Need a little help from the female DISers on the board...

[Just People]

So I'm ready to make the plunge with my girlfriend and propose. I'm looking around and found one diamond I think she'll like. I can't afford the biggest diamond, but I want to get her a good quality diamond that won't leave me for broke. I found a diamond on bluenile.com that looks good. Here's the link http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-or-less-ideal-cut-g-color-vs2-clarity_LD01298840?tempcurr=USD&rf=pd Do you think its too small? Has anyone ever bought from blue nile? It seems like they have good prices, but buying a diamond online, sight unseen, is a little scary. I want to do this soon, since I would love to propose somewhere in WDW in 3 weeks! I'm thinking Polynesian Beach during wishes would be nice! Somewhere not too many people are around us. I'm a shy guy. BTW, any opinions on a good place to engage at WDW thats out of the way of mass amount of people??? Thanks A LOT for the help!

-Clueless BF

 

[MariDisney]

So I'm ready to make the plunge with my girlfriend and propose. I'm looking around and found one diamond I think she'll like. I can't afford the biggest diamond, but I want to get her a good quality diamond that won't leave me for broke. I found a diamond on bluenile.com that looks good. Here's the link http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-or-less-ideal-cut-g-color-vs2-clarity_LD01298840?tempcurr=USD&rf=pd Do you think its too small? Has anyone ever bought from blue nile? It seems like they have good prices, but buying a diamond online, sight unseen, is a little scary. I want to do this soon, since I would love to propose somewhere in WDW in 3 weeks! I'm thinking Polynesian Beach during wishes would be nice! Somewhere not too many people are around us. I'm a shy guy. BTW, any opinions on a good place to engage at WDW thats out of the way of mass amount of people??? Thanks A LOT for the help!

-Clueless BF

I think it's a nice size at just over half a carat. It's not tiny. I'd be a little nervous ordering something like this online. How are the prices to have it set in a ring? I didn't see that (but I didn't look to hard either). Truly, I'd go look in an actual jewelry store.

Good luck!

 

[cm4lfie]

I know you asked for female help but dude.... I dealt in diamonds for a few years and you DO NOT want to buy a diamond on line! Find a reputable diamond dealer who will sit down with you and examine the diamond with you. Also, get the appraisal at the same time you purchase the diamond.

Good luck.

 

[Just People]

The setting is free and so is free shipping and no sales tax. I thought I heard about bluenile.com on CNBC a while ago and they claimed its a very reputable company. I'm not sure though.

 

[daneenm]

I like the size, myself - I am not a gargantuan diamond kind of girl. I have never ordered jewelry on-line so I cannot help you, but my gut tells me you should see it in person before buying.

Congratulations!

 

[elemusing]

I think the size of the ring is perfect. My first engagement ring was only 1/4 carat and then we traded up to half. I will trade again in a couple of years to a full carat. (He bought at a jewelry store that allows you to trade in and get the value of the first diamond.)

Anway - I did a little google search on Blue Nile and found this link with lots of reviews:

http://shopping.yahoo.com/merchrating/user_rv.html?merchant_id=1000035

You might want to check it out and then go to a local jeweler. Seems like alot of reviews were problems with the setting.

Good luck - I think your idea of where to propose is great!

 

[kpadalik]

I think the size is perfect. Not too small, not too big. And I believe that quality is more important and meaningful than quantity. I, too, would go to a local dealer. I've heard of Blue Nile, but it's nice to buy from someone locally. My DH got my ring from a private, family-owned jewelry store in our area. We bring the ring back there for cleanings, sizings, tightening of the prongs, etc. So we know them and they know us. It makes it a little more personable, you know?

As for the proposal location, I think that Poly is a good idea. I know you said you didn't want to necessarily propose in front of a lot of people since you are shy. There will probably be quite a few people at the Poly watching Wishes. Even though it's a beautiful place and setting, I always like something a little bit different from the norm. I don't know where you are staying, but how about the horse and carriage ride at Riverside? Very quiet and intimate and it would just be the two of you (and the driver, of course). If I had to choose, I would pick that over the Poly. But that's me. What do you think your GF would like? My DH did a fabulous job when he proposed - he knew that I wanted something totally original and unexpected, yet private.

Either way, the important part is that the two of you will be getting married. No matter how or where you propose or how big or little the ring, it will always be an unforgettable moment between the two of you. Good luck and give us an update when you get back!

 

[mainegal]

Either way, the important part is that the two of you will be getting married. No matter how or where you propose or how big or little the ring, it will always be an unforgettable moment between the two of you. Good luck and give us an update when you get back!

I agree with this post.

I advise as you get more invloved with the "planning" in the months ahead that you to put more emphasis on the two of you as a compatible couple and the marriage you well have together, less on the wedding and the party afterwards. Be wary of spending too much money on the wedding day. It is no indicator of how long lasting or wonderful the marriage will be.

That said, I wish you much joy, happiness and a magic-filled, long lasting marriage!

 

[Just People]

Thanks! Now I'm thinking I might work out the courage to propose to her on Main Street with the castle in the background. Do you think the photopass CMs would be willing to take pictures with our own camera when I pop the question?

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Thanks! Now I'm thinking I might work out the courage to propose to her on Main Street with the castle in the background. Do you think the photopass CMs would be willing to take pictures with our own camera when I pop the question?

