Guy seeking engagement ring advice... S.O.S.

MHarwelle · October 2010

I have been hoping to surprise my beautiful gf sometime before Christmas and have just begun the process of narrowing down the type of ring she is looking for (Princess cut solitaire). Just to get to this point has been mentally exhausting (so many styles and combinations!). I am ready to start looking but am so overwhelmed by the amount of places to buy a nice ring that I'm not sure where to start anymore.

Can anyone recommend a good place to start my ring shopping? I've been told to stay out of "mall chain" jewelry stores due to the high mark-up. Some of my friends have told them to use "their guy" as a salesman. Others have told me to go to the Boston Jewelry Exchange building for the best prices, but I have no idea where to begin with that either?

I am very grateful for any help you can provide! I'm swimming in choices! S.O.S.!

calindi · October 2010

Welcome!

I'm actually from RI originally. My father buys a lot of jewelry for my mother at BJE, so I do recommend that.

Stay away from big brands where you'll be paying for the name - Tiffany's being the most obvious.

Also, buying online is actually an increasingly attractive option. BlueNile.com is a very reputable broker with good prices and a great return policy. I know several girls with rings from there who love it, and you get to pick the diamond and setting separately.

Don't know if you're a member, but Sam's Club in Seekonk actually has some nice rings at decent prices. I don't know about their other locations or Costco, but that one's pretty good if you know it.

Gray Jewelers in Barrington is also a very reputable family owned jewelry store. I've gotten numerous pieces appraised here - they're very honest and fair.

desertsun · October 2010

There really is no substitute for being educated about diamonds and shopping around. I know it seems really time consuming, but exploring all your options is the best way to feel good about your purchase.

I think if you're comfortable buying online, Blue Nile is a great option.

If you want something a step above mall stores but with the benefit of having locations all over, my husband bought my ring at Jared, and was really happy with the service and prices.

Visiting local places like the ones Cate suggested is a great idea, too.

You can also always bring your girl with you when you shop to get a better idea of what specific styles she prefers. OR, you can ask her to give you some pictures of things she likes. Whatever both of you can agree on.

But rest assured that she WILL love whatever you get, because it comes from you and is a symbol of the commitment you're making to each other.

loves2shop4shoes · October 2010

Agree with PP. Also, don't buy from Kay Jewelers. I've heard TERRIBLE things about them from my friend whose ring is from there. Avoid them like the plague.

MHarwelle · October 2010

Thanks a ton guys, your info is already helping me a lot. Maybe I will look at some of the RI stores too. I work in MA and have heard that Barmakian & DeSenza Jewelers are reputable also. I'm wondering if they would be more or less expensive than if I used someone from the Boston Jewelry Exchange (BJE). Hmmm... thanks again everyone! I'll post photos when I finally make my purchase.

motoLyn · October 2010

Kudos for you asking for advice on a board that is populated by witty females. Desertsun is right with Jareds they are a pretty good place with great customer service and big selection if you don't want to go with the small jeweler route. Though I have seen Cosco rings and if you're looking for a solitaire princess cut ring they have some good ones for a a good price. Not sure what large warehouse like stores you have out there but its worth a check. Sams Club? Some internet research on how diamonds are graded for value will help you understand why some stones are more expensive or valued than others.

Blue Nile, James Allen and Brilliant earth are some great online sites to purchase rings from as well. Good luck!

MissOwl · October 2010

PS...You should totally show your lady this post after you propose. If I were her, I would be supremely impressed. Good luck!

SeaTea02 · October 2010

How sweet! My SO would never think to do this.

If you have a Jared in your area they are fabulous. Small locally owned jewelers will also be pretty expensive, at least in my experience.

I hear blue nile is good too.

Roo726 · October 2010

If she says no, I will marry you.

I KIDD OF COURSE. This is the cutest thing ever. you are an awesome boyfriend. I have no good advice because I live on the opposite side of the country than you, but we do have Jareds. I know a few people who have had good experiences there. Have you tried asking her best friend about the style? she might know exactly what she has in mind or what her personal jewelry style is. Just be careful with that as not all girls are open about that kind of stuff and you might get what her friend likes, but my friends are under strict orders from me in case the BF ever comes asking.

good luck! and I agree you should show her this after your done. Your research will payoff big time. :-)

leia1979 · October 2010

Welcome!

I also advise going with a local jeweler. Ask about their warranty policies (e.g. the shop my ring came from asks that I come in once a year for cleaning and inspection, and as long as I do that, they will continue to warranty my ring, but other places I went to said I would have to go back every three months!).

I recommend Yelp.com to help you find local jewelers. You might also ask this question on the RI and MA local boards here on theKnot. I'm sure the ladies there will have recommendations.

Get an idea of how much you're willing to spend and what that will get you (as others have said, BlueNile.com and Pricescope.com can help with that). Also, don't be afraid to comparison shop. My setting was $700 cheaper at the second place we looked--well worth the extra drive!

I understand how this can be overwhelming! I must have looked at thousands of rings before I found anything I liked. Good luck to you!

babybchbum · October 2010

My only words of advice is be sure that is is in your budget. If you are going to have to go into debt for the "perfect" ring its not so perfect. Also, if she has a close friend or family member that you can trust as well to help you look take them along... ONLY IF you trust them to keep their mouth shut.

It is really great to see a guy coming to a group of randoms for advice and I wish you the best.

PS. All of my jewelry is from Kay jewlers and they have been fanastic. I think it depends on the location and the staff on your experience no matter the store you use.

MHarwelle · October 2010

Thanks everyone! I will absolutely check out some stores this weekend to start the process and will be sure to look at a few different places to compare prices. I'll post the ring as soon as I propose under this discussion board as a final thank you! @Roo726, it's time to shake 'n bake!

prodigalgirl · October 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_guy-seeking-engagement-ring-advice-sos?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:5f9f39c5-33f9-4ee3-b414-dfcf65463957Post:6c1f4381-2bab-4b1a-bea3-5cd5de0d5f6d">Re: Guy seeking engagement ring advice... S.O.S.</a>:
[QUOTE]PS...You should totally show your lady this post after you propose. If I were her, I would be supremely impressed. Good luck!
Posted by MissOwl[/QUOTE]

So true! I wonder if she's on the knot. I wonder if we know her! How exciting =)

hetshup · October 2010

Blue Nile is great for diamonds, I highly recommend that you buy the diamond and setting separately. I also strongly recommend that you look in person at settings. Put them on, see how high they sit. In terms of size, a .95 carat ring is normally much less expensive then a 1 carat. Princess cuts are less pricey as they take less cutting then rounds (due to the crystallization of C).

White gold is actually plated yellow gold, so it will have to be redipped to keep it white. Platinum is a very strong metal, but soft and won't stay shiny.

lexa10 · October 2010

Agreed!! Try not to buy from Kay.. I have a close friend who took for wedding band to Kay so they could send it off to be re-dipped, and they lost it.. I'm not sure about your area, but my ring came from Littman Jewelers.. THey have some 'out of the oridinary' rings..

ki10 · October 2010

I would highly recommend going with a small, local craftsman. Support your local economy and an individual jewelry artist if you can.

Guy seeking engagement ring advice... S.O.S.

Re: Guy seeking engagement ring advice... S.O.S.

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