Let's talk Diamonds!

[Linda Lou]

What's your engagement ring like? Are you happy with it, or maybe are thinking of trading up, or for a different shape? I have a 1.5 carat heart-shaped diamond, b/c I got married on Valentines Day, but think I would like to trade to a round brilliant, or Princess cut.

[pebbles]

I have a 1.75 round which is supposed to be the most brilliant. It is set in platinum. My wedding band has 3 baguette diamonds totalling about 1/4 carats. I would love to upgrade that one but I would never change my engagement ring.

[Valentina]

Finally, a thread I can particpate in. I have the Tiffany ribbon ring, with a flawless one carat center stone. My band is plain platinum, and my no-push ring is a milgrain eternity band, also Tiffany's. God, I love their diamonds.

[Linda Lou]

Pebbles, sounds like you got a honker! I know, many women, for sentimental reasons, don't want to trade up on their diamonds. When I worked in jewelry industry, it seemed many women would want to keep their original diamond, but acquire a second, bigger diamond. Nice, if you can do it.

I knew going in, that the round is the most brilliant, but got a heart b/c I always envisioned getting married on Valentines Day. Mine is well cut, and colorless (E-grade). It's funny, most jewelers won't even consider a trade on a heart shape, so I might have to save my pennies. Would love to get to a 2 ct. someday.

Val, your ring sounds simplistic and lovely. I have my diamond set in yellow, but am loving the whole white metal look. Really does something for the stone.

[Valentina]

Linda Lou, I agree about the senitmentality. I'll be getting an upgrade in a few years. I'm moving the original one to my right hand. Though I would like to keep getting the milgrain bands and stacking them as wedding rings. We'll see. I change my mind about this. Sometimes I want a three stone ring.
I picked out my ring in advance without my husband. I went to Tiffany's and explained I would be coming in with my fiance and I wanted to make sure I didn't embarass him by picking out a $80k ring. Ironically, the first ring I asked to see was $70k, so it was a good thing I did this. In the end, it was between the ribbon ring, a round diamond with tapered baquettes, and a three stone ring. I went with the one I did because despite the fact it is one of their oldest settings, very few people have it.

[beekeeper]

I have two wedding sets, one in white gold, one in yellow.

My original is the white gold, 1.5 carat round with a band of diamonds on either side (I had them soldered together, they moved around too much).

We bought the yellow gold set about 5 years ago, when I was going thru a yellow gold stage. That one is 2 carat princess cut, this one with a band on one side. At this point, I wish I hadn't done the princess cut ... just not as fond of them anymore.

If I had to do it again, I think I'd choose an oval stone ... you don't see them very often!

I chose not to use platinum, because it seems to need more polishing ... and I'm all for low maintenance with my jewelry! It does have beautiful glow though ... and is so much heavier. I was shocked when we were ring shopping at how heavy platinum is!

All of your rings sound FABulous! lol ... you can't go wrong with Tiffany! :-)

[Valentina]

I didn't have much of a choice with the platinum. I have an intense allergy to nickel which is getting worse as I get older. Platinum is softer, and does require more upkeep. But it doesn't give me hives, and that's what we were going for.

[pebbles]

I have never once polished my platinum band and it looks as good as the day I got it which was probably before most of you were born, LOL. It is in perfect, brand new condition.

[beekeeper]

Pebbles ... Really? Many of my girlfriends rings are set in platinum, and while they are absolutely gorgeous, the metal just looks like it's been rubbed with steel wool or something. They routinely go to the jewelry stores to have them polished. They will be jealous of you when I tell them about how your ring doesn't need polishing!

I am so in love with baguettes lately! You're wedding band sounds fab. I think they look SOOO good with round stones, different play of light!

[Valentina]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
beekeeper:
Pebbles ... Really? Many of my girlfriends rings are set in platinum, and while they are absolutely gorgeous, the metal just looks like it's been rubbed with steel wool or something. They routinely go to the jewelry stores to have them polished. They will be jealous of you when I tell them about how your ring doesn't need polishing!

I am so in love with baguettes lately! You're wedding band sounds fab. I think they look SOOO good with round stones, different play of light!
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1457368
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

That is a perfect description of how my band looks.

[Garnet333]

I didn't go for the diamond this time around for my engagement ring, instead I chose a 3ct oval ceylon sapphire with trillion diamonds on each side set in platinum. It looks almost identical to Judy Crowells from HSN. Of course I had mine first LOL. Anyway I have 2 chevron bands on either side with channel set diamonds. I absolutely love my set and wouldn't trade it for anything.

[pebbles]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Valentina:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
beekeeper:
Pebbles ... Really? Many of my girlfriends rings are set in platinum, and while they are absolutely gorgeous, the metal just looks like it's been rubbed with steel wool or something. They routinely go to the jewelry stores to have them polished. They will be jealous of you when I tell them about how your ring doesn't need polishing!

I am so in love with baguettes lately! You're wedding band sounds fab. I think they look SOOO good with round stones, different play of light!
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1457368
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

That is a perfect description of how my band looks.
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1457370
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pebbles]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
pebbles:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Valentina:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
beekeeper:
Pebbles ... Really? Many of my girlfriends rings are set in platinum, and while they are absolutely gorgeous, the metal just looks like it's been rubbed with steel wool or something. They routinely go to the jewelry stores to have them polished. They will be jealous of you when I tell them about how your ring doesn't need polishing!

I am so in love with baguettes lately! You're wedding band sounds fab. I think they look SOOO good with round stones, different play of light!
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1457368
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

That is a perfect description of how my band looks.
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1457370
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1457523
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't understand that at all. Mine is smooth and shiny. I have a friend who got engaged the same month I did and has a marquise diamond set in platinum. She has never had it polished. Very, very strange.

[Linda Lou]

Oh, Bee! You lucky girl, you! Two big rocks. Very nice. Wondering why you've decided you don't like the Princess cut anymore? One thing I was told when picking my diamond, make sure you LOVE it, b/c hearts, ovals, even marquise, don't sell that well. You always have to be careful of the "bowtie" effect with the oval and marquise too. Makes 'em look like they've been cut in half, if not cut properly.

