So it's that time and I have been told that I should get a ring. :grin: Google search on some forums came up with these jewelers. Anyone have any suggestions or experiences? Jonathan's Fine Jewelers #210 Houston, TX 77057 Jordan Dubin 713-840-0162 DubinsFineJewelry.com How do I approach the situation? i.e. you wouldn't want to go to a car dealer and tell them what your desired monthly payment is.. Do I state the carat I want? Price? Neither? Thanks!
I just got out of a chemistry session. Apparently gold atoms can turn red when compressed tightly enough, or something like that. So you can create red gold. Pretty cool I thought.
Out of left field, but Costco has a limited selection of fine jewelry and excellent prices. I shop at their stores all the time, although I've never bought any jewelry there. I go to a local jewelry store in Austin, one that does custom work. I'll post their link below. Not cheap, but they do really excellent work. http://www.franzettijewelers.com/
Go to a store like Robbins Brothers first. Get educated on all of the different facets to buying a ring, but don't buy anything on that first visit. Ask as many dumb questions as you want, and don't leave until you're satisfied with the amount of information you have. Then once you feel like you know enough, start doing your research online. I bought my diamond individually from a broker since the prices are always significantly cheaper than at most jewelry stores, and I purchased the setting separately. It really just depends on what you're looking for though, and you won't know that until you do research.
Is pricing elastic by region and country? If so, why not contacting jewelry stores in smaller, cheaper states and try to get something via mail or special order?
How much do you make a year? How much do you intend to spend? Is she the type to really care about the cost of the ring?
she cares about the size and not the cost. my plan was not to get one..haha..but since i am going to now..might as well get a good one.
do NOT buy a ring from a retailer as you're just flushing $$$ down the drain. Go to a wholesale place. If you're here in Houston you should go check out some of the places on Richmond between Fountain View and Hillcroft. Don't remember any of the names of the places but that's where you should buy a ring. There's that one building that's on the north side of Richmond between Fountain View and Hillcroft. A retail place will mark it up a lot more (at least three times more). Just do a little digging around. Wish I could help you out with the name of the person I bought my last one from but it's been 14 yrs.
Ok....where to start.....Jonathan's is the place I bought my wife's ring. They were great, very helpful, willing to negotiate, and when I went and got the ring appraised to have it insured, the appraiser said "you did good", referring to what I paid, versus the appraised value. Of course, this leads to the hardest part. You have to know what you're looking for, and what you're looking at. If I were you the first things I would do are: 1) Decide if you want a certified or non-certified stone. After all my research, I ended up getting a GIA certified stone. I wouldn't go with any other certification (there are a couple more out there, but I can't remember them off the top of my head). You will pay more, mostly for things that you can't even see with the naked eye. So later in life, your lady may not have the biggest stone in the room, but she will probably have the "cleanest". Which is more important to you? 2) Obviously learn the 4 C's - Cut, Carat, Clarity and Color. Learn what each one represents, and look at some tables to help determine what area you're looking for. 3) Don't forget, you'll need to choose the setting itself as well. White/yellow gold? 14k/18k gold? Platinum? I'm sure I've left a few out. 4) Finally, be sure to negotiate. It's just like buying a car. Don't be afraid to leave (with the specifications), and go to other places (there are more in the same building as Jonathan's) to see what they can offer with those specifications. Edit: Both Jonathan and his son helped me, although there were some other people working. I would try to deal directly with one of them. Also, a good way to save some money is to apply for a credit card with a good reward (spend $2k the first 3 months, receive $500, 1-2% back on purchases, and 12 months no interest). That can easily put an extra $500 in your pocket, make it easier to pay it off since you have 12 months, and help you get the ring sooner. Just be sure you're ok with a hard hit on your credit report (stays on for 2 years, no effect after 1 year), and responsible enough to pay the card off within the 12 months time. Oh and....
I'm hoping he's excited about the engagement, but not about the societal requirement that says he must purchase an expensive rock (which I agree with).
Just keep this in mind...... they are not cheap. The clarity is as important, if not more important than the size. If you plan on financing the ring, many places want it paid off in 12 months. If you are confident in what you are doing, you can buy on ebay and get them for less than half priced, but they are used and you will need a new band. I know a lot about diamonds, but at this point just pay close to retail price from Jareds or Tiffanys because I don't want to deal with the possibility of theft, etc. If you have the time and energy, you can hit pawn shops and ebay and get a solid deal, but you must have it reviewed and appraised by an expert. Honestly, a range of the amount of money you want to spend will give us an idea. You will be cool as long as it isn't so ****ty that she is ashamed of it, and you don't go into heavy debt.
