ladies, I need your help....

[Shaw_2112]

So if ya saw the "I'm screwed" thread you know I was given an almost impossible task of finding the perfect present that shows my OL just how much I love her. Well I still haven't found it lol!

But I may have a worthy idea.

We decided when we first started dating that marriage wasn't an option. I know her feelings have changed a little ( OK well alot !) but we still agree that marriage isn't in the picture.

At least not until we've been together for 20 years huh? you say? Yep I agreed that if we are still together in 20 years that I'll man up and make an honest woman of her (very gentlemanly of me dontcha think? )

I don't consider this an engagement but I think a promise is in order.

So what do you think about a promise ring?

I know absolutely diddly squat about lookin fer a diamond ring.

Any advice you can help a brother out with???

[deb93fxlr]

I think that idea might work......as long as she isn't secretly looking for an engagement ring...lol

I'm not much of a jewelry person but have you heard of the lover's knot? Do a search and you'll see what I mean. Another option is to go to a place like Jared where you can have them make a custom ring that you design especially for her.

Good luck!

[Lady Godiva]

Originally Posted by Shaw_2112

So if ya saw the "I'm screwed" thread you know I was given an almost impossible task of finding the perfect present that shows my OL just how much I love her. Well I still haven't found it lol!

But I may have a worthy idea.

We decided when we first started dating that marriage wasn't an option. I know her feelings have changed a little ( OK well alot !) but we still agree that marriage isn't in the picture.

At least not until we've been together for 20 years huh? you say? Yep I agreed that if we are still together in 20 years that I'll man up and make an honest woman of her (very gentlemanly of me dontcha think? )

I don't consider this an engagement but I think a promise is in order.

So what do you think about a promise ring?

I know absolutely diddly squat about lookin fer a diamond ring.

Any advice you can help a brother out with???

Hey Shane!

Well, if you've both agreed on the 20 year thing, and she will understand that a promise ring doesn't change your agreement, I think that's a beautiful idea!!

I'm not sure what kind of ring you're looking for or what your budget is, but my advice would be NOT to go to the mall jewelry store - their diamonds are pretty much crap as far as the quality goes, and usually way overpriced.

There are lots of web sites that explain the "4 C's" of buying a diamond - color, cut, clarity, and cost. I believe "D" is the highest clarity, and they go down from there: E, F, G, H, etc.

You might try an independent jewelry store, or a trustworthy pawn shop. Depending on what you're looking for, you may want to look into buying a loose stone and getting it put into a setting.

PM me if you want - I know a bit about diamonds since #1: I'm a girl! and #2: Travus has fantastic taste and actually chose every diamond in my engagement ring and wedding ring himself and had the rings made. Like Deb said above, it kinda makes it more special when you have something made just for you!

[route66paul]

My advice is to get schooled about diamonds if you are going to spend over $500. There are those who consider anything under 5k costume jewelry. You can get a decent deal if you know what you want and where to go. In LosAngeles, we have a diamond district, it is full of booths that sell more jewelry that a whole store at the mall. That is where you can get a deal, but you can be taken anywhere. These guys' word is gold, and they love to bargain. You should be able to buy the item for 70-80% of what they ask.

[Shaw_2112]

Originally Posted by route66paul

My advice is to get schooled about diamonds if you are going to spend over $500. There are those who consider anything under 5k costume jewelry. You can get a decent deal if you know what you want and where to go. In LosAngeles, we have a diamond district, it is full of booths that sell more jewelry that a whole store at the mall. That is where you can get a deal, but you can be taken anywhere. These guys' word is gold, and they love to bargain. You should be able to buy the item for 70-80% of what they ask.

money is def going to be a driving factor, the unfortunate reality is I'm going to have to keep it under 3 bills. More than anything it's what it means that's going to be most important. Still need to get something decent, it has to last at least 20 years after all

[Lady Godiva]

Originally Posted by Shaw_2112

money is def going to be a driving factor, the unfortunate reality is I'm going to have to keep it under 3 bills. More than anything it's what it means that's going to be most important. Still need to get something decent, it has to last at least 20 years after all

Here are some sites that should help ya out - you can search for "how to buy a diamond" or "buying a diamond" and get good results.

Blue Nile is a reputable online diamond dealer and their site has some good info:

http://www.bluenile.com/educ_channel.asp (click on "diamond education)

http://howtobuyadiamond.gia.edu/Tour_FrameSet.htm

http://www.diamondhelpers.com/ask/0040-scams.shtml

[route66paul]

You will get a better ruby for 3 bills. Any diamond that you can buy for 3 bills is worth the cost of the setting only.

[Lady Godiva]

Originally Posted by route66paul

You will get a better ruby for 3 bills. Any diamond that you can buy for 3 bills is worth the cost of the setting only.

Yeah, I gotta agree with that. Gold is outrageous now too...

[Shaw_2112]

Originally Posted by route66paul

You will get a better ruby for 3 bills. Any diamond that you can buy for 3 bills is worth the cost of the setting only.

well, after reading those links and educating myself a little I agree. I've ben looking closely at ruby/saphire rings with diamond secondaries.

Found this online, really like the looks but damned if I know I'll get what I'm lookin at buyin online. I'll have to look around and see if I can find something similar locally

http://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Wat.../product.html#

[Shaw_2112]

well......


she loved it, couldn't stop crying...


of course that could've been from disappointment but I'm guessin she like it

[PR3VS56]

Way to go Shaw -- good man!

[NewHawk]

Cool, glad it turned out that way.