Garnet, your wedding set sounds fab!!!! LOVE Ceylon sapphire, and at three carats, it must be huge! Just love that color.

Since I'm probably stuck with my heart shape diamond, (well, I shouldn't say stuck) I probably would like to get it set someday in a similar style to Kathy Levines heart ring, only with small diamonds criss-crossing. And a nice 2 ct. set in platinum for my wedding set.

[Garnet333]

I know this thread was supposed to be about diamonds but I had to post about my wedding set :) The color of the ceylon sometimes looks like a tanzanite and I have been asked a few times if in fact it was a tanzanite, yeah right LOL Anyway we bought the stone and then I had my jeweler design something for me with the diamonds.

[Valentina]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
pebbles:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
pebbles:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Valentina:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
beekeeper:
Pebbles ... Really? Many of my girlfriends rings are set in platinum, and while they are absolutely gorgeous, the metal just looks like it's been rubbed with steel wool or something. They routinely go to the jewelry stores to have them polished. They will be jealous of you when I tell them about how your ring doesn't need polishing!

I am so in love with baguettes lately! You're wedding band sounds fab. I think they look SOOO good with round stones, different play of light!
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1457368
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

That is a perfect description of how my band looks.
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1457370
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1457523
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't understand that at all. Mine is smooth and shiny. I have a friend who got engaged the same month I did and has a marquise diamond set in platinum. She has never had it polished. Very, very strange.
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1457529
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Actually, the band part of my engagement ring is much worse looking than my band. Which doesn't make a lot of sense, we only had a two month engagement.

[Linda Lou]

I actually am not very crazy about the popular 3 stone ring, as an engagement ring. Since most here are from the Q BB, I also have to say, that I was surprised that Jill Bauer's 3 stone ring was so small. Would've expected more. No offense to anyone who does like this look, or owns one, but I would really rather just have one big honker to focus on.

I think the 3-stone would make a great right-hand ring, or anniversary band, however.

[Valentina]

Three stone rings get you the look of more diamonds for less. 2 carat total weight in three stones is much cheaper than in one stone. I think that's why they are so popular.

[pebbles]

Yes, a solitaire that's over 1 carat with a quality diamond is out of the price range of most people so they buy a 3 stone ring or a cluster ring.

[Valentina]

I know I have much less total weight than I would have with a three stone ring. That's ok though, because my ring is so different.

[beekeeper]

I like the 3-stone look for the right hand too.

[Valentina]

I like the look of the intricate, wider diamond band on the left hand, and the big honker on the right.

[pebbles]

Anything goes on my right hand. I wear the colored stones, or the silver or the diamond cocktail rings depending on the occasion, my outfit and my mood. Today I'm going to help my daughter unpack dishes after her move so no rings. I once wore a beautiful diamond cluster ring to work and came home with one stone missing. No more diamonds to work after that.

[Linda Lou]

Another thing I LOVE in Diamonds, are antiques! While the old "miner's" cuts aren't as sparkly as today's round brilliant, I just love the filigree designs of old, say circa 1900-1930. Wouldn't mind having one as a right hand ring.

I can understand, when I think about it, the popularity of the 3 stone look. Yes, a honker is quite costly, and some women just love the look of more stone across their finger. It's all good though. :)

[Valentina]

My sister's engagement ring is from that period. Her husband bought it at an antique jewelry store. The filigree work on it is amazing.

[mystylady]

Hi All!
I don't have an engagement ring (yet!) but someday I would LOVE a Candlelight Champagne set in white gold. The bigger the better! Do they cut diamonds in Portugese Round? That would be awesome! A simple Tiffany style solitaire.

[Garnet333]

That sounds gorgeous mystylady. Maybe for your birthday or anniversary? Wouldn't that be a wonderful surprise :) What is a Portugese Round? Never heard of it.

[mystylady]

A Portugese round cut has 3 times the normal number of facets as a standard Brilliant Cut in the Pavilion. This further enhances the brilliance and fire of the stone. The Pavilion is the lower half of the gemstone which tapers down to the point, or "Culet" of the stone. Wouldn't that look awesome? A Champagne Diamond cut in a Round Brilliant is beautiful in itself, let alone in a Portugese Round! I can't even imagine! sigh

[Garnet333]

Wow that sounds gorgeous. I think you should buy one mystylady :) Is the Portugese cut popular or is it exclusive to say Tiffany's or Cartier? I wonder if my local jeweler would know this cut.

[beekeeper]

I had never heard of the cut before JTV and tanzanite. I don't think I've heard them mention that cut on anything other than a tanzanite, period.

It really is a pretty cut.

I also like the candlelight diamonds. I'm eyeing a ring at QVC with champagne, much darker than the candlelight ... but it's kind of hard to find jewelry with those lighter stones (other than JTV of course).

[pebbles]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
beekeeper:
I had never heard of the cut before JTV and tanzanite. I don't think I've heard them mention that cut on anything other than a tanzanite, period.

It really is a pretty cut.

I also like the candlelight diamonds. I'm eyeing a ring at QVC with champagne, much darker than the candlelight ... but it's kind of hard to find jewelry with those lighter stones (other than JTV of course).
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1462220
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm not a big fan of off white beige-y diamonds. They look like poor quality to me. And I'm glad they are no longer making a big deal over chocolate or black diamonds. I couldn't see it. Now canary diamonds -- that's something else! I saw a fancy shop in the Bellagio Hotel in Las SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAM that had nothing but jewelry set with canary diamonds in their windows. It was just amazing.

[beekeeper]

I'm there with ya on the black diamonds ... good Lord why?!? I do like the chocolate ones though ... some of the pieces I've seen on JTV/QVC are very pretty. I don't own any yet ...

What I don't like are the irradiated diamonds at JTV (and QVC/HSN for that matter). They just don't look "great" to me.

