Wedding Ring

[DocMcStuffins]

Married for 15 years and I am throwing a surprise 40 year birthday party .  Wondering if anyone has had success online for wedding rings.  I know this would be the place to ask.  Of note:

1. Live below 1/3 of income
2. Can FIRE now if wanted
3. Love building my business
4. On 3 months, off 1 month plan which works great for our family of 6 (in july we did 1 month in a maine cabin without plumbing / electricity / electronics and it was awesome and inexpensive)
5. Understand diamonds aren't for the frugal, but this is a special situation for us for a lady who is otherwise very frugal.  To be honest I have been very poor with dates (birthday / anniversary) in the past.  This is a "blockbuster" situation and as you know one of the worst financial decisions can be divorce.........it is the only thing I am involved in that can suck 50% of my wealth and 99% of my mental health. 

Thanks for your help !!!!!! 

PS:  edit, sorry I am buying her a wedding ring as the one I bought when we were younger causes a rash and she can't wear.  So this is a replacement !!!!

[nemesis]

What's your budget?

I have a couple of engagement / wedding rings from previously discontinued relationships that were never worn, that I'd consider selling to you if you are interested (I have all certifications paperwork, receipts from the stores and online shops, etc...)

1. a $800 small diamond ring from Macy's which was to be a cheap engagement ring but we called it off (whew).
2. a $14k one point xx carat diamond ring from James Allen with platinum setting for a girl whom I thought would be my future wife but again ended up not working out. 

I was a fool for spending so much on the diamond rings and I was just going to keep them in my safe as a reminder of my foolishness in past relationships, but if you are serious we can work something out.  Either way no big deal... love is blind and the diamond rings are my reminders of that fact.

Honestly if I were you, I'd save the money and buy something more utilitarian, but if you are dead set on buying a diamond ring, you can pay retail prices on sites like James Allen, which I highly recommend, or buy my mistakes at a discount. :)

PS - this is a way of giving myself a face punch for blowing so much money on such frivolous items, but no matter, money comes and money goes... if you truly think the girl is worth it, money shouldn't be the top priority.   Plus the purchases didn't hurt my financial situation much, as I am very close to FIRE and the purchases are a negligible expense.

PPS - OP if you are serious about buying a ring, and are interested in one of my rings (they are exquisite), PM me.  I can then set up some sort of eBay listing for you to buy, so you are protected by eBay and PayPal, and I would have Seller protection to sell such an expensive item to you.

[Mustache ride]

Are you asking for where to buy diamonds online, or what type of diamond to buy? If the former, I highly recommend Blue Nile. They are by far the best bang for your buck and a very reputable company. If you can get over the fact that you won't see something that you are paying a ton of money for, it is  easily the best choice. It's been awhile since I bought mine from there, but I believe you can return it to. Just make sure you know what you want, or more specifically what your significant other wants. I went to a ton of stores to look at diamonds to really see the difference of what I (my wife) wanted. Once we knew the shape, size, cut, clarity, whatever else I'm missing, I went on Blue Nile and searched within my specs to get it thousands of dollars cheaper than what any store offered. Also, make sure you get GIAA (sp?) certified and not a "lesser" cert. That is the top certification/standards and is the most stringent.

[nemesis]

Are you asking for where to buy diamonds online, or what type of diamond to buy? If the former, I highly recommend Blue Nile. They are by far the best bang for your buck and a very reputable company. If you can get over the fact that you won't see something that you are paying a ton of money for, it is  easily the best choice. It's been awhile since I bought mine from there, but I believe you can return it to. Just make sure you know what you want, or more specifically what your significant other wants. I went to a ton of stores to look at diamonds to really see the difference of what I (my wife) wanted. Once we knew the shape, size, cut, clarity, whatever else I'm missing, I went on Blue Nile and searched within my specs to get it thousands of dollars cheaper than what any store offered. Also, make sure you get GIAA (sp?) certified and not a "lesser" cert. That is the top certification/standards and is the most stringent.

I seriously considered Blue Nile vs James Allen, but decided at end of day James Allen was better because you can see the exact diamond you will be buying, and a 90 day return policy (which I should have used, hah!).  You save a little bit more with Blue Nile, but when you're spending $10k + on a diamond ring, I think it's worth it to spend a little bit more to get exactly what you're expecting and James Allen's reputation is flawless.

