Ring Dilemma?

OMG

For that kind of money, go to a real jeweler, and have a ring made!

Call around to jewelers in your area, ask if they can do a "Lost Wax Casting" and go meet with them to design a true One of a Kind ring.

1) Design a drawing with the jeweler

2) He/she carves a block of wax of your design

3) You okay the wax

4) He/she casts the wax, thereby destroying the wax and creating the ring setting

5) He places the stone of your choice into the ring

6) You now have a one of a kind ring which NO one else will ever have.

This process can take as little as a week to make the ring, and you wont be buying "a pig in a poke"

Get an IGA certification for any stone you are getting!

In my area (and I don't work for either of these companies)

The Jewelry Doctor , Frandor Shopping Center, Lansing MI

Hampton Jewelers, Eastwood Towne Center, Lansing MI

Both have excellent gold smiths that can create unique pieces and I know I can trust them.

Good Luck

Any good jeweler should be able to find you the same or similar setting if that is the one you have fallen in love with. A jeweler may even be able to do you one better and make a custom piece that no one else would have on their hand. I would be a little iffy about spending that much money on a ring to be purchased on line. I would go to a trusted jeweler instead, show him/her a picture of the setting and see if he/she can either get that setting or create one similar to it. You will be much happier purchasing the actual stone from a jeweler who can show you the exact stone you will be getting and explain all aspects of the ring to you before you actually purchase it. Besides you would be surprised what a jeweler can come up with when you have a budget like $12K. Good Luck and Congratulations :)

Engagement ring are very important, but you have to think about other things too. Like warranty and how she would get it sized if nessecary and etc. I would buy from a local store or big chain that is available to go to if you need anything. She'll want to keep it awhile so a good warranty is nessecary. Also if youre willing to spend that much, i'm sure u can find a store in your area that will make u a one of a kind ring

I think the recipient should make the decision. I know you want to surprise her, but $12,000 is a lot of money to spend on something your intended may not like. Since you know a jeweler, get a substitute ring. Then take it back when she accepts and let her choose the one she wants.

Congrats on your engagement. What do you think your fiancé would like most? There's a balance between expense, practicality and aesthetic and emotional value. The trick is to figure out the balance for that particular individual.

(I think I would kill my fiancé if he spent this kind of money on a stupid diamond. My ring cost around $400, it's blue topaz - my favorite stone - and we went to pick it out together within a couple of months of getting engaged. But then, we both have Vulcan personalities, so practicality rules supreme...)

If I was your girl, I would really appreciate that unique set of rings, but what if I don't like it....what if I Looooose it!!!! A simple traditional ring works just perfect!! it is the gesture that you have at that moment of proposing, Youuu make it special... not the ring. The atmosphere, the moment, the way you propose makes it unmemorable. Believe me, us girls get astonish by those romantic things, unless your girl is materialistic, but I am pretty sure you wouldn't choose someone like that. you will make the difference not the ring!! Take it from a girl!!

it is cheaper to buy the setting then the diamond and have it custom made. if they are only selling the setting, then you should be able to just buy the setting. my ring is custom made. we priced one that looks exactly like it a Robins Brothers - $4500+ we custom made the ring the same way with much bigger diamonds just the same setting and it was a bit over $2000. buy the setting. you can find nice diamond at pawn shops for cheap and have them set into it. good luck

Print out a picture of the setting and description and bring it to your jewler friend. See if he can help you find a similar setting and stone for a fraction of the cost. Personally I'd feel very uncomfortable spending that amount online.

Stop for a minute, that is $12000.00 item, and what if your girl does not like the setting. Why not take her with you before you order and let your bride to be, help in the decision. She should be your other opinion. Let me congratulate you on your upcoming wedding., and wish you the very best, may God bless you both.

If I were you , I would have the jeweler that you know help you out. You don't want to drop that kind of cash to find out what you got when it is delivered. I am sure that your jeweler can come up with something she will love.