[pebbles]

And they've got some kind of topaz that reflects different colors. I heard one host call it a Rio Topz. It looks like it has some kind of coating on it to me. Icky. It's probably a cheap white topaz that they chemically treated. Oooh, they're so hard to find. Yeah, right.

[Valentina]

I nearly bought an enormous golden topaz at an antique store. I couldn't justify it at the time, so I didn't buy it. I still wish I had. Golden topaz was my birthstone until they changed it to citrine. What's up with that?

[pebbles]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Valentina:
I nearly bought an enormous golden topaz at an antique store. I couldn't justify it at the time, so I didn't buy it. I still wish I had. Golden topaz was my birthstone until they changed it to citrine. What's up with that?
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1462510
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
A good imperial, madeira or golden topaz is very expensive. They probably came up with a close but more affordable gem so more people could buy their birthstone. They also say that you can substitute blue topaz for sapphires.
Was the stone you saw unset?

[beekeeper]

All topaz is heat treated, except white and on rare occasions, pink. I don't like all the mystic topaz colors ... even though it's not, I see it as a man made gem. There is a guy over at ShopNBC who does some special "diamond coating" on his mystic topaz ... and he charges HIGH prices for it ... I don't get it.

What we used to call golden topaz is in fact, Imperial topaz which is very expensive. It's all but mined out, so Citrine kind of took over because it's easy to get, inexpensive and somewhat comperable in color.

[Valentina]

No, it was set in white gold filigree. I shouldn't say it was enormous, I don't wear large pieces, it was enormous by my standards, which is probably still small by everyone else's. I much prefer the golden topaz to the citrine. Citrine looks cheap to me. So in my world, November is still a golden topaz, money be damned! Funny, even though I would have had no reason to do so, I wish I'd blown the month's rent on that ring.

[Linda Lou]

You are correct, pebbles. The citrine is a very inexpensive stone in the same quartz family as amethyst. Madeira citrine is a little more expensive, b/c of the deeper color.
It was indeed substituted as an alternative to Imperial Topaz, the traditional, as well as costly, birthstone for November. This is my birthstone as well, and honestly? I hate citrine. Just not a favorite color, and I own nothing it would go with.

I like to pretend my birthstone is sapphire or emerald. ;)

[Valentina]

See, I like the topaz, don't like the citrine, which my mother always refers to as "yellow quartz". Now I understand why she does.

[beekeeper]

Linda ... you crack me up (pretending about sapphires). That's a great idea! Mine is Pearl or alexandrite ... both are nice ... but being born in April really gives those more reason to buy Diamonds! I think I'll start pretending too! :-)

[pebbles]

My birthstone is peridot and I have some but I prefer emeralds, LOL. Not the same shade of green but oh, my! I also have a limon quartz. My eye always goes to green for some reason. I'd love to have a good sized tzavorite/green garnet but they are rare and expensive. It's not exactly blue but I once saw a deep blue green aquamarine that knocked my socks off. The jeweler wanted $6000. for it. No sale.

[Garnet333]

(Pebbles)

It's not exactly blue but I once saw a deep blue green aquamarine that knocked my socks off. The jeweler wanted $6000. for it. No sale.

(Garnet)

OMG the "good" aquamarine stones are absolutely gorgeous and the price tag for them are through the roof. These stones are NOTHING like the stones they hawk on these shopping channels. I don't own an aquamarine (my birthstone) because the stones I can afford are UGLY!!!!

[Linda Lou]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
beekeeper:
Linda ... you crack me up (pretending about sapphires). That's a great idea! Mine is Pearl or alexandrite ... both are nice ... but being born in April really gives those more reason to buy Diamonds! I think I'll start pretending too! :-)
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1462880
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

LOL, Bee! I'm with ya on April! Think that should be a new "official" birth month too! Only problem is, no one I know could afford to buy me my "birthstone". My Mother's born in June as well, and who can afford Alex, and she don't like pearls. Well, neither do I. It MUST sparkle, I say!

[beekeeper]

Well ... our friends and family can all chip in to get us ONE fabulous gift! :-)

I happen to like pearls and alexandrite, but you're right .. alex is just so out of range for most. I have a few strands of pearls ... and love them, but gosh darn it ... like you, I need some sparkle!

[Garnet333]

How much is my share of the chipping in ladies? LOL

[beekeeper]

Garnet, you can just donate a tanzanite or two! ;-)

[Linda Lou]

I'll take half of your Ceylon Sapphire please. You would still have a 1.5 ct. stone, Garnet, surely that's enough for any girl!

[beekeeper]

Certainly sounds fair to me! ;-)

[Linda Lou]

That's what I'm thinking Bee! LOL! I would love to get my hands on a spectacular Ceylon, but have to save for my trade-up 2 ct. diamond, first.

[beekeeper]

Actually, we'd better not mess with Garnet's wedding ring ... that's sacred. Let's just go for the loose stones ...

What cha got Garnet?!? ;-)

[Garnet333]

Oh you girls are really bad. I was trying to be nice and help you get some sparkly birthday gifts by making a donation and now I find out you guys want my Tanzies and my Ceylon LOL I will have to say no to both......... Sorry ladies :( Linda, do you realize what I had to do to get that Ceylon??? LOL

I do have some Pink Tourmaline that I have NO idea what I am going to do with. Let's see and I have a beautiful watermelon tourmaline that is lovely.

[beekeeper]

ooh ooh ... dibs on the pink tourmaline! :-)

[mystylady]

<elbows Bee out of the way>
No me! Pick me! LOL I LOVE LOVE Pink Tourmaline, my birthstone! I just never liked Opal. Maybe I've never actually seen a good one "in person". They put so much artificial lighting on the opals on JTV that you just can't trust that they'd look decent when you got it home. I did see an amazing looking Jelly Opal a little while ago that floored me, but the price? Faggeta bout it!

[Linda Lou]

*Linda Lou squashes Bee and MystyLady like bugs, to get 'em outta her way*

I'LL take that Pink Tourmaline, Garnet! Everything I own is pink, so I don't wanna hear about anyone's birthstone. I already have like 3 or 4 birthstones, so what's one more?