[DocMcStuffins]

Yes, I know what kind of ring.  I was looking for places to look to possibly order from........thanks for the information so far.  Great stuff.

[englishteacheralex]

If I were going to do the engagement/wedding ring thing over again, I'd be all over ebay.

As it was, my wonderful husband picked out a lovely engagement ring for me from Blue Nile and it was a surprise. He asked a friend of mine what style she thought I'd like and it was a winner. A little more expensive than what I would have chosen (I think $1200? I would have gone with $400-$500) but nothing too crazy and part of its specialness to me is that he picked it out himself. I got what I wanted with the wedding ring: $100. His was one of those titanium alloy things you can get on Etsy for $50.

I only wear the engagement ring for special occasions nowadays. I sometimes laugh at my owning such an expensive piece of jewelry, especially since I've become even more frugal since I got married. I've heard there are excellent deals to be had on jilted lovers' engagement rings on ebay. What a wonderful score. What other consumer object in the world takes such a depreciation hit? I'm rubbing my hands together with glee just thinking about it.

[Milizard]

My DH bought the main stone at blue Nile, and the setting locally, where they put it together for him.  He wanted a really good quality stone, and you can tell it is.

[emiloots]

We bought mine from www.goodoldgold.com 13 years ago, have an extensive diamond selection, trade up policy, and have both custom and pretty much any designer setting you'd want.  Even if you don't buy from them they have a very extensive tutorial on diamonds that's a good read.

[Frankies Girl]

What sort of jewelry does she like? Because if she likes vintage/antique, I'd honestly google for little independent jewelry shops where you live that specialize in antique jewelry and go find something there. Bonus, you may be able to "borrow" a ring you think she likes, but give her the option to trade it out for a ring in the same general range if it's not exactly her style (i.e. owner allows you to have a time period where you could exchange it easily for anything else in the store).

I also love https://ericaweiner.com/ for sight-seeing for antique/unique jewelry, but they're not cheap.

And if she's not actually allergic to the metal of the ring, what you're describing is called "wedding ring rash" and it's usually caused by rings that have pockets on the underside of the ring. It allows water/soap from hand-washing to become trapped and held against the skin for long periods of time, which will cause rashes. Flat bands that don't trap moisture, and filigree rings (where the shank of the ring/jewel mounts) that have open areas to allow moisture to dry are the answer usually, so keep that in mind as you look for a good ring.

 

[partgypsy]

Do you mean wedding band or diamond ring. Also what your price range and what size stone. Honestly besides minimum specs, the most important c is cut quality. Get and ags ideal cut stone. I would order from whiteflash's if it is in your price range and you are looking for a round brilliant. Other shapes gold old gold is highly recommended. I would read up on prices cope website or start your own thread to get the best advice and options

[tralfamadorian]

If the rash was an actual allergy, then I would recommend a platinum-ruthenium or platinum-iridium alloy.  Your chances of an allergy with those two are virtually null.

I ditto Frankies Girl's suggestion of vintage or antique.  IMHO, the rings are so much more charming and less expensive than new retail.  Erica Weiner's pieces are lovely but boy, are they expensive!  Ebay can be cheap but there's a lot of fakes- a lot of folks selling fakes as real and not knowing the difference or just plain scammers.  Unless you have someone experienced with buying fine jewelry on Ebay helping you, I would steer clear. 

I would look at Etsy or the online auctions of trustworthy brick and mortar auction houses.  Example: I purchased a good quality 2 carat old cut diamond set in platinum for less than $3k last year (I flip jewelry occasionally as a side hustle).

[partgypsy]

Ags is the best cert for diamonds than gia, because it has both cut proportions and actual light performance information. Wedding band allergy is usually a nickel allergy, so look for platinum or nickel free white gold. Also diamond rings shouldn't be worn 24/7 but taken off at night which will also help w potential ring rash. Comfort fit is probably the most comfortable type of ring, and doesn't have nooks and crannies for soap. I myself have purchased and enjoyed "preloved" pieces, but in your situation and level of experience would suggest selecting ags ideal or superideal cut stone, at a store with good buyback upgrade policy. And- if you buy an expensive ring, please get it insured!

