Engagement Rings (merged)

Timmne

I am due to propose to my girlfriend 'soon' (she reads these boards so don't want her to know when - although she knows it will at some point!), and I need to buy a ring.

I want to get one that's silver/white gold with a diamond but also another stone, possibly to reflect her, but I have no idea what stone it may be... she was born in August 84 - does this have a birth stone (I know I'm really thick)?

I don't want to spend a lot as I'd rather save it for the wedding ring itself and think it's a little wasted on an engagement ring (She would feel the same). Anywhere up to £500-600 I guess....

Any ideas/help would be much appreciated! :beer:

welshcakes

Rather than go by her birth stone, how about just going for a gem of her favourite colour or if she has particularly clear eyes, match them! If you've no idea of her fav colour, how about asking one of her girlie mates (women talk about these things). Dead giveaways for fav colours are looking at the majority colour of her wardrobe, soft furnishings like duvet sets she tends to favour.

You could always look up a website that gives the 'meanings' of different gems and match that definition up to how you feel about her.

Edit

You may also like to think about getting an antique ring as oppose to new. They are often cheaper and within that price range, are FAR better setting quality.

Timmne

Without sounding gash, her favourite colour is pink (please don't think she's a barbie/paris hilton wannabee -she's relatively subtle with her pink facination!)

Which stone would come in pink?

welshcakes

Lots ; you can get pink sapphires, tourmalines, rose quartz (lovely pale and spiritual), topaz.

If you want a good idea of the different pinks, why not google a phrase like "pink gems" and set on images.

The rose quartz is lovely and very affordable.

Doozergirl

It is traditionally just a diamond for an engagement ring. The birthstone for August is Peridot, not the world's most precious stone If there is a particular stone that she likes then this would probably be more suitable, alternatively if you really want something that reflects 'her', then you could choose it together.

You'll find it nearly impossible to spend as much on a wedding ring because it's generally much simpler and the expensive is built into the quality and size of the stone more than the metal. I have white gold rings; my wedding ring has five small diamonds and was a fraction of the cost of my engagement ring - that was most I could spend (and believe me I was trying!)

You should have the same type of metal for each ring, otherwise the harder one will wear the softer one away so don't, for example, choose white gold for the engagement rign and platinum for the wedding ring. You should even buy the same carat gold!

welshcakes

haven't had a good read through this but..

http://www.gemstonemeanings.com/gemstones/index.htm

lists all gems down right hand column. Click on each one to have a massive descritpion and 'meaning'. A nice site even for blokies.

MrsTinks

Go to town and start looking at jewellers Seriously - my OH proposed in Nov on my birthday and go me the perfect ring because we'd spent a lot of time jokingly looking at rings and me pretty much telling him what kind I liked etc - he picked one I'd never seen before but it's so perfect! (Diamond in a teardrop shape with an unusual setting and in white gold... I couldn't have asked for more perfect ) and don't forget to try and "borrow" one of her ring that she wears on the same finger but opposite hand so you can get the right size she'll be amazed if you get it right

Timmne

I know she's an M already - I asked her really unromantically to go and get herself measured a couple of months ago; just so i couldn't get THAT bit wrong! I shall pop out to the local jewellers this weekend I reckon....

What about price - is £500ish too much/little for a good ring? Is that a "how long is a piece of string" question?!!

MrsTinks

you hit the nail on the head The rings I liked were all about £200-300 (although my first engagement ring 7 years ago was a whopping £99.. but it was perfect and I loved it - picked it myself and was allowed to spend up to £500... but it was the £99 one I liked ) - I do have a feeling that this one cost a bit more (size of the rock...) but to be honest I would have been chuffed with a £200 one too £500 should get you something very nice

mookiandco

My OH and I didnt have alot of money when wgot married (5 years next week)! As our income has increased year by year he buys me a new engagement ring every year!! i still cherish the first but I cant wait for no. 5!
https://www.qvcuk.com does some lovely rings. I have a pink diamonique ring and its definately my favourite even though it only cost about £20.00!! People are always oooohhing and aaahring over it. I just tell them its a pink diamond!