Buying an engagement ring…help!

First of all, I have been a member for a few years (I don’t post often), but I created a separate username so no one finds out I am doing this until I want them to.

With all of the man knowledge on this forum, there has to be a lot of experience in this area. I am planning on getting engaged over the holidays, but I am cluless about buying a ring. The setting is the easy part. I’m afraid I don’t know enough about diamonds not to get ripped off (although I have researched the 4 c’s). Does anyone know where to get the best price on a diamond? I have heard not to buy from chain stores because their mark up is huge. I have seen some recommendations to buy diamonds over the internet from companies like Blue Nile. That would make me very nervous. Has anyone done this? Were you happy with the experience?

Basically I want to get the best diamond possible for my money without getting ripped off. I will be looking to buy in the Twin Cities or Western Wisconsin. Any advice is appreciated (except “Don’t do it! ).

I was pleased with how I was treated at Shane Company. I felt like I got a good price and my salesman spent a lot of time showing me diamonds under the microscope, pointing out flaws and such on each diamond.

Shoot me an e-mail to cmbiehle at yahoo dot com. I have the person for you that I deeply trust.

Go to Shane Co. I went there last year, found the perfect setting. Then they picked out a bunch of different diamonds for me and set them out on the table. They explained each one and why it was the price it was. They also explained the C’s and how they compared. I was able to examine each and decide what was right for me (bigger diamond with less quality, or smaller diamond with higher quality). By far the best experience I had, went to a few other places first and all they did was push a pre-made ring on me

I bought the FW’s ring at Shane company on 394, I thought the prices were good and the ring is gorgeous. I shopped around at a few different places, I was getting the most for my money there and I liked the lifetime warranty that didn’t require you to bring the ring in every 6 months to have it inspected in order to keep your warranty valid.

They were busy when I stopped but they made sure to let me know they knew I was waiting so I snooped around they have a great selection and when a sales person freed up they helped me out, no pressure, answered all my questions and really made me feel comfortable with my purchase.

I too would be hesitant to buy a diamond on line.
Sent you a PM as well.

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I was pleased with how I was treated at Shane Company. I felt like I got a good price and my salesman spent a lot of time showing me diamonds under the microscope, pointing out flaws and such on each diamond.

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X2

In addition they warranty the ring and the stone for the life.

If I was to do it again, I would find a store that will give you a warr. for the life if the ring, without having to bring it back all the time. It seems that we are always bringing it in at the last min. You have to bring it in every 6 months. I heard an add that said the store will cover it no matter what. I would check them out, but sorry I don’t remember their name.

Best of luck to you, it will be a great Christmas for ya

That’s where I bought Cheryl’s ring (Shane on 394). She had an idea for a heavily customized setting and she wanted a unique cut. Shane’s was the only place that was willing to take the time to discuss the custom work and bring in stones from outside sources for us to see since they weren’t available in-store. The finished product is amazing.

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Go to Shane Co. I went there last year, found the perfect setting. Then they picked out a bunch of different diamonds for me and set them out on the table. They explained each one and why it was the price it was. They also explained the C’s and how they compared. I was able to examine each and decide what was right for me (bigger diamond with less quality, or smaller diamond with higher quality). By far the best experience I had, went to a few other places first and all they did was push a pre-made ring on me

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X2! I’ve never seen my girl friend cry the way she did after I showed her the ring I got from Shane Co. I liked the fact they put you through their “Class” of how to pick out a diamond. I wouldn’t suggest anybody but Shane Co.

Good Luck!

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First of all, I have been a member for a few years (I don’t post often), but I created a separate username so no one finds out I am doing this until I want them to.

With all of the man knowledge on this forum, there has to be a lot of experience in this area. I am planning on getting engaged over the holidays, but I am cluless about buying a ring. The setting is the easy part. I’m afraid I don’t know enough about diamonds not to get ripped off (although I have researched the 4 c’s). Does anyone know where to get the best price on a diamond? I have heard not to buy from chain stores because their mark up is huge. I have seen some recommendations to buy diamonds over the internet from companies like Blue Nile. That would make me very nervous. Has anyone done this? Were you happy with the experience?

Basically I want to get the best diamond possible for my money without getting ripped off. I will be looking to buy in the Twin Cities or Western Wisconsin. Any advice is appreciated (except “Don’t do it! ).

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How big are you looking and what price range?

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I’ve never seen my girl friend cry the way she did after I showed her the ring I got

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Just to squelch any rumors…his girl friend is not me.

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I’ve never seen my girl friend cry the way she did after I showed her the ring I got

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Just to squelch any rumors…his girl friend is not me.

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You’d be lost without me

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How big are you looking and what price range?

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I am looking for something close to 1 carat, and hoping to be in the $5-7 G range.

I have a dude that Jon J and I know who does this as a family business. I recommend shopping at a big shop, then circle back to see what he can do.

I bought my wife’s diamond from a diamond broker out of the trunk of a car (before I knew this other guy). It was by far the best deal around. I got the setting from the Shane company. I think I saved thousands.

When I read your post, I immediately thought of Shane Co. Not only do they give you a good price, but they take care of you. I have had my ring resized twice and cleaned several times completely free of charge.
Plus you get cookies and coffee whenever you go in!

