Paging Angel7 - Saturday''s Game Plan

[Angel7]

WOWZA!

You are chalked full of info! I''m going to print out your response and take it with me!

Ok, I''m going to look over this and study! I will be sure to jot everything down and report back.
Again, I cannot thank you enough for your help!

You are a gem! (No PS pun intended!)

 

[Sparkalicious]

I really became a diamond geek before purchasing my diamond ... This being said ... I felt exactly the same as you. I felt as though I knew nothing when I was actually looking at them. Now I feel a lot more comfortable with it.

I can tell, for example, if a table is like 59 or 60% b/c the diamond has a "glassier" appearance b/c it has been cut too shallow etc. I have a ton of fun looking at diamonds and trying to figure all that out. (loser, right?)

YOU are most welcome. Seriously ... I''m happy to help. The only thing I want in rtn is pics & updates!

 

[Angel7]

You are not a geek, you are just an educated shopper and I love those! In my everyday life I am one of those, but for some reason with diamonds..I need some tutoring!

Thanks again and I will keep you posted!

 

[Sparkalicious]

I wish I could come ...

You''re going to have so much fun this weekend.

 

[Angel7]

That would be great if you could come. I''ll just have you tell them what to pull and we''ll go from there!

So funny, I''m not dreading it but not too excited about it. I always get this let down feeling when they bring stones out..I don''t know. I find it daunting and frustrating. I hope this time will go a little better since I''m heavily armed with info. I just don''t want to see any yellow diamonds...I hope I get that excited feeling you are talking about! Thanks again.

 

[Sparkalicious]

NO yellow diamonds!

Thanks for letting me be a part of your process ... I''ve had something to lift me out of the duldrums at work for the past couple of days ...

I had such a horrible day yesterday. I sent Mary a link to some pics in "Show Me the Ring" cause I thought she would like to see ... Well, something I sent her from my home email address was corrupt in some way and caused her email system to crash! She lost all of her emails. I sent her a ton of stuff about some things I have been asking her about and she lost all of that too. I felt so bad. It ruined my evening. She was so sweet she sent me an email this morning to say everything was okay and she was back in biz.

Now, speaking of things to look forward to ... your weekend. I''m so glad for the time difference b/n us. This way, by the time I wake up, hopefully, I can look forward to an update. Woohoo! No waiting and wondering. Hee hee. Seriously, what has my life come to??

 

[Angel7]

Oh my gosh that is horrible! I''m sorry!! At least everything is ok now...I would be upset too..no worries. Happens to a lot of people!

Ha ha, looking forward to my boring updates...I feel sorry for you having to listen to it!

How far are you behind me? 3 hours? I woudln''t anticipate an update until maybe 12:00 or later. I THINK I want to cancel the appt with the first lady (Who said she''s bringing in some I EGL''s.) she''s not really listening to me...Hmm...I''ll think about that one...

 

[Sparkalicious]

I believe I am 2 hrs or so behind you.
If you want to cxl, then do it but ... you never know. She may have some great EGL stones ... if she has them in the color/clarity combo which you are seeking.
May be worth of a shot if she is actually listening to what you want to see.
Maybe give her a call and ask her to pull D - G for you to see b/c you''re not interested in an EGL I.
What do ya think?

 

[Sparkalicious]

Well ... How''d it go?

 

[Angel7]

Ok, I''m back and have a lot to write! I am going to start now.....
I picked which shape I want!

 

[Angel7]

Sacha..ok I had a LONG day and to summarize (will go into details below) here is what I came out with.

1. I want a round. I looked at so many versus princess stones of same cut, quality, color..etc and the round just did it for me! Finally the BF saw it too!
2. Bad news..I have no idea what setting I want now! I know, can you believe it? I am such a mess...

Ok let''s start the day...