[CopperTex]

We purchased simple white gold bands off amazon for $600 total ($300 each ring).

[BussoV6]

If the rash was an actual allergy, then I would recommend a platinum-ruthenium or platinum-iridium alloy.  Your chances of an allergy with those two are virtually null.

As above, check the ring is not contaminated where it rests on the skin.

It's usually not the gold content that causes an allergy, but the base metals that the gold is alloyed with (nickel being the main culprit). Many rings are as low as 9 carat gold (37.5%), to keep the alloy at a practical hardness.

Platinum sensitivity is not unknown either, but the metals are pretty inert.

[channtheman]

Going to agree with the James Allen recommendation.  It really is a valuable tool to see which diamond exactly you are buying and the prices are excellent as well.  It lets you search through the lesser quality diamonds to find the best of the bunch.  Depending on where the inclusions are located, a VS1 might actually look worse than a VS2 (or a VS2 looks worse than an S1, etc.).  Don't ignore the cut of the diamond as that is what determines the sparkle of the diamond.  A diamond with an excellent cut will shine even in low light situations. 

When I was shopping for my wife's engagement ring, I had found this really useful calculator that let you input the different measurements of the diamond and it told you how good the cut was (and sometimes differed from the official rating).  I'm looking for it now and will post if I can find it.

Edit:  Found it!

First, I learned a ton about the importance of a well cut diamond from this website.  I recommend you read through a lot of his content.  Educate yourself on this very expensive purchase.

http://beyond4cs.com/shapes/round/signature-diamonds-critique/

Second, here is the tool that he posts I think in the link I just posted.

http://www.diamond-cut.com.au/holloway_cut_adviser.htm

Reading up on that website and using that tool to narrow the few diamonds I had selected on James Allen I was able to find a great diamond that both my mother and my mother-in-law said was the shiniest diamond they'd ever seen. 

[2Birds1Stone]

Recently got engaged and purchased a beautiful ring with a moissanite center stone. Fiance loves it.

Cost was ~$2k

[lakemom]

A wedding band or an engagement ring?  Either way after 15years I would buy a gift certificate to a jewelry store (or make a certificate on the computer) and take her shopping to find the one SHE thinks is perfect for her.  I'd also be very sure whatever you buy will not cause a rash for her.  Set a budget and make a day of the shopping trip.  I know its something I would enjoy (after 32 years of marriage).  For our 30th my husband upgraded my solitaire (as a surprise) but if he'd consulted me what I really want is a new wedding band that would surround my diamond and which has our 6 children's birthstones in it.  I'm going to propose that to him for our 35th!

[loyalreader]

Also agree with looking at antique/vintage shops. You'll get something unique, and likely more bang for your buck.

I used https://www.idonowidont.com as a resource. They had a lot of info on what to look for in a diamond, and I used real price data to bargain down the price of my fiancé's ring at a local shop.

[aperture]

Got this ring in white gold for my DW and she wears it every day.  http://www.ziamond.com/threstonemcu.html

No one suspects it is a CZ and she prefers CZs to real diamonds - less worry about wearing it.  Best choice I ever made in jewelry.

[neo von retorch]

Also agree with looking at antique/vintage shops. You'll get something unique, and likely more bang for your buck.

I used https://www.idonowidont.com as a resource. They had a lot of info on what to look for in a diamond, and I used real price data to bargain down the price of my fiancé's ring at a local shop.

Came here to mention this site as another place to shop. We got an engagement/wedding ring set on here for much less than half the retail price, and it is an exceptional set that gets noticed and complimented! The process was enjoyable - we had lots of photos to look at; they appraise the item(s) and act as escrow. Really good experience!

[Googs860]

I found what I wanted online (found the style on brilliantearth.com), then went to a local wholesale shop for the purchase (Gold Diamond International - www.gdimemphis.com).  They custom made the setting for me to replicate the one I found online, and had diamonds in house so i could pick the one I wanted and could see how it would look in the setting.

