Quality vs Size... Tiffany and Co Ering

[rainydaze]

i'm thinking that you might want to give the two of you plenty of time in tiffany's so that she feels like she has plenty of time with the options and alternatives, and doesn't feel rushed to make a decision. i would say do something fun/special/romantic/nostalgic early in the day. you could still be holding a ring box when you propose with something cute inside (a twist-tie made into a ring?) with a cute little tag attached that says 'we have an appointment at tiffany's at x o'clock to pick out your perfect diamond ring!'.

you could plan to get to tiffany's a little early (half an hour?) so that she can just browse in case a lucida or other type of diamond/setting catches her eye, then head into your appointment. if something else really jumped out at her while browsing, have them bring that in to the appointment.

to go one step further, you could plan to have a nice dinner together afterwards to celebrate. you could even have a hotel room set up with flowers and champagne, etc. so you can spend a romantic the night in the city. some guys like to work a trip into the engagements; if you were thinking of something along those lines for your proposal, you could do the hotel then whisk her away the following morning.

 

[rainydaze]

ooo, if they are willing to set up a display area of the rings you have pre-selected, you could *not* propose before going into the store, casually suggest you go in there to poke around, and have a little sign inside the case with your choices that asks '(her name) will you marry me?' so that as she comes to that section, she sees it. even better if you can time it so that you go down on one knee as she sees it and it's registering!

 

[mrs jam]

Thanks for the idea of proposing outside of the store! I think this is a good option vs proposing without a ring or buying something she won't like. Will this look silly though? Without holding a ring box? Any other ideas to make it more special?!? If I do this, it's gotta be special!
I will work with a SA to try and set up a display case inside with just rings for her to choose from. I'll have them gather diamonds ranging from 1.0-1.5 carats, d to g colors, vs2 or better, under $20k. Hopefully 5+ to choose from... Thanks to everyone who helped me come up with that.
Also thanks for the HCA calculator. What is an ideal scope though? Do I really NEED it?!?

Any other things I should think about? Any more ideas to make it an incredible and surprising moment?

Thanks again!

I LOVE this idea! That way, you will still get to surprise her with your proposal while still giving her input on the ring! To me, it's the best of both worlds. Please don't listen to some of the posters telling you that it's inconsiderate of you to surprise her with a ring. I will never forget the moment when my husband dropped down to one knee to propose to me; it's my most cherished memory. The surprise of it was what made it so magical; the beautiful ring was just the icing on the cake. If I had picked out my own ring, it would have taken away a little bit from the moment. The engagement ring will not just be HER ring, the fact that you are doing all the leg work and research to get her something that is special to YOU, too, is what makes it such a meaningful symbol. Otherwise, it's just another diamond ring. A girl can buy herself any old diamond ring she wants. Engagement rings should be more special than that.

I love this idea of providing her with a selection of rings that you have picked out for her to choose from. What a fun decision that would be! It's also such a great way for you to cover the bases, from a smaller carat D color to a larger H. Seriously, it's brilliant! I am a huge proponent of Tiffany, and I don't doubt they will help make this experience as magical as possible!

 

[mrs jam]

Oh my gosh, here's an idea if you don't want to propose "empty-handed" or boxless! You could buy a silver Tiffany charm bracelet or keyring (anything engraveable) and get it engraved with "Will you marry me" or "Yes" or something along those lines. That way, you wouldn't be empty-handed, and it would give her an additional keepsake from such a romantic moment.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Thanks for the idea of proposing outside of the store! I think this is a good option vs proposing without a ring or buying something she won't like. Will this look silly though? Without holding a ring box? Any other ideas to make it more special?!? If I do this, it's gotta be special!
I will work with a SA to try and set up a display case inside with just rings for her to choose from. I'll have them gather diamonds ranging from 1.0-1.5 carats, d to g colors, vs2 or better, under $20k. Hopefully 5+ to choose from... Thanks to everyone who helped me come up with that.
Also thanks for the HCA calculator. What is an ideal scope though? Do I really NEED it?!?

Any other things I should think about? Any more ideas to make it an incredible and surprising moment?

Thanks again!

