Pawn shop rings?

Divernon24 · June 2010

My bf of 2.5 years and I are ready to get engaged, but he's not making much money right now. I really wanted a Canadian diamond from Andrew's Jewelers, but it's a bit out of the question right now. I told him we could just go to a pawn shop (which addresses my concerns about blood diamonds, since the money would be going to the shop, not the diamond industry), but he won't do it because he says he feels bad buying me a ring from a pawn shop. Personally, I just want the ring. In my opinion, it's just another way to recycle. Any ideas?

paintgirl · June 2010

I would do it in a second, especially if I found a vintage/antique ring. I don't know about the blood diamond deal, but it sounds like a reasonable solution to me!

musikbx · June 2010

Hey there,

Without going into detail, I have a lot of the same concerns about purchasing an engagement ring. I have been researching for several months, and have come up with a few solutions. I am writing this pretty quickly, so I'm sure I'm forgetting a few things... but hopefully this helps:

Conflict-free Canadian Diamonds - there are some local jewelers that use Canadian diamonds, like the one that you mentioned, but one of the bigger vendors is Brilliant Earth - they have a lot of rings in varying price ranges.

Antique or second-hand diamonds - some people are fine with (non-Canadian) diamonds, as long as they are old, or second-hand. There are a LOT of links for vintage and second-hand ring websites that you can explore. I don't have a particular website to recommend, but I'm sure a simple google search should do.

Esty.com - vendors who make their own goods, do a search for conflict-free diamond rings, Canadian diamond rings, or Fair trade diamond rings... there's quite a bit on here, in differing price ranges. Some things can even be customized.

Non-diamond alternatives - if you are that morally opposed, and the finances are just not working out for you to have a Canadian diamond engagement ring, then perhaps a non-diamond ring will suit your needs. However, keep in mind that gemstones can still be mined under conditions that are not-so-fair trade. Perhaps a stone-free band that you find beautiful.

Rings Certified by the Kimberly Process - now that more attention is being paid to the diamond industry and its operations, there are certifications in place to "ensure" that diamonds are conflict-free. You can google the Kimberly Process to learn more. This is the last suggestion on my list for a reason, as I don't particularly trust this process - but perhaps you aren't as cynical as I am.

EDIT: after re-reading your post, I realized my response doesn't really answer your question about the pawn shop. My apologies, but hopefully this information is still helpful in some way.

PaigeMcC · June 2010

Pawn shop rings are a great idea. Especially if it's something you would like and something you're comfortable with. Does he say why he doesn't like the idea of a pawn shop ring? Is it because it was someone else's or because he feels like he should be able to buy a new one? Or something else?

I'd say sit down and have a chat with him about it. Maybe do a little research on it so you can tell him all the great things about buying antique rings. Hopefully you'll be able to come to a compromise on this. Good luck

Narwhal · June 2010

As long as you bring someone with you that REALLY knows jewelry, you can get some really good deals at a pawn shop. BF's family is really into pawn diving for jewelry. A few months ago, his aunt bought a $10,000 ring (IIRC) for only $250 because the shop guy thought it was a fake.

tafft1 · June 2010

There are many levels of pawn shops and there can be some amazing finds there. Do your research and if possible bring someone who really knows about jewelry , but don't go in blind , this goes for pawn shops and normal jewelers as well. This is a big descson but it's always good to look at all options as well. Keep an open mind on things and try to know what you want and what is doable as well. Best of luck.

catemeg · June 2010

Also, does anyone in your family have a stone that could be made into a ring? I have a ring from my great-great grandmother that we're going to get a new setting for, but it could be one diamond earring that is missing its pair, something like that. Those can definitely help.

Also, Overstock.com and Etsy.com have rings of a variety of prices - really, you can get a perfectly nice ring for a very reasonable amount if you're not picky on carat size, clarity, color, etc. You can always get a cheaper diamond now, and when finances get better, you can upgrade if you want - keeping the same setting, but getting a nicer diamond. Or getting a nicer diamond now in a simple setting, and upgrading the setting later.

And pawn shops are a perfectly good place to get a ring, just be sure to get it appraised by a reputable jeweler.

Hazel_B · June 2010

If he feels uncomfortable at a pawn shop, what about an estate ring from an actual jewelery store?

Divernon24 · June 2010

Sorry I haven't been back on here - crazy busy at work! He does feel uncomfortable with the fact that he can't really afford a really nice ring. I think we're going to probably look at everyone's suggestion! Thanks, guys, you've been really helpful!

Pawn shop rings?

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