I'd like to second what pebbles said about GIA certificates. At the higher end of the diamond world, stones are traded based strictly on certificates. They are that important. I'm another one who did a good deal of research a few years back. The way the market is structured, there are cities such as Antwerp and NY and sources in Russia and Israel where the market is centered and the best stones are traded and cut. There are wholesalers who buy stones, make up the rings and then sell them -- even to the high end stores like Tiffanys and Cartier though those often have exclusive styles. Harry Winston has their own workshop upstairs above the store where they make some pieces. But if you are going for a stone larger than 2 carats and with good cut and color -- pebbles again is quite right, chances are you are not going to do very well outside a big market. Even some discounters here have trouble getting larger stones of good quality. Many local jewelers are clueless about diamonds no matter what they say. The industry is structured on fixed pricing per carat, clarity and color. There's a publication used in the wholesale market that determines this and changes weekly or monthly (can't recall). Then there is cut, which is an eye thing developed only by extensive looking and relationships with the 'better" dealers who get the better stones. Point is, there are regional diamond centers in big cities such as Chicago and elsewhere, plus the online folks. With every layer of distance from the source there is an upcharge. Pebbles also makes a really good point about resale. The only fallback anyone has is to buy the best color, clarity and largest carat size you can afford from a name jeweler such as Tiffany, Cartier, Winston, Bulgari etc. as these command a premium if you resell them at auction. But you will pay retail and those brands command premium prices. I had a Cartier engagement ring that I resold at auction after many years and got a good price. But it was registered there with a number and I had retained the original invoice that stated the specs. I had worn it a lot and the engraving had worn off so I took to to them and they reengraved their name in the ring It was a pretty ring and I was able to sell it at auction advantageously because it was a prestige brand. But that's the only reason to pay retail (though styles go in and out of fashion and even values of the prestige brands fluctuate accordingly). If you are going for a larger stone than 2 carats then I would recommend a ton of research and asking everyone you know so you can get through the chain and as close as possible to the source. It might also be a good idea to check around on jewelry auctions where engagement rings are sold with certificates as you can sometimes do a bit better. My youngest brother got engaged two years ago. They had shopped extensively and he really knew his onions, plus the style she wanted and what he could afford. By making the right wholesale connection and shopping in NY (i.e. in a source market) rather than in Arizona or California, he was able to buy a ring that was a carat larger with the same color and clarity, and a better cut within his budget. The dealer was happy to deal with him because he knew exactly what he was buying and knew how good the price was and didn't dither over making the decision.

I missed this first go round too. I think there is good, classic jewelry that will never go out of style. I also like stylish costume jewelry but not the stuff made to look like the "real thing", like fake diamonds, rubies, etc. I love unique necklaces. I'm talking costume jewelry for necklaces. I wear earrings most days, but not always. Most always wear my wedding ring diamond set - although there are times when I will wear a plain wide wedding band. Always wear one other ring on my right hand. I have an emerald cut 3 stone ring that I most often wear but occasionally will change it up. My dad recently gave me three rings that belonged to my mother and one is a gorgeous london blue topaz that I have worn several times. I never wear a watch and don't wear bracelets that often - other than my charm bracelet. I do like an earring on some men, but it depends on the man. And one earring only. tina

Since I like jewelry and I wear it daily, I would have it reset into something I like and wear it. I currently wear my late MIL's set on my left hand pinkie finger, along wit ha mothers ring my kids gave me years ago. They're all very small stones, so together the rings aren't overwhelming. On my right hand I wear my Dad's diamond ring. I never take my rings off. Mom will leave me her original stone she had remade into a pendant after Dad died. She also had a cocktail ring made up from the other stones that is going to my sister (total carat weight on each is the same, but I get the solitaire). I don't know what I'll do with that, since I seldom wear one necklace, and I can't really combine that one with my funky costume jewelry. I plan to give any of the rings her current husband gave her to his daughters-they have no meaning to me or my children. My eldest DD received her husband's grandmothers ring as her engagement ring. It's a lovely vintage ring, the stones are on the small side (no more than 1/3 carat each) but it's a beautiful setting and perfect for them. The trend seems to be big, ostentatious stones these days, with young people really going in to debt for subpar stones. My other DD's in-laws are jewelers, and he gave her a sizeable stone in a current style setting-but it cost them only a few hundred, versus what it would have cost retail. So I like the idea of passing on a ring you don't want or can use to a young couple who could really use it. My son will get his Grandpa's ring to use the stone for when he finally decides to marry the girl he's with (that we're all anxious he'd give her a ring already!!)

It looks great on you Robo! I have fair coloring and always shied away from real goldy gold things but I think in a ring it just looks luxurious for some reason. Such an unusual stone, the gold color also really sets it off with a contrast. I love rings but nowdays I never go anywhere so don't wear them. Too easily damaged doing housework. Oh well, someday we will all be puttin' on the ritz and letting out all our pent up fancy nancy frustrations!! I predict glam and sparkle and dressing up will come back in a big way . . .