Ask yourself if what you want is what is typically found in a "mall" store, ie: a "tiffany" style setting... you know, single stone set high in a multi-prong setting. For variety, those settings may have a few smaller stones set to either side. Or, do you want to give something that will "stand out" from the crowd (and make your intended's girlfriends envious)? I suspect it's the latter.

First, ask your mom (or grandmother or greataunt or aunt or any woman in your family that likes you and _loves_ "Sue") if there are any "family" pieces you may have to give to "Sue". An heirloom piece is always more valuable to the recipient b/c it means she's been accepted into the family. That will mean much more than _any_ amount of capital you spend.

Second, if #1 above is a washout then I wholeheartedly agree with MatthewB. Go to an antique/estate or even a small watchshop specializing in repairs to highend timepieces. Frequently that type of shop will have estate pieces as well. See if you can find "old world european cut" stones preferable set in platinum. If you find something along those lines, the stones will be more than acceptable, the uniqueness of the ring, and the antique tooling of the setting will make "Sue's" eyes pop out (and her gf's green).

Also, do not believe you need to get a diamond dominated e.r. Some of the most beautiful e.r.'s I've ever seen were star sapphire (sweetie, you're my star) and emerald (green symbolizes Faith ie: I place my faith in/on you) dominated rings.

If you are able to get an heirloom or estate piece, consider having the wedding ring custom made to "mirror" the shape of the e.r. "Sue" will be impressed you thought of that small detail that makes the set truely hers and not something "store bought". It shows you went the extra mile.

Lastly, I hit the lottery with #2 above, so my opinion is definitely colored. My mother gave me her mothers' engagement ring (1.75c emerald cut o.w.e.c. center stone flanked by another carot's worth of similiar bagettes) and I had a small jeweler I frequent make the matching wedding ring. Shelley's jaw dropped at the site of the e.r. and she nearly choked up when she first saw the wedding band during the wedding. In the 13 years since, I've given her pieces of equal or greater _monetary_ value but her most prized possession is that family heirloom simply because it _IS_ a family piece. To this day, Shelley's friends with larger "more important" e.r.'s think she has the most beautiful ring set of all their friends and acquaintances. That makes me feel really good.

Congratulation, best wishes, and good luck in all the years to come,

Allen in New Orleans

posted by 68.222....

• Engagement Ring Advice, Some Guy, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 05:24:19
  • look first, jp, Wed, 2 Feb 2005 12:41:21
  • WHAT? Not sure if she checks this board........?, andy , Tue, 1 Feb 2005 18:16:57
  • Re: Engagement Ring Advice, CFishgo, Tue, 1 Feb 2005 09:31:33
  • First off - Congrats!!, saabgirlie , Mon, 31 Jan 2005 20:52:33
  • Re: Engagement Ring Advice, Steve in Chicago, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 16:45:24
  • Re: Engagement Ring Advice, Nathan Work, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 16:38:26
    • Re: Engagement Ring Advice, Some Guy, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 16:38:43
  • I figured...., cryptical, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 13:54:00
  • You guys all talk about spending too much $ on rings,, NickR, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 12:22:28
    • How many of us bought our Saabs new? or make payments?, PGAero , Mon, 31 Jan 2005 15:10:35
    • Re: You guys all talk about spending too much $ on rings,, Yak, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 12:29:02
      • I know - I had one :) n/m, NickR, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 12:33:21
  • Practical wife: prefer 401K plan than "rock.", Caukinh, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 12:20:24
  • Interesting responses, my guess is that those who are.., TKC, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 12:07:16
    • Re: Interesting responses, my guess is that those who a, Wendy, Sat, 12 Feb 2005 18:48:03
    • Re: Interesting responses, my guess is that those who a, W, Sat, 12 Feb 2005 18:44:06
    • Re: your guess isn't always true..., JimBlake , Tue, 1 Feb 2005 09:12:23
    • do you have the same thought about weddings?, Bob M, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 12:17:16
      • couldn't agree more..., cryptical, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 14:01:00
      • A ring is a symbol, no it isn't the same ....., TKC, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 13:02:42
        • A wedding isn't a symbol?, Bob M, Tue, 1 Feb 2005 11:46:40
          • Why shower such bitterness and negativity ? n/m, TKC, Tue, 1 Feb 2005 12:14:11
  • Buy a motorcycle instead...., Yak, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 11:43:09
  • Some advice, tsw, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 10:20:05
  • Re: Engagement Ring Advice, Mattias.se, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 09:59:03
  • Link to a good on-line site for this, Dean, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 08:57:03
  • Re: Engagement Ring Advice, Allen K, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 08:41:06 <-- Viewing This Message
  • How about an estate sale? Canadian diamonds?, Brian_in_MA, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 08:21:03
  • Just beware of really good fakes, yes, there are...., TKC, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 07:59:31
  • Don't go to "store", water dog, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 07:50:42
  • Do you know what sort of ring SHE wants?, Urby, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 07:32:45
  • OT, dip, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 07:31:00
  • Avoid the malls, SS, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 07:30:25
  • I did this recently, Josh88SiS, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 07:10:09
  • Re: Engagement Ring Advice, johnf, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 06:57:05
  • I am in a similar boat (don't tell her)..., elliott, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 06:27:37
  • Re: Engagement Ring Advice, MatthewB, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 06:19:13
  • where are you?? find someone you trust...., sonett43, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 06:11:49
  • Don't trade quality for size... women know these things, NateinAA, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 05:50:21
    • i was looking at blue nile, SomeGuy, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 06:37:36
      • do some browsing in person first, MJM , Mon, 31 Jan 2005 09:26:17
      • Sounds about right, NateinAA, Mon, 31 Jan 2005 07:54:15

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