What will you do with the one you own now?

I'll never change my ring, although it's not 'in fashion' today: a 1.22 carat VS-1 H color pear shape set in two conjoined platinum bands. Four baguettes flank the center stone.

My ring and I have too much history together! Once when we were only married a year I believed I'd lost it down a laundry tub drain when it slid off while I bathed our dog. He coughed it up on the kitchen floor ten days later. That was the same week we were to kennel him while we took a trip. Once when I was upset with something my DH did (or didn't do -- I don't remember!) I took off my ring and hid it. Then I couldn't remember WHERE and was really upset until I found it again.

I remember the rainy spring day we went into the city to choose our rings. DH dropped me at the jeweler's door and went to park the car. Soon he appeared, pushing through the big brass revolving door -- around once, twice, three times before he came IN! (He says he wasn't indecisive, just happy!) He still wears the ring we chose that day.

If you want an investment buy a single stone over three carats -- high quality cut, color, clarity. I see a lot of ads for stones at low prices that turn out to be darn close to industrial grade. IMO the mounting should 'match' the value of the stone(s).

I've never had a stone come loose from my ring in 45 years.

what i'd do, is go to the store your dh want to use dn try on several rings. that's the only way you're going to find one you really like.

i did take my original diamond and had it put into a tiffany (the old one) setting...it's about a quarter caret, but has a great sparkle...

i love yellow gold and find the the new trend for plat rather cold...but that's me...

for special events i wear a ring from my mother..a 3something carat diamond...it's very old, but again in a tiffany setting...

btw you can get more bling for your $ they say, if you get a cluster of smaller stones...

After burglaries from years ago, the only diamond I have is a small solitaire set in white gold. I have large hands so I've never thought it seemed right for me.

It was given to me as a 'friendship ring'. Sometimes I'll wear it next to another ring.

Lulie, I'd prefer the 3 stone ring for myself. I've never had yellow gold and I also like the look of white gold as well as silver.

Better hang on to that man of yours and make up your mind quick. LOL

Honestly? from your questions, it just doesn't sound as if you're that into getting a new ring at all. If you were, you'd KNOW what you wanted, and you wouldn't be worried about what others think about it.

If I were in your shoes, and found myself asking the kinds of questions you've just posted, I'd probably give myself a shake, step back, and kindly and appreciatively tell my husband that while I love that he was thinking of doing something so special for me, I really don't need it at the moment. And I'd suggest something more appropriate to spend that kind of money on--a vacation, the kid's (grandkids') college funds, our retirement savings, downpayment for a new car, or just investing it for a rainy day. Maybe even a suggestion that he get me a simpler ring--a birthstone or mother's ring--and then use the rest of the $$$ for something nice for the whole family to enjoy.

I just really get the feeling that you aren't that thrilled with the new ring idea--and the cost of a diamond ring is a lost to spend on something you are just so-so about.

Of course, maybe I misread something in your post and misinterpreted.

How about a nice pin/broach instead of a ring. I have not worn a ring for 16 years since my ring had to be cut off due to a broken wrist. Got use to not having it and instead of spending money on another put funds towards something else. But then I am not into jewlery anyway as I cannot wear earrings.

a band that looks like three bands with diamonds on the entire surface of them. An eternity band. That is what I like - doesn't catch on your clothing and less chance of bumping into things with it. I like white and yellow gold mixed, so I'd probably have a couple of the bands in white gold and the third in the yellow.

I do think however that the smaller stones can get loose and fall out. My wedding ring has 10 smaller stones and in the 21 years that I've had it - I've lost (and replaced)probably 4 stones. If you have the setting checked frequently that wouldn't happen though.

I agree with azzalea, my interpretation was that this was more important to your husband than it is to you.

If you would like a piece of jewelry, but not a new diamond ring, why not get something of fairly equal value (for your husband's sake) that you would fall in love with?

I would not want to replce my ring either. I don't even have a diamond (they simply aren't all that important to me, I'd rather something else, stone wise. We both have gold Irish wedding bands, so having an engagement ring wouldn't even work on that finger. However, I just love earrings and bracelets - the more in the vintage area, (WWII or further back) the better for me.

