Posting here for several reasons...first of all, to the OP
@wageslave23 how did you like it when it arrived? Everything as you expected? Did you order the loose artificial stone or was it already in the setting and everything?
And now to join the crowd of those thinking of proposing and considering rings. We have had some conversations about expectations and such, but I'd like to have more. I believe she is wanting a real stone, but may like something other than a diamond (mainly sapphire) and may or may not be open to used rings. We need to talk about $, such as: how much is embarrassingly low? how much would you be mad if I spent, ie, way too much?
My lady is pretty reasonable as far as $, but also leans more traditional as far as the engagement ring goes. I have plenty of $ I've been saving for this exact reason, but she is pretty broke right now. I'm not sure how all that will translate into what she is expecting me to spend...we'll talk about that.
We have talked about looking at rings together and my plan is to go look for the first time on V-day or Saturday. Please let me know if this is a terrible idea :) We are both very ignorant about the 4 Cs, settings and styles, what we can expect in certain price ranges. Going together to one or a few places should be a lot of education as far as what is out there in general AND what she wants specifically.
?s for the group:
I'm open to looking online, but pretty nervous with something like this. What could make me more comfortable with the process and what to expect? If doing this online, I think I would want to look at new rings only, not loose stones or used stones/rings.
As far as looking at used rings in person, are pawn shops the only option? What about wholesale dealers and smaller retail guys? Do they only deal in new rings, or do they have used ones also?
Thanks all. I'd like to have a conversation with her tonight, especially if we'll spend time looking on Friday/Saturday. Maybe I'll update with the results.