Not Engaged Yet

Choosing a ring

The three most important thing to remember when searching for your ring are the following:


1, Choose a ring that expresses who you are not what is trendy. You want to love your choice years from now. Don't you think three stone and halo are a bit overdone? You don't have to do a diamond nessesarily color gems like sapphire and ruby make excellent center stones and provide unique contrast when surrounded by diamonds. They make for a uniques individual statement..

2. Choose the right jeweler. I can't stress enough how much this makes all the difference. Buying online is hit and miss ( risky) even so called  certificate stones can be not what is stated on the lab report. With diamonds, you get what you pay for. If the price is too cheap and the stone is stated as high color and clarity RED Flags should go off. Shop around but don't be too frugal!! This is after all your most important piece of jewelry and a symbol of your commitment..

3. As mentioned above no matter what diamond you choose have a budget you both agree upon. Realistically, most couples can stretch 10-15% above that and usually do if the ring is well made. You don't have to buy couture "designer" mountings you are paying for thier national advertizing in the extra dollar cost.
Your local Jeweler is a good source and generally willing to meet your budget parameters. One local jeweler in my area has a state of the art CAD design shop and can replicate most commercially available designs. Raffi's Fine Jewelry in Laguna Hills, CA has an excellent reputation in my area.


Happy Hunting.
Sapphire57

«1

Re: Choosing a ring

  • AudgiePodgeAudgiePodge member
    2500 Comments Second Anniversary 5 Love Its Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    Do you work for them?
    I'm not good at feelings.

    image
  • Wrkn925Wrkn925 member
    2500 Comments 5 Love Its
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_choosing-ring-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:32ca55be-02d2-428d-b207-6c9475da9e76Post:c0e7b9f0-c3e3-4825-a34b-7445840c3054">Re: Choosing a ring</a>:
    [QUOTE]Do you work for them?
    Posted by AudgiePodge[/QUOTE]

    No, she's a customer.  Isn't it obvious that a customer would make a TK account, know this much, and post this as their intro??  duh.  It makes PERFECT sense.
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  • motoLynmotoLyn member
    2500 Comments Fourth Anniversary 100 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    *face palm* sapphire, you're ruining the reputation of Orange County residents man!  Seriously, I've gone by there it isn't much to advertise about.  Alright nothing to see here move along.
  • leia1979leia1979 member
    2500 Comments Fifth Anniversary 100 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    Uhh....thanks?

    Since most of us aren't near OC, if you are a spammer, you're doing a bad job.
  • peekaboo2011peekaboo2011 member
    Knottie Warrior 5000 Comments 250 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    Leia, didn't you know that most couples are flying out to Orange County to pick out e-rings now?  It's some new trend.
    I french with my man
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  • edited December 2011


    MotoLyn,

     Isn't the whole idea of these boards and forums is helpful exchange of information?  I know several couples who have purchased at that jeweler and had raves about  the experience and of course thier rings. Merely passing along the info....


     When did you visit ? The store is good sized I've been told and has a nice selection. I guess the best way for me to know is to stop in myself soon.

    Sapphire57

  • AudgiePodgeAudgiePodge member
    2500 Comments Second Anniversary 5 Love Its Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_choosing-ring-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:32ca55be-02d2-428d-b207-6c9475da9e76Post:0f1c79f1-1362-4994-94e6-892f3e3cdafa">Re: Choosing a ring</a>:
    [QUOTE]MotoLyn,  Isn't the whole idea of these boards and forums is helpful exchange of information?  I know several couples who have purchased at that jeweler and had raves about  the experience and of course thier rings. Merely passing along the info....  When did you visit ? <strong>The store is good sized I've been told and has a nice selection. I guess the best way for me to know is to stop in myself soon.</strong> Sapphire57
    Posted by sapphire57[/QUOTE]

    <div>Why are you raving about it if you haven't even been there?</div><div>For all you know, it could be a shitt dump.</div>
    I'm not good at feelings.