I honestly think if you just use the numbers you'll be okay. Any screening of the rings needs to be done before that evening, of course. I think arranging for a selection of about 5 rings in your price range, ranging from the smaller D up to that 1.40 H is going to be fantastic! If you take her outside the store and then propose and after you say all the sweet stuff, then say...your ring is waiting inside...will you marry me? I just think that would give her a beautiful memory and proposal story that most girls would envy. If you can do this first, then you could have dinner reservations at the best restaurant after.

Oh, and I'd throw a Novo in the 1.3 range into that mix. That is a beautiful cushion diamond that many women love. That way, she can truly have some style choice aside from just color.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Oh my gosh, here's an idea if you don't want to propose "empty-handed" or boxless! You could buy a silver Tiffany charm bracelet or keyring (anything engraveable) and get it engraved with "Will you marry me" or "Yes" or something along those lines. That way, you wouldn't be empty-handed, and it would give her an additional keepsake from such a romantic moment.

Love this! He could hand her the gift, which clearly won't be in the shape of an e-ring box which would be confusing, and have the engraving!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Your issues seems to be similar to another poster "hewiththe fool"--are you related or just have the same new poster/new concern same issues?

cheers--Sharon

 

[Haven]

Oh my gosh, here's an idea if you don't want to propose "empty-handed" or boxless! You could buy a silver Tiffany charm bracelet or keyring (anything engraveable) and get it engraved with "Will you marry me" or "Yes" or something along those lines. That way, you wouldn't be empty-handed, and it would give her an additional keepsake from such a romantic moment.

Love this! He could hand her the gift, which clearly won't be in the shape of an e-ring box which would be confusing, and have the engraving!

Yes! My DH used engraved silver bookmarks to propose to me, and it was perfect. (I'm a booknerd, he snuck them in a stack of magazines, and then came out with the ring.) I love that I have a keepsake from the proposal!

 

[Diamondheadache]

LOVE the idea of a keepsake... I like the key ring, she'd always have it with her...
Should I engrave: "Will you marry me?" or something more clever to puzzle her at the time? A few questions marks only: "???", or something along those lines? This would be an awesome way to initiate the outside of store proposal!

In the meantime, I'll try to indirectly get her thoughts on e-rings... Maybe I can buy her a ring prior to proposal, after hearing what she wants. That way I can do it in a more romantic spot vs outside. If not possible, I'm totally doing the store idea!

I feel like I'm heading in the right direction here thanks to you all!!!

PS: No, I'm not that other person you are referring to. I didn't think other people were as complicated as I was lol...

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Put the DATE on it only!!! She will look at it and say...what is the significance of this date???? Then you can drop to one knee and propose!!!! And then tell her that her ring is waiting inside!

This is so much fun! I wish you could get someone to videotape it so we could see! haha! But seriously, PLEASE come back and tell us how this goes!!!

(PS..I really like the idea of the bracelet with the heart charm for this, though!)

 

[Diamondheadache]

OMG...I think I have a better idea..
They have a small pocket diary for sale... I can get the 2012 diary, and on the date I propose write "Will you marry me?". She likes cute gifts like this... I'll have her flip to that day (upon giving it to her) and while shes processing everything, I will either get down on one knee and and propose (with or without a ring). If I don't have one and do the outside of store proposal, I can always explain to her that her ring is waiting inside for her to choose. There is a little more meaning behind the diary... It will allow her to write as much as she wants about her feelings, planning of the wedding, all events prior to it, and even about the big day itself. Something nice to keep and possibly pass on to our children...
I kinda thought about this just now after browsing the Tiff website. Has anyone ever heard of something like this?

 

[Diamondheadache]

Diamondseeker... I posted something new right as you were!
I like your date only idea you have as well!!! Tell me what you think of my new idea!

I will try to have someone either take photos or tape! If I can, I will def show you all!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think that idea is great, too! Honestly, either would be special and a great way to begin the proposal and then end in the store (if you decide to do that!). I think the reason I am so enthusiastic is that it would fulfill both my desire for a romantic surprise proposal while still giving her input into the ring!!!!

 

[mrs jam]

This is so exciting! I'm such a nerd, but I'm getting a vicarious thrill reading the cool ideas here! She is in for such a wonderful surprise!

 

[mrs jam]

Oh my gosh, here's an idea if you don't want to propose "empty-handed" or boxless! You could buy a silver Tiffany charm bracelet or keyring (anything engraveable) and get it engraved with "Will you marry me" or "Yes" or something along those lines. That way, you wouldn't be empty-handed, and it would give her an additional keepsake from such a romantic moment.

