Buying an engagement ring. Advice wanted on a) Estate Jewelry: recommendations on how to buy & not get ripped off. b) Make-your-own-ring workshops: how to get a good used diamond. c) recommendations for both of the above in the LA / SoCal area. [more inside]
posted by lalochezia on Mar 30, 2008 - 5 answers

Help me find a quality, non-diamond engagement ring that wont plunge me deeper into debt. [more inside]
posted by kyleg on Jan 5, 2008 - 30 answers

I'm looking for recommendations for a reputable jeweler in the Washington DC area. [more inside]
posted by thewittyname on Mar 8, 2005 - 7 answers

There's already been a question on AskMe about engagement ring advice, but I'm looking for something a little different. My buddy just spent $10,000 on an engagement ring because his fiance is feeling the pressure of being a brand new attorney in NYC and wanting to look the part. He didn't want to, but he did it anyway, cause her family was giving her the "If he loves you, he'd spend the money" spiel and it was really getting to her.

What could he have done at that point? She's a great girl, just a little prone to doing what her family wants her to do, so "RUN" isn't an appropriate response. Also, what is an appropriate price? $10,000 is about two months salary, but it seems extreme.

Google's not really any help....strangers who I've interacted with (ala MeFites) are significantly better than strangers I have not (ala some random webpage).
posted by taumeson on May 24, 2004 - 84 answers