Ladies-Did you have a hand in picking out your ring?

No pun intended.

I am curious how many women helped out in picking out their engagement rings?

If not, do you wish you did have some input?

She say's even a ring from a gumball machine would be great. lol
She had an absolutely beautiful ring from her 1st marriage. I know I can't match that. I just don't have that kind of money.

Speaking of money-I know nobody can really answer this, but what is considered acceptable these days. $1,000?, $2,000?, more?, less? I am at a total loss.

So just looking for opinions and suggestions

Thanks

I know my gf would love anything I picked out, but I really want to get her something that she loves.

 

http://www.nuvaring.com/Consumer/index.asp






seriously, i have no clue whatsoever on this one.

 

Come on ladies-no opinions or experiences to share?

 

cost should not play into it... if its 5k big deal, if it's $500 big deal it's not about cost or expense... if thats a big deal "that it costs alot" the message behind it is all wrong.

She is indicating that cost means very little... so she's a keeper.

some info:

'Characteristics of rings $500 or less:'

• Set in silver, 10k or 14k gold with standard prongs or other frequent styles.
• Typically .25 or lower carat weight.
• Usually few side stones; the small carat weight is more likely concentrated in a solitaire.
• Medium-to-low diamond quality; there may be visible flaws or other defects in the stone.
• Gemstone rings are popular in this price range though diamonds may be used as minute accents.

'Characteristics of rings from $500 to $1,000:'

• Smaller carat weight stones may be GIA certified.
• Medium quality stones may be up to .66 or .75 carats though the ring is usually comprised of a smaller center stone flanked by accent stones with a total weight of up to .75 carats.
• Settings may be slightly more unusual, including prongs, channels, or bezels, or simple settings may be made of platinum.
• Some standard two ring bridal sets fall in this range.

'Characteristics of rings from $1,000 to $2,000:'

• Stones up to .5 carats may be certified or a single stone up to .75 carats of a slightly lower quality may be used.
• Total carat weights could reach higher than a full carat.
• Bridal sets may include three rings instead of just two; each is usually embellished.
• Some designer rings can be found in this price range, though their diamond sizes are typically smaller than mainstream styles of similar cost.
• More unusual stone shapes may be used, such as princess or emerald cuts.

'Characteristics of rings from $2,000 to $3,500:'

• Up to one full carat solitaires may be certified but the settings are simplistic.
• More unusual settings appear in this price range, including flush and tension styles.
• Metals are generally higher quality, typically 18k gold, platinum, or multiple metals.
• More elaborate designs such as filigrees or larger three stone rings are popular options.
• Small colored diamonds with good quality are possible.
• Very unusual cuts such as Asschers are available.

'Characteristics of rings from $3,500 to over $5,000:'

• Many more exclusive designer options are available in this range, such as Tiffany, Harry Winston, and Chopard designs.
• Rings can be fully customized including mountings, settings, gemstones, and engraving.
• Large carat weights are certified in this price range, even exceeding two or three full carats.
• Superior fancy colored diamonds are available at higher engagement ring prices.

I'm sure she'd love to get a chance to pick it out, I recommend setting the budget lower then what you can afford and then going more expensive once your picking it out... I'd get one from the bubblegum machine and ask with that one, then asks if she'd like to pick one out after she says yes. she should be thrilled to pick it out. but be aware cost chatter will come up...

 

I would I think, I'm quite fussy.

 

just to add a few things, don't compare to the first marriage..that one didn't last.

I know my gf would love anything I picked out, sure she would, any woman would but I really want to get her something that she loves. thats why you take her with

gl and keep us updated!

 

Thanks for the tips Lorz & TG.

My other dilema-which won't be one soon is that her divorce is not 100% complete, so technically she is still married.

She knows we are going to get married-we talk about it a lot. I have mentioned on several occasions that I just don't feel right proposing until her divorce is signed, sealed, and delivered.

But with that said-it will be finalized in 2 months max, so it is really time to start thinking about things like rings.

I know Costco has some beautiful ones but they are a tad expensive.
I think I will go with the $1000 budget, with the knowledge that I can go as high as $1500.
I hate that money is even an issue, but it is what it is.

I'll keep you posted for sure.

 

I've never been married but I would like a say in what kind of ring he gets me when we do get married. I have a specific idea of what I want.

And I definitely don't need him to spend $1,000 on it. I think the one I want is a little less than $500

 

When I was with my ex we went together to look at rings but I picked the ring that I liked from a selection that he had a preference for also.

If it is a second marriage, you could also look at a ring that is maybe not so traditional depending on your lady and her taste. Does not necessarily have to be a diamond.

Good luck.

 

I've always thought that for an engagement ring anyway.

 

If she picks it out then there will not be that surprise proposal thing.
Not a big a deal for me I guess since she knows we are getting married anyway.
I suppose I can just ask her if she wants to go for a nice foliage ride or something, and surprise her by going to jewelry store instead.

I think maybe I'll think about it for a tad longer until her divorce is final. Perhaps we can discuss how much $$ we have for ring, honeymoon, reception, furniture for the apartment...and come to mature adult decisions.

Yesterday she mentioned she wants to show me Amsterdam.
Maybe a lesser $$ ring = more $$ avail for Amsterdam. Hmm

 

Well if you want the surprise element but also would like her to help pick it, you could propose using the cracker box ring and then go together and pick one after.

You could also go to a jeweler ahead and pick a selection of rings within your budget for her to pick from.

If someone did that with me, I would probably treasure that cracker box ring as much as my other ring.

 

Yeah, a lot of people don't propose with the ring right then and there. For me, I wouldn't mind it like that. But, I also would be happy with the ring he chose for me, if that's what he did.

 

marry me.



i'll be crushed if you take the ring off, ever.

 

That's actually not a bad ring. So, yes I will marry you...

 

Mozel Tov

 

I love the idea of proposing to her with a gumball machine ring and then picking out the real ring together. It's sweet.

My husband let me pick out my engagement ring and I am glad he did as I do love my ring however I'm sure I would have loved anything he chose just as much. It's not about the ring itself at all, it's about what the ring stands for.

 

Well for some unknown reason :rofl: she started looking at google images of engagement rings.

Then opened some Jewelry store sites-sort by $$-She rolf'd the "under $500" category. :cuss:

But we did discuss some likes and dislikes.
She wants yellow gold instead of white gold.

She also mentioned marquise and oval as her style of choice.

I said we shall just go to the store together and she can show me some she really likes.

...to be continued.

 

A quick update.

She has now officially picked the "pear" cut diamond.
She does not want to go with me and pic it out, she wants me to pick one.

As I will not see her again under Dec. 23rd, I have some time to visit some jewlers this and next weekend.

I decided the max we can afford is $2,000. So I would like to tell that to the jewler. $2000 or less out the door.

Again I will keep you posted.

 

The ring has been purchased.
I had it giftwrapped so I can not show a pic-yet.

Turned out to be 3/4 carrot solitaire.
It is a round cut.

I think it looks really nice-hopefully she will to.