Okay, I'll pay, but not retail! How big we talkin'?

Oh, and no pun intended on the squash, Bee. Tee-Hee.

[beekeeper]

lol ... you ladies are HARSH! ;-) I give in ... you two fight over it! lol ...

[amber]

I'm with beekeeper again ! lol

[Valentina]

I was bored earlier so I spent an hour on Tiffany's website designing my stack. I have a band picked out for my next four milestones, whenever they may be.

[Garnet333]

Oh Val, I love going over to Tiffany's website and browse.

[beekeeper]

ooooh ... you can design on-line?!? I'll have to go check it out! I was in Tiffany's yesterday ... found a FABulous pearl necklace ... was scared to ask the price!

[Linda Lou]

Here's something kinda goofy I do, that I shouldn't even admit. When I get the flyers for jewelry stores, like Littmans, Gordons, ect., I pretend that I have money, and pick one item I like off each page, as if I was being given a choice. Since it's pretend, and I can get anything I want, what surprises me is that I don't always go for the biggest pieces, just sometimes, the funkiest.

I think I HAVE gone on record as needing a life, haven't I?

[Hellfire]

Awe, Linda, That's called the 'wish' book:)

It's an old fashioned game that parents used to have their kids do. Back during the Sears Roebuck Catalogs. The ones they used for outhouse paper. LOL!

I think it's cute.

Every week I wish I could win the lottery.......even when I don't play. I've spent a 100 million at least 30 times over again!

[mystylady]

I do the same thing!! I LOVE catalogues! My mailman hates me.

[hellokitty]

I have been thinking about engagement rings and using a pink sapphire as an engagement ring, but I have changed once again and I'm back to liking diamonds. This is because we actually went to a few stores and tried some one. Oh, the sparkle sparkle!!

I'm liking a round in a very simple setting, but I think I like the six prong setting vs. the four prong. The salesman said that it will hinder some of the diamond, but some people like it for the mental more security reason. That would be me.

So I was thinking a diamond and then a diamond and pink sapphire wedding band.

I love Tiffany jewelry, but I would be way too paranoid to wear that ring on a daily basis. I use public transportation a lot to get to work, so I am thinking I would be a wreck.

[pebbles]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
hellokitty:
I have been thinking about engagement rings and using a pink sapphire as an engagement ring, but I have changed once again and I'm back to liking diamonds. This is because we actually went to a few stores and tried some one. Oh, the sparkle sparkle!!

I'm liking a round in a very simple setting, but I think I like the six prong setting vs. the four prong. The salesman said that it will hinder some of the diamond, but some people like it for the mental more security reason. That would be me.

So I was thinking a diamond and then a diamond and pink sapphire wedding band.

I love Tiffany jewelry, but I would be way too paranoid to wear that ring on a daily basis. I use public transportation a lot to get to work, so I am thinking I would be a wreck.
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1471361
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have a round 1.75 carat diamond set in 4 prongs in platinum. I have had it for, gulp, over 30 years without a problem. I get the prongs checked once a year and they have never had to be tightened. I would like a wedding band with larger diamonds. The one I have now has 3 small baquette diamonds set horizontally with diamond cutting in between each. I tried an eternity band but it wasn't comfortable.

[hellokitty]

That's good that you have yours checked each year. Should I ever get one, I am going to try to remember to do that. 1.75 carats! Wow! That is a REALLY nice size! :)

Some bands I saw were eternity bands, but for me, I don't understand that. No one will see the bottom of the band, and also, I am so hard on my jewelry, I would bang on that like crazy. I'd prefer one that has jewels half way. I seem to always go for the safe side when it comes to jewelry - esp expensive jewelry.

[pebbles]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
hellokitty:
That's good that you have yours checked each year. Should I ever get one, I am going to try to remember to do that. 1.75 carats! Wow! That is a REALLY nice size! :)

Some bands I saw were eternity bands, but for me, I don't understand that. No one will see the bottom of the band, and also, I am so hard on my jewelry, I would bang on that like crazy. I'd prefer one that has jewels half way. I seem to always go for the safe side when it comes to jewelry - esp expensive jewelry.
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1471386
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
For me, the diamonds on the sides of the eternity band rubbed and hurt my pinky and middle fingers. I hate jewelry that isn't comfortable and it is pointless to have stones all the way around. I would like a wedding band with nice sized round or marquis diamonds.

[mystylady]

The stones themselves (Diamond and Sapphire) are the most durable substances on earth! The only thing more durable than a Diamond (10 on the Moh's Hardness Scale) is a Sapphire, which is a 9. The thing you DO have to worry about is the prongs, which if you get in 14 K will last a lifetime... and you can get your prongs in 14K even if you have a platinum setting... which is softer than 14K. The higher the Karat weight of the Gold, the softer it is. In fact, most 14 K rings have 10 K prongs because 10 is stronger than 14! Gold is VERY weak as a rule, in relation to other metals. FYI!

It's a very smart idea to have your prongs checked Kitty! Would or COULD anything be worse than looking at your hand and seeing an"Empty Setting"???? Iy Yi Yi! Heart Failure!

OMG Is ANYONE watching JTV right now??? THEY ARE SHOWING WHITE DIAMOND SOLITAIRES! Dang! They're onto Blue now. Janine's top is kind of neat... she hardly ever looks "dressed up" but she looks very pretty tonight! Sorry if I'm "all over the place" LOL

[beekeeper]

Diamond days! WOOHOO! lol ... haven't been tempted by anything yet ... except the diamond bracelets that Angie and Jerry were showing on Saturday (I think it was Saturday). FREE SHIPPING ... if you can find something you like!

[Linda Lou]

Ah, Bee,
The problem is finding something that I DON'T like! I want it all!

[beekeeper]

lol ... yeah, that can be a problem!

I saw a green quartz ring last night, that was fanTAStic! It also had tsavorites and yellow sapphires ... BUT, it was set in 10k gold ... why ... WHY GOD WHY?!?

