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I also wouldn't want to be proposed to on Christmas, but everyone's different. There's an engagement ring thread in the Wedding forum where a few people have good alternative suggestions for the traditional diamond ring. Perhaps the lady's birthstone or a ring made out of a favorite gem of hers. You could plan to "upgrade" it with a real diamond on an anniversary, if that idea appeals to you down the line.
"Buy cheap" then upgrade? Some birthstones are much more expensive than diamonds. Diamonds are ordinary. Emeralds, for example, are rare. If her birthstone is garnet (January), you could do something different and get her a green garnet. Some are expensive, others not. Some women prefer not to have a deBeers product, anyway. There are lots of beautiful stones that are more affordable, too. Chrysoprase is a gorgeous green. Some people like the multicolored aspect of opals.
Get jiggy with it, OP! Get creative. Another thing you can do is look online on antique sellers' sites, and look for unique estate jewelry. But maybe you've already decided on something.
"Buy cheap" then upgrade? Some birthstones are much more expensive than diamonds. Diamonds are ordinary. Emeralds, for example, are rare. If her birthstone is garnet (January), you could do something different and get her a green garnet. Some are expensive, others not. Some women prefer not to have a deBeers product, anyway. There are lots of beautiful stones that are more affordable, too. Chrysoprase is a gorgeous green. Some people like the multicolored aspect of opals.
Get jiggy with it, OP! Get creative. Another thing you can do is look online on antique sellers' sites, and look for unique estate jewelry. But maybe you've already decided on something.
Sorry, Ruth! I haven't the slightest clue how much diamonds are compared to other stones! I was just pointing to the other thread where I assume the ladies are offering more informed suggestions than I can.
OP: Do you know what month the baby will be born on? You could get a necklace mother/baby piece that incorporates an element from the mother's birth month and the baby's. Or if the ring idea doesn't work out, I guess that's another option for a sentimental Christmas gift. You don't have to do birthstones, but there are options out there for unique Mom and Baby pieces.
I think it's great you're setting aside for the kid and I bet she'll understand if you go with a less pricey gift in anticipation of the little one.
I also wouldn't want to be proposed to on Christmas, but everyone's different. There's an engagement ring thread in the Wedding forum where a few people have good alternative suggestions for the traditional diamond ring. Perhaps the lady's birthstone or a ring made out of a favorite gem of hers. You could plan to "upgrade" it with a real diamond on an anniversary, if that idea appeals to you down the line.
whatever you do buy it soon because they will jack ring prices up for the holidays very soon.
Oh boy, I didn't think about that. I was also thinking, as one poster suggested, to buy a ring with the birthstone month the baby is due (July). BUT! What happens if the baby comes in June? Do I just replace the birthstone?
Oh boy, I didn't think about that. I was also thinking, as one poster suggested, to buy a ring with the birthstone month the baby is due (July). BUT! What happens if the baby comes in June? Do I just replace the birthstone?
If the due date is at the beginning of the month, close to the previous, that's a risk you have to consider and whether it's worth going that route. Definitely ask the place you buy it from if you can switch it out and have them quote you on options for your June pick and July backup pick.
As Ruth pointed out, some stones are even pricier than diamonds. July's is a ruby, which unfortunately I think is one of those expensive stones. Going shopping for a vintage piece with just her stone may work, too.
Oh, and yes, the expected due date is around July 7th ish. So maybe getting the baby birthstone wouldn't be a good idea.
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Another thing you can do is look online on antique sellers' sites, and look for unique estate jewelry. But maybe you've already decided on something.