Both my wife and I got our rings there.

FYI: When they ask you how you heard of Shane Co, tell them IDO. Maybe they will become a sponsor

One other question: how negotiable are the prices at a place like Shane Co? Should I expect to pay the price on the tag, or should I be able to get it for significantly less?

DaveB: does he have a store location? Would you mind posting his contact information or sending me a PM? Thanks

Just to offer a different viewpoint……

When I got engaged, I discussed it with the wife and had her go and pick out her ring. My rationale was that she was the one that had to wear the thing and I did not want to shell out that kind of $$ on something that she didn’t absolutely love. In the end, it was a good decision for us. She opted for no engagement ring, just a wedding ring, because she only wnated one band. She picked out a very nice setting that I would not have picked,….and she is happy with it and does not want to trade it in for something different after several years.

Just another thought – because the gal is the one who has to wear the thing…..I figured she would know best what she liked.

Tim

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I was pleased with how I was treated at Shane Company. I felt like I got a good price and my salesman spent a lot of time showing me diamonds under the microscope, pointing out flaws and such on each diamond.

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Same here.

Tim, that was my thought too at first. However, when I brought it up to her, she said it would mean more to her if it was a design I picked out. I looked at some rings with her to get a feel of what type of setting she would like.

I just purchased a ring from Knox Jewelers in Uptown because they had a custom setting that she was pretty set on.

As far as the best price on a diamond, hands down I would recommend Shane Co. They also have a warranty that is second to none. If you go to the store in Hopkins, ask for Cory Nelson. He is a manager and a friend of mine since High School. He bent over backwards to get me the best price on a diamond, but Knox wouldn’t let me get the setting without a stone.

I have had to purchase two rings…the first one I didn’t get back..

The first I purchased at a chain store.very nice ring but after purchasing the second, realized yes there is a huge mark up on any of that stuff. I would recommend going somewhere, where they have loose diamonds, pick out one in your range and a setting. Then go to a second store and try and find one with the same qualities and compare prices. I have heard good things about Shane. I bought mine from a small dealer on 4th and 4th in mpls. don’t know if they are still there.

You guys all talking rings are nuts

Bad taste, sorry

I got my wife’s ring at Wedding Day in Maple Grove. I had a great experience there. Each time we’ve been in they’ve remembered our names and have treated us great.

Would you consider buying a ring from a guy that was in a very short term marrage? He is looking to sell the wedding ring at a very reasonable price, and I think it was around 2 carat. I can check with him to see if he still has it. When he asked me about internet sales a few months ago, I checked it out. It was mint condition looking. Naturally, a sale like that would need to have it inspected by a jeweler.

Timmy,
I did the exact same thing. I gave future wife my cc and her and future mother-in-law went to a small shop in Lake Geneva WI to purchase. best decision I ever made..

PM Sent

I was, for the most part, pleased with Shane Co. on 394. My anniversary band was purchased at there and I didn’t particularly care for the style Francis picked out and they let us exchange it for something I liked better. Repairs on a ring not purchased there were expensive.

You should definetly pick out a ring for her. A proposal is something that is remembered for a lifetime and proposing without a ring just isn’t very romantic.

IMHO a used ring is a big no but that is just me.

I went to all of the chains in the metro, and ended up buying at Wedding Day in burnsville. they treated me well, gave me a great price, and free lifetime warranty.

my wedding band, was my grandpa’s, and i had them resize it, and clean up the diamond setting on it. well, i had an issue with the diamond setting just this past week, brought it in, and all of their work is lifetime warranty, free of charge, even if it isn’t their ring they sold you. that speaks volumes to me.

I would check out all of the stores in your area, and see what one has the best price, and what store “feels” the best.

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I went to all of the chains in the metro, and ended up buying at Wedding Day in burnsville. they treated me well, gave me a great price, and free lifetime warranty.

I would check out all of the stores in your area, and see what one has the best price, and what store “feels” the best.

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I agree with this, we shopped around a lot, I did like the Shane CO, but Wedding day was hands down the best choice for us too, in part it will still depend on what exact ring she wants. Been over 6 years, we still drop in to wedding day all the time and get her ring cleaned, still have great service and prices seems as good as ever.

Jared and their associated stores ( they are a huge company with many different names stores included) was rediculous, price wise and back then they wanted to charge you an fee for their warranty. So in General I avoid most chains, but Wedding Day and Shane Co seem to be reputable and good places to buy from. IMHO

SO I’m saying don’t fear some chains, and by all means shop around, I know my wife’s same exact ring was over $700 less at wedding day than Jared.

When in doubt about the ring, buy a solitaire and have her pick it out.

As far as the 4 c’s go, Carat is going to be the biggest “up charge” 1 carat plus makes a big price jump anything under 1 carat benefits from a little more value. (bang for the buck)

Bottom line on Diamonds to me, Ask yourself does this diamond have some fire to it, does it looks and sparkle great, don’t buy it on pedigree alone, make sure that sucker blings!

I did a lot of reading up on this site http://www.pricescope.com/

1st – DON’T DO IT – Congrats
2nd – If you insist Shane Company – Always been treated right.