re: Best places to shop for an engagement ring in B.R?

With that budget you'll want to get the most bang for your buck, that's not gonna happen going retail. I bought from Blue Nile.com very pleased. Got a much larger carrot and better quality than I could have hoped for shopping retail. FYI, go white gold over platinum. It's very overrated.

"That's a beautiful ring, where'd you get it?"




"My husband found it on the OT."

Good luck explaining that to your girlfriend when you propose and hand her another type of rock

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close to 21k .... frick THAT!!!!!!!

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#notanOTballer

This is an honest answer.

If she has asked for input on the ring, gtfo.

If she has to have at least 1.5 cct, walk away.

Buy a set of rings from an estate or someone who focuses on antique jewelry.



Or, have a set made specifically for you by an artist. I had an artist make ours. Cheaper and unique.

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And....if the engagement doesn't work out...you have fricked up her Christmas for a few years to come

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Speaking of a Christmas engagement and since there is a 50/50 chance the marriage will end in a divorce, you may not get the ring back OR it may not be community property.

Many moons ago, I was told that if you gave the ring on a birthday or Christmas, it could be considered a gift prior to the marriage thus the ring would not be part of the settlement. Could have been BS advice or told to me by someone that did not know his arse from a hole in the ground. Check with a competent attorney for clarification.

Have you thought about something than an overpriced diamond? Maybe morganite or tanzanite?

Dot buy through any of the places mentioned.

Go through a private seller. You tell them what you want, they go to a jewelry show, buy it cheap, put a little up charge on it so they make some money then sell it to you. You'll get way more bang for your buck. Trust me.

The ring I bought appraised for almost $12k and I didn't spend 1/4 of that for it.

I bought the diamond from blue nile (allows you to search the quality, imperfections, etc.), if you read up on it you'll learn certain imperfections aren't noticeable for certain cuts, while with certain cuts the imperfections are most noticeable.

Found the setting I wanted locally. Went to elgin's fwiw, but don't think it matters, too much, just shop around.

I would go this route if your fiancee has a particular setting, cut, style that they want, so you can customize it.

If your fiancee doesn't care, you are better off finding a deal from private seller, estate sale, online (there are some website where people sell their rings from their divorce, etc).

ETA: Appraisal values rarely mean anything. I don't think I've come across anyone who's appraised value wasn't at least double or triple what they paid.