DevotedPuppy said:

You know, I don't even go in much for expensive jewelry/precious stones, but that's freaking gorgeous!!

I went to a lot of trouble when I bought my wife’s diamond it was a steep learning curve but I did a lot of research.

It really depends on what you want. But from what you say it sounds like you want a rock you can at least see and a quality that only matters to the naked eye.

This is a similar route that I took.

First decide on the shape - if you choose a diamond with fewer facets (sides) like an emerald cut it will matter more if there are any inclusions (flaws and imperfections). If you choose a brilliant cut (round traditional) then even a quite poor quality diamond will still look good.

The colour was really important to me, the lower qualities didn't seem to sparkle as much. I think I ended up paying more for this quality (colour) than any of the other diamond attributes.

Oh and by the way, yellow is sometimes good - they are called champagne diamonds and they are rare.

Size is important! But a hideous 3 carat rock I think is tacky. A nice solitaire is really all I wanted. Anything between 0.3 and 1 carat can look "like a diamond" if that is what you are after. This can also be affected by the cut too, some shapes can look smaller even though they are heavier.

Also how you mount it will have an impact on how it looks, so have an idea of the ring style too.

I would go and have a look at diamonds. Most places will be happy to show you a selection of rocks so you can compare. Read up on the differences and go with a bit of knowledge so they know you are serious. I used websites like this one.

http://www.bluenile.co.uk...QAodoRc8Jw

Let your eye be the judge too, decide on shape and roughly what size then go and compare a few in the same price range. You will probably always choose the most expensive, but I was surprised at how a smaller better diamond had a much better overall appearance.

I loved owning the diamond I chose. It was such a stunning thing, more so than it does now after mounting. I used to just look at it - absolute beauty.


I went for a Colourless (D) Emerald cut diamond, VVS2, 0.75 Carat.


And always get certification!!!

These two rings were my inspiration.




[Edited 7/25/07 3:38am]

PREDOMINANT said:

It is beautiful..I noticed it

Good work!

I had to pick my own out after an un-formal proposal. Well I had to go pick out my engagement ring, my band and his band.
He really truly hated to shop...

I really did not like picking my own out- the only requirement I had was that I wanted platinum. I really did not care about the diamond. He was lucky that I am not a typical woman.

shanti0608 said:

Lucky, cus platinum is sooo cheap

How do you feel about tin?

PREDOMINANT said:

Hey he did get off lucky mister!!! He only spent $3000 on all 3 rings.

Oh and tin is fine..well as long as it does not turn my finger green..

shanti0608 said:

PREDOMINANT said:

Your point?


oh I might add..we dated 5 years so there was no excuse he had time to learn my sense of style. So props to you for figuring it out and doing a good job

shanti0608 said:

My point is that the org is a steaming pile of dog turd today and I can't be arsed to keep typing the same thing out twice!

PREDOMINANT said:

shanti0608 said:

Needless to say it was the fucking funniest thing I typed all week!

PREDOMINANT said:

I do not believe you

I had to pick my own out after an un-formal proposal. Well I had to go pick out my engagement ring, my band and his band.
He really truly hated to shop...

I really did not like picking my own out- the only requirement I had was that I wanted platinum. I really did not care about the diamond. He was lucky that I am not a typical woman.

shanti0608 said:

I actually would probably prefer picking my own out.

Or, I at least want to be asked my opinion before he starts shopping. I have particular tastes and I don't expect someone to magically know them. And if you're spending good money on it, I want something I'll like to look at. I'm practical that way. Though I'm sure it could come off as snobby. But I bet I would pick something far more subtle and inexpensive than one would expect.

shanti0608 said:

I actually would probably prefer picking my own out.

Or, I at least want to be asked my opinion before he starts shopping. I have particular tastes and I don't expect someone to magically know them. And if you're spending good money on it, I want something I'll like to look at. I'm practical that way. Though I'm sure it could come off as snobby. But I bet I would pick something far more subtle and inexpensive than one would expect.

I love a nice simple diamond ring.



Pretty!
[Edited 7/25/07 5:46am]

Okay I went and looked for you.

I like this.

KatSkrizzle said:

Very cool..more my style.

shanti0608 said:

Yes ma'am! Boyfriend jokes and says when I get mine, he's gonna get 20 questions as to whether or not the diamond is conflict free, gold is recycled...etc.

Besides, green karat has a lot of unique and more original styles

this is the one I'm hoping to get for my wife soon.....

KatSkrizzle said:

I am with you

reneGade20 said:

gorgeous

KatSkrizzle said:

Very cool..more my style.

this is the one I'm hoping to get for my wife soon.....

sj1600 said:

I like this but with a round stone. Simple, small...