re: Engagement ring shopping/valuation

I didn't go through a jeweler. Had I gone through a jeweler I would've paid a helluva lot more. Again, I went through a wholesaler who designed the ring herself. Quite happy with what I got for what I paid.

it's been appraised for $16k and I have it insured for said $16k. the insurance company doesn't get to choose the diamond in which it is replaced if lost or stolen.

I'm also not poor and cheap. Had no problem paying what I paid for it.

But you should pay what you can reasonably afford. If that's 2,200 which by your own logic would actually be a $700 ring then go for it.

The ring I got my so was a reproduction in white gold of a platinum ring that was from the 1930s. The 3/4 ct. diamond I found at a local shop. I paid more than I would have liked, but she absolutely loves the ring, and so does everyone else that sees it. It looks nothing like the bland or over-the-top diamond-encrusted shite most of the chain jewelry stores sell.

The key is look for a ring that suits her. When you find it, buy it. Definitely haggle a little to get the best price, but don't cheap out. She is literally going to wear this item every day for the rest of her life.

quote:

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I'm considering buying a cubic zirconia and telling everyone it's a real diamond (like anyone will ask if it's a real diamond anyway). Anyone who just takes a quick look at it will have no idea, and if my lady wants to go get it inspected to make sure, which I highly doubt will happen, then I won't care if I lied to her.

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CZ's look mostly like diamonds, but they don't refract light quite as well, so they don't have the same "sparkle". Most people won't notice this at first. However, CZ's have one other issue, they tend to get cloudy over time. Diamonds will sorta do this, but it's just surface dust and can be easily cleaned off to look like new. CZ's not so much. The cz may look just like a new diamond the day you buy it, but a year or two later, it will look dull and cloudy.

If she's not very smart or attentive, she may not notice, but if she has an eye for these kinds of things, your arse is cubic zirconium grass.

Congrats! Going with a real diamond is definitely the smart move. You would've been caught at some point.

You got it under budget as well. I would still get it appraised but that's your call. Definitely insure it though.

Thank you!

I'm not inclined to get insurance. The way I look at it is that I wouldn't buy collision coverage for my car if my car was worth only $1,500, so why would I do it for a ring? Am I missing something?

Next time I'm over in India I'll let you know.

The insurance quote I got is for $30/year at an "added value" of $2,200. I think it's a wash, but I'd just prefer not to have another insurance bill. Replacing a $1,500 item would suck, but I could do it. If I couldn't, I just wouldn't replace it until I could.

My Mom gave Hubby my great-grandmother's engagement ring to give to me. Anyone who thinks it's too small can kiss my arse. I love it.

He says I'm the best bargain he ever got because I came with my own ring!

Between the rising cost of things like engagement rings and just wedding costs in general, it makes a ring that can be upgraded later and eloping very very tempting.