poemsandpeaches Posted November 13, 2003 Share Posted November 13, 2003 ? Link to post Share on other sites
HokeyReligions Posted November 13, 2003 Share Posted November 13, 2003 It depends on the style you want and the materials used. Gold, Platinum, Stone(s), etc. Check around on the internet for engagement rings and compare prices. Or the next time you are in the mall stop in at some of the jewelers and check out what they have. A 1-ct diamond solataire in a 4- or 6-prong tiffany setting can range from $200 - $20,000 ---depends on cut, color, caret, and clarity. find a De Beers website for info on diamonds. I have a pair of earrings that are real diamonds, but they are grown diamonds and not mined diamonds. They are marked that way and even though they were grown and harvested in the late 1860's, and they are of excellent quality, they are still not as expensive as if they had been mined. Mined vs. excellerated aging in natural setting, vs. lab aging vs. paste, vs. lab created ---- there are so many variables. I bought some ruby & diamond earrings off TV one time - well, both stones are I think called Diamondique (?) and I cannot tell the difference from my diamond. Even the jeweler had problems. A diamond is a heat source and gives off heat all the time. The Diamondique stone also gives off heat and the only way the jeweler could tell was by measuring the heat. Even under his jewelers loop he could not tell the difference. there was a big to-do here a few years ago about a local jeweler exchanging real diamonds with the equilivanet of the Diamondique stones - when someone brought in a damaged item or something for cleaning, and even some of the store merchandise. Then he was selling the real stones. Look for De Beers stamp on new diamonds. Link to post Share on other sites
wiseOLDman Posted November 13, 2003 Share Posted November 13, 2003 poemsandpeaches, how long is a piece of string? There's no real answer for your question, but Hokey's done a yeoman's job of covering some of the material. If you're looking for a REAL diamond, do alot of research and assure that you find a reputable dealer. Unsure of where you are in Ohio, but if you're near a major city, there's bound to be a Jewlery district. Go in and talk with a few of the merchants and find one that you feel comfortable with. A reputable dealer will be able to explain to you the various qualities, clarity, color, facets etc. You could find a very high quality 1ct diamond for $5-10K or you could find a very low quality 3ct diamond for the same amount. Whichever dealer you work with should also be willing to put the diamonds under a microscope and show you the flaws as well as why one costs so much more than others. Finally, if you're purchasing a real diamond, be sure that you receive a certificate or report on the diamond that you purchase. GIA is probably the most respected. It will certify all of the attributes of your diamond. A very good approach to an engagement ring is to purchase a ring set (for lack of a better term.) My wife's ring is essentially two parts. One was the engagement ring which could be worn throughout the engagement. The second was the actual wedding ring which was "soldered" just prior to the wedding. The engagement ring was approx 1/2ct and the wedding ring is 1ct solitare. In 1985, that ring cost me about $4K thru a wholesaler, but retail was $7.5K. It contains high quality (not THE highest) diamonds. hope this babble helps. Link to post Share on other sites
Author poemsandpeaches Posted November 14, 2003 Author Share Posted November 14, 2003 I'll do some research online.. Link to post Share on other sites
moimeme Posted November 14, 2003 Share Posted November 14, 2003 grown diamonds ? Considering that diamonds are formed under high pressure from carbon, how on earth could anybody 'grow' a diamond in the 1860s? Diamonds form about 100 miles (161 km) below the Earth's surface, in the molten rock of the Earth's mantle, which provides the right amounts of pressure and heat to transform carbon into a diamond. In order for a diamond to be created, carbon must be placed under at least 435,113 pounds per square inch (psi or 30 kilobars) of pressure at a temperature of at least 752 degrees Fahrenheit (400 Celsius). If conditions drop below either of these two points, graphite will be created. At depths of 93 miles (150 km) or more, pressure builds to about 725,189 psi (50 kilobars) and heat can exceed 2,192 F (1,200 C). http://www.howstuffworks.com/diamond1.htm Diamonds are made in the molten magma deep inside the Earth. Only nature can create diamonds, but it is people who have created the artificial rarity that has spurred demand for these gems. Carbon is one of the most common elements in the world, and diamonds are a form of carbon. Naturally occurring diamonds are no more rare than many other precious gems. The truly rare transparent diamonds are those rated as flawless, meaning that they don't have the slightest imperfection. Apparently, 'Moissanite' gems are fairly close in appearance, but they have only recently been manufactured. Moissanite History In 1893, Nobel Prize-winning French scientist Dr. Henri Moissan discovered minute quantities of a new mineral, natural silicon carbide. The mineral was located in an ancient meteorite found in the Diablo Canyon in Arizona. Later named "moissanite" in honor of Dr. Moissan, this mineral's supply was too limited for jewelry use. More than a century later, Cree developed a process for producing large, single crystals of moissanite. In 1995, a master diamond cutter observed samples of the silicon carbide crystals and suggested to the founders of Charles & Colvard that, if properly cut, the crystals could make a beautiful jewel. Charles & Colvard recognized the mineral's potential. They also realized that in order for the moissanite jewels to be used, they would have to be manufactured -- there is essentially no natural supply for this stone. In 1995, Charles & Colvard partnered with Cree (a NC-based R&D lab) to develop larger gemstones for Charles & Colvard to use in the Cree colorless development program. In conjunction with Cree, Charles & Colvard is the exclusive worldwide manufacturer and marketer of lab-created moissanite gemstones. http://science.howstuffworks.com/moissanite.htm Link to post Share on other sites
Duke Posted November 17, 2003 Share Posted November 17, 2003 I think its two months salary. If he's poor your 5h1t outta luck sister. Link to post Share on other sites
lost_in_chgo Posted November 17, 2003 Share Posted November 17, 2003 two months salary is ridiculous. That's what the jeweler wants you to think. Diamonds do NOT hold their value. The value of a diamond is largely based on artificial control of the supply. You are better off spending what you can afford for a decent size and using the other money toward a house or college education for your kids. Link to post Share on other sites
moimeme Posted November 17, 2003 Share Posted November 17, 2003 Who says it has to be a diamond at all? I got a lovely antique ruby. It was from an estate jewellery collection; I expect it's risen in value since I got it. Link to post Share on other sites
Author poemsandpeaches Posted November 19, 2003 Author Share Posted November 19, 2003 5 grand.. Is that avg or cheap? Link to post Share on other sites
lost_in_chgo Posted November 19, 2003 Share Posted November 19, 2003 I'd say $800-1000 is good for the average middle income couple starting out. That's a good quality 1/2 carat ring. $5K is excessive and a waste of money unless you are rolling in dough. The extra 4K is 1/3-1/4 of the down payment on a house. So it depends on the financial situation. Just my opinion, but put the money where it does more good. The difference in what you can sell the ring for and what you paid for it is wasted money. Of course a ring is a gesture as well. And you can always get another ring later for anniversaries, mother's rings etc. Link to post Share on other sites
rayray Posted November 23, 2003 Share Posted November 23, 2003 Originally posted by Duke I think its two months salary. If he's poor your 5h1t outta luck sister. It's just a marketing ploy by the man. Link to post Share on other sites
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