[Garnet333]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
beekeeper:
lol ... yeah, that can be a problem!

I saw a green quartz ring last night, that was fanTAStic! It also had tsavorites and yellow sapphires ... BUT, it was set in 10k gold ... why ... WHY GOD WHY?!?
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1472043
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

There should be a law against that sort of jewelry abuse........

[beekeeper]

Everybody ... WRITE YOUR CONGRESSMEN and WOMEN!!!! We really need this 10k abuse to stop! lol ...

[Garnet333]

Its so wrong to put anything in 10kt.........what is the purspose of that? And to put exotice gemstones in 10kt makes me want to just cry. Bee, when you saw that, did you cry??? LOL

[beekeeper]

Yes I did. I cried for at least 13 nano-seconds! ;-)

In general, they don't typically put larger good quality stones of any type (other than obvious garnet, topaz, citrine, peridot, etc) in 10k gold. Maybe clusters ... or tiny accent stones ... but you'll never see a quality 2 carat tanzie or spessartite in 10k gold. They act (JTV) like gold is gold, doesn't matter ... but it does ... IT DOES MATTER!

[Garnet333]

So does size..............LOL ;-0

[beekeeper]

lol ... you just HAD to go there! lol ... too funny!

[Garnet333]

What??? I was just talking about the size of the jewels..........

[beekeeper]

I just HAVE to get my mind out of the gutter! DAMN those hot sexy tattood men! ;-)

[Garnet333]

Bee, you are really starting to worry me :)

Speaking of diamonds, my aunt went on a cruise last month and bought the most gorgeous emerald cut diamond band ring.......gorgeous. She bought it in St. Thomas. I think its 1.7 cts. She took it to our jeweler and he told her she got a fantastic deal.

[beekeeper]

I've never been on a cruise .. maybe I need to go, just for the jewelry!

[Garnet333]

She said the jewelry is very nice. I have never been on a cruise either but its worth checking out just to see the jewels...

[Garnet333]

I suppose you could just fly down to St. Thomas and buy instead of going on a cruise. I know people who have been on cruises and they love it. Being stuck on a boat with thousands of people just doesnt appeal to me.

[beekeeper]

It really doesn't to me either. I mean, it would be nice to say "I've done it" ... but I'd much rather just fly down and buy jewelry! lol ...

[Garnet333]

I agree with you on that one Bee. Fly down, buy some jewelry, sit on a white sandy beach and drink from coconuts with little umbrellas sticking out of them. LOL good times. good times

[beekeeper]

... sigh ... it does sound nice! Sand, ocean, cocktail ... sigh ...

I really need a vacation! A year ago this week ... I was in Europe!

[pebbles]

IMO, a cruise is the best way to go. You only have to pack and unpack once. You get fabulous food and entertainment and great service. I prefer the really big Royal Carib ships because they are incredibly beautiful and you don't even feel the motion of the ship. I didn't care for St. Thomas. It's too commercial and tourist-y. My favorite trip so far has been the Mexican Riviera. There's wonderful jewelry shopping in Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan. You will see stores filled with nothing but tanzanites for example. The ships also have jewelry shops onboard. On the cruises I've taken, they give lectures about jewelry and have recommended stores so you will be sure of getting a fair deal. Try it. You won't be sorry.

[beekeeper]

I'm scared of getting sick!

[Garnet333]

Me too Bee. I get car sick, what am I gonna do on a big boat? YUCK

[pebbles]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
beekeeper:
I'm scared of getting sick!
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1472258
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
No gets motion sickness more easily than I do. I got deathly ill on a ferry boat once. But no kidding, you can't feel any motion on the big ships. It's like you're sitting in your living room -- only much better.

[beekeeper]

Maybe me and Garnet can keep busy shopping ... and avoid seeing the water, cuz I know that if I do ... I'll feel the rocking.

[pebbles]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
beekeeper:
Maybe me and Garnet can keep busy shopping ... and avoid seeing the water, cuz I know that if I do ... I'll feel the rocking.
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1472697
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you get an inside room you'll never see the water. There's so much going on on the ship that will keep you busy you won't believe it until you see it: A huge 3 level dining room, an enormous theater with live Broadway style entertainment, an ice rink, a shopping "mall", a SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAM SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAM, a spa, an art auction -- all without water views.

[beekeeper]

It really does sound like fun. I think I'd be fine if I stuck within the "center" of the ship!

[Garnet333]

It depends on the person. Some people get sick on a ship while others dont. Some people like to be on a boat, some people don't. Some people I know loved cruising while others I know didnt. I guess its all personal preference. Now point me to the nearest jewelry store and lets get down to business. LOL

[Linda Lou]

Okay, kids, I'm getting back on diamonds. Have to report what I seen today. A well to do customer came in the store that I work in. She knows of my jewelry obsession, and we always talk about her rings, including her FIVE carat marquis diamond.

Well, she just couldn't wait to show me her latest acquistion. A pink diamond! Wow! It was simply gorgeous. 2 cts, princess cut, set in platinum, with wht. diamond baguettes on shoulders of ring. She said she wanted it since J. Lo got hers. It may not sound that big, but for pink it is. I don't know when I've ever seen something so different.

[mystylady]

That sounds FABULOUS, Linda Lou! No matter how amazing it sounds I bet words don't do it justice! Wish I could've see it! I need new "dream fuel"!

[Garnet333]

Wow, a pink diamond. I bet it was gorgeous. I have seen a blue diamond and a canary diamond but never a pink diamond. Oh I bet it was to die for. I am not much into the colored diamonds but its sounds beautiful especially set in a white metal.

[Linda Lou]

LOL! Dream fuel, indeed.

Yep, girls, it truly was something to behold. I've seen blue and yellow diamonds too, Garnet, but never pink until today. They sure look nothing like I would've expected, like say, a pink CZ. It was a much softer shade of pink, but had all the sparkle and color dispersion of a white diamond. Must've cost her a pretty penny, but apparently, she can afford it.

