Bling Bling?

Blue & White

Apparently, my BF would like some pictures of rings I like.

This wouldn't be a problem if I knew what I liked (besides white gold/platinum band..) so I need some help.

Link me up to your favorite jewelers (that have pics on their website) - chains, locals, whatever.

We're going to a local jeweler (my BF's buddy) but they don't have pics on their website and they're not local to US (they're local to our parentals).

Or just tell me a cool story about bling and/or rings.  Or warn me against getting a diamond or something, I dunno.  Make something up!

MLekathLEEN

I really liked looking through Brilliant Earth an the generic store like Kay, Zales, etc. Blue Nile has tons of rings also.

Blue & White

I'm really glad I'm not getting my ring from Kay   But that's because they completely ignored me when I needed a ring sized a few years ago because I looked young or looked like I wasn't getting engaged soon or something.  I'm bitter

What is Brilliant Earth?  I need to go check it out.

CASK85

FI got my ring here. In fact, my ring is featured on her "sapphire" page

http://www.goldencrownonline.com/features/

ETA: the store is in Chicago

tmacwin

A great engagement ring superstore is Robbins Brothers.  They aren't everywhere, but they do have a great online showcase.   www.robbinsbrothers.com.

[Deleted User]

The ring I am in love with is from Gordon's Jewelers...I guess they are some how linked to Zales. Anyway...here is a pic:



So much prettier and more sparkly in person! It seemed like a good deal to me since it comes with the band...and they sell insurance for it for about $180 that covers sizing and rhodium(ing?) for life. I really liked them and they weren't pushy. You have to have the item number to find it on their website...18066050. They have a lot of other pretties as well!

Blue & White

Yea, I feel like both of us (BF & I) will learn a lot about rings/diamonds in this process.  We're definitely both a little on the clueless side - and I know the jeweler we're going to really likes ginormous stones - and with my little fingers, I'm not a huge fan   So I just want to go in with some basic ideas.

I think I like etching, haha...like, a pretty plain ring with a unique design in the gold/platinum.  We'll see

Thanks for all your jeweler recs!  This list is going to be ridiculous, haha

SKP82

www.uniquesettings.com

has a ton of settings for you to get an idea of what you like.  Do you know what cut of stone you prefer?

I definitely recommend going to a variety of stores to try things on (even if you know where you're going to buy your ring).  There were rings I saw online that I thought I loved until I tried them on in person.

Good luck and have fun!

motoLyn

Jarods is another chain store that has an online site with lots of pictures.  My FI did a lot of researching on his own and asked lots of questions, the nice jewelers were patient and explained everything to him and i without pressure of buying.  He bought my wedding set in a small shop down in the Jewelry district in Los Angeles.  I like small shops they give you the room to bargain a bit better. 

Cackle6

Not sure about where to get the actual diamond, but this store has really unique stuff:

http://www.topazery.com/

It's where I found the ring I absoutely love (pic below). It's been sold, but I sent the pics to my SO and figure he can find a place that will custom make it with a diamond and 6 prongs. I'm really into the filigree and antique rings, I think they're so pretty.

CASK85

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_bling-bling?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:8ecce282-ae28-4a44-a96d-d8b2b0bda6b7Post:9c596e32-035c-46f1-ace4-a68a953f8758">Re: Bling Bling?</a>:
[QUOTE]Not sure about where to get the actual diamond, but this store has really unique stuff: <a href="http://www.topazery.com/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.topazery.com/</a> It's where I found the ring I absoutely love (pic below). It's been sold, but I sent the pics to my SO and figure he can find a place that will custom make it with a diamond and 6 prongs. I'm really into the filigree and antique rings, I think they're so pretty.
Posted by Cackle6[/QUOTE]
I fell in love with an aquamarine ring on that site awhile back!

