Pretty E-Rings Part I of II

Pretty E-Rings Part I of II

January 4th, 2007 @ 2:32 pm by Mrs. Blueberry
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I was aware that most women’s engagement rings don’t come from Tiffany’s, despite what some of the big bridal magazines would have you believe. I was somewhat surprised though by the results of our survey on Tuesday. I figured that local jewelers would factor prominently into the equation, but didn’t realize that online shopping was so popular. Also, I’d expected the mall jewelry stores to be more popular than they were. Go figure!

Gorgeous and appropriate e-rings can be found at nearly any price point, or at any store. However, when shopping at one of the more inexpensive jewelers–mall chain stores, or department stores–it is important to be aware that the experience (and jewelry) will be different than at a high-end shop or boutique.

Doing a little internet legwork, I found several pretty e-rings at these so-called “lower end” stores, any of which would be amazing to own. However, they do come with their drawbacks, which I’ll outline later (just to give you an idea of what to look out for, if you do choose to go shopping at a chain jeweler or department store).

Look at this one, from JC Penney. It’s 1 cttw, 14k w.g. (I-J, I1-I2):

Helzberg, another mall chain, has this ring which is 1/2 cttw, 1/3 ct center stone, 14k w.g.(quality info. not available online):

This one from Kohl’s is really cute, and sorta non-traditional. It’s also in 14k white gold, and the diamond is 1/3 ct. (I, I2):

Zales has a good selection of beautiful e-rings, as well. I love the unified look of the princess-cut side stones and center stone in this ring. Its 3/4ct center stone and 1/2 cttw of side stones make for a very impressive look (J-K, SI2).

You don’t *have* to go to the fancy jewelry stores to get a gorgeous ring, especially if you know what your priorities are, and what to look for. It’s always good to be an informed shopper, but when purchasing from a chain jeweler or a department store, it’s even more important.

Tomorrow, look for part II: How to shop for an e-ring at a chain or department store. I’ll also offer comments on the rings featured in today’s post.

Tags: kansas-city, rings |

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7 Responses to “Pretty E-Rings Part I of II”

Guest

Rebecca

I think that you can get a gorgeous ring at any just about any store. Whether it be a mall or Tiffany’s. It’s the quality of the diamond that people are usually more concerned about. It’s been my experience that places for instance in a mall, have lesser quality diamonds than maybe a higher end store. From experience I can say that a little homework and knowledge is key when shopping for an e-ring.

1/4/07 @ 2:52 pm (reply)

Guest

ddalgi

ooh my e-ring is like the Helzberg ring..except the center diamond is bigger and i think the band and surrounding diamonds are a bit more delicate and smaller! i could never find a picture online that was similar!! thanks!

1/4/07 @ 2:58 pm (reply)

Guest

Miss Lime

During our shopping, I found mall and chain stores to give the least value-wise. They often were selling lesser quality diamonds for slightly higher prices that what I found at local stores/’wholesalers’ and online.

For example, at a mid-range mall store, a 1 carat diamond of a certain quality cost slightly less than a similar diamond at Tiffany’s (but without the name) and almost 30% more than what I found online and at the local jewelry district.

I agree with your main point - know your priorities, do your homework, and get informed.

1/4/07 @ 3:00 pm (reply)

Guest

ocicats

While searching for an e-ring I fell in love with a particular “high-end” setting. I looked everywhere for a replica at a cheaper price but they weren’t the same…always set too high. To my luck, my FI ended up getting me the real deal and I couldn’t be happier. I guess it just depends on what your priorities are. Mine happened to be this setting and a high color stone…size didn’t matter as much.

1/4/07 @ 3:12 pm (reply)

Guest

olive

My FI and I went to some of the mall jewelry chains and although the prices were a steal, a lot of the diamonds were poor quality. Unfortunately they are already attached to the rings, you can’t exactly customize the rings with your stone of choice. When I say poor quality, I mean VISIBLE inclusions, UGH, to the NAKED EYE. I was so grossed out. I am sure you can shop around and find stones with less inclusions that are visible, however, it is so tedious to find a ring you like, and THEN have to find a reasonable stone attached to that ring.

1/5/07 @ 11:32 am (reply)

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