Kicker for me was their business model.  They're very upfront with their cost structure, and charge you a flat 10% over their cost.  You also have a lifetime guarantee that they'll buy the stone back from you at the same price that you paid for it.  Ended up choosing something that would have been $6-7k online, and ended up paying $3.5k.

[aperture]

I find it surreal and disturbing that here, on the forum of Mr. Money Mustache, someone is asking where to dump their freedom building green soldiers into a little tiny little piece of carbon and there are no face-punches. In fact, there are just a chorus of folks chiming in with helpful shopping tips. 

Diamonds are forever drill bits.  Stop being suckas.

Suggest everyone reread this article and get back on message: http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2011/08/25/groupon-never-heard-of-it/

While you at it, check out this: https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/welcome-to-the-forum/diamonds-are-bullsh*t/. 

Check out jewelry quality CZs - they are a lot cheaper and as long as you are matching your bling level to other's expectations for your income, no one will ever question how the carbon on her finger got it's sparkle.  Then take the $10K that you saved and put it somewhere to grow and support your happy life together.  Best wishes all - but seriously, feel the face punch, ap. 

[Goldy]

I have had excellent luck with Blue Nile

[Cwadda]

I find it surreal and disturbing that here, on the forum of Mr. Money Mustache, someone is asking where to dump their freedom building green soldiers into a little tiny little piece of carbon and there are no face-punches. In fact, there are just a chorus of folks chiming in with helpful shopping tips. 

Diamonds are forever drill bits.  Stop being suckas.

Suggest everyone reread this article and get back on message: http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2011/08/25/groupon-never-heard-of-it/

While you at it, check out this: https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/welcome-to-the-forum/diamonds-are-bullsh*t/. 

Check out jewelry quality CZs - they are a lot cheaper and as long as you are matching your bling level to other's expectations for your income, no one will ever question how the carbon on her finger got it's sparkle.  Then take the $10K that you saved and put it somewhere to grow and support your happy life together.  Best wishes all - but seriously, feel the face punch, ap.

Thank you for stepping in. Your post needs to be read a few times. Shame on those that have chimed in encouraging any sort of purchase. Face punches all around.

OP, it is 100% unmustachian to buy a diamond ring without even a slight consideration of other options. Diamonds are not only expensive but also socially/environmentally irresponsible.

I'm a geologist, and would highly encourage you to look into synthetic rings i.e. moissanite (like 2B1S posted) or cubic zirconia.

[partgypsy]

I find it surreal and disturbing that here, on the forum of Mr. Money Mustache, someone is asking where to dump their freedom building green soldiers into a little tiny little piece of carbon and there are no face-punches. In fact, there are just a chorus of folks chiming in with helpful shopping tips. 

Diamonds are forever drill bits.  Stop being suckas.

Suggest everyone reread this article and get back on message: http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2011/08/25/groupon-never-heard-of-it/

While you at it, check out this: https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/welcome-to-the-forum/diamonds-are-bullsh*t/. 

Check out jewelry quality CZs - they are a lot cheaper and as long as you are matching your bling level to other's expectations for your income, no one will ever question how the carbon on her finger got it's sparkle.  Then take the $10K that you saved and put it somewhere to grow and support your happy life together.  Best wishes all - but seriously, feel the face punch, ap.

Thank you for stepping in. Your post needs to be read a few times. Shame on those that have chimed in encouraging any sort of purchase. Face punches all around.

OP, it is 100% unmustachian to buy a diamond ring. Diamonds are not only expensive but also socially/environmentally irresponsible.

I'm a geologist, and would highly encourage you to look into synthetic rings i.e. moissanite (like 2B1S posted) or cubic zirconia.

So are expensive brand name cars. So are video game consoles, which often use rare earth metals that cause environmental destruction. So are plane trips and travel and pets.

I'm not a geologist, but my uncle was, whom I blame for my love of gemstones. I love all gemstones, even common geodes or quartz crystals. And yes with some guilt because mining them causes environmental destruction. People spend money on what other people think is irrational. A high quality ideal cut diamond, the way it refracts the light, is to me beautiful. Doesn't mean I want a 2 carat one, or a bunch of them. But I definitely see the attraction, and for many the symbolism (hardest naturally made substance on earth), which is hard to replace with a made-made version. I applaud people who can wear czs. I've tried it and I can't. Rather have a plain silver or gold band than wear a cz ring.  Anyways to me the hate on diamond rings, seems oddly gender specific. Some guys hate diamond rings. I get it. I didn't want a diamond ring for my engagement ring either. But this is an area to be sensitive to someone's desires and not crap on them.     

