Am I Nuts? Sharing My Engagement Ring Adventure!
Hello, beautiful community!
I’m thrilled to share my journey toward finding the perfect engagement ring, but I can’t help but wonder… am I nuts? 😊 Here’s my story, and I’d love to hear yours!
The Hunt for the Dream Ring
A few months ago, I started the quest for my engagement ring—an endeavor that spiraled into something more intense than I could have imagined! I thought I was merely looking for a sparkly piece of jewelry, but it quickly turned into a deep dive into the world of diamonds, gemstones, settings, and personal taste.
I joyfully pinned countless styles on Pinterest—everything from classic solitaires to intricate vintage settings. I even learned about the 4Cs (cut, clarity, color, carat)—and let me tell you, it felt like I was back in school!
Personal Taste & Budget
Then comes the brutal budget reality! 😱 There’s a fine line between what I wanted and what I could afford. Did anyone else grapple with prioritizing what to spend on the gem versus the setting? I fell in love with an emerald cut, but then I had to choose between precious metals—platinum or white gold? The pressure of making the “right” choice began to weigh on me.
Am I getting too obsessed here? After all, it’s just a ring… right? At least, that’s what my friends said when I mentioned how much time I was spending researching!
Community Input
Here’s where I need your help. Have you ever second-guessed your choices in your engagement journey? Did you seek community input, or did you go with your gut? I want to hear your experiences!
- Show Off Your Ring! What’s your ring like? Share those beautiful photos! Let’s admire each other’s bling and the stories behind them.
- Gemstone Choices: If you’ve chosen something unique like sapphires or moissanite, tell us why! What drew you to that choice?
- Settings & Styles: Did you choose a vintage look, or are you more of a modern minimalist? Let’s talk about the styles that speak to us.
- Deal or Steal? Any tips on where to buy, or perhaps a vendor you’d recommend or caution against? This community is all about helping each other out!
Final Thoughts
In wrapping up, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m slightly crazy for pouring so much energy into this, but then again, isn’t that part of the excitement? I feel like I’m embarking on a unique journey, filled with choices that are deeply personal.
So, am I nuts? Or is this just what love—and finding the perfect ring—feels like? Can’t wait to hear your thoughts, share some laughs, and of course, gawk at those stunning rings! 💍✨
Looking forward to our discussions!
With love and sparkle,
[Your Name]
Learn something new every day. I have never heard of foil backed diamonds. What is the foil supposed to add to the experience? Wouldn’t it just block light?
This is not something I’d want to own and wear personally, but it sure is a conversation piece!
I’d donate it to a museum with the appropriate curation, so I could go visit it and see a little plaque saying “donated by the gooder estate.”
I saw you’re in the bay area, so there are a lot of museums that would work!
Thank you all so much for your compliments, advice, and even the admonishments that it’s nuts to keep it, lmao! I am going to get a second opinion on whether it can survive a small amount of water or if it’s possible to get the diamond re-backed with foil if gets cloudy. If it can survive a splash or be repaired I will probably keep it and use a ring catcher necklace.
I should have specified that the setting is from the Victorian period (19th century); it’s the center stone that’s Georgian (18th century). The sunburst around the stone is gold with either enamel or onyx.
If anyone could share antique jewelry repair recommendations in the Bay Area I would appreciate it 🙏!
https://preview.redd.it/recm89rzpsag1.jpeg?width=700&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f73883699f95fd1575add87240ce72ed98da19da
Keep as an heirloom and get a lab ring for daily wear.
Wear the heirloom on memorable occasions so when you pass it down and pass on your family will have pictures of you wearing it to make the association.
I would verify that info. It’s survived 100s yrs +. I would talk to a long-time older jeweler before you do anything.
It’s lovely! Congratulations🥰
It is not the diamond that is delicate, it is the foil application, that was applied to the diamond. As the ring is likely 100+ years old i am confident it is more resilient than you are giving it credit. I am sure the ring got wet at least once in the last 100 plus years.
Enjoy the ring just remember to take off when bathing or doing the dishes. Other than that I am confident you will be fine.
So 18th century foil backed would be Georgian era
Can I ask what the seller sold it as? Are there hallmarks at all. I’d love to see more photos and all angles please.
