Lost my engagement ring

[TnTWalter]

with all my real diamonds. They look great. I do have to clean them more to keep them 'sparkly'...

tried to post some rings i liked, didn't work. just go to www.qvc.com
click on the jewelry tab and then on the left select diamonique. The most affordable is ephinany which is a platinum overlay over sterling. You can get most for <$100...closer to $45 for most. The gold ones hover right around $100. They have white or yellow gold.

I would stick to center stone <2 carats...closer to 1 for realism.
Good luck!

Trish

 

[MousekeMommy]

First of all, I am so sorry about your ring . . . sentimental value just can't be replaced.

For those of you who have lost stones out of your rings, I would definitely suggest that you look over your warranty, or go speak to your jeweler to see if there is a guarantee on their diamonds. After all, that stone, regardless of the size or the wear and tear you put on it, should NOT by any means fall out. If it does fall out tampering, then it's their master jewelers fault and they should have to replace it. If you are operating out of a jeweler without a diamond guarantee, you might consider purchasing from one who does offer it.

I can't entirely agree . . . My husband has owned and operated a jewelry store for 20+ years (he's a graduate gemologist). Anyone who has a prong set stone should be aware that those skinny prongs and tips do get worn down over time--gold (and even platinum) are relatively soft metals, and "wear and tear" can eventually lead to a stone becoming loose and falling out. That is why jewelers recommend that you get your rings cleaned and have the prongs and tips checked regularly (usual recommendation is at least annually). The jeweler that you purchase the ring from will do this free of charge. I have never heard of a jeweler being responsible for a stone falling out after 2 and a half years of wear. If the tips/prongs do break within a short amount of time (and no trauma like smashing the ring in a car door or getting the prongs caught in a zipper), then that would be the faulty workmanship of the goldsmith, not the master jeweler.
In any case, most lost stones/rings are paid for by homeowners insurance claims. With a most policies, rings only need to be separately insured if they are appraised by a graduate gemologist for more than whatever the stated amount in your policy is.
I hope that your ring turns up, or that you find a replacement (real, fake, whatever you choose) that you are just as happy with!

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I am sorry you lost your ring, but just remember some people still have the ring, but lost the love, so you're DEFINITELY better off!

I would get a great setting - platinum or gold and just get either a smaller diamond or if you want larger - a moissanite or lab created diamond. (They're not the same, BTW - moissanite is manufactured from a natural stone and lab created diamonds are created when a tiny speck of a real diamond is treated with some type of solution and put under pressure and grows like a snowball.) I have real diamond earrings and CZ's and *no one* can tell which is which. CZ's *do* scratch eventually so they lose some of their *fire* so I would go with moissanite or a created diamond because they are more resilient.

I am posting my own question about engagement rings elsewhere on the BB because I don't want to hijack your thread, but if anyone gets a chance . . . please visit!

 

[brandylouwho]

I am so sorry to hear about your ring...it is tough, the sentimental loss can be far worse than the monetary cost.

I often think of that when I get offers to "upgrade" (turn in the existing diamond for money off a bigger one) and I just can't do it...this is the ring he gave me first, this is the one that was blessed and he put on my finger at our wedding!!! But in the end it is only an object...the realtionship is what matters most.

I just wanted to mention that if you do buy a new ring through a jewelry store you usually can purchase a warranty (or negotiate to have them throw it in after you have negotiated the price you are willing to pay). I don't usually buy them on my cheaper rings...but I do have on one my engagement ring. As long as I get it cleaned & inspected every 6 months, they will replace the stone if it ever falls out.

I sort of thought it was a waste/a scam...until it happened to a friend of mine (after only having her new ring about 2 months) and they replaced it without any hassle. Now I am a believer in the warranty. And they send me reminder cards every 6 months so that I don't forget about the darn inspections.

 

[BoulderBound]

First of all, I am so sorry about your ring . . . sentimental value just can't be replaced.