Sparrow87

I like window shopping at Overstock.com they have a large selection and the prices are great. 

artbyallie

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_bling-bling?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:8ecce282-ae28-4a44-a96d-d8b2b0bda6b7Post:00fcb7dd-c333-4604-b968-56b4fe50b6f4">Bling Bling?</a>:
[QUOTE]Apparently, my BF would like some pictures of rings I like. This wouldn't be a problem if I knew what I liked (besides white gold/platinum band..) so I need some help. Link me up to your favorite jewelers (that have pics on their website) - chains, locals, whatever. We're going to a local jeweler (my BF's buddy) but they don't have pics on their website and they're not local to US (they're local to our parentals). Or just tell me a cool story about bling and/or rings.  <strong>Or warn me against getting a diamond or something, I dunno.</strong>  Make something up!
Posted by Blue & White[/QUOTE]

<div>Okay, I can do that! :) Diamonds are overpriced. They were close to worthless until the 1920s-30s when DeBeers marketed the first diamond engagement rings so they could price-gouge on their stockpile of diamonds. /historylesson</div><div>
</div><div>My ring is from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mastergoldcraft">this Etsy store</a>. They rock. Out loud. :)</div>

AudgiePodge

I love the design of this ring. http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3528618&kpc=1 But it is ridiculously overpriced.

luvdncn90

http://www.tacori.com/Engagement-Rings/30063000RD65

I am in love with Tacori rings. And we have a local jewlers here in Colorado who sells them!! Yay

hetshup

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_bling-bling?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:8ecce282-ae28-4a44-a96d-d8b2b0bda6b7Post:9c596e32-035c-46f1-ace4-a68a953f8758">Re: Bling Bling?</a>:
[QUOTE]Not sure about where to get the actual diamond, but this store has really unique stuff: <a href="http://www.topazery.com/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.topazery.com/</a> It's where I found the ring I absoutely love (pic below). It's been sold, but I sent the pics to my SO and figure he can find a place that will custom make it with a diamond and 6 prongs. I'm really into the filigree and antique rings, I think they're so pretty.
Posted by Cackle6[/QUOTE]

Actually, when the rings have that type of tuliping on the side, you can't get 6 prongs. H tried, but my e-ring has that type of setting and it wouldn't work.

Blue & White

Cackle, I kinda your ring you love, haha.

And Audgie, when I saw the ring I was like "ok, overpriced would be like $2k-3k.."  NOT FIVE K.

Holy crap, these things are too pricey.

deburnin

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_bling-bling?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:8ecce282-ae28-4a44-a96d-d8b2b0bda6b7Post:70706113-2b79-4644-95d8-161072ba8357">Re: Bling Bling?</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm really glad I'm not getting my ring from Kay ;)  But that's because they completely ignored me when I needed a ring sized a few years ago because I looked young or looked like I wasn't getting engaged soon or something.  I'm bitter :) What is Brilliant Earth?  I need to go check it out.
Posted by Blue & White[/QUOTE]

<div>Yeah, stay away from Kay. Far, far, far away. That is my advice. lol</div><div>
</div><div>As to rings, I like a lot of the ArtCarved Bridal collections: <a href="http://artcarvedbridal.com/storehome.do" rel='nofollow'>http://artcarvedbridal.com/storehome.do</a></div><div> and the Scott Kay Vintage collection: <a href="http://www.scottkay.com/#" rel='nofollow'>http://www.scottkay.com/#</a></div>

leia1979

I really recommend looking in stores. Any jewelry (or even department) stores.
Some stores will let you take photos.

I liked the really flashy rings online but not in person.

motoLyn

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/

You can browse through here. But Leia is right seeing them in person and on your finger works best.  The ring FI gave me I would have looked at and passed over it online but in person its gorgeous and on my hand even better.   But getting an idea at least is a step in the right direction.

bsidebella

Before I was proposed to, I loved playing around on Blue Nile, and I've heard great things about their services. 

http://www.bluenile.com/

My ring was made by FI's great aunt, who works for Lester Lampert. They're a design firm, so everything is unique and prices aren't listed. But the bling porn is certainly drool-worthy. 

http://www.lesterlampert.com/

[Deleted User]

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_bling-bling?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:8ecce282-ae28-4a44-a96d-d8b2b0bda6b7Post:2df8df17-dbc5-40d3-adfa-06c8ff53db16">Re: Bling Bling?</a>:
[QUOTE]Jarods is another chain store that has an online site with lots of pictures.  My FI did a lot of researching on his own and asked lots of questions, the nice jewelers were patient and explained everything to him and i without pressure of buying. <strong> He bought my wedding set in a small shop down in the Jewelry district in Los Angeles. </strong> I like small shops they give you the room to bargain a bit better. 
Posted by motoLyn[/QUOTE]

There is a lot of looking for rings lately! Last night my BF told me to send him pictures of three rings I love! I turned him down because I want to be completely excited with the design he picks out on his own, though I did send him pictures of what I would very much dislike. Good luck on looking for rings, I agree with PP that it would be a good idea to try on all the kinds of styles that you like, and have fun finding pictures of what you like.