If your husband doesn't care if it's equal value or less, then your money worries are over, simply get something lovely that you will treasure and everyone is happy.

But, if I have not read it correctly and you would like a diamond ring, then get what you think is beautiful REGARDLESS of style or style longevity. This is your ring, you are the one who will wear and it's unlikely that you will get "sick" of it because of the sentimental value that will always be attached to it. Who cares if it falls from favor - it won't to you in your lifetime and that is what really counts. And, it's not like anyone would ever look at the ring and say, "Ewww...that's old fashioned" *LOL*

I believe the ring style you are referring to is called the "yesterday, today, tomorrow ring". If you google that, you will see many examples of this ring. To me this is a classic, however I like many other styles also.

I agree with several here that your post does lead us to believe getting this ring is not that important to you. I liked the vacation suggestion :) Perhaps there is a compromise of sorts you and your DH can come to so you both end up happy.

I have a 5-stone 25th anniversary wedding ring that I still wear on my right hand.

The ring below was a Christmas gift this past Christmas. I love the style because it's classic, and yellow gold.

If you aren't really into getting another ring, why not take the money you'd spend and put it into a college fund for your grandchildren?

It sounds like you're not sure about the ring anyway, but if you do get one, I think you should get what means the most to you and not worry about anything else. Pick something out that you love because that's what matters most. Don't go with what's "in style" just for the sake of following suit.

From what you wrote, it sounds like the 3 stone ring would have meaning to you because of what it would represent (you, DH, kids) as opposed to just a solitaire.

With all that said, I will answer your questions anyway.

1 - I didn't even know a 3 stone ring was a fad. I think you can never go wrong with a classic solitaire, but again, go with what means the most. If you're not looking to sell the ring later, who cares...get what you want.

2 - In my experience, no, but I've only had my setting with smaller stones for a little over a year. Neither my large solitaire or my smaller stones have fallen out.

3 - I personally like the "silver" look of platinum (or white gold). Platinum does scratch easily though. Unless I keep up with having my ring buffed, it starts looking bad over time because I wear it daily. I used to have yellow gold when I first got the ring and my husband had it reset for Christmas 2007 to platinum because I decided that was the look I liked now. I think you can't go wrong with either. Platinum does tend to be more of a trend right now.

Lu -- The thread on pearls made me wonder if you would prefer a great string of pearls and matching earrings? (If you don't already have them.)

Thinking about our burglary makes me want to remind everyone to get everything you value re-appraised, listed and insured, separate from the meager coverage most homeowner policies provide.

Lu, try on different styles and see what looks good to you, that's the only way to know for sure. I prefer yellow gold because it never goes out of style and I like the warmth of it. But if you choose it make sure that the diamond is actually set in white gold so the reflection does not distort the color of the stone.

Remember that there is no such thing as white gold, it comes from the earth yellow and has alloys added to make it white. Both white gold and platinum are dull, they have to be dipped in rhodium to be bright and shiny. This process must be repeated to stay bright and shiny, if you wear your rings daily expect to do that at least once a year. There are platinum type metals, such as palladium, that is easier to care for if you really want a white metal.

Lu- just some thoughts .....

You said "another nice diamond ring" so that means you have one now. Do you wear it? That might help you decide if you really want another one.

If you have one now and it's yellow gold you might like a platinum ring that you could wear with other jewelry that might not go well with yellow. Platinum isn't trendy. There are many, many vintage stones set in platinum and all of my better pieces are because it is stronger, heavier and a more expensive material.

You can get more flash with multiple stones and since they tend to be smaller than a large single stone the price is more reasonable. But if you are concerned at all with making a purchase of a ring with long lasting value that will hold its' value you would be better off with a single stone.

Do you have anyone that you would like to bequeath your jewelry to? That also might help you decide what to select.

I can't decide if you are ambivalent about getting a new diamond or if you are merely unsure about the style itself. Would it be worthwhile if you went to a jeweler and browsed through the cases? You might find something that you really like - and it might not be a diamond.

