Pearl Engagement ring questions...

[pancakesarerad]

My boyfriend and I have begun talking about getting engaged, and he''s asking for hints on what I want in a ring. I''m not a huge jewelry wearer, and definitely don''t want a traditional diamond.
I''ve read lots of conflicting information about using a pearl as an engagement ring. I''m hoping to get some true or falses about my impressions if this is a good idea or not.

- freshwater pearls may be a little more durable
- having something of a halo might protect the pearl from some damage over time
- be prepared to eventually have the pearl replaced

I should also note, that I would not be comfortable with him spending an insane amount of money on this...is it strange to not want an e-ring over $1500?

Any suggestions on a vendor that might have a classic looking ring that would be suitable for daily wear?

 

[that_someone_special]

Date: 11/15/2009 5:21:15 PM
Author:pancakesarerad


- be prepared to eventually have the pearl replaced

Yes, and several times over. I''ve heard of people buying several replacement pearls upfront for WHEN not IF they break.

My personal opinion is that a pearl ring for long term use, such as an engagement ring is not a good choice. It is up to you though--- I just wouldn''t plan on wearing it very often..

 

[kas baby]

Is there any particular reason why you want to go with a pearl? not that its wrong or anything, in fact, I didn''t choose a diamond for my engagement ring. But perhaps something a little bit more durable would be better? unless of course you are very soft on your hands and you wouldn''t mind replacing your pearl often, because pearl is soft and scratches easily.

There are plenty of other gemstones that are non-traditional but can stand up to daily wear, such as sapphire or spinel(which can be found at very reasonable prices, in fact, there is a poster on pricescope that was able to have several engagement rings due to the very nice price of spinel

). I believe also, that some have been very happy with garnets as center gems as well.

If you like the ethereal and romantic quality of pearl, might i suggest a cabochon of sapphire? some have a very nice silky quality that imo are very lovely.
here are some examples of star sapphires:
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Star/#&&/wEXAQUGc3RvbmVzBQoxJDEkJDYwJCQy

it is not crazy to not wish to spend a lot of money on an engagement ring, after all, its not about the money you spend, but the love you give. I think you''ll be surprised at what you can get with $1500.

p.s. I love this setting and I believe it would be divine with a pearl: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34185464

 

[freefly]

Date: 11/16/2009 1:32:24 AM
Author: kas baby
Is there any particular reason why you want to go with a pearl? not that its wrong or anything, in fact, I didn''t choose a diamond for my engagement ring. But perhaps something a little bit more durable would be better? unless of course you are very soft on your hands and you wouldn''t mind replacing your pearl often, because pearl is soft and scratches easily.


There are plenty of other gemstones that are non-traditional but can stand up to daily wear, such as sapphire or spinel(which can be found at very reasonable prices, in fact, there is a poster on pricescope that was able to have several engagement rings due to the very nice price of spinel

). I believe also, that some have been very happy with garnets as center gems as well.


If you like the ethereal and romantic quality of pearl, might i suggest a cabochon of sapphire? some have a very nice silky quality that imo are very lovely.

here are some examples of star sapphires:

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Star/#&&/wEXAQUGc3RvbmVzBQoxJDEkJDYwJCQy


it is not crazy to not wish to spend a lot of money on an engagement ring, after all, its not about the money you spend, but the love you give. I think you''ll be surprised at what you can get with $1500.


p.s. I love this setting and I believe it would be divine with a pearl: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34185464

I agree with everything Kasbaby has said, and here''s an example of the lotus ring with a pearl. http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=17808304

I don''t believe a freshwater pearl is any more durable than an Akoya or South Sea, but they are usually much more affordable. I also agree that not wanting to spend a lot of money on an engagement ring is not strange. And to a lot of people, $1500 is actually a lot of money to spend on a ring! Whatever you decide to get, I''m sure it will be lovely and be representative of your personal taste and preference. Please post pics when you get it!

 

[jmtomaui]

I would call Pearl Paradise (or start by looking at their website). They would be able to give you some very sound advice on the strengh and durability of a pearl e-ring. And have settings you could look at as well.

You will not find them pushy at all. They would rather you be well informed and make the decision that is best for you.

I do think a pearl ring would be beautiful as an engagement ring but would be nervous about the durability of it. Some women choose, after marriage, to only wear their wedding band and then wear their engagement rings on special occasions. This could be another option for longer term wearability for your pearl ring.

 

[SB621]

I''m + 1 for looking into a colored gemstone ring....i think that might meet your needs better. I highly recommend looking on the colored stones forum at the colored erings thread posted at the top. I think that will help you!

 

[ma re]

Freshwater pearls have more layers of nacre than some other varieties which makes them (in theory) more durable.

Certain design elements can protect the stone somewhat, but that''s not real security and the stone can still get damaged.

Pearl doesen''t have to be replaced over time if it''s not worn too much.

Cost shouldn''t concern you unless you plan on wearing the ring with the price tag still on. Not even professional jewellers can know from several feet away what''s the cost of something, cause there''s so many fakes, treatments and synthetics these days.

Suitable for daily wear...pearl? Not a good idea. Maybe it would be better if you''d get an e-ring with another stone (more durable) and save the pearl for something like a wedding present (pendant, brooch, a nice strand...). But off course, there are no rules and the choice is only yours.

P. S. There are interesting gemstones similar in appearance but more durable, like star sapphires, cat''s eye chrysoberyls, moonstones etc.

 

[Streeter1]

Freshwater pearls are solid nacre, but unfortunately this doesn''t make them more durable. Freshwater pearls are a lot more porous that saltwater pearls, so they are much more easily damaged by things like cosmetics or anything acidic.

I think akoya would be a bad idea too. They are too delicate, and the nacre is too thin for the most part. The only kind of cultured pearl suitable for a long-lasting engagement ring (in my opinion) would be a South Sea.

Why not consider a natural pearl?

 

[ma re]

Date: 11/17/2009 9:47:18 AM
Author: Streeter1

Freshwater pearls are solid nacre, but unfortunately this doesn''t make them more durable. Freshwater pearls are a lot more porous that saltwater pearls, so they are much more easily damaged by things like cosmetics or anything acidic.

Makes sense, thanks for the clarification. Now I remember reading somewhere how those layers of nacre form more uniformly in saltwater varieties, so that must be part of the reason for this.