Engagement Ring and Diamond Purchasing Advice

[phork]

Same here. You can usually find a good local jeweller. And online? I would never buy online. Too much could go wrong.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

Sorry bruh... I got a local guy who makes all my stuff. I have never bought anything from Zales or Jared etc.

This. And if you can find a wholesale connection...even better.

I got mine at a pretty hefty discount just by making a connection to someone who buys diamonds wholesale. I essentially got a Tacori ring (including the diamond) for what the band by itself costs at a retailer.

 

[Irish Insanity]

Sorry bruh... I got a local guy who makes all my stuff. I have never bought anything from Zales or Jared etc.

Same here. You can usually find a good local jeweller. And online? I would never buy online. Too much could go wrong.

This. And if you can find a wholesale connection...even better.

I got mine at a pretty hefty discount just by making a connection to someone who buys diamonds wholesale. I essentially got a Tacori ring (including the diamond) for what the band by itself costs at a retailer.

Well then, if anyone knows of a decent 'local guy' or wholesaler in the Kalamazoo Michigan area, hook me up.

 

[JTLA]

I've never had any luck buying other jewelry from Zales types of places; the quality is pretty chintzy, IMHO. That being said, when shopping for an engagement ring, a rock is a rock when comparing grades. I'd recommend doing your homework at a Zales type place, a local merchant, online (BlueNile), etc... All that being said, if you live near an area that has a "jewelry" or "diamond" district like in Chicago, NY, or LA (and you like to negotiate) I'd save that stop for last. In my experience (I've done this twice now - lol), I've gotten the best prices and felt better about my purchase.

In Los Angeles, you can walk from one vendor to another about 10ft from each other. There are literally thousands of them. If you can't get a good deal there...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewelry_District_(Los_Angeles)

All that being said, who gives a F&CK, you are hopefully never getting it back, never selling it, and as long as she's happy - why should we care? I swear if I found a piece of coal the guy wanted $10k for but it made my lady the happiest girl in town - SOLD!!!

 

[JTLA]

Well then, if anyone knows of a decent 'local guy' or wholesaler in the Kalamazoo Michigan area, hook me up.

Oh, and CONGRATS! Find a friend or someone to take pictures, you won't be sorry.

This was a year ago...

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Sorry bruh... I got a local guy who makes all my stuff. I have never bought anything from Zales or Jared etc.

Agree. I was thinking about doing it online, but ended up with a local guy who works out of his house my friend recommended.

Also, I think the GIA grades on the diamond are important. You don't want a lousy diamond that will be cloudy or show color down the road.


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[kzoondfi]

Morrisons downtown Kzoo has good stuff. I have had several people I know go there and they have been happy. I went to a local place when I lived in VA (I was very pleased going local) and they told me if I paid for the diamond in cash they would throw the ring in which is what I did. Never hurts to ask. Definitely wouldn't buy online.

 

[kzoondfi]

Harts in Plainwell is small, family owned and will work with you too, but I haven't been in there in years.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Morrisons downtown Kzoo has good stuff. I have had several people I know go there and they have been happy. I went to a local place when I lived in VA (I was very pleased going local) and they told me if I paid for the diamond in cash they would throw the ring in which is what I did. Never hurts to ask. Definitely wouldn't buy online.

That's a good deal. I paid cash and avoided any sales tax. Your deal was better than mine.


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[IrishSteelhead]

If you're looking for a deal, this is the absolute WORST time of the year to look for one. Christmas and engagements go hand in hand.

Lousy showoffs trying to upstage Jesus.......

 

[Irish Insanity]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

If you're looking for a deal, this is the absolute WORST time of the year to look for one. Christmas and engagements go hand in hand.

Lousy showoffs trying to upstage Jesus.......

It definitely won't be this time if year. However, we've been together for 5 years. And for me it's not about getting a deal, it's about not getting ripped off.

 

[Quinntastic]

DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is all.

If I could re-quote this 1000 times I would.

 

[ericbaker]

When it comes to an engagement ring and diamond purchases, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are some tips:

1. Talk to your fiancee about what he or she is interested in. It can be tough to find the perfect ring or diamond for someone you love, so take some time to get to know what interests them. Questions you could ask include what type of diamonds they like, what styles they're attracted to, and if they have any ideas for their dream ring or diamond.