Never ended up going to the lady who had the I, EGL stones...forgot to call too! I stink..I know! (We ran so long at other jewelers..we never made it there)

Store #1 M.R.:
LOVED this store and the SA who helped us. Ok, so I spoke to the lady the day before, she remembered me and the Simon G (had the picture) and told me we could order it etc..I said could I look at some RB and Pr stones..she said sure! She proceeded to tell me they mainly carry E-F-G, VS1-S12, GIA stones.
Showed us 1.01, 1.24 and 1.30. (could not see the size diff btween the 1.24 and 1.30..and they all fell into my parameters. So that was good! She also let me see all the stones under a Microscope and that was SO COOL!!! I go to see all those little "scratches" it was awesome! I loved that thing! They had very competitive prices also. I really didn''t see any settings that I liked there. It was a great experience and I would love to 100% use this jeweler! (Although bf is now ok with shopping online to save $ on tax!) Again, SA was so helpful and knowledgeable...I thanked her tremendously for her help!
On a side note, this man was picking up his ering for his gf, HUGE 2.76 Princess in the delicate setting..beautiful.
So my bf says, why not get as big as stone as we can and not spend tons on setting. I''m not big on this idea so I indulged hiim and said fine, let me try on some plain bands. Don''t get me wrong, the 1.3 looked HUGE on my finger but the band was just too boring..I need a little something.

Next we went to the old Robbins Bros that had the Simon G. Got a new SA, got the setting and band, she took us into the "diamond rooms" and let me take some pictures of it(attached). She started her spiel of we carry quality..blah blah blah..I said we already bought our center stone (lied) thank you I just wanted to see the setting again. I got the hell out of there as fast as I could!

To be honest, the Simon G just didn''t do it for me anymore. It sits higher than I would like and it just didn''t speak to me anymore..wierd huh? I''m such a mess honestly! I think when I''m given too many options I''m useless!

Store #2 Hoff:
This is where we saw the original setting that my bf likes. We tried on the setting again and to be honest, I did like it more than the Simon G. So then we proceeded to look at round stones this time. He showed us a 1.2 and just for fun he brought out a 1.5 for size comparison and for fun my bf asked how much and it was in our price range..I''m like..huh whats wrong with this stone? I asked to see the cert..
Color D
Clarity SI2
Table was a big larger than the parameters but everything else was ok..
Then I saw it..EGL ISRAEL...bad news right? So what would GIA consider this stone? G color? I2 clarity?
BF could tell I was not happy with the EGL but we took the stone outside and it was WHITE and beautiful. We also took the setting outside and it didn''t sparkle. (ok it was cloudy out but still) I could now see that this ring had more metal than pave and it just disappointed me...

What is wrong with me today? Nothing is doing it for me!

However, when we were looking at it inside I swear I saw some warmth to it. Do you think this is possible cuz it''s an EGL D and not a GIA D? Also, I felt like I could see scratches with my eye but then again..you know I have no idea what I''m supoosed to see..
BF really liked taht stone and he just can''t seem to understand that size doesn''t matter when the quality isn''t top notch. He just thinks..hey it''s big..let''s get it.
What is your take on this last one regarding the EGL status...

Ok so that was my day. Thank you again for all your help. Can''t wait to hear your feedback.
So I guess next step is finding a great diamond online for bf (I think I''m out of the loop at this point but I need to find online and then he will take over) Also, for the setting..I have no idea. I think I just want something thin..all pave. Is that so hard to find? I''m going to start searching online...

Thanks so much for your help and for listening. Today was definitley a better day shopping wise. I actually had fun! I''m tired though!

 

[Angel7]

With Wedding Band

 

[Angel7]

With wedding Band

 

[Angel7]

I love the look of kittygirls thin band but I don''t think it''s Pave..I think it''s shared prong..which is still stunning! I just love the 3sided look and you don''t get that with shared prong...I need SERIOUS MENTAL help!

LuckyFish''s is also beautiful!

Lyhn B''s Custom Fishtail pave from WF

 

[Angel7]

ETA: I read up on EGL Israel and it sounds like I should STAY AWAY!

BTW- Where are you? Are you actually out having fun on a Saturday night?! You are not a boring nerd like me?

Damn diamond shopping wore me out!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Hi Paula! I''m so sorry that I wasn''t here for the update ... I was excited and waiting for it until later in the afternoon and then me & bf decided to go out to dinner with some friends and made a night of it. We had tons of fun ... I do have to admit though, I was distracted at times thinking about how I was going to get to a computer to see your update ... I never was able to get to one so sorry for the delay in responding ... I didn''t forget.

Okay down to business ... YAY!

You picked a shape. I''m so glad that you were finally able to decide. I''m sure that you will be thrilled with a round. You can always admire princesses, however, it''s just something about a round that sneaks up on you and sucks you in.

-What would you say it was about the round that drew you in? What did bf say it was that drew him in finally as well? I''m curious.

