Questions!! BF has asked me to put together a packet...

[HaloBelle]

So, we have a very comical, loving, practical type of relationship and we have had our timeline for awhile. I should have seen this coming. HA. So, the BF has asked for a packet, an estimate, a bid, 'Whatever' you want to call it on engagement rings. Essentially, what are my acceptable ranges in style, shape, cut, color, money, etc. lol. We were dying laughing when we starting discussing this; its totally our style. Its like that Windows commercial where the little boy puts together a powerpoint on why he needs a puppy. It started as a joke but now he is super into it.

Problem though: I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I WANT! I mean, I thought I knew. I really did. And now? There is all this doubt, what if I want an emerald cut? Will it look odd on my finger? What if I want a diamond band with my e-ring, will it make the halo I want look lopsided?! The obvious answer is take him with me, look at some rings, get some feedback on if they look alright (I'm not super flashy and work outdoors, don't want anything too big or tall) from him. Then, put together short packet that we joke is more for laughs but we both know it will be his guiding light...

Haha, I don't know if anyone else has been through this - but I just want advice on how you narrowed down your options! I was so sure I knew exactly what style , size of center, etc.... and now? I'm clueless.

I feel like when you ask a toddler what flavor ice cream they want.

 

[LoveLikeCrazy]

Haha thats very cute!!

The only way i knew what i wanted was to go to multiple places and try on every different type of ring on, and then narrow it down from there! Now i'm just waiting (..and waiting) haha ) I'm lucky as my SO was very into ring shopping. Once i narrowed it down between 2 styles at the same store...we went back and tried them both on again and then there was one haha. Then he spoke to salesperson and chose the budget etc based on what carat size we wanted etc.

Good luck and have fun!! Keep us updated! P.S. i also found it helpful to have the sales person try the rings on after i did, so that i could see what it looked like on someone else too!

 

[peonia]

such a cute idea!

personally, i would really recommend that you go and try some on in person. my BF and i looked at a ton of different styles on the internet, one week i loved the halo style and the next i was dead set on a solitaire with pave band. i was also convinced on a 4 prong setting, but when i went to see some in person i much preferred the 6 prong settings! it really makes a difference to see them on your own hand.

i think going to see them with your partner would be really fun, but if he would prefer that you didn't do this step together, maybe you could go with a friend who's judgement and helpfulness you trust? either way, i'm sure it'll be a fun experience for you you will probably surprise yourself with what you think suits you best!

 

[audball]

Agree with the previous posters. You MUST go and try on a ton of styles to figure out what you like in person as opposed to in pictures.

Keep in mind that you work outdoors. Is your work a lot with your hands? You may want more of a no muss no fuss kind of ring and skip the micropave, halos, super dainty delicate rings so that you can actually wear your ring at work.

Have you thought about a bezel or a semi-bezel? They offer a smoother head with no prongs to catch on things and most vendors have a setting for just about every shape.

If you want to share some photos of things you THINK you'll like, I'm sure these lovely ladies can rally and find some great options for you to try on.

 

[HaloBelle]

Thanks for all the replies! I guess you are right, I should just take some time, and go try them on. I have done that before, about a year ago for fun, and it was decidedly NOT fun. Ha! I thought it was all fun and games and then I went in there and was so overwhelmed. I have a lot more knowledge now, so hopefully I will not be so stressed about it.

I hadn't thought about a bezel/semi bezel - I'll definitely look at those styles too. It would give the halo look that I think I like but with more protection. I do work with my hands alot and I am an avid gardener to boot. (Def. will be taking off the ring to garden!!)

Goodness. Oh! And great idea having the sales person try it on too; I never thought of that. You are all so wonderful!

 

[audball]

Thanks for all the replies! I guess you are right, I should just take some time, and go try them on. I have done that before, about a year ago for fun, and it was decidedly NOT fun. Ha! I thought it was all fun and games and then I went in there and was so overwhelmed. I have a lot more knowledge now, so hopefully I will not be so stressed about it.