    image
  • SKP82SKP82 member
    2500 Comments Second Anniversary Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_choosing-ring-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:32ca55be-02d2-428d-b207-6c9475da9e76Post:0f1c79f1-1362-4994-94e6-892f3e3cdafa">Re: Choosing a ring</a>:
    [QUOTE]MotoLyn,  Isn't the whole idea of these boards and forums is helpful exchange of information?  I know several couples who have purchased at that jeweler and had raves about  the experience and of course thier rings. Merely passing along the info....  When did you visit ? The store is good sized I've been told and has a nice selection. I guess the best way for me to know is to stop in myself soon. Sapphire57
    Posted by sapphire57[/QUOTE]

    If you do not have personal experience with the jeweler, you should not be promoting them.

    But I'm reporting you for advertising because I'm pretty sure you work there. 

    ETA: I am going to go make goat cheese mashed potatoes now.  ::drool::
    IMG_6364
    "Life is not orderly. No matter how we try to make life so, right in the middle of it we die, lose a leg, fall in love, drop a jar of applesauce." - Natalie Goldberg
  • leia1979leia1979 member
    2500 Comments Fifth Anniversary 100 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_choosing-ring-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:32ca55be-02d2-428d-b207-6c9475da9e76Post:1d4d2188-06d0-4073-91f9-32bca108a116">Re: Choosing a ring</a>:
    [QUOTE]Leia, didn't you know that most couples are flying out to Orange County to pick out e-rings now?  It's some new trend.
    Posted by peekaboo2011[/QUOTE]

    Damn, my engagement is invalid now.
  • peekaboo2011peekaboo2011 member
    Knottie Warrior 5000 Comments 250 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_choosing-ring-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:32ca55be-02d2-428d-b207-6c9475da9e76Post:6c7ccfe4-0e3b-43c8-a0b8-5354d5c917ba">Re: Choosing a ring</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Choosing a ring : Damn, my engagement is invalid now.
    Posted by leia1979[/QUOTE]

    <div>Don't worry.  Mine too.</div>
    I french with my man
    Daisypath Anniversary tickers
  • edited December 2011

    When you are shopping for anything be it a ring or furniture or whatever don't you ask friends and collegues for recommendations? What is so weird about that?
    You guys are so  hostile IMHO.



    Sapphire57

  • SKP82SKP82 member
    2500 Comments Second Anniversary Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_choosing-ring-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:32ca55be-02d2-428d-b207-6c9475da9e76Post:6c7ccfe4-0e3b-43c8-a0b8-5354d5c917ba">Re: Choosing a ring</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Choosing a ring : Damn, my engagement is invalid now.
    Posted by leia1979[/QUOTE]

    Oh F.  I guess you'd better go back to FI and demand he go get you a different, better ring from this jeweler that OP has never been to...  You will probably need a new proposal too.  You're probably "unofficially engaged" now that you know this info.
    IMG_6364
    "Life is not orderly. No matter how we try to make life so, right in the middle of it we die, lose a leg, fall in love, drop a jar of applesauce." - Natalie Goldberg
  • AudgiePodgeAudgiePodge member
    2500 Comments Second Anniversary 5 Love Its Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_choosing-ring-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:32ca55be-02d2-428d-b207-6c9475da9e76Post:119edc25-9120-47f2-8b22-bd95e5acdba7">Re: Choosing a ring</a>:
    [QUOTE]When you are shopping for anything be it a ring or furniture or whatever don't you ask friends and collegues for recommendations? What is so weird about that? You guys are so  hostile IMHO. Sapphire57
    Posted by sapphire57[/QUOTE]

    <div>When you create an account today, and come spewing about a jewelry store for your first post, that's the reaction you're going to get.  Vendors aren't allowed and get banninated.</div><div>
    </div><div>Tread carefully.</div>
    I'm not good at feelings.

    image
  • SKP82SKP82 member
    2500 Comments Second Anniversary Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_choosing-ring-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:32ca55be-02d2-428d-b207-6c9475da9e76Post:119edc25-9120-47f2-8b22-bd95e5acdba7">Re: Choosing a ring</a>:
    [QUOTE]When you are shopping for anything be it a ring or furniture or whatever don't you ask friends and collegues for recommendations? What is so weird about that? You guys are so  hostile IMHO. Sapphire57
    Posted by sapphire57[/QUOTE]

    Actually, my friends always ask me because I am so much more fashionable and knowledgeable than they are.