You''re such a naughty girl. I can''t believe that you never called the lady with icky I''s.

No worries, I''m sure she got over it. Regardless, she kind of deserved it ... If she would have promised to pull something for you that you had asked her for, you may have shown up, right? tee hee ... bad girl.

Store# 1 MR -- Loving this store and the SA is HUGE! It makes such a difference when the SA is friendly, outgoing and knowledgeable. This means that you are heading in the right direction. Developing a positive relationship with a jeweler will definitely be a plus for you and really make the process a lot easier than it would be otherwise.
Firstly, I have to say that I 100% agree with you. Quality definitely comes before size. If you have a budget that supports both quality and bigger size, then fine, but if not, then quality first and as big as the budget can support for that quality. Around the 1.30 range is a great size! It''s lot''s of bang for your buck. Gives you a great size but without the premium associated with being right around the 1 carat range and not as much as 1.5 ct. Besides, although there is a difference in carat size, the visual difference is not so huge to entice you to think that you absolutely have to make that jump. Now if you were considering 1.30 vs 2.00 ... that would be a sizeable visual difference and maybe worth it, right?

I am hazarding a guess when I say that 1.25 - 1.35 range is perfect for you ... sounds like you are happy with what that range can get you quality wise as it still fits into your budget.

Sidebar Question -- How do you feel that all of your info & diamond education helped you out today? What did you learn this past week, for example, that you found most helpful with going through the process today?

Glad you got to see the diamonds under the microscope. The little scratches were likely inclusions, however, if they were not black inclusions, she likely showed you some pretty nice stones. This is good. If you look at the GIA plot, for example, and then look under the microscope at the diamond, it is pretty fun to play the game of "find the inclusion" ... You''d be surprised how they just sort of pop out at you once you''ve seen the plot.

Glad that the bf is okay with shopping online now ... This is great! I cannot say enough about saving tax on this precious purchase. I didn''t want a penny of our purchase being spent on anything other than the diamond and setting. What a waste having to pay tax, right?

If you are still interested, remember that Mary will source a stone for you that will be gorgeous ... I know you won''t get to see it but I really have no doubt that you will not be disappointed. I have no personal stake in the recommendation, I just know how paranoid I was when I was going through the same thing so it is my new quest in life to help other people out in that regard ... I know you don''t know me very well so I just wanted to clarify that point in case you were wondering why I was endorsing her or that company.

I love it when I go into see Mary about something or any jeweler actually and I get to see someone else''s bling! A 2.76 princess, huh? Sounds grand. Did you catch yourself drooling with glazed over eyes? Don''t be embarrassed if you did ... It happens to me all the time. hee hee.

While I agree with you about needing a little extra something b/c I''m the same ... I like the way your bf thinks. That''s so cute ... Wanting to go bigger ... I do think that maybe he has been bitten by the diamond bug?? He may not admit it, however, he is exibiting clear symptoms of this dreaded and expensive illness.

Phew! I was worried about your RB visit. Glad it went better and SO glad you got to take pics. That setting is gorgeous. It looks great on you but I absolutely see how it might be too high. Don''t worry about not "feeling" the setting anymore. It happens. I actually think that now you have figured out your diamond shape that things are going in the right order. I would suggest to maybe find your perfect diamond first and then pick your setting ... Once you have your diamond it''s almost as though you are better able to visualize what a setting looks like in a personalized sense as opposed to a general sense so you get a better feel for whether or not it will work for you and your lifestyle or the "look" you are trying to achieve. So all in all, you not being in love with this setting is really a non-issue. It just means that you are on the right track and narrowing down your options ... kinda.

Store# 2 Hoff --

Another positive experience ... Wow ... All in all a good day! Now ... with regards to this stone ... D/Si2 for within the $6-7k budget at 1.5 cts??? Something definitely doesn''t sound right. If you look that up online you will not find anything AGS/GIA that really competes with that within D-F range ... For example, I found this one on Whiteflash ... 1.26 F/SI1 ACA = $8,335. Something doesn''t add up, right? What''s throwing the calculation off ... EGL Israel grading