My nephew did this recently. He just told the FP guy quietly while he was getting the FP card that he was proposing and they have some fantastic shots of their engagement. I say go for it!

The diamond I would not buy online. Just to risky for them to send you a crap stone. I like the princess cut diamonds best but that is me. Ask a few of her family and friends what she prefers. My DH took my mom with him to pick out the ring. Good Luck how exciting!

 

[DISNEYNV]

My nephew did this recently. He just told the FP guy quietly while he was getting the FP card that he was proposing and they have some fantastic shots of their engagement. I say go for it!

The diamond I would not buy online. Just to risky for them to send you a crap stone. I like the princess cut diamonds best but that is me. Ask a few of her family and friends what she prefers. My DH took my mom with him to pick out the ring. Good Luck how exciting!

I agree! I wouldn't buy a diamond online unless it was from a local well known business where you could take it back or she could take it for lifetime cleanings, etc. I think the diamond itself is perfect size, but I would just check around your local reputable jewlery stores for something comparable. You just never know what you would be getting online like that. The store could answer lots of your questions regarding the size, cut and clarity of the diamond as well as any sales or promotions going on right now! Congrats and happy engagement. She is a lucky gal to be proposed to in Disney

 

[L.E. Ott]

Here's a little tip I discovered when I was doing this. Alot of stores, especially chain type stores (Jared, Kaye), have a contract with suppliers. The suppliers have to provide x number of a certain grade of diamonds. If they cannot fulfill that grade, then they have to supplement with higher grade. In my case, I was able to buy a higher grade diamond at the contracted grade price. The jeweler didn't mark it up more, amazingly. I went through Jared so I know that's their policy. In my case it really helped to shop around, as I was able to find better than my means could normally have afforded.

 

[disney_fan1972]

I agree with the other posts, I would not suggest that you purchase a diamond on line. I would encourage you to go LOOK at diamonds. Lets say you are looking at a small near perfect diamond and a little larger less perfect diamond. Consider this... what does it look like to you? To a professional there may be a signifigant difference, but unless you or your DW to be are in the business of diamonds... who cares!? After all your un-trained eyes are the ones that will be looking at the ring for years to come!

Best wishes for a great proposal, wonderful engagement, lovely wedding, and happy marriage!!!

 

[wishspirit]

I can't see the ring as it takes me to the UK site rather than the US one.

If you need some help I would suggest the wedding and honeymoon board, they have some great ideas!

Best of luck on your engagement and your future life together!

 

[DSNY4ever]

My husband proposed to me in Disneyland and he got my ring from Blue Nile. I LOVE it. I attached some photos just in case you were curious to see what a ring from them looks like, and the first one has a picture of the box it came in. I think my diamond is even smaller than the one you are looking at and it's just right for me (I didn't want too big, and this one is platinum, but I didn't care whether it was platinum or gold). My husband shopped around a lot before picking this one (in stores and online) and had no problems dealing with the company online, and we later ordered both of our wedding bands from them too. A couple years later we saw a special on 20/20 or Dateline (I can't remember which) where they tested diamonds from a bunch of well known companies to see which ones lived up to what the purchase certificate said (cut, clarity etc.) and Blue Nile ranked as one of the highest. I think it's nice to buy local too, but I just wanted to give you another opinion of someone who has used Blue Nile and was very pleased. Good luck with the proposal!!!

 

[tn4mickey]

I think the size is perfect as it's the exact size of mine . I'm not sure I'd be comfortable making a purchase like this online, but I haven't done any research. This company may be very reputable.

As for location, is there anywhere in WDW that you and "DFtobe" have a special memory or something that is traditional for you each trip? You may use something like this to make the proposal even more personal to you both.

Good Luck!

 

[misstheworld]

While my engagement ring didn't come from Blue Nile (although I have other jewerly from them), DH bought my engagement ring from an online jeweler. In fact, it was cheaper than buying it from Jarod's or Kay or anywhere else. I had the ring appraised so we could insure it and he paid about a third of its appraisal value. He picked out the diamond separate from the setting. They send the diamond in a non-descript overnight FedEx envelope with insurance. He got to check out the diamond to make sure it was what he wanted before it was set.

My diamond is certified by the people who certify them (why am I blanking out on this one?) and its seriel number is etched on the side with a laser. That way if I ever have work done on it I'll know if they swapped it out.

And hey...CONGRATULATIONS!!!

 

[disprincessatheart]

I have worked for 2 major jewelry stores and if it was a better deal, I might buy from blue nile. They've been in business for years and have a good reputation. I even knew a person who bought from BN while working at a jewelry store - in that case the BN price was better than the store employee discounted price. If I were you, I'd take the specs on what you're looking at and visit at least 3 or 4 different stores in your area to be sure you're getting the best deal. Times are tough in retail. You never know who might negotiate to get your business.

 

[hmonkeyruns]

My engagement ring is from Blue Nile too and it's gorgeous. I've recieved lots of jewelry from them and have not been disappointed in any of the pieces.

My husband is the most careful researcher in the world and he had the ring appraised by a local jeweler after he got it from Blue Nile and they agreed that the ratings were accurate and the price fair.

I'm sure she'll love whatever you get her!