If you’re in the market for an engagement ring and you’re getting the sinking sense that the ordeal of finding a ring is becoming more about the ring than it is about the proposal, then it might be time to enlist some help. Many clients come to me, ready to get engaged, but too busy to find time to thoroughly research the 4 C’s (cut, clarity, carat weight, and color), not to mention the unspoken 5th C – cost.
Many men find themselves in jewelry stores feeling pressured, and not sure if they’re getting an honest price. This is most likely one of the major purchases that you’ll make in the course of your lifetime, and you want to make sure that you’re dealing with someone who you can trust. If you find that you’ve been shopping around and you don’t have a good feel in your gut about the people who you’ve been dealing with, listen to your sixth sense – it’s often right. Dealers who are honest shouldn’t give you a strange feeling – ever. Getting engaged is stressful enough. Your focus should be on how you’re going to ask, not going to several different jewelers, hoping that you got a good deal and chose the right setting.
Book a consultation. We’ll meet in person to discuss your budget and ideas. Bring a picture of your girlfriend and tell me a little bit about her. Often based on the designers that she wears and a picture, I can get a good sense of what her tastes are like. I’ll negotiate prices for loose stones and settings and bring a selection of settings to you, or we can design a setting together and I’ll negotiate with different craftsmen to see who comes in at the most reasonable price.
The best part – this can all be accomplished during a lunch hour. In the case of a custom design, I will check in on the progress of the piece for you. When it’s done, I deliver the ring to you at your home or office, complete with an appraisal for insurance purposes.
If you’re planning on getting engaged locally, I can arrange to meet you where you are planning on popping the question so she won’t be able to find anything – even if she’s snooping! I also have access to custom chocolate ring boxes and could arrange to meet you at a restaurant, where I can deliver the ring, encased on the chocolate ring box – for dessert.
I’m happy to be your advocate, give a woman’s opinion, and provide expert advice. Unless you want to, you don’t have to enlist her friends or family, or ever worry about word getting out.