... If you can get a good one that is accurately graded, they will often times be less expensive than GIA graded stones, however, the key is finding one that is accurately graded and well cut - to your expectations. I would agree that you would likely be looking at an F/G I1/I2 stone. While the F/G is fine the I1/2 likely isn''t and the "premium" you would be paying for a D that is really an F or G is not cool either. When I first started shopping, I found an F/Si2 EGL graded stone that I LOVED as well ... until I found my E/VS2 stone that is. There was such a marked difference b/n the two. They were miles apart. Both were beautiful, because they are diamonds, however, one had superior beauty and the sparkle just had that little bit extra to it. If you are able, try to see a GIA graded D/SI2 and see what you think and if the 2 diamonds even compare. They may and this would be fantastic, however, there is a likelihood that they will not either and I doubt that you would want to take that risk with this type of investment, right? The fact that you are doubting this tone and aren''t sure about it and that you could see "something" with your eyes means that this particular diamond, is not for you. You have to find one that you love and can find no fault with ... this is probably the only one that will truly satisfy you. Just remember, at this point, you know more about diamonds than bf and, ultimately, it''s going to be on your finger, thus, it has to be to your standards and not his, right? Don''t settle for something you think is just nice or just beautiful ... you will be disappointed.

I''m sorry that you and the bf didn''t like the setting as much anymore ... that is so disappointing. It happened to me as well. Believe me, as chaotic and emotional as this process is, there definitely seems to be a timeline or trail of events that people go through. Just be happy knowing that now that you have found the shape of the diamond you love, you will be lead to a setting you love. Just shop around AND look online and I''m sure you''ll find something perfect for you ... No rush, right?

Thanks so much for the great update! I was so excited to see it when I finally got home and so happy to know that you actually had fun ... Great job!
The fun is just beginning now ... We, if I can say so, are going to find you a GORGEOUS diamond that you will love forever. Ditto for a setting. Now that I know that you like, I will try to help as well.

By the way ... thanks for the gorgeous hand shot pics. That setting just kills me ... It is amazing ... I love just looking at it. Also love the other girls rings ... They all speak to me.

but they aren''t 3 sided, which means that, based on what you have expressed, they may not be "exactly" what YOU are looking for ...

Diamond shopping is not for the light of heart .... It''s tough work ... it''s no wonder you''re worn out! Congrats on a good day of diamong shopping!

Off to bed ... see ya tomorrow.

 

[Angel7]

Date: 1/27/2008 5:55:10 AM
Author: Sparkalicious
Hi Paula! I''m so sorry that I wasn''t here for the update ... I was excited and waiting for it until later in the afternoon and then me & bf decided to go out to dinner with some friends and made a night of it. We had tons of fun ... I do have to admit though, I was distracted at times thinking about how I was going to get to a computer to see your update ... I never was able to get to one so sorry for the delay in responding ... I didn''t forget.

Hello! Glad you had a fun night out. I did nada..too worn out!

-What would you say it was about the round that drew you in? What did bf say it was that drew him in finally as well? I''m curious.
When we put the rounds side by side with the princesses the rounds did look bigger but their "sparkle" was different. It''s what I''ve been trying to express to the bf and he finally saw it. I think I''ve known in the back of my mind that princess cuts werent just "me" anymore but I wasn''t sure if round was either since I always viewed them as "traditional" or "old."

You''re such a naughty girl. I can''t believe that you never called the lady with icky I''s.

No worries, I''m sure she got over it. Regardless, she kind of deserved it ... If she would have promised to pull something for you that you had asked her for, you may have shown up, right? tee hee ... bad girl.
I totally forgot they closed early and thought we would have time but yeah I should of called, but didn''t. I''m horrible I know!

Store# 1 MR -- I am hazarding a guess when I say that 1.25 - 1.35 range is perfect for you ... sounds like you are happy with what that range can get you quality wise as it still fits into your budget.
YES!

Sidebar Question -- How do you feel that all of your info & diamond education helped you out today? What did you learn this past week, for example, that you found most helpful with going through the process today?
Umm I have no idea..I feel like I''ve learned so much on here through the years...maybe the ideal proportions were most important..I did whip those out however at store #1 I really didn''t need to..all the stones automatically fell into the range which made me comfortable that they had nice quality stones..

Glad you got to see the diamonds under the microscope. The little scratches were likely inclusions, however, if they were not black inclusions, she likely showed you some pretty nice stones. This is good. If you look at the GIA plot, for example, and then look under the microscope at the diamond, it is pretty fun to play the game of ''find the inclusion'' ... You''d be surprised how they just sort of pop out at you once you''ve seen the plot. Yes, did do that game with the plot. Was very cool!