Love this! He could hand her the gift, which clearly won't be in the shape of an e-ring box which would be confusing, and have the engraving!

Yes! My DH used engraved silver bookmarks to propose to me, and it was perfect. (I'm a booknerd, he snuck them in a stack of magazines, and then came out with the ring.) I love that I have a keepsake from the proposal!

I love it!

 

[Spesh2011]

This thread took a nice turn. I love the store proposal idea either with the diary or the key chain with the date only or 'will you marry me' on it. Super cute!

My only concern about the diary is what can you say to get her to turn to that specific page? Maybe have it bookmarked and tell her there is something special inside so she turns to that page?

I was on You Tube watching proposal videos and this one guy hired a photographer to photograph the entire surprise proposal. He and his GF were at Disney World. It was really sweet. Someone good enough could totally blend into the background with a nice, big lens. She would never know they were even there. Then they could even follow you into the store to take pics of you ring shopping (if the store would allow it).

I also really love the idea of having a special case just for her (with all the rings you want to show her) with a sign that says, "Will you marry me?"

Lots of ideas!

 

[mjertl]

Thanks for the idea of proposing outside of the store! I think this is a good option vs proposing without a ring or buying something she won't like. Will this look silly though? Without holding a ring box? Any other ideas to make it more special?!? If I do this, it's gotta be special!
I will work with a SA to try and set up a display case inside with just rings for her to choose from. I'll have them gather diamonds ranging from 1.0-1.5 carats, d to g colors, vs2 or better, under $20k. Hopefully 5+ to choose from... Thanks to everyone who helped me come up with that.
Also thanks for the HCA calculator. What is an ideal scope though? Do I really NEED it?!?

Any other things I should think about? Any more ideas to make it an incredible and surprising moment?

Thanks again!

How about THIS: worried about not having a ring box? Talk to Tiffany 's first, have them get you an empty ring box, and place something inside that says something along the lines of "pick one," or "you choose," or "marry me." You could do a piece of paper, or doesn't Tiffany's do sterling silver charms (or platinum or white gold or whatever, I don't really care)? Have one engraved with something along those lines... Then you have the ever-important "box" for the big moment, she gets a memento from the proposal itself, you get a great story, and you both get to walk into Tiffany's and choose the ring of her dreams (within your budget) - whether that's D in color or G in color, whatever.

 

[risingsun]

I'm late to this thread, but I would like to post my .02. I find that people do not ask me the color, clarity, or size of my diamond. They are impressed, more than anything else, by the sparkle. I hear comments, such as, I have never seen a diamond like this before. My ring size is 4.5, so that helps with the ring coverage. I have a nice size diamond, 1.596 ct and it is set in a halo design. It is noticed. The one question I am almost always asked is where did I get my ring. I tell them the name of the store and the brand of diamond. This way, they can look at an AGS 0 stone, which happens to be G VS2. My diamond has an obscene premium on it; however, we did my upgrade in stages. I have helped people pick out rings in my local jewelry store. I understand what they are looking for, after we have talked for awhile. If this line of diamonds is not right for them, I/ the jeweler can give them options. I don't like raining on someone's parade, when they have a dream about the type of ring they desire. They can always rule out something that doesn't meet their needs, but they need to discover that for through respectful education. Why do we feel the need to destroy that dream. Advice can be given without all the emotional backage.

 

[hearts-arrows_girl]

I hope you'll be posting pictures of the two of you at Tiffany's and the wonderful ring you decide on!

 

[Diamondheadache]

After reading some other posts and looking at other threads.... 2 other options that I'm considering...

#1: What do you all think of a D color excellent cut SI1? That way I can get a bigger size? Will the ring be more cloudy or different looking than a VS2?? I know SI1 is eye clean.. But will this at all impact sparkle or look to the naked eye? If it does, I don't want anything to do with it.

#2: Or how about a G color excellent cut vs2 or SI1?? I'm sure I could probably be in the 1.5 range then with 20k.

The reason I'm thinking about possibly going down in color is because the wedding band diamonds are going to be g/h in color.. I read that a d might not match up well.?!?

I'm still liking the d color... But maybe extra size might be something she would want... What do u all think of the 2 other options above? And please, if you like any of the above options, please explain why! Honestly I'm afraid to jump down into the SI1 category...?!?