[mystylady]

*Sigh* Imagine being able to just "afford" a Pink Diamond! I'm lucky if I can afford to live, lately! Times may be hard, but ya just keep on workin' & dreaming... as long as the "dream fuel" doesn't run out! Hopefully they never start charging by the gallon for it!

[Linda Lou]

I hear ya Mysty, believe me, I hear ya. I still try to find a way for my jewelry acquisitions, either by saving or using easy pay or whatever the option that they're offering. Gotta say, I sure wish JTV offered easy pay! I think I'd lose my mind!

[beekeeper]

Lindalou, ShopNBC offers flex pay on just about every item if it helps. In general, their prices are at least double of what QVC typically is, but the quality is there to warrant the difference.

If JTV had flex pays ... I'd be in serious trouble! I'd own 10 carat diamond bracelets, 8 carat tanzanite and diamond rings, alexandrite up the wahoo ... oivey!

[mystylady]

Ya never know with them... remember when they didn't even have an 800 number? I'm sure tons of folks let them know that they wanted one and they finally caved. It would be a smart business move for them, even if they went on the basis of Bee's wish list alone!
LOL Bee! I'll have two of everything you said!

[beekeeper]

Then maybe Misty will stop saying ... you can break your payment up between two cards ...

WHO DOES THIS!?!?

[mystylady]

I don't know, but if I could, I sure as heck would!
Misty isn't even a REAL name! LOL Take it from me...

[pebbles]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
mystylady:
I don't know, but if I could, I sure as heck would!
Misty isn't even a REAL name! LOL Take it from me...
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1475067
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Names like Misty and Destiny must be a burden unless you're in the ummm, entertainment world. Now I'm going to duck in case anyone here is really named that or has a relative with one of those names. JK ;-))

[mystylady]

Awww it's OK, you don't have to duck! NOBODY names their kids "normal" anymore! When was the last time you heard that someone named their kid Mary or John? Jane or Joseph? Now it's Anastasia or Rain or Stormy or *insert weather condition* and it's not just Hollywood, it's everywhere!
I'm sorry I just don't get it. I guess I'm from the "old school".
People, your children will never be able to buy one of those plastic license plates for the back of their bikes that have their names already printed on them!

[jewelfreak]

I am surprised that not more people like topaz! While it's a very inexpensive stone, they do such interesting things with it! I have an etched white topaz and tanzanite ring that I get more compliments on than my expensive diamond pieces. Same goes for my 6ct Peach Fire ring that I bought for $80 at Walmart - yes, I admit it! Walmart! My mom also a huge oval mystic in a simple white gold setting with a small diamond on either side which she gets stopped about everywhere she goes. The funny part is that she has the most amazing collection of really high end pieces that she never gets anywhere near as many compliments about as that ring.
Oh - of subject, but believe it or not, Walmart does on occasion get really nice pieces. I have seen a number of the exact same items they sell there for three times the price at department store jewelry counters - including my mom's mystic ring. You just have to look past the crap to find the few treasures. JTV, Walmart, the department stores, they all get their merchandise from a lot of the same suppliers

[jewelfreak]

My engagement ring sounds really piddly compared to all of yours! LOL!

The center stone is a .33ct marquis shape with two channel set diamonds on either side. It's in white gold with yellow gold bands on each shoulder. It's small to some people's standards, but I love it. And I think the shape creates the illusion that it is larger than a third carat.

I remember when my husband and I went shopping for it, I didn't even look at the actual engagement rings because I didn't think we could afford one. I was looking at the little $99 diamond accent rings! LOL

Then we came upon it on sale half off, for $500, but it came certified with a $1300 appraisal. But I thought we couldn't afford it, so I kinda pretended like I didn't care. When my soon-to-be husband said I could have it, I was shocked and so excited! It may be small, but they are high quality stones.
The only problem with it was that the gold bands on the side made it almost impossible to find a diamond wedding band to go with it that fit up against it properly. I finally did, and I love both rings, but they've never seemed quite right together.
I would never trade away my diamond, but I would love to get another, larger one for an anniversary or something in the future.
But truth be told, if I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't get a solitaire. I would get one of those rings with four or nine princess cut diamonds butted up against each other to look like a bigger diamond. I just love that look - not because they look like a big diamond - but because I actually like the checkerboard effect, and I think you get a lot more sparkle that way. Or I would get an antique engagement ring.

I'll just have to keep dreaming... Or get divorced so I can get engaged again to rich guy!

Just kidding!

[beekeeper]

Jewelfreak, your ring sounds beautiful, and I LOVE that you cherish it ... that's what it's about, not size! Who cares if it's not huge ... we all know that isn't what matters! Maybe one day when you do get the bigger ring, you can wear it on the right hand ... and keep your wedding rings on your left hand?!?

I'm finding myself becoming more and more interested in the marquise shape stones ... you don't see them very often, and you're right ... they do look larger than the same size in a round or other cut!

I also have a girfriend who has a ring like the one you described (small princess cut stones all invisibly set to look like a bigger diamond) ... very pretty, it's like a mosaic of diamonds! How can that be bad?!? lol ...

As far as topaz, I do like the blues and white stones ... but the newer mystics ... just don't appeal to me. I know that most topaz is color enhanced, but for some reason ... in my head, the mystic stones are man made and less desireable. That's just me ... no offense to anybody that loves them!

Jewelfreak ... have you seen the mystic topaz's over on ShopNBC? Chuck Clemancy does some really beautiful and different designs with them!

[jewelfreak]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
beekeeper:
Jewelfreak, your ring sounds beautiful, and I LOVE that you cherish it ... that's what it's about, not size! Who cares if it's not huge ... we all know that isn't what matters! Maybe one day when you do get the bigger ring, you can wear it on the right hand ... and keep your wedding rings on your left hand?!?

I'm finding myself becoming more and more interested in the marquise shape stones ... you don't see them very often, and you're right ... they do look larger than the same size in a round or other cut!

I also have a girfriend who has a ring like the one you described (small princess cut stones all invisibly set to look like a bigger diamond) ... very pretty, it's like a mosaic of diamonds! How can that be bad?!? lol ...