Glad that the bf is okay with shopping online now ... This is great! I cannot say enough about saving tax on this precious purchase. I didn''t want a penny of our purchase being spent on anything other than the diamond and setting. What a waste having to pay tax, right?

If you are still interested, remember that Mary will source a stone for you that will be gorgeous ... I know you won''t get to see it but I really have no doubt that you will not be disappointed. I have no personal stake in the recommendation, I just know how paranoid I was when I was going through the same thing so it is my new quest in life to help other people out in that regard ... I know you don''t know me very well so I just wanted to clarify that point in case you were wondering why I was endorsing her or that company.

Yes, Mary is definitely another good source! I have to provide bf with online/out of state vendors to contact. I am out of the loop at this point and not comfortable!


So all in all, you not being in love with this setting is really a non-issue. It just means that you are on the right track and narrowing down your options ... kinda.

I wish I knew why it just didn''t do it for me this time. I have no idea what I''m looking for and it''s driving me crazy..it really is!

Store# 2 Hoff --

Another positive experience ... Wow ... All in all a good day! Now ... with regards to this stone ... D/Si2 for within the $6-7k budget at 1.5 cts??? Something definitely doesn''t sound right. If you look that up online you will not find anything AGS/GIA that really competes with that within D-F range ... For example, I found this one on Whiteflash ... 1.26 F/SI1 ACA = $8,335. Something doesn''t add up, right? What''s throwing the calculation off ... EGL Israel grading

... If you can get a good one that is accurately graded, they will often times be less expensive than GIA graded stones, however, the key is finding one that is accurately graded and well cut - to your expectations. I would agree that you would likely be looking at an F/G I1/I2 stone. While the F/G is fine the I1/2 likely isn''t and the ''premium'' you would be paying for a D that is really an F or G is not cool either. When I first started shopping, I found an F/Si2 EGL graded stone that I LOVED as well ... until I found my E/VS2 stone that is. There was such a marked difference b/n the two. They were miles apart. Both were beautiful, because they are diamonds, however, one had superior beauty and the sparkle just had that little bit extra to it. If you are able, try to see a GIA graded D/SI2 and see what you think and if the 2 diamonds even compare. They may and this would be fantastic, however, there is a likelihood that they will not either and I doubt that you would want to take that risk with this type of investment, right? The fact that you are doubting this tone and aren''t sure about it and that you could see ''something'' with your eyes means that this particular diamond, is not for you. You have to find one that you love and can find no fault with ... this is probably the only one that will truly satisfy you. Just remember, at this point, you know more about diamonds than bf and, ultimately, it''s going to be on your finger, thus, it has to be to your standards and not his, right? Don''t settle for something you think is just nice or just beautiful ... you will be disappointed. I kept telling the bf that that stone was not what it says and really would not be a good purchase..The color may not be that far off but I felt the clarity was not good. Good idea to compare next to a GIA d, SI2.

I''m sorry that you and the bf didn''t like the setting as much anymore ... that is so disappointing. It happened to me as well. Believe me, as chaotic and emotional as this process is, there definitely seems to be a timeline or trail of events that people go through. Just be happy knowing that now that you have found the shape of the diamond you love, you will be lead to a setting you love. Just shop around AND look online and I''m sure you''ll find something perfect for you ... No rush, right? No rush..just wish I found something that I love. Oh wait, I have the Michael B that is not in the budget!

By the way ... thanks for the gorgeous hand shot pics. That setting just kills me ... It is amazing ... I love just looking at it. Also love the other girls rings ... They all speak to me.

but they aren''t 3 sided, which means that, based on what you have expressed, they may not be ''exactly'' what YOU are looking for ... Yes I know, I love the 3 sided look. Now I see why the bf is just suppossed to buy the ring..no stress!

Thanks again! It was more fun yesterday but still frustrating at the same time.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Hi!

My gosh ... didn''t realize how mammoth my response was! Wow ... not bad after a night of wine and eating too much.

You say you''re out of the loop now, what does that mean? No choice in which diamond or which setting or do you still have more input until you actually decide which you want? I know being out of the loop sucks ... even after the ring is completed. Boo!

I''m really glad you had a good day ... now what''s next?