I didn't get a diamond when we were engaged. We couldn't afford it. Later after 7 years he got me a 1/2 ct. Then after 20 years he bought me a 2 ct. The 1/2 ct I put in a pendant to wear with earrings he bought me and the 2 ct I put in bezel setting. It is a yellow and white gold bridge mounting with .55 ct Princess cut invisible set diamonds going underneath. I keep it in the safe deposite box and take it out for special occasions.
Clare
{{!gwi}}

Clare- your ring is beautiful and the setting is so unique. I have a 2 ct oval that is set in both white and yellow gold with princess diamonds on the bands. It is a dressier look than my solitaire.

I was manager of a jewelry store for years. My advise to you is to buy the largest, solitaire you can afford. If you chose a solitaire be sure to get a 6 prong. Two prongs can wear off and the diamond still remains in the setting. With a 4 prong if one wears off you lose the stone. Remember when buying the diamond the 3 c's. Cut, clarity and carat. Resale and apprasial value of a solitaire will be much higher than a cluster of smaller stones that equals the same carat. You can also make a pendant out of it later on if you get tired of wearing the ring...diamonds are for wearing daily..they never wear out. Good luck and please post what he buys you.

Maybe you would like a Mother's Ring. My DH had one designed for me in a modern, yellow gold setting. It is a golden swirl with two emeralds (our sons born in May) and one sapphire (our daughter born in September). It turned out a little dark, and a friend suggested it needed a diamond. Well, we were married in April, which is the diamond month, and we had a diamond the right size that had been DHs grandmother's, so we added that diamond to the middle of the swirl. Anyhow, long story to suggest an alternative. I love my Mother's Ring.

No, I'm getting happy about getting the new jewelry, just stressed about making the right decision about what kind. As much as I love the 3 diamond band with the big center diamond(and I spent a lot ot time with it today. Even took me outside to look at the diamonds in the sunlight), but I think I will go ahead and get the classic solitaire raised in the center and two smaller ones on each side.
I do have other nice diamonds, but none as large as he wants to get me this time. Since my daughter is deceased, I only have one granddaughter (so far) to leave them to. She's only 2 and a half and she's already asking to wear my diamond cross! lol
I may try to incorporate a platinum band that belonged to my husband's grandmother. I could add that to a gold band and have both the silver and gold and it would be very special. Grrrrrrr Decisions!!! I should have let him just go pick it out himself. lol
Anyway, I appreciate all of your input and I love the pictures! Beautiful rings!
Lu

I love jewelry posts! I love jewelry! I love new, old, vintage, antique, estate, real, costume, antique store, thrift store, and pawn shop jewelry.

If I were to win a lottery, a breathtaking emerald would be my first purchase (after a new house for mom and cars for the nieces/nephews! LOL)

I have a three stone ring. DH surprised me with it for our 10th anniversary. It's not set with huge stones, but they are nice. It's my "best" piece of jewelry. I love it.

The center stone, D/VVS, is a bit over 1/2 carat. The two side stones, F-G/VVS, are 1/4 carat each. The setting is 18k yellow gold and platinum. I'd never had anything in platinum before. It's an interesting metal. Not too shiney, but very heavy.

This is a poor photo, and since taking it the jeweler re-worked the prongs so they don't looks so heavy.

My very favorite ring is the one he gave me for our 7th anniversary. I wear it instead of my engagement or 3-stone ring most of the time.

It's a genuine emerald, about 1/3 carat, with 21 teeny-tiny diamonds. He knows emeralds are my favorite.

Clare, I lovvvve your ring!! If I were going to get a new ring, that would be my choice. The silver and gold combination is beautiful. Caroline, your emerald ring is gorgeous.

Lulie, I agree with arosegirl about getting a large solitaire (with 6 prongs). I wish I had gotten a round diamond instead of marquise, but at the time, I wanted a marquise--and I have long fingers so it looks good on me. Mine is a 3 carat, "D" color, high quality, so DH says he'll never need to "upgrade" it.

Let us know what you decide...and we'll want pictures!

I have to agree with Azzalea and others who said it sounds like you still aren't all that interested.

I can't imagine letting someone else influence the color of my fence much less base something that is supposed to be a gift of love that I will be wearing on other people's opinions.

Do you like gold or silver? Do you even like diamonds? Do you like large gaudy settings or small simple ones? Those are all questions for you and only you to decide.

Why don't you suggest to your DH he buy you something you are interested in?