Threadjack a bit, Lyn, do you recommend buying jewelry in the Jewelry district?  I think that my BF is interested in buying me a ring and I would like to point him there if it is a good place to go ring shopping.  I don't want him to spend a lot of money on me, and if it anything like the Flower or Fabric districts, I would assume that they have awesome deals!

MLekathLEEN

I've never had an awesome experience from a "mall jeweller" but their websites are a great place to get ideas.

singing_lyn

www.faycullen.com

They can custom make rings, but their prices tend to be up there. Until I started really getting serious about looking at rings that I would want to wear forever I would browse them all the time.

shipsinthenight

I am obsessed with : 1 1/5 ct. white gold (this is my "budget" ring)


AND: About twice the cost of the other one with a good diamond in it.


Of course I will be happy with whatever I get, whenever I get it. (But these are what I want...)

motoLyn

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_bling-bling?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:8ecce282-ae28-4a44-a96d-d8b2b0bda6b7Post:f8f8ea21-a634-4706-a22c-1eb0934851ac">Re: Bling Bling?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Bling Bling? :Threadjack a bit, Lyn, do you recommend buying jewelry in the Jewelry district?  I think that my BF is interested in buying me a ring and I would like to point him there if it is a good place to go ring shopping.  I don't want him to spend a lot of money on me, and if it anything like the Flower or Fabric districts, I would assume that they have awesome deals!
Posted by amsybot[/QUOTE]

Pardon the threadjack, amysbot I would totally recommend buy ing in the jewelry district because the retail cost isn't big.  They pretty much sell almost at whole sale.  Thing is they don't have a lot of overhead so the prices are reasonable if not awesome.  Everything is pretty much semi mount so you can pick you setting and whatever stone you want to go in it.  They can do the most amazing custom rings as well.  FI gave me the choice of having one custom made but I didn't want to pay for something I couldn't see right then and there.  I would suggest that he learn a bit about metals and stone shapes and characteristics before heading in there.  Also there are over a hundred different ring vendors so just don't get burnt out there.  If you want I can give you the name of the jewelers that FI got my ring from plus a few others that I have heard great reviews about. 

To give you an idea... I went to Robbins Bros.  The e-ring and matching band would have cost me $2,200.  I got my wedding set for a $1k less at the jewelry district.   So that was an extra $1K that FI put towards the center stone.  Hope that helps.  Contact me if you  or your BF need anything.  Else I be happy to go with him and give moral support.  In reality I just find excuses to go back and look some more, also I need to get my ring cleaned and resized anyway.  Hahaha...

[Deleted User]

Lyn, YGPM.

Fundudl27

www.antiqueengagementrings.com

I have drooled over this site (jewler Leigh Jay Nacht) because I love the old styles and this site has great pictures of the rings - from a bunch of different angles and on a hand. Upon visiting my sister in New York, my SO and I went to try some of them on and found the actual showroom to be less than desirable (it was in the diamond district - felt like a flea market - and gave me the creeps a little, but if you're brave I'm sure you could find great things there!). We were skeptical of the craftsmanship and in the end I didn't love the ones I thought I was going to, but it's a great place to get ideas about what you may like!

On another note, Tiffany's also has great pictures on their site, and you may get ideas there as well.

calindi

I gotta say, looking at rings online didn't help me at all.  And my experience in chain jewelery stores is that their products are overpriced for the quality, and the service is mediocre.  You end up feeling like you're getting nickle-and-dimed.  After visiting 2-3 chain stores, I started getting dismayed that I'd never find a ring I liked.  I hated that the prongs were exposed and it just didn't look "finished" to me. 

We had the best results trying on rings at local jewelry stores, and we bought my ring at a little Mom-and-Pop jewelry store that's been around for 30 years.  The price was literally 1/2 the cost of rings at the chain stores, and I find it to be much higher quality.

I've also found that seeing how the ring feels is important.  I love the way my ring looks, but the real selling point was that it felt totally natural on my finger.  Some rings rubbed against my other fingers weird, and some felt so wide that it felt like it was pushing my other fingers away.  So it was really key to me that it felt right!

If he doesn't want to go try on rings with you, do it yourself just to get an idea of what you like.  Take pictures or find the brands online after and send him those pictures.  Good luck!