Thanks!

 

[vintagelover229]

I love the idea of proposing to her and letting her pick something out! That is so sweet and women LOVE to be included in these types of things.


That being said it appears you are considering other options such as getting a quality stone and plucking it into an amazing setting and giving that to her. With your budget IMO you can do some pretty amazing things if you ditch the Tiffany and Co plan (or get pre loved Tiffany. Tiffany will clean it all up and check the ring out for you and I believe you can pay them for an updated appraisal AND use the ring in the future for upgrades if you so chose to).

Here is some videos and if you search for SI stones it will pull up comparisons of colors/cuts/etc

Jonathan at GOG makes high def videos and here is a color face up comparison to help you decide what color you want for the stone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vI3Tkd3VQU

Here is a video of a 1.35 F VS1 compared to an 1.52 H SI1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eWHUs77BD0

Hearts and arrows compared to AVR
http://www.youtube.com/user/DiamondInfoMan#p/search/2/zgcvxvyX1cY

Solasfera vs H&A (just faceting patterns for different ideal cuts of rounds)
http://www.youtube.com/user/DiamondInfoMan#p/search/15/IkKhWf1-oKU


You have to call to get the price of this but I think it's probably within your budget and might be perfect if it's eye clean
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8281/

An AVR
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7818/

1.14
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8803/

I really think you should get a comparison video of this stone next to a higher color/clarity stone because IMO this is the honey pot for a nice stone at a good price 1.51 G SI1 for 17k which would leave 3k for an amazing designer setting
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8216/


A list of all their settings (which if you check out the videos and do a search by designer in the search field will bring up all the completed rings by that designer. He has lots of them!) I personally would check out Mark Morrell-his settings are AMAZING and are custom and very very high end. IMO a custom ring just for her vs picking one out at Tiffany and Co is much more special bc it was made just for your bride to be. Do a search for Mark on here and you'll see his beautiful designs
http://www.goodoldgold.com/SettingSearch/

https://www.pricescope.com/search/node/mark+morrell

In fact there was a thread about Tiffany and CO and Mark Morrell and other tiffany inspired pieces and here is the comparison
https://www.pricescope.com/blog/tiffany-inspired-tiffany-setting-comparison

A pre-loved Tiffany with an H stone 1.5 for under budget
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tiffany-Co-1-51-Carat-Round-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-GIA-Certified-H-VS-2-/260885048456?pt=Designer_Jewelry&hash=item3cbdf5ec88

Another but F color and a bit smaller also still under budget
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tiffany-Co-Solitaire-Platinum-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-/290595962890?pt=Designer_Jewelry&hash=item43a8de800a

I know this isn't a round one but it's also Tiffany and co and unique
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tiffany-Co-Certified-Lucida-Diamond-Platinum-Ring-/130540589392?pt=Designer_Jewelry&hash=item1e64d35150


IMO I think you should call up Jonathan find an awesome stone and get that Tiffany and Co date book. Take a day trip to Long Island with the day book in hand and propose to her in some cute manner and then take her to GOG and show her the stone you have bought (The best part about that is she can compare the stone to the other cuts just to be certain that it's 100% the one she wants) and then have her pick out the setting with you. She might not get the ring right away but you guys will walk out engaged with the stone and setting picked out and ready to be picked up

Now if you aren't in the area that idea won't work lol. I've only skimmed the thread but if you have to have the ring shipped to you I'd pick out the stone and either have it set in a Mark Morrell setting or another designer setting that you think she'd love. Hard to go wrong with those beautiful settings.

Good luck and congratulations!

 

[Enerchi]

What a wonderful turn around to this whole thread! I'm so glad that this has a much happier spin on the whole process

I love the ideas of the Tiffany charm/diary/empty box with message, etc., because that will be an AWESOME proposal story for all time! She's going to really appreciate your efforts - for sure! And, in line with your desire for perfection, you get to include her in the selection process, get the perfect ring that will make her happy forever.

So excited to hear how this all turns out - Please consider the videographer from afar so we can all enjoy it vicariously with you - and you'll have that memory forever! Yet another "perfect solution"

Good luck!

 

[LittleRiver]

I LOVE the idea of proposing in front of Tiffany! She is going to die!

