Which of these rings do you think would be a better deal? (stores, best)

[Kleenex]

so,
as some of you already know, i'm planning on proposing (maybe privately, maybe not) in a couple of weeks.....

I've been shopping around for a ring for a while and have checked out a few of the most famous/well known places on the east coast....i've ended up at JARED

anyway, although i have the cash, i really don't want to spend too much cuase i know that she would much rather us spending the extra money on a nice vacation to an exotic place....(or maybe i'm wrong??)

i've set a budget of 1500 and some may say that's too little....but i honestly can't bring myself to spend too much on a ring! (the ring is just a symbol....there are other things that matter more....right?)

ok, back to the ring.
i've decided on one of these two rings:

1: 5/8 CT, round, H-I, near colorless in a simple white gold setting: $1399

OR

2. 1/2 CT, Princess, H-I, near colorless in the same ring as option 1 : $900


thoughts?

[Pikantari]

Are there any rings that your girlfriend currently wears that you can go by to make a choice?

Does she wear gold or silver? What are the shapes of most of her jewels? Does she prefer larger or smaller jewelry?

Would she rather a larger a larger single diamond or a smaller one with a wrap?

Take notice to the kinds of things she is currently wearing/looks at in stores.

Good luck and congrats!

[virgode]

Its not about the deal, women buy things that speak to them.
Choose the ring that best suits her likes.

Originally Posted by Kleenex

so,
as some of you already know, i'm planning on proposing (maybe privately, maybe not) in a couple of weeks.....

I've been shopping around for a ring for a while and have checked out a few of the most famous/well known places on the east coast....i've ended up at JARED

anyway, although i have the cash, i really don't want to spend too much cuase i know that she would much rather us spending the extra money on a nice vacation to an exotic place....(or maybe i'm wrong??)

i've set a budget of 1500 and some may say that's too little....but i honestly can't bring myself to spend too much on a ring! (the ring is just a symbol....there are other things that matter more....right?)

ok, back to the ring.
i've decided on one of these two rings:

1: 5/8 CT, round, H-I, near colorless in a simple white gold setting: $1399

OR

2. 1/2 CT, Princess, H-I, near colorless in the same ring as option 1 : $900


thoughts?

[miu]

Ask her mom what her daughter's taste in engagement rings might be? And what do you think would look best on your girlfriend's hand?

Otherwise, for the best value, don't buy a brand new ring from a chain jewelry store. Even Blue Nile isn't that cheap. Buy one off the secondary market from a reputable independent jeweler.

[Sunnydee]

I don't think Jared is giving you the most bang for your buck. Although I'm sure your fiancee will love whatever ring you choose for her, I want to remind you of a few things: First, I would not be so practical/conservative with this purchase. Your dear wife will wear this ring until until the day she dies and then will want it to go to your daughter. Second, you only get one chance with an engagement ring, so consider splurging a bit. Third, most women I've talked to secretly wished for a diamond of close to one carat. I don't know your finances, but this will/should be the best piece of jewelry you ever give to her.

[Long Time Listener]

About used jewelry... In some cultures wearing a ring that belonged to somebody else is a big no-no. Something about that person's problems being passed along, or some such thing.

However, melting down old jewelry to make a new piece is considered all right, as far as I know.

[Jays1983]

I refuse to EVER buy from Jared because of those nauseatingly stupid commercials. They actually make me vomit in my mouth every time I see one.

[Shellsandwater]

From a financial stand point choice #1: 5/8 CT, round, is the better selection. Round diamonds are the preferred diamond as the cut shows the color and sparkle better.

[Jill61]

Originally Posted by Kleenex

1: 5/8 CT, round, H-I, near colorless in a simple white gold setting: $1399

OR

2. 1/2 CT, Princess, H-I, near colorless in the same ring as option 1 : $900


thoughts?

First of all, MAZEL TOV!

As for the ring, since the settings are identical, and the sizes only differ by 1/8 carat, the primary differences are the cut and the price.

My favorite cut is the princess cut, so I would love that one! But we used my mother's diamond that I inherited when she died, which happens to be round cut, and I still love my ring to pieces.

Is this basically the ring you're talking about?

Classic Solitaire settings for Diamond Engagement Rings (http://design.jared-diamonds.com/engagement-rings/classic-solitaire-settings/ring/item_57-5714.asp - broken link)

You could also buy a loose diamond, princess cut, .58 carats, graded E-VS1 (which is a better grade than the H-I), for $1,070. Link (http://www.amazon.com/Certified-Diamond-Princess-carats-clarity/dp/B0015MV2XG/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&s=jewelry&qid=1257985941&sr=1-21 - broken link). If you can buy the setting and pay for the mounting for less than $300, this would be an even better investment for about the same price.

Good luck!

[Buburuza 1313]

first of all good luck to you!
i am a frugal (not to say pretty cheap) person..but in such occasions you should not be cheap!!this is a ring for a life (you will never propose again..we hope)and then it has to be special!!do not look at the money!spend as much as you can!your max!!