[Cwadda]

So are expensive brand name cars. So are video game consoles, which often use rare earth metals that cause environmental destruction. So are plane trips and travel and pets.

This is the reason you buy used cars, video game consoles, and smart phones, among other devices produced with environmentally unsustainable practices.

I'm not a geologist, but my uncle was, whom I blame for my love of gemstones. I love all gemstones, even common geodes or quartz crystals. And yes with some guilt because mining them causes environmental destruction. People spend money on what other people think is irrational. A high quality ideal cut diamond, the way it refracts the light, is to me beautiful. Doesn't mean I want a 2 carat one, or a bunch of them. But I definitely see the attraction, and for many the symbolism (hardest naturally made substance on earth), which is hard to replace with a made-made version. I applaud people who can wear czs. I've tried it and I can't. Rather have a plain silver or gold band than wear a cz ring.  Anyways to me the hate on diamond rings, seems oddly gender specific. Some guys hate diamond rings. I get it. I didn't want a diamond ring for my engagement ring either. But this is an area to be sensitive to someone's desires and not crap on them.   

The point of my post was not to condemn the OP and crap all over the other people in this thread. Admittedly, is came off as harsh, and do apologize.  I view Mustachianism as a constant challenge to do more with our lives, to live in minimalism and stoicism, and to make the Earth a slightly better place for the next generation. The fact that so many in this thread are so quick to condone purchasing a diamond ring IS disturbing. It aligns with none of the Mustachian tenets. Why is a diamond the ultimatum?  Why not challenge oneself?  I believe it is very possible for one can be satisfied with a lesser ring, and at the same time one that is less destructive towards the Earth.  So yes, I'm going to call people out on it, the same way I wish to be called out on my unmustachian habits.  Even if the OP purchases a diamond but at least CONSIDERS other options, hasn't he become more Mustachian?

I have no desire to condemn people for their purchases. I make enough of those on my own.

Anyways to me the hate on diamond rings, seems oddly gender specific.

I have no idea where you're pulling this information from, your own experiences, perhaps?  If you formulated this opinion based on my post, is your comment about video game console also "oddly" gender specific?

So are video game consoles, which often use rare earth metals that cause environmental destruction.

[KBecks]

I would suggest Moissanite and spend the money you "save" on something else that enhances your life.    Congrats!

https://www.moissaniteco.com/

[partgypsy]

So are expensive brand name cars. So are video game consoles, which often use rare earth metals that cause environmental destruction. So are plane trips and travel and pets.

This is the reason you buy used cars, video game consoles, and smart phones, among other devices produced with environmentally unsustainable practices.

I'm not a geologist, but my uncle was, whom I blame for my love of gemstones. I love all gemstones, even common geodes or quartz crystals. And yes with some guilt because mining them causes environmental destruction. People spend money on what other people think is irrational. A high quality ideal cut diamond, the way it refracts the light, is to me beautiful. Doesn't mean I want a 2 carat one, or a bunch of them. But I definitely see the attraction, and for many the symbolism (hardest naturally made substance on earth), which is hard to replace with a made-made version. I applaud people who can wear czs. I've tried it and I can't. Rather have a plain silver or gold band than wear a cz ring.  Anyways to me the hate on diamond rings, seems oddly gender specific. Some guys hate diamond rings. I get it. I didn't want a diamond ring for my engagement ring either. But this is an area to be sensitive to someone's desires and not crap on them.   

The point of my post was not to condemn the OP and crap all over the other people in this thread. Admittedly, is came off as harsh, and do apologize.  I view Mustachianism as a constant challenge to do more with our lives, to live in minimalism and stoicism, and to make the Earth a slightly better place for the next generation. The fact that so many in this thread are so quick to condone purchasing a diamond ring IS disturbing. It aligns with none of the Mustachian tenets. Why is a diamond the ultimatum?  Why not challenge oneself?  I believe it is very possible for one can be satisfied with a lesser ring, and at the same time one that is less destructive towards the Earth.  So yes, I'm going to call people out on it, the same way I wish to be called out on my unmustachian habits.  Even if the OP purchases a diamond but at least CONSIDERS other options, hasn't he become more Mustachian?

