Wedding day pearls: it was a difficult decision...

[dkan 168]

I personally think young people here spend way too much on engagement rings. It used to be that a 1/2 carat diamond was standard; now it seems most women expect at least 1 carat and preferably 1.5 or more. And this expenditure comes at a time of life when the money is needed to pay off school loans, save for a house, etc.

A work colleague is boosting about spending 6k GBP to hire a castle for a day, plus extras for horse-drawn carridge for her big day

Yet, the diamond on her engagement ring is not particularly big or sparky.

I would have opted for a bigger and better ring and have a cheaper bash myself

Each to their own at the end of the day


Congratulations Olga! Your daughter-in-law looks radiant in that photo

DK

[Mervione]

I think it all depends on what type of person you are, if you are picky with details then it might be a good idea to get really high quality. Lots of Swedes are really picky when it comes to the diamonds on ther wedding ring (the Swedish wedding ring looks like the American/English engagement ring and the Swedish engagement ring looks like a typical wedding band usually) but size aren´t as important. Maybe it´s because here it´s considered to be a bad thing to get things like big diamonds, expensive cars and so on so they get really good quality instead even if it might be just as expensive as a bigger diamond.

Personally, I think a nice ring is more important than a nice dress (Or having the party in a castle!) because you´re going to wear the ring every day for the rest of your life (Hopefully...) but you only wear the dress once. If you look at it that way, then that ring with the big diamond isn´t that expensive if you divide it with the number of days you might have left to live...

Oh, and DK, it sounds like a lovely present!

[Mervione]

Btw, Ollimander, where´s her ring? I just looked at the photo again and I can´t see it...

[dkan 168]

Personally, I think a nice ring is more important than a nice dress (Or having the party in a castle!) because you´re going to wear the ring every day for the rest of your life (Hopefully...) but you only wear the dress once. If you look at it that way, then that ring with the big diamond isn´t that expensive if you divide it with the number of days you might have left to live...

Oh, and DK, it sounds like a lovely present!

Back to that "cost per wear" justification again

Yes it was a lovely present, however, it was a bitter sweet one The money was supposed to be for a big holiday with my ex-husband, however, we reached the point of no return by the time my 5-year saving plan matured Hence I bought myself a present instead. His old wedding ring was melted down and formed part of the ring to remind me of our happier times

Sorry Olga, off topic, and apology for hijacking your thread!

DK

[olmander]

I`m not an expert, but I think that if you don´t carry a loupe on you all the time you don´t really need top quality. I think SI quality can be just fine for example, depending on where the inclusions are. And you can´t really see the difference between D and E colour unless you are trained I´ve heard...

It may be true about the subtle difference between next lying grades. But from my personal experience, a small TW/VVS is a world more impressive that an even bigger W/SI. It is not about grades, it's about the whole thing together. The sensation of looking at the TW/VVS1 in a proper light is quite something, which I did not expect before.

[Raisondetre]

Now you've made me want a loupe ...

And of course, I forgot to congratulate the happy couple and the lucky MIL!

[pattye]

Now you've made me want a loupe ..

.

That will be one of your most reasonable investments!

[Raisondetre]

OK, now what magnification? There are cheapish ones in a set of 3 on ebay, 3x, 5x and 10-12x. Or there are single 30x.

[Pearl Dreams]

A loupe is a good thing to have and use, period. Get a 10x triplet. They cost about $20 or so. You will wonder how you got along without it.

But as far as diamond quality, I think as long as the diamond is eye clean and well cut, and is cleaned frequently so its brilliance isn't obscured by the dirt and grease that is deposited on a ring that is worn daily, it will look good. Doesn't have to be a high color or clarity grade.

Mine is 1/2 carat, G-H color, SI2 clarity and it really is nice looking. But only when it's kept clean.

[barbie biggs]

I can't imagine how she could look better -- what a charming ensemble! Congratulations on being a successful MOL.

Doesn't MOL mean Mother Out Law?
And why, when she's so nice?
Or is it a joke?
barbie

[Mervione]

Eye clean, doesn´t that refer to the clarity grade?

[Pearl Dreams]

Yes, eye clean is SI2 or better.

Once you get to I1 grade (I being imperfect) then the inclusions are visible to the naked eye. SI2 is one grade above imperfect but it looks clean to the naked eye. And that is how one normally views a diamond one is wearing.

My diamond belonged to my husband's great aunt in the 1930s.

[GemGeek]

Doesn't MOL mean Mother Out Law?
And why, when she's so nice?
Or is it a joke?
barbie

Oops! I meant to type MIL for Mother In Law. I guess I'm overly tired!

[Hanaleimom]

She is a beautiful bride and he's a handsome groom. Congratulations to your family. The choker is simple yet classy on her neck. Excellent choice.

Raisondetre, choose triplet 10X. "Triplet means three lenses made of different types of optical glass bonded together and designed that, together, they straighten out the light that comes into the front of the loupe lens so that it's the same when it leaves." Hope that helps. Firemountaingems has a few models.

[Amrita]

Congratulations Olga! They make an outstanding couple.....the pearl choker looks great on the glowing bride. Well done on the pearl conversion!