I bet she picks the biggest one

 

[mjertl]

(in the amount of time it took me to catch up with the thread and write a reply with my "brilliant" proposal plan, it seems that several other people came up with essentially the same idea - sorry, didn't realize I was a little late to the party!)

 

[yssie]

This thread really has taken a lovely turn


Diamondheadache, I'm SO happy you're considering involving her in the process! Proposing with a keepsake (I love love love the date idea, noone else would know what it means - it'd be your secret ), taking her into the store and letting her pick one - gosh, what a dream of a proposal, and what an amazing story that'll make!!


I would actually caution you against SI1 here. You're looking at decently sized stones, and not all SI1s are eyeclean. It depends on your vision, her vision, some types of lights make inclusions more visible than others, and the only way to be totally sure the stone is clean to your personal specifications would be to examine it in various types of lights - and that doesn't really sound in-keeping with the mood of the event. Unless perhaps you can inspect all the rings they're planning to offer beforehand, and vet it before she sees it, I think it'll be more mind-clean in to stick to VS+, be completely sure there won't be any unexpected surprises tomorrow.

 

[motownmama]

The only thing I don't like is the 2012 calendar - I thought you were getting this done in 2011!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Look at their SI1's and see what you think. There is a term here called mind clean--and with you originally desiring VS stones--you might be amongst that mindset--which it is all good. I hope Tiffany can find a ring (bring something in if they do not have it on hand)that suits your parameters in color, clarity and size and that your and your partner can agree on it!

Happy Shopping!

cheers--Sharon

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I agree with Yssie. I would not go to SI1, but I think G color is a great idea (maybe because most of my diamonds are G color with ideal cut)! (Is Tiffany even selling e-rings with SI1? I thought VS2 used to be their lowest clarity???).

 

[mrs jam]

After reading some other posts and looking at other threads.... 2 other options that I'm considering...

#1: What do you all think of a D color excellent cut SI1? That way I can get a bigger size? Will the ring be more cloudy or different looking than a VS2?? I know SI1 is eye clean.. But will this at all impact sparkle or look to the naked eye? If it does, I don't want anything to do with it.

#2: Or how about a G color excellent cut vs2 or SI1?? I'm sure I could probably be in the 1.5 range then with 20k.

The reason I'm thinking about possibly going down in color is because the wedding band diamonds are going to be g/h in color.. I read that a d might not match up well.?!?

I'm still liking the d color... But maybe extra size might be something she would want... What do u all think of the 2 other options above? And please, if you like any of the above options, please explain why! Honestly I'm afraid to jump down into the SI1 category...?!?

Thanks!

Let me preface my response by disclosing that I don't think I am very sensitive to color in diamonds. I don't think I'm good at picking up the distinctions and slight variations in hue. There are days when I leave the house wearing a navy blue shoe on one foot and a similarly styled black shoe on the other.

So for me, color would not be an issue at all. However (and again, this is a personal preference), I think an SI would bother me. Even if eye clean. Clarity is the only area, besides cut, in which I am a tad neurotic. I avoid feathers at all costs, even in VS1 stones. I know there's no valid reason, but the thought of a crack in my stone just bugs me.

Your color sensitivity and my neurosis when it comes to clarity goes to show that the "right" stone really depends a lot on personal preferences and perspectives. Honestly, I would start by going with what my eyes tell me first to thin the herd and then get down to the nitty gritty details once you've selected some stones/rings that are eye-pleasers.

 

[sapphirering]

I don't think Tiffany sells SI1 in their e-rings either. I agree that SI1 might be too risky for you. My D SI1 is completely eye clean with a bit of crystals but no feather (graded by AGS and this was 12 years ago- from what I've read from recent threads it sounds like the clarity grading has changed a bit?) You can definitely get eye clean SI1s but it will involve more careful viewing, and again it's the mind clean issue. As a tangent, I've always wondered if IF means it doesn't have *any* flaws at all, or does it mean that you can't see flaws at a certain degree of magnification? Like, if you magnify a diamond to the gazillioneth power, will you see inclusions then?

Back to the topic, Tiffany grades its own diamonds and I doubt they will sell diamonds with a big old inclusion in the table, regardless of clarity. Honestly, it is very easy to pick everything apart when you're at home reading up about diamonds. I think if you go into the store and check out the stones in person, you will feel better about your options.