I have no desire to condemn people for their purchases. I make enough of those on my own.

Anyways to me the hate on diamond rings, seems oddly gender specific.

I have no idea where you're pulling this information from, your own experiences, perhaps?  If you formulated this opinion based on my post, is your comment about video game console also "oddly" gender specific?

So are video game consoles, which often use rare earth metals that cause environmental destruction.

Because I have seen many posts from men, whose fiance wants a diamond ring, but that person then is very harsh and critical and negative about it as well as other people posting even to making moral judgments of that woman, which is unnecessarily harsh. I don't see that level of "emotion" directed as a guy getting a completely outfitted truck for instance, or a new tv or sound or gaming system.

OK the the man does not see the value of it, while she does. I DO think it is good to examine one's values. especially ones that may be based on societal expectations. He can have a conversation with her about his views. But I don't think his views should trump hers, or make her feel that her views are stupid or lesser. I think there are certain cases where the groom has to give the bride's preferences more weight, like the size of the wedding. And the engagement ring.
 
And as other people above have mentioned, there are more mustachian ways of getting a diamond ring. Unlike electronics or cars that that get used and become obsolete, a diamond doesn't wear out. "Old" diamonds are constantly sold, repolished, and often re-certified (to avoid the stigma of a "used" diamond). If a diamond is re-cut diamond you have no idea how old or how many times it has been purchased and re-sold.    It should be acknowledged that everyone has different priorities. If a woman wants a beautiful piece of jewelry to commerate her marriage and wear for the rest of her life, saying get a cz it's just the same, to me seems insulting.

[GuitarStv]

Recently got engaged and purchased a beautiful ring with a moissanite center stone. Fiance loves it.

Cost was ~$2k

+1


If I had to buy another wedding ring, this is the route that I'd go.

[2Birds1Stone]

So are expensive brand name cars. So are video game consoles, which often use rare earth metals that cause environmental destruction. So are plane trips and travel and pets.

This is the reason you buy used cars, video game consoles, and smart phones, among other devices produced with environmentally unsustainable practices.

I'm not a geologist, but my uncle was, whom I blame for my love of gemstones. I love all gemstones, even common geodes or quartz crystals. And yes with some guilt because mining them causes environmental destruction. People spend money on what other people think is irrational. A high quality ideal cut diamond, the way it refracts the light, is to me beautiful. Doesn't mean I want a 2 carat one, or a bunch of them. But I definitely see the attraction, and for many the symbolism (hardest naturally made substance on earth), which is hard to replace with a made-made version. I applaud people who can wear czs. I've tried it and I can't. Rather have a plain silver or gold band than wear a cz ring.  Anyways to me the hate on diamond rings, seems oddly gender specific. Some guys hate diamond rings. I get it. I didn't want a diamond ring for my engagement ring either. But this is an area to be sensitive to someone's desires and not crap on them.   

The point of my post was not to condemn the OP and crap all over the other people in this thread. Admittedly, is came off as harsh, and do apologize.  I view Mustachianism as a constant challenge to do more with our lives, to live in minimalism and stoicism, and to make the Earth a slightly better place for the next generation. The fact that so many in this thread are so quick to condone purchasing a diamond ring IS disturbing. It aligns with none of the Mustachian tenets. Why is a diamond the ultimatum?  Why not challenge oneself?  I believe it is very possible for one can be satisfied with a lesser ring, and at the same time one that is less destructive towards the Earth.  So yes, I'm going to call people out on it, the same way I wish to be called out on my unmustachian habits.  Even if the OP purchases a diamond but at least CONSIDERS other options, hasn't he become more Mustachian?

I have no desire to condemn people for their purchases. I make enough of those on my own.

Anyways to me the hate on diamond rings, seems oddly gender specific.

I have no idea where you're pulling this information from, your own experiences, perhaps?  If you formulated this opinion based on my post, is your comment about video game console also "oddly" gender specific?