I can't entirely agree . . . My husband has owned and operated a jewelry store for 20+ years (he's a graduate gemologist). Anyone who has a prong set stone should be aware that those skinny prongs and tips do get worn down over time--gold (and even platinum) are relatively soft metals, and "wear and tear" can eventually lead to a stone becoming loose and falling out. That is why jewelers recommend that you get your rings cleaned and have the prongs and tips checked regularly (usual recommendation is at least annually). The jeweler that you purchase the ring from will do this free of charge. I have never heard of a jeweler being responsible for a stone falling out after 2 and a half years of wear. If the tips/prongs do break within a short amount of time (and no trauma like smashing the ring in a car door or getting the prongs caught in a zipper), then that would be the faulty workmanship of the goldsmith, not the master jeweler.
In any case, most lost stones/rings are paid for by homeowners insurance claims. With a most policies, rings only need to be separately insured if they are appraised by a graduate gemologist for more than whatever the stated amount in your policy is.
I hope that your ring turns up, or that you find a replacement (real, fake, whatever you choose) that you are just as happy with!

On the contrary, most commercial high end retailers offer a lifetime diamond guarantee. The stipulation with these guarantees is that you must bring your ring in to get it cleaned and inspected every year as to not void the warranty. Goldsmith or master jewler (we send ours to one jewelers who specializes in each of these categories), if the prongs aren't set correctly then the stone is liable to fall out. Most diamonds .5 carats and above are now set with platinum tipped prongs as platinum is more durable. Although everyday wear and tear can make the stone loose, there's no reason for the loss of such a sizeable investment. If such a thing were to happen, it's important to have a lifetime guarantee on your diamond, which is offered free of charge by most high end retailers, so that you are not left in the hole upon discovery of your lost gem. Moral: Get your rings checked for loose stones and make sure that even though some retailers don't believe that they are responsible for lost stones . . . be sure to go to the jeweler that DOES believe they are responsible. Personally, I wouldn't spend 10,000 dollars on stone that I thought was only going to last a decade of wear and tear. I want something that's going to last a lifetime, or be backed up for a lifetime.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Diamonique, QVC, will replace a stone if/when the CZ scratches.

I had a trinket piece for years and when it scratched they replaced the entire thing with a new ring.

 

[bumbershoot]

I have a question for those of you that have one or know a little something about diamond simulant stones. After doing some reading, it seems everyone claims that what they sell is the only one that "really looks like a real diamond". For those of you with moissanite, are you pretty confident that it looks like a diamond? If I wanted say, .75 ct. princess cut, do you think it would pass okay?.

I think the main thing that makes a fake stand out is the size and perfection of the stone. If it's big enough to really see without using a loupe, the observer is going to notice that it's perfect, and that just doesn't happen without having a Trump-size wallet.

*********
OP...I'm so sorry you lost your ring. You've looked into the shower drain traps to make sure it's not stuck at a bend in the pipe? All over your car? Under your bed? In your kids' backpacks?

Assuming you have homeowner's/renter's insurance, they will likely cover *something*. I think our renter's covers $500 of each piece of jewelry, HOWEVER I'm just now thinking, it doesn't cover the unscheduled jewelry for simple loss, it would be for robbery. Hmm. Eh, check with them anyway.

And if you DO replace it, please oh please get it insured? I have a policy on my ring that costs MAYBE the equivalent of $4/month, and the value rises with inflation...they would replace what I have (though the jeweler has retired so who knows who I'd take it to), the specs of the diamond and weight of the metal... It's barely any money to put a "rider" on the ring (as state farm called it) or get it "scheduled" (as allstate calls it), and while it doesn't replace the *sentiment* of that first ring, it makes it easier to get something (newly sentimental) back on your finger.


Good luck, I really hope you find it by surprise! Tonight go around the house, bathrooms, kitchen, and cars with a flashlight, just to see if anything glints.

 

[PeachesDoesHair]

Dh got his hours cut in half when we first got married and we had to return my wedding set.

Dh got me a ring from QVC and it's beautiful. No one has been able to tell it's not real. I think we spent $130. I would highly suggest looking there.

 

[tink2dw]

I never really cared for Diamonds they aren't Colorful like emeralds, rubies, sapphires, jade or Aquamarines. And whats with white gold? Why not just go for silver or platinum?