The ring design is early 20th century/ very late Victorian. It could well be a genuine Georgian rose cut diamond but the style of ring definitely isn’t 18th century.
I want to make sure you bought a genuine ring from an honest seller!
I agree with some of the other commenters. Buy a stand in ring to use day-to-day. I have an inexpensive ring to wear when I’m gardening, or doing other things that might risk losing or hurting my ring.
There’s some similar-ish rings on Etsy that you could use for daily use-
Look what I found on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4375096518/vintage-style-dainty-halo-ring-black?ref=share_v4_lx
Look what I found on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4416724995/art-deco-old-european-wedding-diamond?ref=share_v4_lx
Could you take it to a jeweler and have the foil removed? Removing the foil doesn’t take away the pieces history, but would it more suitable for daily wear.
I’m just curious but why are those diamonds so delicate? I was under the impression that diamonds were the most durable gemstones due to their ranking on the mohs hardness scale
Have you consulted with the jeweler that sold him the ring about proper care and maintenance?
Any engagement ring should not be worn 24/7. It should be the last item you put on before leaving the house and the first item removed when you get home.
This ring is how old? I’m assuming it’s seen some things. Possibly even been wet before too.
I just wanted to say I LOVE this ring, but also your natural nails! The shape is so lovely.
If you can afford a second ring I say keep it. It’s a really cool ring regardless and can be worn on special occasions! As others have said maybe try to get a replica or ring inspired by the Victorian one.
I’d return it, but the chances of them accepting it back are probably zilch.
Yes, sweetie, you’re nuts…😂 I think you want someone to tell you that.
I’m curious about the halo stones. What are they?
That is a stunning ring, congratulations! I also came here to comment how pretty your hands and healthy nails are!
Never take your ring off outside of your home.
I would change out the center stone to one that will last and work better for your lifestyle. I’m not sure why so many people are saying not to change it. I get that it’s a beautiful antique ring, but what’s the point if she’s going to ruin it by wearing it? It’s your ring, you deserve to do what you want with it.
Get an exact replica made with moissanite (check out r/moissanite for vendors) for daily use. Use this one for your wedding ceremony and on anniversaries : ) Good luck!
If it were me, I’d probably just keep it and wear it. Unless anyone has personal experience of wearing one of these daily and actually ruining it.
It’s really beautiful and you love it.
I wouldn’t modify it. If you’re able, keep this one for special occasions only and buy a new everyday ring.
I have a foil backed rose cut and take it off to wash my hands. I got a ring catcher necklace for Christmas which makes it fun and easy for someone who is forgetful like myself.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/163501903/?ref=share_ios_native_control
I think if you love it and it’s you, you should keep it.
My ring has an antique stone, but new stetting and foil. I guess if I end up getting water behind it, I would rather just have it reset with new foil.
As someone who wears my ring 24/7, 365, this would not work for me.
If you can afford to keep it and replace it with a daily wear ring, do that. Wear it on your other hand when you feel like it. Otherwise, return it and replace it.
What you can’t do is live your life wearing it daily. Neither of you knew, I don’t think your amazing fiance will be upset.
I would keep it and only wear it occasionally. Then get a second ring that you can wear every day!
Can the diamond be reset to a more secure setting?
I wouldn’t modify it at all but it’s stunning! I have never seen such a unique design. I’d personally keep it since you love it and it’s a true heirloom. I’d get a lab ring or simple wedding band for everyday wear and reserve this for special occasions like dinners out, dates, where you can be confident you won’t be getting wet.
I would return it and get something you can wear and enjoy otherwise it’s something to sit in a collectors display case, if you’re happy with that
If you love it, and it sounds like you do, see if you can have it remade. Then you can have a duplicate ring that will be more durable for daily wear. And keep this special ring in a safe place. Wear it for special occasions.
I’d wear it on my anniversary every year and buy another for daily. Or return it,
Please don’t remove the antique diamond from the ring. That ring is centuries old.
I’m a big fan of antique jewelry, but this would make me too nervous to wear regularly. It’s just SO old, and like you said it’s very delicate. Maybe you could wear it on special occasions and purchase another daily wear ring?
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