Do you think that the Michael B is doable at all? Can you shift down a little in carat size to get the setting you really love? Also, you can probably shop around the setting to see if anywhere else can get it at a lesser price. If you have the option to not settle for just any other setting that you like, it may be worth your while to get the Michael B ... Hey, do you have pics of this one? I would love to see it.

 

[Angel7]

Date: 1/27/2008 3:40:56 PM
Author: Sparkalicious
Hi!

My gosh ... didn''t realize how mammoth my response was! Wow ... not bad after a night of wine and eating too much.

You say you''re out of the loop now, what does that mean? No choice in which diamond or which setting or do you still have more input until you actually decide which you want? I know being out of the loop sucks ... even after the ring is completed. Boo!

I''m really glad you had a good day ... now what''s next?

Do you think that the Michael B is doable at all? Can you shift down a little in carat size to get the setting you really love? Also, you can probably shop around the setting to see if anywhere else can get it at a lesser price. If you have the option to not settle for just any other setting that you like, it may be worth your while to get the Michael B ... Hey, do you have pics of this one? I would love to see it.

He says he''s got it all under control. I said sure you do!

I think he''s on board for online for tax purposes (if not he will go back to the M. Richards jeweler which I''m fine with because she has a copy of what I want (stone wise) and she was great anyhow so I would completley trust her and of course she would need to help him!

No, I don''t want the band to be more expensive than the ring so I''ll just have to get over not having the Michael B. They do have a less expensive option, but still probably a bit too much..we''ll see I guess. I think the bf has to see how much he''s getting back from his tax return and then that will help out some of the decisions..

Here is the Michael B. Love it!

I can safetly say that there will be no diamond/ring shopping this weekend. I think the bf needs a break! I think I do to seeing as how I''m not without a setting.

So sad!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Paula - This all sounds so exciting! I love the fact that your bf has it all under control ... Good for him!! ... not good news for you right now, b/c you''re out of the loop and the suspense is going to get the best of you, but great news overall b/c this way you have the best of both worlds. You still remain surprised b/c you don''t know "exactly" what you are going to get yet you''ve had a hand in the process so you are pretty much guaranteed to not be disappointed. Aren''t you a smart cookie ... I just hope your bf is quicker about things than mine so you won''t have to wait to see your beautiful ring as long as I do!

I think of all the settings I have seen so far, the Michael B is my fave as well! It is gorgeous! I imagine it is only more so in real life. I don''t recall seeing any other settings by him in real life. I''ll have to make a point of going to see some ... why, since I''m not going to get one? No idea ... curiousity and sheer evilness to myself, I guess.

You know what, it gets pretty intense so a nice little break this coming weekend will be perfect. I''m sure though that after this little break, you''ll be surprised at how you "crave" going to see the jeweler etc. It''s pretty funny. I think I must be a glutton for punishment b/c you can''t keep me out of the jewelry store. ... I went back to Tiff''s this weekend, with the bf in tow, to show him the Etoile bangle ...

 

[Angel7]

Date: 1/27/2008 8:34:19 PM
Author: Sparkalicious
Paula - This all sounds so exciting! I love the fact that your bf has it all under control ... Good for him!! ... not good news for you right now, b/c you''re out of the loop and the suspense is going to get the best of you, but great news overall b/c this way you have the best of both worlds. You still remain surprised b/c you don''t know ''exactly'' what you are going to get yet you''ve had a hand in the process so you are pretty much guaranteed to not be disappointed. Aren''t you a smart cookie ... I just hope your bf is quicker about things than mine so you won''t have to wait to see your beautiful ring as long as I do!

I think of all the settings I have seen so far, the Michael B is my fave as well! It is gorgeous! I imagine it is only more so in real life. I don''t recall seeing any other settings by him in real life. I''ll have to make a point of going to see some ... why, since I''m not going to get one? No idea ... curiousity and sheer evilness to myself, I guess.

You know what, it gets pretty intense so a nice little break this coming weekend will be perfect. I''m sure though that after this little break, you''ll be surprised at how you ''crave'' going to see the jeweler etc. It''s pretty funny. I think I must be a glutton for punishment b/c you can''t keep me out of the jewelry store. ... I went back to Tiff''s this weekend, with the bf in tow, to show him the Etoile bangle ...

We''ll see how under control he has it..I don''t buy it

I still want to have control, I just can''t give it up! I guess I would feel better if there was ONE SETTING that I was in love with (besides Michael B) but I don''t have one and that''s what worries me.
I will have to wait a while I''m thinking..sorry! I have a feeling your will be soon!!