I hadn't thought about a bezel/semi bezel - I'll definitely look at those styles too. It would give the halo look that I think I like but with more protection. I do work with my hands alot and I am an avid gardener to boot. (Def. will be taking off the ring to garden!!)

Goodness. Oh! And great idea having the sales person try it on too; I never thought of that. You are all so wonderful!

I ADORE bezels and semi bezels. They are my personal favorite (and what I chose!). I'm not the most graceful person and I love that the settings protects the diamond and gives it smooth, fluid lines that will help me not to catch it on things. I certainly want to be able to wear my ring as much as possible so this was important to me!

Not all stores have bezel settings to see in person. In my experience, most don't. Or if they do, the few I have seen weren't very good/nice.

We worked with Pearlmans Jewelers and they actually sent us a sample setting of the one we loved to try on and wear for a few days to see if we liked it. All they did was put a hold on our credit card (didn't actually charge it) until it was returned. They even paid shipping both ways. They will do this for Pricescopers if you ask.

If you were to go for a halo since it seems to be your preference, I'd probably caution you against getting one that has pave on the actually shank and to make sure it isn't too delicate so that it can stand up to your work, assuming it's important to you to be able to wear it during the day outside while you're working.

ETA: If he's really open to suggestions, I'd even include a list of approved vendors (PS ones that you know will get you a great ring. IE: GOG, BGD, WF, IDJ, JA, etc)

Here are two emerald cut bezel rings from James Allen.
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire-rings/ring/item_57-8924.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire-rings/ring/item_57-8927.asp

 

[HaloBelle]

Fabulous!! Thanks! The bezel's that I have looked at (in the last 10 min) are real hit and miss with the style I think I like but trying them on will be key, y'all are right about that one. There certainly are some GORGEOUS ones!

I'll be sure to include a "Preferred Vendors" section in the report, haha.

I have also been interested in a low profile ring, something not very tall, for the same reason. I am terrified of it catching and breaking, that happened to my mom last year!!! (found the diamond, reset it, all is good.)

 

[audball]

Fabulous!! Thanks! The bezel's that I have looked at (in the last 10 min) are real hit and miss with the style I think I like but trying them on will be key, y'all are right about that one. There certainly are some GORGEOUS ones!

I'll be sure to include a "Preferred Vendors" section in the report, haha.

I have also been interested in a low profile ring, something not very tall, for the same reason. I am terrified of it catching and breaking, that happened to my mom last year!!! (found the diamond, reset it, all is good.)

Hehe. They certainly are. Some I LOVE LOVE LOVE, and others do not impress me at all.

This is by far my favorite bezel setting (for a round) and is the one we chose!
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/sholdt-jewelry/rings/08ZZ1/
A youtube video of the sample (sample is a 1 ct stone, ours is ~.80).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_q7MlTbB3s

They make it in a slightly modified version for more square stones, including princess, cushion, asscher, and radiant. I'm not sure if emerald is an option (probably would be, at least if it was set east-west), but you may like it.
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/sholdt-jewelry/rings/10ZZ1/

The setting is so completely fluid and wonderful in real life. Pictures really don't do it justice. It's more delicate feeling in real life too, while still feeling completely sturdy.

 

[HaloBelle]

Hehe. They certainly are. Some I LOVE LOVE LOVE, and others do not impress me at all.

This is by far my favorite bezel setting (for a round) and is the one we chose!
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/sholdt-jewelry/rings/08ZZ1/
A youtube video of the sample (sample is a 1 ct stone, ours is ~.80).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_q7MlTbB3s

They make it in a slightly modified version for more square stones, including princess, cushion, asscher, and radiant. I'm not sure if emerald is an option (probably would be, at least if it was set east-west), but you may like it.
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/sholdt-jewelry/rings/10ZZ1/

The setting is so completely fluid and wonderful in real life. Pictures really don't do it justice. It's more delicate feeling in real life too, while still feeling completely sturdy.