2. Don't be afraid to spend a little more money on a higher quality ring or diamond if your fiancee is particularly picky about either. There are a lot of reliable jewelers who will offer excellent customer service and can help steer you in the right direction toward the perfect ring.

3. Check with your bank if you're not sure how much money you should set aside for a ring purchase. Many banks offer special ringside financing that allows couples to buy a ring without penalty (sometimes as low as 5%). This is an excellent way to get started without breaking the bank and can give you peace of mind knowing that you'll have enough funds left over for other important items down the road.

4. Request a physical inventory of all jewelry when making a purchase so that you know exactly what is being sold and where it is located in the store. This will allow for easier sizing and ensure that everything arrives at your home flawless and intact!

 

[IrishLax]

Bot?

 

[Henges24]

Bot?

That’s a classic ChatGPT bot

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

When it comes to an engagement ring and diamond purchases, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are some tips:

1. Talk to your fiancee about what he or she is interested in. It can be tough to find the perfect ring or diamond for someone you love, so take some time to get to know what interests them. Questions you could ask include what type of diamonds they like, what styles they're attracted to, and if they have any ideas for their dream ring or diamond.

2. Don't be afraid to spend a little more money on a higher quality ring or diamond if your fiancee is particularly picky about either. There are a lot of reliable jewelers who will offer excellent customer service and can help steer you in the right direction toward the perfect ring.

3. Check with your bank if you're not sure how much money you should set aside for a ring purchase. Many banks offer special ringside financing that allows couples to buy a ring without penalty (sometimes as low as 5%). This is an excellent way to get started without breaking the bank and can give you peace of mind knowing that you'll have enough funds left over for other important items down the road.

4. Request a physical inventory of all jewelry when making a purchase so that you know exactly what is being sold and where it is located in the store. This will allow for easier sizing and ensure that everything arrives at your home flawless and intact!

Alright, I'll take 5. How much and where should I send?

 

[MacIrish75]

When it comes to an engagement ring and diamond purchases, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are some tips:

1. Talk to your fiancee about what he or she is interested in. It can be tough to find the perfect ring or diamond for someone you love, so take some time to get to know what interests them. Questions you could ask include what type of diamonds they like, what styles they're attracted to, and if they have any ideas for their dream ring or diamond.

2. Don't be afraid to spend a little more money on a higher quality ring or diamond if your fiancee is particularly picky about either. There are a lot of reliable jewelers who will offer excellent customer service and can help steer you in the right direction toward the perfect ring.

3. Check with your bank if you're not sure how much money you should set aside for a ring purchase. Many banks offer special ringside financing that allows couples to buy a ring without penalty (sometimes as low as 5%). This is an excellent way to get started without breaking the bank and can give you peace of mind knowing that you'll have enough funds left over for other important items down the road.

4. Request a physical inventory of all jewelry when making a purchase so that you know exactly what is being sold and where it is located in the store. This will allow for easier sizing and ensure that everything arrives at your home flawless and intact!

@ericbaker What is your general advice regarding timeshares?

 

[Irish#1]

Seven year old thread about engagement rings suddenly gets bumped by a first time poster? lol

 

[FDNYIrish1]

When it comes to an engagement ring and diamond purchases, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are some tips:

1. Talk to your fiancee about what he or she is interested in. It can be tough to find the perfect ring or diamond for someone you love, so take some time to get to know what interests them. Questions you could ask include what type of diamonds they like, what styles they're attracted to, and if they have any ideas for their dream ring or diamond.

2. Don't be afraid to spend a little more money on a higher quality ring or diamond if your fiancee is particularly picky about either. There are a lot of reliable jewelers who will offer excellent customer service and can help steer you in the right direction toward the perfect ring.

3. Check with your bank if you're not sure how much money you should set aside for a ring purchase. Many banks offer special ringside financing that allows couples to buy a ring without penalty (sometimes as low as 5%). This is an excellent way to get started without breaking the bank and can give you peace of mind knowing that you'll have enough funds left over for other important items down the road.

4. Request a physical inventory of all jewelry when making a purchase so that you know exactly what is being sold and where it is located in the store. This will allow for easier sizing and ensure that everything arrives at your home flawless and intact!

Screw that. Just go see my boy Moishe on Canal Street. Tell him I sent you.

