<p>So with me starting my PhD in the fall, and us planning to get an apartment together, my boyfriend and I have mutually decided that it would be a good time to get engaged. We’re not too much concerned about romanticism, so I’m picking out my own ring, and I’ve been shopping around a bit without too much luck. </p>
<p>I’m really interested in rings with somewhat alternative styles, and I’m definitely not set on a white diamond, and certainly nothing big and flashy. I like black diamonds and other gemstones as well, though I can’t/won’t do my birthstone because I don’t like any of those for October. I also don’t really want to go CZ because I’d rather get something different than a diamond substitute. </p>
<p>So I’m none too picky, but I’m setting my budget at a strict $500 and I would like to go under that if at all possible. Any suggestions for sites or retailers where I might have some luck, or where you’ve had positive experiences shopping? (I’ve already pretty exhaustively searched the Zales website, also). I just haven’t really found anything that jumps out at me, and I’m getting a little frustrated with my search.</p>
<p>I kid you not. We had a friend from overseas who came to the US on business and decided to buy a ring here. He also had a $500 budget - which at Costco got him a white gold ring with a lovely round sapphire surrounded by tiny diamonds around the stone and along the band.</p>
<p>We had a $300 budget from Service Merchandise (I’m showing my age here :)) and the day we went to pick up the ring for Soon To Be Mrs. Turbo, she realized her grad school schedule did not fit her soap opera watching so we bought a VCR instead. Thirty years later we still never bought rings (neither of us has any kind of wedding related jewelry) and the soap opera is going on strong (General Hospital).</p>
<p>On a more serious note, I second the Costco suggestion. We have bought jewelry from them and have been very happy with the quality and price.</p>
<p>Some people seem to be more into engagement rings/ jewelry than others. My simple classic platinum engagement ring hasn’t been worn for many years. On the other hand, I see women who would not think to not wear their engagement and wedding rings . It sounds like the OP is fairly practical and may want something different and unique where jewelry is concerned, so it probably makes sense to not pay alot for an engagement ring.</p>
<p>Well, thanks for the suggestions! If you’d have asked me what my ideal diamond ring would be, I’d have told you, “A marquise cut center stone with a baguette stone on each size, under $500.”</p>
<p>That’s very pretty. Similar to item 12714333 that sells for $298 plus. With that ring, it has 11 very postive reviews and says it is very close to selling out , so look for that kind of thing (see when it says it is close to selling out) with the ring you’re looking at. I wouldn’t jump too quickly until you find the ring you really have had in mind. Good luck with finding the perfect engagement ring!</p>
<p>I wouldn’t know, but I just want to say that I am very happy to hear that many things are going well for you right now. I’ve always admired and respected the voice that comes through in your posts, and I wish you everything that your heart desires.</p>
<p>hyperJulie, I really don’t have any advice to offer with regards to the engagement ring, but I wanted to wish you and your husband-to-be the very best. You both sound like you’ ve got “a good head on your shoulders.” The engagement ring is a very small part of your future, and you seem to have put it’s priority in the correct order. (It is meaningful, but not valued by its size/expense.) I wish you two all the best and every happiness. And, best of luck with your future educational endeavors…</p>
<p>Thank you all. It’s not like it’s going to be a big shock to anyone in my the family, though. It’s gotten to the point where we’ve been getting the nudges and questions so we figure it’s time we just shut everyone up and start planning a wedding, already! (Seven years this July, and I’m only 22!) I’m glad that I haven’t been so horrible that you’d all be wishing ill on me. </p>
<p>So, back to my original concern, I’m hardly an experienced jewelry owner. (I literally cannot be bothered to wear what isn’t physically attached to me most days.) I’ve been limiting myself to white gold, but how does silver hold up? I know enough to know that it loses its polish, but what is the upkeep for sterling silver look like? I certainly would have a lot more options in my price range if I considered it, but I’m not sure I want to commit myself to a lifetime of polishing! (No similar concerns for the soon-to-be-fiance, thankfully.)</p>
<p>Two of my professors are married and are photographers/journalists that travel all over the world. They knew they would likely lose their rings (and they have many times) so they traveled around and picked up hand made beautiful rings. If you’re looking for a unique design, you might want to look at local craft shows or something along those lines. Not only would they be one of a kind but you’d have a story to go with it. </p>
<p>It sounds like you guys are off to a great start. Best of luck to you. I am wishing you and your partner the absolute best in life :).</p>
<p>This might be too “alternative” for you, but check out Etsy and do a search for engagement rings. There are all kinds, from rough diamonds to very polished looking rings, and some of the prices are very reasonable. Often, many sellers are willing to do custom orders.</p>
<p>I definitely enjoyed browsing through the rings on Etsy, but just didn’t find anything that leaped out at me. I’m currently pining for some of the rings on Gemvara and already debating whether it is worth going a bit over budget for the leap from silver to palladium.</p>
<p>If you’re planning to keep the ring forever, I suggest something that will also look great forever. These are all beautiful and moderately priced - and, twenty years from now they will still look special.</p>
<p>I would avoid inferior diamonds (anything below VS2 and G) and 10K gold - the poorest quality jewelry is made with these materials and once the thrill of having the ring wears off, you may start to notice that it is not what you expected. Mall jewelry stores such Zales sell inferior quality - the Overstock ring probably came from such a place. The stone in that ring is undoubtedly dull and lacking life. There is nothing wrong with starting out simple now and waiting several years for a traditional engagement ring - if that’s what you really want. </p>
<p>My last friend to get married, walked into a local pawn shop and found a lovely ring there. Not everyone’s first choice, I know, but your “dream” ring may be there.</p>
<p>You can also go to smaller jewelry stores, local, non-chain places and often they have jewelry designers that can help create something for you. The cost would be consistent with what ever stones you buy.</p>
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