Engagement Ring Shopping

That is kind of a "let us see how it plays out" thing right now. We are a year away from marriage and I do not like to put the cart before the horse. Neither of us will have to give up our career unless we have an obscene amount of kids. His mother lives close by and we can hire a nanny.

One of my good friends just had kids recently and she is already back in the Mudhen. Very doable so I am not worried.

 

Again, best wishes to you and yours.

 

Thank you. We are excited, except for having to choose where to get married. We both came up with lists of our top ten choices and only had two in common...

 

I will suggest you look at orthodox churches. Architecturally there is nothing to be desired. Financially, fewer are less funded. Brilliant for nothing...

Frankly I like the service. They bind your hand throughout because they view you bound. I dare you to find fault with the orthodox... and their domed churches are much prettier than the cathedrals.

Greek Orthodox cannot be beat. Just a hint. Same God.

Look at orthodox churches in your area. You will not be disappointed.

 

Church? Neither of us believe in that.

 

Ok...well my husband bought my ring from a pawn shop. He traded in his exwife's wedding ring and added a little cash.

We were desparate for anything to put on my finger...the wedding was coming up and it was a spontaneous thing.

 

All this talk brings back some fond memories...
....

 

on a boat?!

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7yfISlGLNU"]‪I'm On A Boat (ft. T-Pain) - Album Version‬‏ - YouTube[/ame]

 

I cannot watch videos right now, but I am familiar with the song. Nope. Not on a bo-at. French Polynesia:

 

We will expect pictures from your shindig.

 

We? I will send you some, but I know better than to post them here. And to hell if I agree to those stupid staged pictures. We will have our own cameras.

 

Why have a ring at all? Why not try a down payment on a house instead of a useless trinket?

 

Bora Bora is one of the sweetest places on earth.

 

Probably because we already have a house. Do not try to give me any sort of financial advice because I do not need any.

 

So... you are getting married without the mention of God, by a person not affiliated? Ship captain perhaps?

 

Can't say as I blame you there.

 

My best friend married in Saint Lucia. It was all very strange, she then came home and held a wedding reception here. I don't know what the point was of going away to do the actual deed and then ...having the reception here anyway. I had to dress as a bridesmaid just to go to the thing here. Mad.

You'll be more sensible, I expect. Are you having a do?

 

I'm guessing you're not married...
even as a single man, I understand that jewelry is very important to many women...
in particular engagement rings. Although I don't view Up on the Governor as the materialist sort of gal.

 

I do not think we are being very sensible about this, but he is enthused about the plans. I pushed to get married in Hawaii if we were going to do an island thing. At least more of our friends could come. We did look at Saint Lucia. All of the islands start to look the same...

We are not going to have a reception or anything like that when we get back. I am trying to keep this as small as possible.

 

The only jewelry I have ever worn has been a watch. One type or another. I accepted to wear a ring just so when I am TDY and flirting with the locals, I am reminded I have a ball and chain at home.

Kidding. My ring is just a gold band. Simple, but still screams "taken."

 

Maybe a naked local or Malaysian fisherman. In all seriousness, there are non-affiliated people that can provide a ceremony. Our marriage has to go through a US embassy anyways.

 

First, I don't care what Bender says, Congratulations as well as Best Wishes.

If you want the best bang for your buck you should go to New York's Diamond District.

Now, a few things to consider when looking for a ring.

Do you want yellow gold, pink gold, white gold or platinum. Platinum is the most expensive and if you are getting gold, 18K is the best choice.

Now, what cut do you want?

Certain cuts make the diamond seem to be bigger while others make it seem to come alive.

Don't forget the five Cs. Cut, Color, Clarity, Carats and Certificate.

As I stated above, the cut can make the diamond appear quite different. You want as clear a diamond as possible even if you have to go a bit smaller in size. You don't want a milky appearance of internal occlusions which will lessen the stone's brillance. One carat or above is really nice but not necessary, especially if the center stone is to be surrounded by smaller stones, set pave'. You want to be sure to get a certificate stating the stones clarity, carat weight and color and done by a recognized gemnological society.

The last thing to consider is the setting. If you are going for a prong setting, insist on a six, not a four prong setting. A prong setting makes the stone stand higher but remember, the higher the stone, the greater the chance it will constantly be getting snagged on things.

A bezel setting is the safest. The stone is actually set into the ring. It doesn't stand as high as in a prong setting but the stone is more secure and less apt to snag on things.

Whatever you choose, all the best to you and your intended.

 

So you plan on wearing 2 bands? Or are you not doing the wedding band thing?

 

Part of the USAF dress code is that Airman can only wear a total of no more than 3 rings.
Wedding sets count as one ring when worn as a set.

I'm not sure why Gov. elected to go with just a band, diamond engagement rings aren't forbidden.
Personal preference I suppose.