 

[Me2SouthBend]

@TNTU moving from bumping ‘13 recruit profiles to this w sock account. #clownshow

 

[StPaul_Irish]

When it comes to an engagement ring and diamond purchases, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are some tips:

DONT DO IT.... RUN

FIFY

 

[ACamp1900]

See, if we had gone with a gay panda porn thread like I suggested seven years ago imagine where we’d be right now?? Invest in the future.

 

[calvegas04]

I think it's more romantic now to buy a NFT ring, she will love it

 

[notredomer23]

I'm starting this process and I have a fairly decent grasp on what she wants, but what's thrown me off a little bit recently is natural vs lab diamonds. I was all set on going the natural route, but a jeweler family acquaintance is swearing that you can't tell the difference between the two and you get *significantly* more bang for your buck with lab. I still lean the natural route because something about the lab route feels dirty to me which is funny to type when talking about what a dirty industry natural diamond mining. Am I just off base here and lab-grown is the way to go?

 

[Henges24]

Just get the natural unless you plan on telling her it is lab, AND she won’t mind.

 

[sixstar]

100% recommend moissanite. They are prettier and significantly cheaper and nearly as durable. And they aren't conflict diamonds.

I wish I would've gone this route instead of buying a real diamond.

 

[FollowTheFreeman]

I'm starting this process and I have a fairly decent grasp on what she wants, but what's thrown me off a little bit recently is natural vs lab diamonds. I was all set on going the natural route, but a jeweler family acquaintance is swearing that you can't tell the difference between the two and you get *significantly* more bang for your buck with lab. I still lean the natural route because something about the lab route feels dirty to me which is funny to type when talking about what a dirty industry natural diamond mining. Am I just off base here and lab-grown is the way to go?

IMO nothing wrong with lab grown. Not sure why you think it's "dirtier" than the industry of natural diamond mining. And I heard the same thing from my jeweler, who was not a family friend, and encouraged supporting lab grown over natural. He also echoed the fact that you cannot tell the difference in most cases, in fact the lab grown ones tend to be better.
It's 2024, Science is cool, child labor and blood diamonds are bad.

FWIW I customized a beautiful engagement/wedding ring combo for my wife that she adores, for ~$1400 total. Same ring with natural stones would have cost closer to $5k.

 

[Ndaccountant]

Have you asked her?

 

[notredomer23]

IMO nothing wrong with lab grown. Not sure why you think it's "dirtier" than the industry of natural diamond mining. And I heard the same thing from my jeweler, who was not a family friend, and encouraged supporting lab grown over natural. He also echoed the fact that you cannot tell the difference in most cases, in fact the lab grown ones tend to be better.
It's 2024, Science is cool, child labor and blood diamonds are bad.

FWIW I customized a beautiful engagement/wedding ring combo for my wife that she adores, for ~$1400 total. Same ring with natural stones would have cost closer to $5k.

'Dirty' definitely isn't the right word when I am comparing it to actual diamond mining lol, moreso, it just feels a bit weird to me. Almost like I'm gaming the system. I know that's not the case, but the natural diamond route was just my mindset for the entirety of everything so the lab-made route is a curveball.

She works in sustainability which aligns with the lab-made process and has said she wouldn't mind one.

I appreciate everyone's advice so far. I've learned way more about diamond buying the last couple weeks than I ever thought I would.

 

[Cackalacky2.0]

I'm starting this process and I have a fairly decent grasp on what she wants, but what's thrown me off a little bit recently is natural vs lab diamonds. I was all set on going the natural route, but a jeweler family acquaintance is swearing that you can't tell the difference between the two and you get *significantly* more bang for your buck with lab. I still lean the natural route because something about the lab route feels dirty to me which is funny to type when talking about what a dirty industry natural diamond mining. Am I just off base here and lab-grown is the way to go?

My 2 cents:

Lab grown are identical to quality natural diamonds in nearly all aspects. They are mostly ethically sourced with no "blood" sources. Affordable. You can get more carats for your budget with lab grown but resale value is not well understood. Considering this is an entrapment ring I dont think your resale is an issue unless yall break up. In that case if you keep it you will want to get rid of it and not give it to your next victim. If she keeps it she will likely sell it as well.

My big advice is do your due dilligence on what type/style, shape, size of ring she wants. I have seen many, many, many men buy the wrong ring simply because they were trying to surprise the girl and they fucked up out the gate buying a ring that didnt suit her hand, style or tatse.