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I'm planning on taking the plunge soon. I am looking for recommendations on good, local jewelers to shop for engagement rings. I would prefer to avoid the mall chain jewelers like Kay's, Zales, etc. Since I live in Clemson, there aren't really very many options without heading into Greenville.
Does anyone have any experience with jewelers in the Greenville area that are reputable, affordable (by engagement ring standards), with a wide selection? Google searches turn up quite a few possibilities, but nothing with many reviews.
I've bought several beautiful pieces from Jewelry by Kathy Young. Her shop is on the river walk downtown Greenville, 300 River St, suite 109, phone 266-9956. Her prices are very reasonable and she can custom design something for you as well. Her store is closed Sundays and Mondays. I agree, best to stay clear of the mall chain stores.
Some things should be a surprise. But the ring itself -- a piece of jewelry she is going to be wearing every single day from here on out -- isn't one of them.
Oh and that 'three months salary' concept isn't a rule of thumb -- it's a marketing gimmick. There are a few things worth going into debt for, and in my opinion a ring, even an engagement ring, isn't one of them. Find something she loves that you can either save up for or buy outright.
Some things should be a surprise. But the ring itself -- a piece of jewelry she is going to be wearing every single day from here on out -- isn't one of them.
I agree that getting her input (or knowing her tastes) is important. But, I couldn't imagine going as far as shopping for the ring with my future fiancee (as I know some people have done).
I bought my wife's engagement ring completely without her knowledge, used ("vintage") from Luthie's (a pawn shop in Greenville with tons of jewelry and guns). I knew her ring size, and I know her tastes. So, there wasn't much risk in my opinion. Plus, I knew we could get a completely different wedding ring if we wanted to.
To me, keeping the "popping of the question" a surprise was worth whatever gamble there might be with buying a ring without her input. But then again, I know what she likes. And I know she likes vintage jewelry.
Shopping for an engagement ring together would have created a false feeling of expectation, imho. It would have taken some romance out of the moment, some of the utter joy and surprise out of what turned out to be such an incredible moment and memory. My wife was indeed surprised, and the expression on her face, and pure joy in her heart was SO MUCH BETTER than making sure she could pick out the ring, a ring that she absolutely loves, by the way.
To me, moments and memories are so much more precious than things. And my wife feels the same way. So my choice worked well for us. She would have been happy with a cracker jack ring - one of the many reasons why she is awesome.
Last edited by Art123; 05-15-2013 at 06:33 AM..
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