I have 2 diseases that make my hands swell, so I quite often I don't wear my rings. Which is Aquamarine and yellow gold. It is a beatiful!!!

 

[lowie]

i wouldn't waste money on a 'better' fake. i'd try to stick with real gold set with cz's if you really want a ring right away.

an old superstition for finding lost items is to turn over a glass. take any drinking glass and turn it on its lip. when you get sick of looking at it and turn it back over, you'll find your ring.

when all else fails, just go elope and get a wedding band! (one that fits)

 

[i3utterfli82]

Look on QVC and QVC.com!! Seriously, my friend at work buys her jewelry from there and it all looks real to me (even next to my real diamond ring). I have looked myself and am thinking of buying a few pieces. Most are real white and yellow gold, so atleast it is not going to tarnish like other metals. I have bought other stuff on there, makeup and hair products, and have never had a problem. You can always send it back within 30 days for a full refund if you don't like it.

For something "not too big" Look at this one:

Item Number J26979

http://www.qvc.com

 

[MousekeMommy]

Diamonds come in colors (both naturally and synthetically) I have some beautiful canary yellow, pink, and blue diamonds.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

I also learned the hard way that it is JUST A THING. That is why I went to CZ jewlery. No worries. I would however suggest you get one that resembles you original and be sure that the setting is quality. Often Cz's are set in a junky setting ...go to a spot and buy one that is set in an engagement ring setting. Then Never worry about it again. I know someone said overstock.com but the quality is not great. Do not throw good money after bad. Shop NBC has had some very nice quality but I do not know if they still have as much. IF you had prongs and they are white gold then go for white gold prongs....nothing says fake like yellow gold prongs on a yellow gold ring.

 

[Dreamdisney]

To the person who said it's the jeweler's fault if you lose a stone.... I have been a jewelry store manager for 20+ years and it is usually the customer's fault. People think that if they pay $500+ for a ring, it should remain perfect for years. Rings that are worn daily need inspection once a year for worn prongs, bent prongs, and prong tips that are broken off. It amazes me that people have work done on their car, but ignore the item they wear everyday through thick and thin. You should have your rings cleaned and inspected by a jeweler once a year, twice if you are "hard" on them. One good bang of your hand can bend a prong, and you won't even know it. Jewelers get a bad rap because people are neglecting their own jewelry. BTW, I couldn't go without a ring, just a part of me... and, it's all priorities as to what you spend. Any item over $2500 should be scheduled separately on your home owner's insurance. This will cover any loss or damage. You insure your car, you should insure your ring. Just my 2 cents but people have unreal expectations as to how long a setting worn daily will last.... drives me crazy.

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

have you checked allover your house? has it been cold there? did you wear gloves? have you checked INSIDE all of your gloves?

and the laundry? maybe it came odd when you were getting undressed. The washing machine?

I'm so sorry you lost your ring. I hope you find it.

 

[MousekeMommy]

On the contrary, most commercial high end retailers offer a lifetime diamond guarantee. The stipulation with these guarantees is that you must bring your ring in to get it cleaned and inspected every year as to not void the warranty. . . it's important to have a lifetime guarantee on your diamond, which is offered free of charge by most high end retailers, so that you are not left in the hole upon discovery of your lost gem. Moral: Get your rings checked for loose stones and make sure that even though some retailers don't believe that they are responsible for lost stones . . . be sure to go to the jeweler that DOES believe they are responsible.