    I would not recommend to them a store I hadn't been to.  Let alone to buy an engagement ring.  Let alone go post on an internet forum about the business I had never been to.
    IMG_6364
    "Life is not orderly. No matter how we try to make life so, right in the middle of it we die, lose a leg, fall in love, drop a jar of applesauce." - Natalie Goldberg
  • peekaboo2011peekaboo2011 member
    Knottie Warrior 5000 Comments 250 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_choosing-ring-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:32ca55be-02d2-428d-b207-6c9475da9e76Post:119edc25-9120-47f2-8b22-bd95e5acdba7">Re: Choosing a ring</a>:
    [QUOTE]When you are shopping for anything be it a ring or furniture or whatever don't you ask friends and collegues for recommendations? What is so weird about that? You guys are so  hostile IMHO. Sapphire57
    Posted by sapphire57[/QUOTE]

    <div>We ask people for recommendations based on where they've been and their personal recommendations.  You've never even been to the store.  Lyn just said it wasn't that great, and as a PP pointed out, your first post was promoting this store.  You didn't introduce yourself.  That, 'round these parts herr, is usually equivalent to spam.</div><div>
    </div><div>And when spam shows up, all bets are off.</div>
    I french with my man
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  • alanna91alanna91 member
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I feel enlightened.
    White Knot
  • peekaboo2011peekaboo2011 member
    Knottie Warrior 5000 Comments 250 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    SKP - If I'm going from "officially engaged" to "unofficially engaged" and every time you say "unofficially engaged" God kills a kitten, how many kittens did God just kill by the invalidation of our engagements?
    I french with my man
    Daisypath Anniversary tickers
  • SKP82SKP82 member
    2500 Comments Second Anniversary Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_choosing-ring-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:32ca55be-02d2-428d-b207-6c9475da9e76Post:6000d077-6b99-46c4-a4af-2952e539a213">Re: Choosing a ring</a>:
    [QUOTE]SKP - If I'm going from "officially engaged" to "unofficially engaged" and every time you say "unofficially engaged" God kills a kitten, how many kittens did God just kill by the invalidation of our engagements?
    Posted by peekaboo2011[/QUOTE]

    I'm going to go with 12.5234.  Is that the right answer??
    IMG_6364
    "Life is not orderly. No matter how we try to make life so, right in the middle of it we die, lose a leg, fall in love, drop a jar of applesauce." - Natalie Goldberg
  • edited December 2011
  • SKP82SKP82 member
    2500 Comments Second Anniversary Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    Oh, geeze, Jeana!  I am cracking up right now!!
    IMG_6364
    "Life is not orderly. No matter how we try to make life so, right in the middle of it we die, lose a leg, fall in love, drop a jar of applesauce." - Natalie Goldberg
  • peekaboo2011peekaboo2011 member
    Knottie Warrior 5000 Comments 250 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    Just spit jellybeans out my nose.  Thank you Jeana. 
    I french with my man
    Daisypath Anniversary tickers
  • edited December 2011
    There is more than one way to buy an engagement ring. Many women love halo/three stone rings not because they're "trendy," but because they love the style.

    It is weird to recommend a store you've never been to.

    It is generally very difficult to just walk into a room and start telling people your opinion on how something should be done when no one in the room has any idea who you are. That is kind of what this thread is like. Forums are like ongoing conversations between a bunch of people. You usually come in and say "Hi there! I'm so-and-so, I like such-and-such, I just got here, nice to meet you!" Your post reads like an unsolicited form letter.

    My engagement ring is not the most important and most symbollic piece of jewelry I own. That would be my plain gold wedding band. I can't be the only person who feels that way.

