy diamonds because of its beauty and because life is short. Many of us on here are very aware of depreciation, but we still love to behold the beauty of a diamond. Also, I've searched high and low on idonowidont, loupetroop, etsy, etc. and I have yet to see an ideal cut diamond of a nice size losing its value by 50% when selling privately. They just don't happen nearly as much as you think. As long as diamonds are in demand, the price will hold up decently even if it's not as rare as other stones.

Most engaged couples are obligated to fork over large sums of money for a diamond but they rationalize this by claims of rarity and preciousness. Most americans have less than $1000 in savings yet they are going to fork over $5k for a stone due to a marketing campaign in the 50's?

https://youtu.be/N5kWu1ifBGU

Diamonds are a scam.

 

[Niel]

Diamonds do depreciate so does every other luxury item you buy in life. It's called a luxury for a reason and inflation is real with diamonds. Certainly, most people don't eat an amazing steak or drink expensive cocktails at high end restaurants and then moan and groan over how it depreciates in their stomachs. They just accept that it''s a nice dinner and worth it. Somehow with diamonds, it's okay to justify how it's depreciating and people who pay for it are "fools." To me, it's more of the price shock that makes a lot of people talk bad about diamonds and this so called "depreciating." Sounds like sour grapes sometimes.

Many people buy diamonds because of its beauty and because life is short. Many of us on here are very aware of depreciation, but we still love to behold the beauty of a diamond. Also, I've searched high and low on idonowidont, loupetroop, etsy, etc. and I have yet to see an ideal cut diamond of a nice size losing its value by 50% when selling privately. They just don't happen nearly as much as you think. As long as diamonds are in demand, the price will hold up decently even if it's not as rare as other stones.

Most engaged couples are obligated to fork over large sums of money for a diamond but they rationalize this by claims of rarity and preciousness. Most americans have less than $1000 in savings yet they are going to fork over $5k for a stone due to a marketing campaign in the 50's?

https://youtu.be/N5kWu1ifBGU

Diamonds are a scam.

ok

 

[digdeep]

 

[Garnetgirl]

[quote="joe12pack|1478284973|4093747

Most engaged couples are obligated to fork over large sums of money for a diamond but they rationalize this by claims of rarity and preciousness. Most americans have less than $1000 in savings yet they are going to fork over $5k for a stone due to a marketing campaign in the 50's?

https://youtu.be/N5kWu1ifBGU

Diamonds are a scam.[/quote]


No one is obligated to buy diamonds or precious stones, or anything else for that matter. If people feel obligated, that is their problem.

It seems that the members of Pricescope buy gems because they truly enjoy them or they know that their SO really does. So many PSers come here and generously spend their time and effort to help total strangers with their gem purchases.

You came here asking for advice and comments, but the amount of help you’ll get will depend a lot on your attitude.

 

[joe12pack]

No one is obligated to buy diamonds or precious stones, or anything else for that matter. If people feel obligated, that is their problem.

That sounds nice in theory but I would guess a majority of women would be upset if you told them you will not be buying a diamond for their engagement. This reaction is of course due to their lifelong conditioning.

It seems that the members of Pricescope buy gems because they truly enjoy them or they know that their SO really does. So many PSers come here and generously spend their time and effort to help total strangers with their gem purchases.

You came here asking for advice and comments, but the amount of help you’ll get will depend a lot on your attitude.

I didn't say all gems were scams. Just diamonds. I made that clear on my first post and I have thanked all the contributors for their advice and opinions.

I did find an emerald ring on eBay in her size 6. Seller wanted $1300 I offered $950. He agreed. This solves the short term issue as I have a ring I can bring to Vietnam now. It's been fun learning about gems.

 

[Niel]

Glad you like it.

 

[elizabethess]

Glad you like it.

 

[austinj]

Are you sure that's an emerald? Looks to be a strange color. Maybe it's my monitor or the photo.

 

[Arcadian]

Sooooo..... not sure what I've been reading in this thread but

@GemstoneNoob congrats on getting married on Halloween (thats so cool!)

I'm one of those brides that never got a ring. It didn't make a difference to me. But then again, it was also my idea to just get married at the court house on my lunch-break and be done with it

Anyway the OP found a ring that they liked and in their budget. congrats! I'm not going to say anything about the center stone because well...that opinion wasn't asked about so #immaleaveitalone