This diamond "guarantee" that you are referring to is NOT an admission of belief in responsibility for all lost stones, nor is it a statement reflecting a jeweler's belief in the invincible quality of a ring's craftsmanship--on the contrary, it is an insurance policy. YOU ARE THE ONE RESPONSIBLE for having the ring checked for wear and tear--otherwise--you are right--it voids your contract. (There are sometimes other stipulations to these policies that make the customer responsible, such as getting your ring stuck in a meat grinder . . . ) I'm familiar with these programs--they are known in the industry as a form of "jewelry insurance" (even though they come with the slick, customer-appealing title of "guarantee" or "warranty"), and the policies are offered to the jewelers to pass on to their customers through the same institutions that offer jewelers insurance for theft, fraud, etc. for their stores. Some jewelers offer the guarantees for a price to the customer (like the extended guarantees for refrigerators, cars, tvs, etc.), or the jeweler may present it as a "free service"--especially when making a large sale--and the cost is figured into the initial price of the stone. (A little tip from the industry--nothing--especially in the jewelry industry--is ever "free". High-end retailers do not become high-end by giving the customer something for nothing.) Not that the outright or even the "hidden" cost of the guarantee isn't a better deal than getting a rider through your home insurance policy--it may be, depending on what kind of insurance you have, what your deductible is, etc. You'll have to investigate that for your own situation . . . But however you choose to purchase insurance, either through the jeweler or through a rider on your home insurance, I agree that it is always a good idea to get covered by insurance for any amount of money ($400 or $10,000) that you can not afford to take a risk on losing.
Oh, another helpful tip from the industry if you do decide to get another diamond--make sure that your stone/ring has been appraised by a Graduate Gemologist (a GG)--most high end jewelry stores have at least one--with credentials from a recognized institution such as the American Gemological Society (AGS), or that the stone has certificates from these recognized institutions. Otherwise, your stone has not been appraised by an "expert", and the appraisal may not be accepted by the insurance company. Certified GGs have proven their ability to grade and appraise stones and jewelry within a rigid set of industry guidelines. Terms such as master jeweler are generic and do not reflect any set amount of education or experience. Some mall jewelers use the term master jeweler to refer to employees who have been trained to use a diamond tester, memorize the 4 c's chart, and install watch batteries. Even the jewelry home parties use the term to refer to their consultants.
With all the "words to the wise" that you have been given by everyone (and I apologize if I got a little carried away with sharing things that I have learned from the inside), I really hope that your ring turns up, or that you are able to find another piece of jewelry that makes you happy and is a symbol of the beauty of your love!!!

 

[BoulderBound]

This diamond "guarantee" that you are referring to is NOT an admission of belief in responsibility for all lost stones, nor is it a statement reflecting a jeweler's belief in the invincible quality of a ring's craftsmanship--on the contrary, it is an insurance policy. YOU ARE THE ONE RESPONSIBLE for having the ring checked for wear and tear--otherwise--you are right--it voids your contract. (There are sometimes other stipulations to these policies that make the customer responsible, such as getting your ring stuck in a meat grinder . . . ) I'm familiar with these programs--they are known in the industry as a form of "jewelry insurance" (even though they come with the slick, customer-appealing title of "guarantee" or "warranty"), and the policies are offered to the jewelers to pass on to their customers through the same institutions that offer jewelers insurance for theft, fraud, etc. for their stores. Some jewelers offer the guarantees for a price to the customer (like the extended guarantees for refrigerators, cars, tvs, etc.), or the jeweler may present it as a "free service"--especially when making a large sale--and the cost is figured into the initial price of the stone. (A little tip from the industry--nothing--especially in the jewelry industry--is ever "free". High-end retailers do not become high-end by giving the customer something for nothing.) Not that the outright or even the "hidden" cost of the guarantee isn't a better deal than getting a rider through your home insurance policy--it may be, depending on what kind of insurance you have, what your deductible is, etc. You'll have to investigate that for your own situation . . . But however you choose to purchase insurance, either through the jeweler or through a rider on your home insurance, I agree that it is always a good idea to get covered by insurance for any amount of money ($400 or $10,000) that you can not afford to take a risk on losing.
Oh, another helpful tip from the industry if you do decide to get another diamond--make sure that your stone/ring has been appraised by a Graduate Gemologist (a GG)--most high end jewelry stores have at least one--with credentials from a recognized institution such as the American Gemological Society (AGS), or that the stone has certificates from these recognized institutions. Otherwise, your stone has not been appraised by an "expert", and the appraisal may not be accepted by the insurance company. Certified GGs have proven their ability to grade and appraise stones and jewelry within a rigid set of industry guidelines. Terms such as master jeweler are generic and do not reflect any set amount of education or experience. Some mall jewelers use the term master jeweler to refer to employees who have been trained to use a diamond tester, memorize the 4 c's chart, and install watch batteries. Even the jewelry home parties use the term to refer to their consultants.
With all the "words to the wise" that you have been given by everyone (and I apologize if I got a little carried away with sharing things that I have learned from the inside), I really hope that your ring turns up, or that you are able to find another piece of jewelry that makes you happy and is a symbol of the beauty of your love!!!

