Need advice... Bridal Set for Her

[RiceEater]

I bought a set of rings from a reputable online jeweler. The ring is ready and was supposed to ship tomorrow. Problem is, I ordered the set in 18KWG and they made it in 14KWG. They are offering to send the set out until another can be made in 18KT and then mailing back the 14KT when the 18KT set is complete... after the New Year. Later they responded back, saying they think they might be able to get 18KWG set completed BEFORE Christmas. No guarantees. This is when I wanted to give the ring to my fiance. Plans may be hosed.

Also, not sure how I feel about them having to UNMOUNT the diamond and blue sapphires and mount them on a new ring. I want them to be perfect and I feel that they won't be after all this juggling around.

[0rion]

I would probably cancel the order and go local. It's an important deal that you don't want these kinds of headaches with. If it's wrong then you'll have to give it to her and then send it back or take the chance of it not being there in time. I'd just cancel and buy local where it's right there in front of you.
If it didn't make it there in time you could just buy her some cheesy gift and she'll think that's her x-mas present and then give her the ring a week or two later when she definitely wouldn't be expecting it.

[tnthub]

The mounting of stones, properly done, is not rocket science. The real question is whether or not the 18k vs 14k is worth it... 18k gold is softer than 14k and not as durable over the long haul. Typically the sones are the most important components.

My wife has changed her settings three times since we have been married as her tastes have changed in ring styles. To her it is the diamond that means the most. I have no idea if this attitude is typical of the majority of ladies or not.

I would suggest, that whatever you decide, you give her the ring before or after a major holiday and not on it. I say this not because I question your wisdomm but the fact that somewhere around 50% of all marriages to end in divorce and it is best to keep holidays "memory free" from such relationship choices.

To the naked eye, the difference between 14k and 18k is not noticeable. If it were me, I would probably save a buck and get the 14k for now and if she wants to change it later she can as the setting is the least expensive part of the engagement set.

[doozjamann]

I agree with Orion. Cancel the order and go local. May cost a little more but you are sure to get what you want. And be sure to look at the diamond under the little lenses they have. For any reason if you have to get the diamond replaced, (fall out, or knocked out) you will know what a real diamond looks like under the lense. Some shops replace diamonds with fake ones when being replaced, cause most people don't know what a real diamond looks like under the lense. Just my .02

[0rion]

The mounting of stones, properly done, is not rocket science. The real question is whether or not the 18k vs 14k is worth it... 18k gold is softer than 14k and not as durable over the long haul. Typically the sones are the most important components.

My wife has changed her settings three times since we have been married as her tastes have changed in ring styles. To her it is the diamond that means the most. I have no idea if this attitude is typical of the majority of ladies or not.

I would suggest, that whatever you decide, you give her the ring before or after a major holiday and not on it. I say this not because I question your wisdomm but the fact that somewhere around 50% of all marriages to end in divorce and it is best to keep holidays "memory free" from such relationship choices.

To the naked eye, the difference between 14k and 18k is not noticeable. If it were me, I would probably save a buck and get the 14k for now and if she wants to change it later she can as the setting is the least expensive part of the engagement set.

this is some very good advice......