As far as topaz, I do like the blues and white stones ... but the newer mystics ... just don't appeal to me. I know that most topaz is color enhanced, but for some reason ... in my head, the mystic stones are man made and less desireable. That's just me ... no offense to anybody that loves them!

Jewelfreak ... have you seen the mystic topaz's over on ShopNBC? Chuck Clemancy does some really beautiful and different designs with them!
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1479841
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

I never watch snbc, do thay have a web site? I'll have to check it out, cuz I've inadvertently become somewhat of a topaz collector. Are his expensive? When I have flipped past the channel, everything seems overpriced. I just can't see spending more than $150 on a topaz piece.
Thanks for the info bee!!!

[pebbles]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
jewelfreak:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
beekeeper:
Jewelfreak, your ring sounds beautiful, and I LOVE that you cherish it ... that's what it's about, not size! Who cares if it's not huge ... we all know that isn't what matters! Maybe one day when you do get the bigger ring, you can wear it on the right hand ... and keep your wedding rings on your left hand?!?

I'm finding myself becoming more and more interested in the marquise shape stones ... you don't see them very often, and you're right ... they do look larger than the same size in a round or other cut!

I also have a girfriend who has a ring like the one you described (small princess cut stones all invisibly set to look like a bigger diamond) ... very pretty, it's like a mosaic of diamonds! How can that be bad?!? lol ...

As far as topaz, I do like the blues and white stones ... but the newer mystics ... just don't appeal to me. I know that most topaz is color enhanced, but for some reason ... in my head, the mystic stones are man made and less desireable. That's just me ... no offense to anybody that loves them!

Jewelfreak ... have you seen the mystic topaz's over on ShopNBC? Chuck Clemancy does some really beautiful and different designs with them!
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1479841
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

I never watch snbc, do thay have a web site? I'll have to check it out, cuz I've inadvertently become somewhat of a topaz collector. Are his expensive? When I have flipped past the channel, everything seems overpriced. I just can't see spending more than $150 on a topaz piece.
Thanks for the info bee!!!
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1480406
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I wouldn't buy a mystic topaz. They actually put a film on them. Heating is marginally acceptable, but no film on my gems, please.

[mystylady]

beekeeper:
Jewelfreak, your ring sounds beautiful, and I LOVE that you cherish it ... that's what it's about, not size! Who cares if it's not huge ... we all know that isn't what matters! Maybe one day when you do get the bigger ring, you can wear it on the right hand ... and keep your wedding rings on your left hand?!?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
As far as topaz, I do like the blues and white stones ... but the newer mystics ... just don't appeal to me. I know that most topaz is color enhanced, but for some reason ... in my head, the mystic stones are man made and less desireable. That's just me ... no offense to anybody that loves them!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I wouldn't buy a mystic topaz. They actually put a film on them. Heating is marginally acceptable, but no film on my gems, please.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bee, You're so right! It's not the size that matters! When you love someone, and they give you a ring, it's breathtaking no matter what!

You know, I have a platinum-mystic Topaz and if you look at it just right, you can see that the "film" has been scratched off in spots. Ewww. Not good. I just don't like them either because of the film. It's weird because I know that they're not "man-made" yet I think of them that way too.

[beekeeper]

Jewelfreak ... here is the ShopNBC web site:

SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMwww.shopnbc.com/default.aspx?CIID=11235

Their prices are a bit higher than those at JTV, but the styles are fantastic ... no cookie cutter pieces!

[kittyinthecity]

On the ring I bought today from JTV, it was 1 tcw but it was a lot of baguettes and rounds. They didn't list the color or clarity. Just white and untreated. This was my first purchase from them, so is this how they usually list their diamonds? Or maybe its just because the stones are smaller? I'm really excited to see it. Does their shipping take as long as QVC?

[jewelfreak]

They don't list the color or clarity, except once in a while for a very high end piece, and ones that come with an appraisal. I'll tell you this, I have never been dissapointed in the quality of the diamonds in any of the pieces, or the look, just the fact that they can't seem to keep the stones in the damn mountings! I have found the diamonds in the JTV pieces are as good, and sometimes far superior to the stones in jewelry store items. I remember almost buying a 2ct diamomd ring at Kauffmann's until I walked it over under the light and saw the diamonds were cloudy and very yellow. I saw the same thing at Sear's and some others too. The other thing I will say for JTV's diamonds is that when you get a piece with baguettes, the they are set nice and tightly together, unlike other places where they are hapahazard or in some cases deliberately set with spaces in between them to get more coverage with less carat weight. So as long as you get a piece where the prongs are set properly, I think you will be very pleased with your ring.

[jewelfreak]

Oh yeah, as far as shipping. With standard shipping, I have gotten pieces as quickly as three days but they have taken no longer then ten. It kinda depends on what day of the week you order, and also, if the item is located at the main compund or the off site warehouse. One of the customer service reps told me that they usually only travel the the off site warehouse every other day, and that mostly specialty items are kept there, like jewelry boxes and the items that come with your mixed faceted parcels like books, loupes, trays, etc. Though I have heard that they have or will soon be eliminating the off site warehouse and keeping everything togethe, but that may not happen until they build the new compound.
I highly recommmend paying the extra 10 bones for the overnight shipping if you can swing it. The items come in a day, no more than two. So if waiting kills you like it does me, go with the overnight shipping. It is well worth it. I justify it by telling myself that I didn't have to pay sales tax like I would in a retail store.

[kittyinthecity]

Jewel,
Thanks for all your tips! I will pay attention to the prong settings. I just couldn't believe the price on that ring. I can't wait to see it!

[mystylady]

Kitty I love your avatar!

JTV's usually super fast with their shipping, in my experiences.
I love seeing that grey envelope in the mailbox!

[kittyinthecity]

Thanks Mysty!

I made my first JTV purchase yesterday, with a little nudge from Bee. I'm still reeling over the $249.99 price on a 1 tcw diamond ring. That's diamonique prices!