Ah, my apologies for not knowing a thrift store jeweler's "inside secrets", but in the actual industry lifetime guarantees are what they say. They are LIFETIME GUARANTEES. Yes, I was correct in saying that the ring owner is responsible for getting their rings checked up for, but wasn't that obvious? Do you expect for them to make housecalls to check your prongs for you? Making arguments from a radical perspective does noone any good, as the scenario of getting your ring dismantled in a meat grinder is such a rare prospect that it shouldn't be used in any litigations. I am not familiar with flea market jewelry stores, however most high end retailers offer their lifetime diamond guarantee on ALL THEIR DIAMONDS FOR FREE! Yes, that's correct as well. Any diamond, as long as it gets cleaned and inspected every 6 months to a year, will be replaced for free. It is not the "invincible quality" of the ring itself, it's the guarantee that if the craftmanship fails the ring owner and their expensive investment, that providing the proper maintenance and inspections were met, the investment will be replaced. Lifetime. No extra charge. It's really quite simple. In real lifetime diamond insurance guarantee policy, the policies account for any bridals, solitaires, pendants etc. and they account for the every day wear and tear that they go through. When someone brings a ring back into our store with a lost stone, we simply look to see if they've had their annual inspection, and upon confirmation we mail their ring off to get another stone put back into it. There are no deductibles, nor are there hidden costs associated with the replacement of a stone. If you aren't shopping from a retailer that offers this, then you are shopping in the wrong place. And high end retailers can afford to replace lost stones because through good business and customer relations, they have built a customer database that is through the roof. So when a customer loses a stone, then they can replace it without charging the customer a cent. This brings them back into the store during the next holiday for more business. Simple economics. Good business ethics. Enough harping on the credentials of a CG. Many of our in-house CG's earned their certifications within a matter of months! It's a title, so treating it like it's something prestigious is far fetched. Maybe your husband should've spent a little more time in business ethics class and a little less time studying gems.

 

[MousekeMommy]

Ah, my apologies for not knowing . . . "inside secrets"

I will not be a part of the nasty mudslinging that you have just started. I was simply trying to help out people who truly want to protect their jewelry and watch their budget since I know about the jewelry industry. Not once have I called names or assumed judgements about your personal character or questioned where you obtained your knowledge. (I'm sure that everyone will be able to judge you for themselves when they view your post.)

Wishing everyone happy Disney thoughts from here on out!

 

[shades]

I just received a catalog for custom CZ jewelry. Check out www.diamondnexuslabs.com - there's some really pretty options available.

 

[tsd1202]

I had a ring my DH gave me for our 6 mos "dating anniversary" (we were so corny) over 12 years ago. I loved that ring. It wasn't expensive but the thought that counted and the meaning behind it. I klnow how you feel, it is almost like you lost a part of yourself. Well as it turned out when my son was about 1 (3 yrs ago) I noticed it missing. I looked everywhere and never could find it. I was crushed. A few months later I was looking through a basket of baby clothes he had outgrown to put away and I heard a funny noise while I was removing the last of the clothes. I looked in the bottom and there it was!!! I was so excited. I never thought it would show up again and it did. I pray that your ring finds it way back to you someday because I do know it is important to you, but if it doesn't just remember it is the love behind the ring and not the ring itself. Look at those nicer "fakes" and get something no one will know is a "fake" but that you and DF love. Take it as an opportunity to get something you would have never imagined you could "afford" and get it. QVC diamnique rings are very nice. Good luck on the ring search, the marriage and the Disney trip .
Trudi