Help picking engagement ring brand!!

So you are looking at high priced, not worth it, sticker shock and why? These "brands" are so overpriced and cookie cutter and do not hold their value.

I suggest you start here and educate yourself. http://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/4cs-diamond-quality/

I agree with PP. don't focus on brand instead focus on diamond quality. Also set a budget. No need to go too too crazy and waste money on a brand name.

What they said.

Authentic diamonds all come from the earth, anyway. They aren't created by these brands. There is no reason at all to pay extra markups for a "brand name" ring.

Ditto. Focus on diamond quality. I have no idea what "brand" my engagement ring is.

My suggestion is to go over a budget if you haven't already before talking about brands. All of those brands are very expensive.

The name is just that the name so they can make the price higher. Go for quality not name.

It's not about brand. Really it isn't about anything... get a jeweler with a reasonable warranty and just make sure you love it. Certified diamonds will have an ID # you can use to keep track of your stone, so that's always a plus too.

Branding is a gimmick.

Branding is a gimmick. A solitaire is one stone and imo- boring. A Tiffany ring is not only expensive and just not worth it.

I think the name is not as important my ring is as BEAUTIFUL and real as those big name people (not the best picture as I'm walking around the mall rn

1) There is a huge difference in price between 1 carat and 2 (like exponential price difference)

2) You can find a much higher quality stone for your money by shopping elsewhere, even an online retailer like James Allen where you can pick the specific stone you want based on the 4 C's and your budget.

3) The 4 C's are the most important. I would rather have a 1 carat flawless diamond than a 2 carat flawed diamond.

Just some things to keep in mind!

Agree with the p.p. We went with a local, reputable jeweler and got a custom design. That's so much more meaningful to me than being able to rattle off some brand name. Btw, no one asks for the brand name, they aren't checking tags (so to speak). Budget idea before going is best. We had a number going in and went over a bit but at least we had something to start with.

I have heard really good things about several brands. The local shop I went to LOVES Simon G, they take care of their customers and are more reasonable than something like a Verragio. ( i know these are not brands you are mentioning but it helps to use real life experiences). I would look at styles you love and go from there. No one gives a damn about the brand of ring on your finger. Go for quality and look of what youre thinking.

I don't wear a ton of jewelry but I see no difference between my Tiffany jewelry and my engagement ring from Kay. As others said, brand is nothing but a status symbol. My ring from Kay has been through the wringer (I do visual merchandising and bang it on all kinds of fixtures and get it caught in hangers) and it's doing just fine. H has an aunt that's rich as fuck (*sigh* I wish) and she loves Harry Winston.

Again, spend your money how you want but don't write off other brands because they're not considered top tier.

It's only a brand name. No one will know if your wearing Tiffany, bvlgari, Kay's, department store or Kmart unless you specifically tell them. It's about the ring, not the brand. Just because it's a known name doesn't make it any better

The customer service may be a little better with those stores than a budget chain, but I will always stand by my local jeweler. My ring is a solitaire (not boring but thank you Cassidy) and I love it. It meets ethical sourcing standards and I have a brochure on where/when it was mined. Diamonds are the same everywhere as long as they are the same clarity and color. It's the service that matters.

Mine is fricken stunning.... and I have no clue what brand it is. It's my MILs original wedding band, FH upgraded the stone. The diamond is Russian, from a local trusted jeweler. I'd recommend local over branded, but that's generally my recommendation on any topic.

The brand isn't what really matters (unless your someone who only buys name brand) but if your not and you have a budget to watch just find a really good local jeweler. I have a friend with a Tiffany ring and one other friend has basically the same exact ring same size and everything but not name brand for half the price!

I agree with PP! My fiance had mine custom made at a local jeweler. It was very pricey, but the quality is fantastic! I've been to Tiffanys while we were staying in NYC and my ring is the best in my opinion lol. Go for quality and sentimental value!

I second James allen! Their customer service is amazing. I love my ring

I think the real question is... what can your boyfriend comfortably afford? Just because you want 1-2 carats and a big name brand, doesn't means that's what he can necessarily afford.