So pretty! Thanks for sharing All your information is wonderful !!

 

[audball]

Glad to help! I can probably find/know of other settings. What do you THINK your ideal is?

A halo? Is emerald cut your preference?

 

[madelise]

That's so great that your SO is this practical! I could never be okay with a total "surprise engagement" since I'm so picky! (Even though most women do prefer the whole surprise element). But even though I'm picky, I "feel you" on the whole kid in the candy store, overwhelmed feeling.

I agree with all the other gals that you must try them on! Everyone's hands and fingers look different, and even the shape can affect how flattering it can be on you. I don't know if I missed reading this, but has he given you a budget? It plays a H U G E role in deciding what you want. I would hesitate to give characteristic "limits" on the C's without a budget.. like, for instance, if you had a certain budget to stay under, you can't "spend it all" on size.. or you'll end up short ended on the quality, color, clarity, cut...

I'd figure out what shape you want for your center diamond, first. I think Emerald cuts are classic and timeless, and have a grace to it. It would look beautiful on any length finger! But heck, I think any diamond looks good on any finger, really After you figure that out, scour the internet for a feel for how much what combination of cut/color/clarity/size would be. For example, I'm currently helping SO's good friend out, and given his budget, I'm going to show him a 1.5 H and a 1.2 F.

I had a GF that worked backwards from my recommendation, and build up her "dream ring", one that made her heart sing, for her SO to make, only to find out the actual costs of everything, and got shot down due to budget size. It became a let down that she could no longer get that dream ring that she kept building herself up to expect.. Unfortunately..


Oh, and are you okay with purchasing pre-owned loves? I'm a total bargain lover (TJ MAxx and Ross shopper here!) and looooovveeee scoping out local pawn shops, antique coin shops, and the internet for some "wins". If not, fine, but if so, that's an option, too

Just remember you can always change your setting at anytime for a small(ish) hassle and price, but your center stone is less "disposable" due to price! And have lots of fun! It's not often a girl gets asked to make a portfolio for her dream ring!!

Aud-- so THIS is how you're keeping your mind busy!

 

[audball]

Aud-- so THIS is how you're keeping your mind busy!

Guilty....

 

[Mico]

I agree with all of the above!!

All I knew starting out is I wanted a round diamond, taste went from halo setting with pave band, to halo with solid band, to solitaire without halo vs. halo, to solitaire to bezel *whew*.

I still have no idea what I want!!!

What really helped is going to stores and trying rings on, which as odd as this sounds - ISN'T FUN! Even though we made it very clear we were only interested in settings the majority of the conversations would be diamond education with some vendors trying to get us to put money down on things that day. I don't like pushy sales people and we wasted time with too many. We did like the no hassel places which were places high priced B&M's like debeers, finks and tiffany's because the sales people weren't pushy and we were allowed to see the different types of settings without much hassel or any sales pitches.

I also recommend pinterest because you can look at all your choices and delete as needed. Mine has about 5-6 styles I like listed on there . SO jokes about how it's morphed since we first started looking.

Good luck with your search!

 

[audball]

How's your packet coming?

 

[star sparkle]

Ditto the other ladies who have chimed in before me - you MUST go try things on first!

For the longest time, before finding PS and being exposed to all different types of stone shapes and settings, I had my heart dead set on a princess stone. I thought they were so fabulous and wouldn't have been happy with anything but a princess! Then one day I thought I should go try some on to see what size I liked and lo and behold, I disovered that princess cuts just do not look good on my finger! I hated the way it looked on me! Same with emeralds; I think they look amazing and classic on OTHER people, but on me they make my finger look squat and fat.