So are video game consoles, which often use rare earth metals that cause environmental destruction.

Because I have seen many posts from men, whose fiance wants a diamond ring, but that person then is very harsh and critical and negative about it as well as other people posting even to making moral judgments of that woman, which is unnecessarily harsh. I don't see that level of "emotion" directed as a guy getting a completely outfitted truck for instance, or a new tv or sound or gaming system.

OK the the man does not see the value of it, while she does. I DO think it is good to examine one's values. especially ones that may be based on societal expectations. He can have a conversation with her about his views. But I don't think his views should trump hers, or make her feel that her views are stupid or lesser. I think there are certain cases where the groom has to give the bride's preferences more weight, like the size of the wedding. And the engagement ring.
 
And as other people above have mentioned, there are more mustachian ways of getting a diamond ring. Unlike electronics or cars that that get used and become obsolete, a diamond doesn't wear out. "Old" diamonds are constantly sold, repolished, and often re-certified (to avoid the stigma of a "used" diamond). If a diamond is re-cut diamond you have no idea how old or how many times it has been purchased and re-sold.    It should be acknowledged that everyone has different priorities. If a woman wants a beautiful piece of jewelry to commerate her marriage and wear for the rest of her life, saying get a cz it's just the same, to me seems insulting.

Unless this woman is a jeweler, a cz is the same thing.

You just went full blown potato.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[KelStache]

I am not a fan of diamonds; they're overpriced and honestly not a huge fan of the look.  If your wife would like something more unique I'd recommend looking at some jewelry makers on Etsy.  That's where I got my engagement and wedding rings which I LOVE.  A raw green tourmaline stone on a hammered rose gold band.  Lots of neat options, you'd be supporting small artisans, and much cheaper than diamond rings.

[anonymouscow]

I would look for vintage, Edwardian, Art Deco, old mine cut. My SO has the most obscure "birthstone" possible. Sometimes you have to do something even if it is silly to you. I put on pants everyday, bet you are glad for that social norm.

[Peter Parker]

Okay, I'll probably get stoned for this (pun intended), but have you thought of "Lab created diamonds?"  These are not CZs--they are absolutely identical to a real diamond--except they are created in a lab instead of being a environmental disaster and/or blood diamond.  They sell for about 30-40 percent less than a mined diamond....

FWIW, diamonds are not that rare.  Their "rarity" comes from the fact that a few monopolies control the the vast majority of the stones.

[KelStache]

Okay, I'll probably get stoned for this (pun intended), but have you thought of "Lab created diamonds?"  These are not CZs--they are absolutely identical to a real diamond--except they are created in a lab instead of being a environmental disaster and/or blood diamond.  They sell for about 30-40 percent less than a mined diamond....

FWIW, diamonds are not that rare.  Their "rarity" comes from the fact that a few monopolies control the the vast majority of the stones.

Love this idea for someone who is set on a diamond :)

[partgypsy]

Fine, call me full potato. But maybe some of these critical posters should brush up on their reading ability and re-read the original poster's post, particularly number 5. He wasn't asking advice whether or not he should get a diamond ring for his wife, but advice where to get the best deal, value for his money.  If you don't have useful advice to provide, perhaps refrain from posting.

[DocMcStuffins]

Have decided to wait on ring. Want it to be special and she is MMM'ish so she willl be conscious of price. We are having a surprise party and going camping / hiking for the weekend so that will keep costs down.

I truly appreciate all help. Checked out all of the websites and they were very helpful

[moof]

A few thoughts...

1)  Consider NOT making the ring a surprise.  Have a discussion that you want her to have a nicer ring, propose a budget, and go shopping with her.  My wife went shopping with me and we picked out the rings together, I picked out the diamond per her request (we discussed size ballpark).  It was about $3k total 12 years ago.  Once you are married major expenses like this should be mutual decisions after all.

2)  We went to Shane Co, and found it to be a very good experience.  About 4 years ago duing a regular inspection there was a chip in the diamond.  There was ZERO hassle about getting it replaced under the included warranty.  Basically they called us and already had a list of available equivalent diamonds for us to choose from, or we could use the original price paid as credit towards an upgrade.