I have a 25 year ring that I wear with my engagement ring as a wedding set or sometimes alone.

Lori

aptosca, that is the most beautiful ring I have ever seen, just gorgeous. I like the yellow and white gold.

all of the rings are very pretty.

Lulie, I find fine jewelry a big waste of money. There is no second market for it. It has to be important to you and your husband, if it is go for it. I prefer costume jewelry and it takes a jeweler to tell the difference between man made and the real thing. After my husband died I had a custom piece made out of my wedding rings, his diamond ring and our class rings. No one in the family would have wanted the wedding rings, but one of the girls will like the pendant. It has my large diamond and 2 small ones and my husband's 9 diamonds set in a gold pendant with a large tear drop garnet, a pretty red garnet on the bottom. It represents our life together, so it's important to me.

Thanks everyone. I bought the mounting on ebay from a NY jeweler who just sells mountings. They made it my size, then I took it to the store where DH bought the diamond, they only sell unset diamonds then you pick the mounting, and they set it. They were quite impressed with the mounting. I didn't tell them how much I paid, but it was for a lot less then what they quoted me for a similar setting.

lulie___wayne - If you want to know the name of the ebay seller let me know and I will look it up. You should just window shop on ebay. Lots of beautiful rings and mountings to look at and you might find a style you like. Also look at CZ rings just to see all the different styles. You don't have to get it there but it will help you decide what you like. It is also a good way to get a feel for prices. Print out the information, so that when you go to different stores you can compare. And if you don't want a diamond, get a colored stone like a ruby, sapphire or emerald. Or get a blue, yellow or cognac diamond. Or maybe a bracelet instead.
Clare

caroline -- Just in case you didn't know, emeralds like to be oiled now and then. That's a beautiful, deep color -- rare to find one so dark.

Thanks Chisue; it is so hard to find a dark, clear natural emerald that is affordable. I do love the dark color. DH and my then 11-year-old nephew searced for ages before they found it. Of course, they were looking for a ready made ring and not just the stone. My nephew actually "found" it; he told me he "knew" I'd rather have a small stone that was dark and sparkly. I rasied that boy right, LOL!

Clare has the right idea. You get so much better quality, and much better prices, if you can search for the bits and pieces. The platinum head of my ring came from NY (to CA) too and it had to be reworked a couple times to reduce its "bulk." I'm very happy with it now. I've got to get a photo of the "new and improved" look of it.

The center stone came from Belgium and the two smaller stones came from NY. The jeweler then put the pieces together.

I didn't really answer your questions, so...

1. ...is the three stone ring a fad...be better off getting a nice size solitaire with a classic look?

What's a fad? The "best and newest" design today will be considered a "fad" once the next "best and newest" design comes out next week. The classic prong set solitaire was designed by Tiffany in the late 1880s I believe. Rings with three stones have been designed for centuries, too.

A solitaire is beautiful; if that's what you prefer. And another way to look at it is nearly "everyone" has a solitaire.

2. Do smaller diamonds in bands fall out more easily?

Properly set stones are going to stay set, no matter how big or small. On the other hand, all jewelry should have the settings and prongs checked twice a year because they can get bent or broken and cause the stones to loosen and fall out. The inspection doesn't take long, and should be done at no charge by your jeweler.

Which looks better, white gold/platinum or yellow gold?

The one that looks the best is the one you like the best.

White gold, even really good white gold, can take on a yellowish cast over time. It can be buffed and plated and kept looking great. Also, white gold is supposed to have a yellowish cast because it is GOLD, and gold is yellow. The other metals mixed in turn it white, or pink, or green, or whichever color of gold they're blending for.

10k gold is a different color from 12k, 14k, 18k, 22k, or 24k gold, too. 10k or 12k white gold looks "whiter" than 14k or 18k because they have a larger percentage of the yellow gold in them.

Different karats of yellow gold have different shades of color, too. It's all a personal decision. I love the look and feel or 18k gold. I have exactly one piece of 18k. The rest of my jewelry is 14k or 10k or plated.

Platinum is a nice white, too, but it tends to go grey over time. This is natural and normal. Some people love the look; some don't.

A good jeweler will give you samples of all options and then you can decided which is your favorite. The only person that has to love it is you.