    You came from out of the blue, gave advice to a bunch of people who have no idea who you are or if you have other motives, and you were kind of insulting to those of us who don't think exactly the way you seem to about engagement rings and ring shopping. Try again?
    Anniversary
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_choosing-ring-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:32ca55be-02d2-428d-b207-6c9475da9e76Post:0f1c79f1-1362-4994-94e6-892f3e3cdafa">Re: Choosing a ring</a>:
    [QUOTE]MotoLyn,  <strong>Isn't the whole idea of these boards and forums is helpful exchange of information?</strong>  I know several couples who have purchased at that jeweler and had raves about  the experience and of course thier rings. Merely passing along the info....  When did you visit ? The store is good sized I've been told and has a nice selection. I guess the best way for me to know is to stop in myself soon. Sapphire57
    Posted by sapphire57[/QUOTE]

    Of course, but you're posting in the Not Engaged Yet board which is accessed by women worldwide and thus only a small percent of the women are close enough to this store you speak of in OC. Next time try the local Southern CA board and you might actually get business... assuming your spammy post isn't removed quickly for being so fricking spammy.

    <u>SPAM FAIL.</u>
  • motoLynmotoLyn member
    2500 Comments Fourth Anniversary 100 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    I go get my orange for my afternoon snack and come back and find this.  Look all the previous posters already mention that vendors are not allowed to SPAM on the boards.  So it gets a bit touchy when one does and passes it off as a bride that's recommending a service.  Second as you can see there are MAYBE 2-3 people here that could physically make it to your shop.  But then those 2-3 me included are already engaged and would not have an interest to go there.  If I had to recommend a place to go I would recommend the place I got my engagement ring from.  Which is not your store.  If you are a real bride and know you're way around forums, etiquette would have shown you that you need to introduce yourself first.  Anyways its the end of the day.  I hope that all of you ladies have a good day.
  • Elle1036Elle1036 member
    5000 Comments Fifth Anniversary 25 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    This thread is awesome.
  • SKP82SKP82 member
    2500 Comments Second Anniversary Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_choosing-ring-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:32ca55be-02d2-428d-b207-6c9475da9e76Post:ed2e3cdd-fac1-4b33-821b-340c4daca1b5">Re: Choosing a ring</a>:
    [QUOTE]Just spit jellybeans out my nose.  Thank you Jeana. 
    Posted by peekaboo2011[/QUOTE]

    That sounds super painful. 
    IMG_6364
    "Life is not orderly. No matter how we try to make life so, right in the middle of it we die, lose a leg, fall in love, drop a jar of applesauce." - Natalie Goldberg
  • peekaboo2011peekaboo2011 member
    Knottie Warrior 5000 Comments 250 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    Yeah, Sapphire.  My e-ring is a three stone.  Doesn't mean I'm going to hate it in 20 years because it's "out of style".  An e-ring is a representation of your love, not some trend.  And if you love something, rock it.  (no pun intended)  This is what my FI picked for me because of what we've been through together.


    I'm with Jeana.  Try again?

    ETA: All we need is some MUD and my week is complete.
    I french with my man
    Daisypath Anniversary tickers
  • edited December 2011


    Sorry, This is my first time on any bridal site. I'll check them out as well as a few other local jewelers. Note to self first hand experience then post... Otherwise they think you are an imposter. Nope just a gal who is getting engaged soon..



    Oh and my moniker is my birthstone and birth year nothing sinister here either..

  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_choosing-ring-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:32ca55be-02d2-428d-b207-6c9475da9e76Post:3950616e-43e4-4fd3-a6b0-a75efc445471">Re: Choosing a ring</a>:
    [QUOTE]Sorry, This is my first time on any bridal site. I'll check them out as well as a few other local jewelers. Note to self first hand experience then post... Otherwise <strong>they think you are an imposter. Nope just a gal who is getting engaged soon..</strong> Oh and my moniker is my birthstone and birth year nothing sinister here either..
    Posted by sapphire57[/QUOTE]

    I guess we'll see how true that is based on your future posts. I find it pretty hard to believe.
  • edited December 2011

    Fair enough thx.



    sapphire1957

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