Engagement Ring Buying Advice

[patrickdunn]

I was thinking about using the ShaneCo, as they have lifetime service on their rings for free. However their diamond prices seem to be inflated, which negates the free service.

Has anybody bought a diamond online to save in Sales Tax? I would only buy from a reputable place (BlueNile, etc..) with a 30-day return policy, then take the stone to a place like ShaneCo to add it to a band.

The engagement is still 6-8 months off, so I have plenty of time, but I am just now beginning the search.

I always see people on here getting engaged, so I was wondering if people had any tips or advice about ring buying. Anything helpful is much appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[heehee]

You should let her pick one, or at least casually go into a Jewellery store and see what she likes.

 

[patrickdunn]

I already know she wants a 1ct Cushion Cut on a Diamond band, that part is done, just trying to figure out where to get it from.

 

[calderone]

I already know she wants a 1ct Cushion Cut on a Diamond band, that part is done, just trying to figure out where to get it from.

Color? Clarity? Cut?

Metal?

I went fully custom. I spec'd a great diamond, bought it, then had a custom band made in Japan. I avoided places like BlueNile and crap dept jewelry stores. Shaneco seems to be about the same. I personally would rather work with a small jeweler as the end result is much more personal.

 

[glossywhite]

It's more about love than material items, so just don't get too carried away.

 

[miles01110]

Just make sure that if you get a stone you get all of the appropriate certificates from AGS (or the other one, which slips my mind at the moment). If it doesn't come with a certificate, it's questionable.

 

[pvmacguy]

I got my finacé's engagement ring from brilliant earth and we couldn't be any happier with it. Their diamonds are top notch and the metals are also great.

 

[Yumunum]

It's more about love than material items, so just don't get too carried away.

That's what they'd like you to think ;O

 

[MovieCutter]

I make it a point to not get engaged to any girl who knows exactly what kind of ring she wants or expects me to spend a certain amount on one (this has happened to me once...things didn't work out). If she loves you she'll love whatever you give her. I'd actually look into synthetic diamonds or alternatives as an option. Personally, I have a moral problem buying diamonds period...their prices are incredibly inflated as their distribution is controlled by one company primarily, not to mention you never know where they came from or who was killed to get them.

 

[iStudentUK]

I got a certified diamond, it means it has a certificate showing its characteristics. It helps with insurance, value etc.

It is about more than just carat size, colour, clarity etc are also important. Read and educate yourself about diamonds.

 

[cloroxbleach4]

I can't speak from personal experience. But my brother bought a ring from Oklahoma at a reliable dealer then had it shipped back to Texas. He got the deal and he saved money on tax. Which is a huge chunk. Just something to think about.