Sorry some people are giving you so much crap, OP.
Go with the Cartier. Love Carhill's idea...what a romantic!
To me, it's as much about the place as the ring. The juxtaposition of reserved styling, which apparently is congruent with the intended betrothed's personality, and the over-the-top romantic ambiance of Paris. A ring and a destination for which, if the marriage is one which endures, provides a continuity of connection to the beginning for many decades to come.
As far as modesty, the OP and his intended are either studying to be or are doctors, so I would see such an expenditure (the whole proposal process I outlined) as consistent with their lifestyle and social circle. Absolutely extravagant for someone like myself, but I'm not them.
Your idea is great Carhill, unfortunately I don't have enough days off for outings abroad, unless we go for one day and spend two days on the plane lol. I'm working at the hospital this Christmas too, so will probably have to settle with a familiar background for the proposal. Still haven't gotten that planned in my head yet, first need to get the ring. Anyway, thanks for all your help ladies and guys!
Last edited by thom3; 6th November 2009 at 4:16 PM..
thom, if you have any debt, including mortgage debt, and don't have a substantial nest egg, spending $10K unnecessarily, isn't the wisest course of action.
I do think your reasoning is sweet, to want to impress her. But you can also impress without the name.
__________________
ETA for "Bump" June 8, 2010!
Gestating in a life-satisfying way.
Ahhhh. Tiffany's. There is nothing, absolutely nothing, more timelessly romantic than that little blue box. Just seeing one makes my heart go pitter pat.
Me too. I love getting those little blue boxes!
__________________
"I may not have been the greatest president, but I've had the most fun eight years." –Bill Clinton
Location: The Big Giant Apple, mind you, it's pretty delicious
Posts: 3,895
In terms of name value, Tiffany is a good brand since almost anyone is family with it. But based on the pictures, I think Cartier looks more simplistic and elegant.
And in response to people saying $10k is alot, based on the economy right now, it is alot. But since it's money Thom probably saved for a while now for this occasion, I'm certain he's willing to splurge a little. And given his occupation, $10k is pretty modest. At least to some people.
__________________
"To regret one's own experiences is to arrest one's own development. To deny one's own experiences is to put a lie into the lips of one's own life. It is no less than a denial of the soul.", De Pronfundis, Wilde
I don't think anyone here should even be commenting on the price. That wasn't the OP's question, and he has been more than patient outlining his understanding of what he wants to spend.
He wants to by his girl something beautiful, something he can afford, and something with value. Some would say the Tiffany name (or Cartier name) has instrinsic value. A name sometimes is more than a name. If that's not your opionion, well, that's not what he's asking.
thom, if you have any debt, including mortgage debt, and don't have a substantial nest egg, spending $10K unnecessarily, isn't the wisest course of action.
I do think your reasoning is sweet, to want to impress her. But you can also impress without the name.
I agree with this. I had a special savings account set aside to fund a ring purchase. In bitter irony, that same account, not fully depleted from the purchase, went on to fund part of our marriage counseling when our marriage broke down.
OP, I just saw an estate Cartier .5ct F/VS1 in .950 platinum on eBay for 2200USD, complete with original Cartier sales evaluation and box. It's the pave style. My stbx's wedding ring is an antique platinum eternity ring with pave diamonds. Looked awesome.
Also, if you're patient, really good travel deals can pop up for the period between Christmas and New Years. My stbx told me when we were dating that she'd rather go to Europe than have a big engagement ring. We never did make it to Europe (as a vacation) but I did take her to Oz a couple of times and to Asia. Even with the ending of our marriage, those memories and some of the friendships which came from those trips will be with me the rest of my life.
Make some time off from work/studies for this very important time in your life. Balance. A day will come for you when you will see clearly that priorities are not fixed and linear but rather coalescent and ever-changing.
Remember, don't break the bank, like TBF said, but rather balance practicality with what is in your heart. It sounds like your intended is a fortunate lady. Best wishes
Personally, neither. You're paying for a "brand name" vs. the ring itself. I like brand names as much as the next person, and I have no idea what your gf's style is like, but I think something antique or victorian is much more beautiful.
I think having top color, clarity, etc. and all of that is a bunch of hooha too.
A diamond shows its true worth when you try to sell it back in a lot of cases. It is astonishing how little you can get for it in comparison to what was paid for it.
__________________ ...they think everything is smiles and sweetness and flowers, when there is something bitter to taste. And to pretend there isn't is foolish. -- edie sedgwick
Please note: The suggestions and advice offered on this web site are opinions only and are not to be used in the place of professional psychological counseling or medical advice. If you or someone close to you is currently in crisis or in an emergency situation, contact your local law enforcement agency or emergency number.
I'm working at the hospital this Christmas too, so will probably have to settle with a familiar background for the proposal. Still haven't gotten that planned in my head yet, first need to get the ring. Anyway, thanks for all your help ladies and guys!
Linear Mode