[mystylady]

Score!!! That's how much my Tanzie was!
What a BARGAIN!
Maybe you should take that ring directly to the Jewelry store and have all the prongs tightened, just as a safety net??? If you like it, that is... Would be a sad sight to look down and see a hole where a diamond once was :`~
Can't wait to hear how you like it!!!!

Is that your own personal kitty? What IS that on his/her head??? LOL a Melon? Too funny! My cats probably would never let me try it, no matter HOW cute it looked!

[kittyinthecity]

Mysty,
lol! No she's not my kitty. I have 5, but I don't think they would let me stick a fruit peel on their head either! I saw the picture on an avatar site and just couldn't stop laughing! Who would think of that! I thought it was a lime, but it does look too big to be a lime or else the kitty just has a tiny little head! Some people call her melonhead.

I like your doggy, too!!

I think I will take the ring in to have the prongs checked! Thanks!

[francesca]

Limehead Kitty! He's one of my favorite emails. :' )

A very sweet cat that fell in with a bad crowd and got mixed up in a rowdy margarita party!!! =^..^=

[kittyinthecity]

Ha! Ha! Kind of sounds like me!

[mystylady]

Laughing Out Loud

That picture kills me! It's like he's saying "I can't BELIEVE this is happening to me"!!!! Why would anyone do this?


I have 3 myself... I did have 4 but *sniff* well you know.... he WAS 17... a nice long-lengthed life, catwise. His name was Genesis, or more formally...
OK his name doesn't look "right" when I just write it because when you say Genesis there's the "isis" but not in his Proper name, so I'll do it this way:
GEN-iss-SWIZ-zzle-sticks
or Genny, or Gen (pronounced Jen) or Swizz, or Swizzles, Swizzlesticks, almost never just Genesis. I have a picture of him asleep on top of an open 50 gem jar tray of Assorted Blue Topaz's and Aquamarine! Gem Gen! *snifffffff*
My other 3 are Katie, Squeek and Q.T. (cutie) which stands for Q-Tip because she's a long haired all white (and deaf) kitty. I almost never call any of them by their names tho. I call them all "Mamma" or Mom" They think it's their "other name!" All except Q.T. who you have to call by pounding on the floor so she can feel it. To stick with the topic, Q.T.'s collar is really a black leather bracelet that I found that's set with diamond-like CZ's! lol

[jewelfreak]

I have three kitties, too! My oldest is Lucifer, all black,and he is the laziest SOB you've ever seen. We call him "the lump" or "the seventh pillow on the couch". But we love him to death! My other two are Plinko - a spazzmatic we call mini-cat or pee wee-cat. The last is Bones. He is Plinko and Lucifer's son, and very shy, likely due to an unfortunate pit bull encounter as a kitten - long story. Oh yeah - I'm also pretty sure he is gay - yet another long story.
They all have matching spiked collars. Lucifer's is black, Plinko's red, and Bones' is brown.
My best friend had a cat mamed Susseudio (sp?) after the song. Your Genesis reminded me of that.

[jewelfreak]

Oh yeah, I forgot the point of my last post. One day, my husband walked over to me with a large, closed coffee can while I was on the phone. He told me to open it, but I just waved him away, like "duh! I'm on the phone!". So he opened it instead. Out popped Lucifer, when his fatty-fat-fat butt was still small enough to fit in a coffee can!!! I laughed my butt off! The sad part was that the cat let himself be stuffed in a coffee can!!! Lucifer also used to like to ride around in the hood of my hubby's sweatshirt, too. The best thing about that cat is he will let you do anything to him. He is too lazy to get up and walk (or run) away from the humiliation. One warning - DO NOT tie a large bow to your cat's tail. I will not tell you why. So you can either find out for yourselves ar wonder forever. I will say though, it is simultaneously frieghtening and hilareous!!

[mystylady]

OH NO! Not the large bow tied to your cat's tail!!! It was HORRIBLE!
He pooped (literally, right there and then) he was so scared and I felt so guilty and SO BAD that he freaked out the way he did! Needless to say I tiptoed around his emotions for a LONG TIME after that! As the Unheard Voice Of The Kittys Of The World... I speak for Jewel and myself and for all Kittycats everywhere when I say...
Do NOT try this at home! Or Anywhere Else. Thank You.

Lucifer sounds like an Angel! And not the fallen kind! LOL just fat 'n lazy, like my Squeek. We've gotta start a "cats" thread here, big time! Jewel... how bout it?

[jewelfreak]

Lucifer sounds like an Angel! And not the fallen kind! LOL just fat 'n lazy, like my Squeek. We've gotta start a "cats" thread here, big time! Jewel... how bout it?
-----------------------------------------------------------
I'm all about the kitty thread Mysty! Or how about a pet thread in general? I think we all enjoyed hearing about Green Death!
So, did you try the bow on the cats tail after my post, or did this happen before? Lucifer didn't poop himself, but he did run around growling and hissing -from himself- so violently that I thought he was gonna hurt himself! And he was running so fast I couldn't even catch him to take it off! Finally, I just had to leave him alone, and it eventually fell off. If I had known how bad his reaction would be, I would have nevr have done it, I thought he was jsut gonna drop to the floor with his ears down like he usually does when you mess with him - I was wrong! While horrifying at the time, it is really funny after it's over!!!
I agree wholeheartedly with Mysty's words of wisdom...

As the Unheard Voice Of The Kittys Of The World... I speak for Jewel and myself and for all Kittycats everywhere when I say...
Do NOT try this at home! Or Anywhere Else. Thank You.

[jewelfreak]

PS Putting a claw clip (you know, the kind you use to hold you hair up in a french twist) on your cat's tail has pretty much the same effect as the bow. Just a friendly warning...

[biff725]

Let's see 3ct or 4ct tiffany, hum which one ?

[tuczontanz]

3ct or 4ct tiffany on a cat's tail? This is a strange thread. LOL

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: biff725;1887331 (Post Number)

Let's see 3ct or 4ct tiffany, hum which one ?

************************************************** *********