Fast forward to now, I have a gorgeous little antique number that BF has hidden away from me just waiting for a proposal. I never in a million years thought I would be attracted to a ring like this one, but the moment I saw it and tried it on it was love at first sight. It seriously took my breath away, and it wasn't something I EVER would have considered if I hadn't seen it in person and tried it on.

So head out there and hit the shops, girl! As much as PSers despise maul stores, they're at least good for trying out a variety of shapes and setting styles on your hand. After you do that research, you come back to PS with your discoveries and go from there!

 

[audball]

That is about the only thing the maul stores are good for...to try things on and see what your tastes are.

 

[HaloBelle]

Thanks everyone!! I plan on going to try things on, soon, its just a matter of if BF wants to go. He can't decide. I explained why I need a ballpark budget and he still had no idea so I told him what I was looking at. He wasn't shocked by the numbers but the reality of activity putting money aside for this hit him.

The packet is going well, I started with basic diamond education and now I need to go try styles on before I get to that part. I have a feeling this packet will be making its rounds with our guy friends so for the other ladies' sake, I'm making sure there is a gooood educational section.

I'll update you after I go to the maul stores, I have it narrowed down to a few styles to try and then explore from there.

 

[audball]

Woo hoo! That sounds like progress. I'd be careful to label your preferences as HALOBELLE'S preferences so that if your BF does share the educational guide with others, you don't end up with a ton of girls around you with more/less the same ring you chose!

 

[HaloBelle]

Oh don't worry, that section will simply be removed before he shares.

 

[audball]

Oh don't worry, that section will simply be removed before he shares.

Good plan

 

[Mico]

Oh don't worry, that section will simply be removed before he shares.

Good plan

i second that

 

[madelise]

I just had a thought. There should be an official Pricescope-approved packet or Engagement Ring Shopping for Dummies book or something out there! I mean, Rhino's School of Rock videos are GREAT, and this forum is GREAT, but shouldn't there be like a simplified version with all the general rules of thumbs to follow by?

 

[Mico]

I just had a thought. There should be an official Pricescope-approved packet or Engagement Ring Shopping for Dummies book or something out there! I mean, Rhino's School of Rock videos are GREAT, and this forum is GREAT, but shouldn't there be like a simplified version with all the general rules of thumbs to follow by?

 

[pandabee]

I just had a thought. There should be an official Pricescope-approved packet or Engagement Ring Shopping for Dummies book or something out there! I mean, Rhino's School of Rock videos are GREAT, and this forum is GREAT, but shouldn't there be like a simplified version with all the general rules of thumbs to follow by?

that would be great! how *simplified* could it really be though...you'd have to include the huge gamut of different shapes, not to mention different cuts within each shape! then the basics on color, clarity (carat is obviously self explanatory haha...but a pictoral guide like how big "typical" carat sizes look on an average hand may be helpful). the diamond guide section here is helpful but it would be nice to have it all in like a book form or something! I am old fashioned in that way...I think it's much more substantial if it's solid and printed vs. online only. (no e-books for me! )

 

[HaloBelle]

Bluenile has a printable version for carat sizes! I imagine it there would be a great deal of fluctuation in the fancy cuts, but hey - they tried. I already knew what size RB looks good on me, but this was fairly accurate to that one... If they had it compared to finger sizes, omg - that would be perfect.

http://pics.bluenile.com/assets/chrome/pdf/diamond_carat_size_0810.pdf
You print it with scaling "none".


And maybe there isn't a 'norm' on PS, but a simplified version for Round Brilliants would be really helpful to a bunch of guys I imagine!