You have to see the M.B. in person, they are STUNNING!

It does get intense so I think the break is nice HOWEVER, I think I may go to BB&B on Friday to try on some Ritani settings. What do you think about the simple Endless love setting? Not 3 sided but with the two bands, could be pretty. (Attached) I also found this Gonshor on Soloman Bros..love the detail on the basket, but again not three sided..will be fun to go to BB&B just to "try on" though!

Ohh Tiffany''s! Hey, maybe the bracelet will make a nice V-Day gift! Good for you!

 

[Sparkalicious]

P - You have SUCH great taste! Those settings are to die for!

To be honest, Ritani is one of my all time favorite designers. I loved one of this settings a long time ago, when I still though I wanted princess and it was so comfortable ... something about the "comfort fit" band just made the ring feel like 'butta' on my finger ...

I really, really like that setting. I think my friend got that Ritani or one similar that also had a little diamond detail in the basket around the diamond ... very similar to the Gonshor ... Gorgeous and delicate but still with that lovely pave-ey effect even though its not.

Trying on is the key b/c you may love a setting in the pics but when you try it on you may find it just isn't "you" regardless of how beautiful it is.

Have you checked out Pearlman's Jewelers website? They have a lot of pics of Ritani settings.
I'm not sure if one of the ones you attached below is this one or similar, however, I am attaching a pic of a Ritani setting that you may or may not like. It doesn't seem to be exactly your taste, i.e., not pave and not a really super thin shank, however, it does have a kind of detailed crown/prong look to it and it may look better in person than in the pic. Don't feel bad if you don't like it ... Just a thought since you are feeling somewhat "open" to possibilities right now.

 

[Angel7]

Thanks Sacha! Yeah everything I like is pricey! I have caviar tastes on a light beer budget!

Thank you for the compliment though.
Yes, I agree I need to try on. I love the think band look HOWEVER sometimes they look a bit too thin.
I attached the "more affordable" Michael B I was telling you about.

I did go through Pearlman''s..the one you attached is also very nice! I plan on trying on a bunch of Ritani when I go to BB&B. Great, now you have another update to look forward to!

Be scared, be very scared.

I am very open to possibilites right now so keep em coming!

Thanks again!

 

[Angel7]

Hey, the picture isn''t showing up..I''ll try again!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Boo ... nothing showed up. Can you post it again?

Are you kidding me? I live for your updates ... I''ll be bored once the bf takes care of it all and proposes. What will I ever have to look forward to?

 

[Sparkalicious]

That is gorgeous! Gosh ... you''re making me indecisive about your decision now... I have no idea how you are going to choose. They are all look amazing! I really like this one as well.

 

[Angel7]

Seriously..tell me about it. I have PROBLEMS. Dear god, you better stay away from when I''m planning the wedding..(whenever that may be) can you imagine me trying to pick out a dress...shoes...invitations..table linens..gosh just shoot me now!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Me too ... As embarrassing as it is, I do have to say that a bridezilla of such grand proportions has yet to be seen ... I can be such a monster about getting things exactly right. I''m going to have to tone it down if I want to have anyone else at my wedding apart from me or anyone who is paid to be there. Horrible ... shameful actually. You sound so sweet. I''m sure you think that you are worse than you actually are ... Indecision is not a sin, especially given that this is such an important purchase and there is just SO much to choose from ...

I thought I would recommend another website for you to check out if you haven''t seen it yet ...
Renaissance Platinum

I check this site out every now and then and they look as though they might have a few pieces that might perk up your ears ...
Some that I thought looked kinda like you ...
EM901RD
EM512
EM515
EM645
EM737RND
EM1830

Let me know what you think.

 

[Angel7]

I am the same way..I need things to be exactly as I want and just always worry, "hmm could I have done better or could that have looked better?" God I''m scared for that planning! Thank god you are getting there before me!

I love that website! Been there several times!!

I''m going back now to check our your picks! TY!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Eta: How do you know ... The ring's been finished since December ... Your bf may just sneak up and pass us, then YOU are first in line, my dear, to the wedding chapel. Tee hee.

Some more food for thought ... Judith Conway

You really may not like that one AT ALL b/c it might be too high or more elaborate than what you are looking for, however, just putting more stuff out there. There may be other things on her site that you like. I liked a few of them as well ...