Some urgent advice required please
 

Hi everyone,

First and foremost, I just want to say that I hate people like me who join a forum just to ask one question. I try to avoid it when possible, but this is a pretty important decision for me so please forgive me.

I'd like to try and join the conversation elsewhere, but I am a complete novice when it comes to diamonds and other than right now, I have no intention of buying them for quite some time.

Anyway......

I intend on proposing to my girlfriend of three years. Maybe not tomorrow, maybe not next month, maybe not by the start of 2012 but it will happen.

I am currently on a solo vacation that sees me in New York as I write this. My country's dollar is kicking arse at present and everything here is remarkably cheap.

I hate making rushed decisions on things as important as this, but I can't help but feel this is a huge opportunity for me to buy a beautiful ring, save a few grand in the process and get much more stone for my cash.

I spoke with many jewelers today to get a feel for what was out there and how much it all cost.

The one I liked most was actually a .72ct G VS1 princess cut ring from Tiffany ($6500). I know you're paying a premium for the name, but it also gives me confidence in the product.

So after all that, I guess here are a few simple questions:

1) Should I be doing this? I absolutely won't be buying a ring for the hell of it, but if I can find the 'right' one, I think it's a smart decision to buy while in the US.

2) Can you recommend any great jewelers to visit in New York?

3) Should I consider buying the diamond outright and having it set when I arrive home? I can probably get a better rock for my money, however I don't have the confidence or knowledge to do this (again, unless someone can suggest a good dealer).

4) Do you think that Tiffany ring I described is a 'good deal'? I called Tiffany back 'home' today and was told they had a similar one for the equivalent of an extra US$1500.

MANY THANKS and again, I apologise for just coming in to ask my own question, however it's pretty important. I'm only in New York for the next 24-48 hours and really need to decide what to do.

Re: Some urgent advice required please
 

I'm not sure any purchase from Tiffany's would be classed as a 'great deal'. As you say, you're paying for the name. It's not an outrageous price though. I think you could get the same online for maybe $1500 less. Whether you think the brand name is worth $1500 is up to you.

Re: Some urgent advice required please
 

I think it is very reasonable , i say go for it!

Go for it!
 

Purchasing a high ticket item online makes most people nervous. The price of the Tiffany ring sounds reasonable and is backed up by their name, not to mention a receipt ensuring that if you needed to exchange it (hopefully that will not be the case!), but you never know what reasons there could be that might come up.