 

[madelise]

I just had a thought. There should be an official Pricescope-approved packet or Engagement Ring Shopping for Dummies book or something out there! I mean, Rhino's School of Rock videos are GREAT, and this forum is GREAT, but shouldn't there be like a simplified version with all the general rules of thumbs to follow by?

that would be great! how *simplified* could it really be though...you'd have to include the huge gamut of different shapes, not to mention different cuts within each shape! then the basics on color, clarity (carat is obviously self explanatory haha...but a pictoral guide like how big "typical" carat sizes look on an average hand may be helpful). the diamond guide section here is helpful but it would be nice to have it all in like a book form or something! I am old fashioned in that way...I think it's much more substantial if it's solid and printed vs. online only. (no e-books for me! )

Well there could be different editions for each type of cut! Then there'd really only be, what, 10 different editions out? Then you can specify what size your gal wears, and it'd give you images of what size the diamond would look on the size ring. There's actually an app out there called LiveDiamond that I posted once. You take a photo of your hand and you stretch it to scale. Then you can "try on" different sized diamonds. However, there are only princess and round cuts available. :/

HaloBelle, actually the round cuts are the easiest to choose, IMO! The HCA tool already cuts out 90% of the available diamonds for you (hearts +arrows modern cut only). You should highlight that part in bold and post the link to it for him in your packet!! And a huge majority of the threads here in Rocky Talky are focused on H+A tips.

 

[madelise]

Bluenile has a printable version for carat sizes! I imagine it there would be a great deal of fluctuation in the fancy cuts, but hey - they tried. I already knew what size RB looks good on me, but this was fairly accurate to that one... If they had it compared to finger sizes, omg - that would be perfect.

http://pics.bluenile.com/assets/chrome/pdf/diamond_carat_size_0810.pdf
You print it with scaling "none".


And maybe there isn't a 'norm' on PS, but a simplified version for Round Brilliants would be really helpful to a bunch of guys I imagine!

lol I love those to-scale sizing charts. I totally had no shame once and printed one out, cut it out and taped it to my finger to show SO for his opinion. HAHA. AT WORK, TOO! My coworker laughed hysterically at my insanity!

 

[Mico]

Bluenile has a printable version for carat sizes! I imagine it there would be a great deal of fluctuation in the fancy cuts, but hey - they tried. I already knew what size RB looks good on me, but this was fairly accurate to that one... If they had it compared to finger sizes, omg - that would be perfect.

http://pics.bluenile.com/assets/chrome/pdf/diamond_carat_size_0810.pdf
You print it with scaling "none".


And maybe there isn't a 'norm' on PS, but a simplified version for Round Brilliants would be really helpful to a bunch of guys I imagine!

i love this thread, printing and taping to my finger as we speak

...don't judge me

 

[madelise]

Bluenile has a printable version for carat sizes! I imagine it there would be a great deal of fluctuation in the fancy cuts, but hey - they tried. I already knew what size RB looks good on me, but this was fairly accurate to that one... If they had it compared to finger sizes, omg - that would be perfect.

http://pics.bluenile.com/assets/chrome/pdf/diamond_carat_size_0810.pdf
You print it with scaling "none".


And maybe there isn't a 'norm' on PS, but a simplified version for Round Brilliants would be really helpful to a bunch of guys I imagine!

i love this thread, printing and taping to my finger as we speak

...don't judge me

HAHAHA I'm not judging since I've been there, done that! Just remember, it'll look smaller on your finger from a piece of paper than it would as a diamond, and then again as a diamond set since they're not flat objects!

 

[audball]

Bluenile has a printable version for carat sizes! I imagine it there would be a great deal of fluctuation in the fancy cuts, but hey - they tried. I already knew what size RB looks good on me, but this was fairly accurate to that one... If they had it compared to finger sizes, omg - that would be perfect.

http://pics.bluenile.com/assets/chrome/pdf/diamond_carat_size_0810.pdf
You print it with scaling "none".


And maybe there isn't a 'norm' on PS, but a simplified version for Round Brilliants would be really helpful to a bunch of guys I imagine!

i love this thread, printing and taping to my finger as we speak

...don't judge me

HAHAHA I'm not judging since I've been there, done that! Just remember, it'll look smaller on your finger from a piece of paper than it would as a diamond, and then again as a diamond set since they're not flat objects!

I've so done this too....haha.