I've been dating my girlfriend for six years now (three long distance three living together). We have moved for each others job from Ohio to Kansas back to Ohio and haven't had any major problems. All that said it's about time I pop the question. We have talked about it before and want to get married sometime next year between spring and fall.

Well today was the first time we looked at rings and I realized I don't know anything about diamonds. So far it seems like most places recommend a G SI2 or better. Is there much of a difference that the eye can see between an I and G. Anyone have any places they recommend or don't recommend in the Columbus area. So far she seems to prefer a small band either solitaire or with small diamonds around the side and a pear shaped diamond. Anything I need to know or do before buying. Any advice would be helpful.

Hope you don't care for blow jobs too much...

After living together for three years, whats the point in getting an engagement ring?

You've got the hard part out of the way...you know what style, shape, etc. she likes.

I would say shop around different stores. Tell the salesperson what your girl likes, and let them know what price range you are looking to spend. A good jeweler will be able to show you a few different options that fit the criteria you are looking for that fall in your budget. Do that at a few different shops, and then make your final choice.

Just remember, your girl isn't going to be looking at the ring under a microscope. As long as it looks good to the eye...it'll be fine.

Be ready for her to change once she gets the ring......

Seriously though, there are three C's to buying a diamond

1. color
2. cut
3. clarity

If the ball and chain insists on adding a fourth being carat(s), you're in for a tough road, but get a jeweler to address those three things when showing you what they have to offer and you'll be able to make an educated purchase, particularly when scoping out solitaires.

Wouldn't even bother with marriage.

Congrats man, I dont anything about rings, but 3 yrs long distance is FUCKING tough. Props to you for making through that.

Bubblegum machine. Its the thought that counts and you don't want to set expectations too high right off the bat.

First off, Congrats! I just went through the whole thing this past summer. I didn't really have a clue, she just told me what she absolutely DIDN'T want and I took it from there. The best advice I got though was this...it's better to not break the bank on the ring. It's not like she's going to say no if it's not a huge ring. Get something affordable, then you can always upgrade for a anniversary. Good luck

Do it now!! Hurry!!

Dont do it.

/thavoice'd

Just find a bitch you hate and buy her a house.

PIIHB. If she's cool with it, then you know.

adbanner, "Say I Do". hahahaha

I got engaged like 5 years ago and did a lot of research, but after buying the ring all of the knowledge totally left my brain.

I would say don't buy from a chain (Kay, Jared's, etc..)

I bought from a local shop that has a large online store and is very reputable (McGivern). They have inventory of all of their diamonds so that you pick out the diamond you want and can looks at the diamond alone, then pick out the band and have them assemble the ring (rather than just picking out a ring on display with no options at a store in the mall or wherever).

http://www.overnightdiamonds.com/Catalog/Loose-Diamonds/Browse/1

So, I would say go to a place where you can buy the diamond and the band separately and get what you like in both...The place I went also was flexible on pricing and matched the price of the diamond to a very similar diamond I found online for about 500 bucks less.

Conflict diamonds are usually cheaper

Blood diamonds are usually a bit expensive.

You: I Do.
Her: I Do.... not suck cock anymore.

thanks so far guys keep the advice coming

my advice would be to stay away from the chain stores....and don't buy online. Find a reputable family owned store....one you can count on for good advice throughout the years and who stands by their merchandise. Most of us are not buying an engagement diamond looking to turn a profit in a few years. A good jeweler helps you find good symbol of your relationship...using the 4 'C's and with your budget and taste in mind.

Congratulations Sportchampps. I've been down the engagement ring shopping road a few times. I'm on my third marriage now and this one is for keeps! If you've never bought an engagement ring before, it can be overwhelming but it doesn't have to be. I have some info for you. It's a lot, but it's all good...

I agree with McFly1955 who recommended you buy online. It's really the only way to get a decent ring for a decent price nowadays if you're on a budget. If money is no object, that's a different story. I know for a fact that you can get a ring online for 30%-50% less than you would at a retail store. I bought my current wife a ring online at James Allen.

The 4 C's are important, but it ultimately comes down to your budget. And for most normal people, you can't tell the difference between a $1000 and a $100,000 diamond! As long as the diamond is eyeclean (which means you look at it and can't see any black specs or obvious flaws) that's all that matters to you. You should buy the LOWEST DIAMOND CLARITY that is clean to your naked eye. Don't worry about inclusions that are only visible with a microscope. You'll never see them and you'll end up paying through the roof if you buy a diamond that is very very clear. Why pay more if you don't see the flaws with your naked eye?:rolleyes:

Some diamond cuts hide flaws very well because there are so many facets and angles you can't see the flaws when looking at it.

You should also get the lowest possible color that’s white to the naked eye. An H or I or better is usually enough. There's no reason a normal person need to get a D color diamond. For most diamond rings, 99% of people can't tell the difference between an F (expensive) color and an I (less expensive).

Anyway, that's a lot of info! Buy online to avoid pushy salespeople who will try to convince you to overspend and get things you don't need. All the big reputable online sites let you design your own ring and that way you stay within your own budget. Retail stores take advantage of younger people too. Of course be careful if you shop online. But as long as you stick with big well known stores you won't have a problem. I chose James Allen because they have free shipping and free returns and 24/7 customer service. But there are other good sites too. Make sure that whatever store you choose, you read reviews online and make sure it's a place people know about.

A chain isn't a bad idea in my mind as they sell diamonds separate from bands which is the right way to go. The most important thing is buying a GIA certified diamond. There is another certification that it could be buying can't remember the name. You are likely to get more competitive prices from a chain as well.

ballyhoo;1144438 wrote:Congratulations Sportchampps. I've been down the engagement ring shopping road a few times. I'm on my third marriage now and this one is for keeps! If you've never bought an engagement ring before, it can be overwhelming but it doesn't have to be. I have some info for you. It's a lot, but it's all good...

I agree with McFly1955 who recommended you buy online. It's really the only way to get a decent ring for a decent price nowadays if you're on a budget. If money is no object, that's a different story. I know for a fact that you can get a ring online for 30%-50% less than you would at a retail store. I bought my current wife a ring online at James Allen.

The 4 C's are important, but it ultimately comes down to your budget. And for most normal people, you can't tell the difference between a $1000 and a $100,000 diamond! As long as the diamond is eyeclean (which means you look at it and can't see any black specs or obvious flaws) that's all that matters to you. You should buy the LOWEST DIAMOND CLARITY that is clean to your naked eye. Don't worry about inclusions that are only visible with a microscope. You'll never see them and you'll end up paying through the roof if you buy a diamond that is very very clear. Why pay more if you don't see the flaws with your naked eye?:rolleyes:

Some diamond cuts hide flaws very well because there are so many facets and angles you can't see the flaws when looking at it.

You should also get the lowest possible color that’s white to the naked eye. An H or I or better is usually enough. There's no reason a normal person need to get a D color diamond. For most diamond rings, 99% of people can't tell the difference between an F (expensive) color and an I (less expensive).

Anyway, that's a lot of info! Buy online to avoid pushy salespeople who will try to convince you to overspend and get things you don't need. All the big reputable online sites let you design your own ring and that way you stay within your own budget. Retail stores take advantage of younger people too. Of course be careful if you shop online. But as long as you stick with big well known stores you won't have a problem. I chose James Allen because they have free shipping and free returns and 24/7 customer service. But there are other good sites too. Make sure that whatever store you choose, you read reviews online and make sure it's a place people know about.

Thanks for the spam, James Allen.

Well, you had a total of 3 years of long distance (no sex) so you should be just fine for marriage. Good luck!