I am planning to buy a ring (or a pair of rings) for my wife. To me it is like a wedding ring. That may seems a little strange but I would like to focus on the problem and keep the story as privacy. The price should be around 2000CHF. The upper limit is 3000CHF. The style should be simple and elegant. The material should be white gold or platinum (I cannot tell the difference). I don't know if I can buy one with diamond at that price. If it is with small probability, I would rather buy a good classic one without diamond. I live in Geneva. It is urgent so I don't have much time to investigate and negotiate. It is best that I can buy one with kind of "brand" in a named store (which means it cannot be fake). Another problem is I don't know the accurate size of her finger. For now we are not in the same country so I cannot measure it by myself. Maybe there is a "universal" model of rings?? Is there any suggestions on where should I go shopping, considering my budget and requirements? It is best that the store (or band) name is provided so that I can go there directly and ask. I also wonder is there any Christmas sales on jewelry in Geneva.. Thanks in advice & Happy New Year!
Things to look at, from a practical point, include the "karot' ( not sure of the spelling) the higher the number, the more pure, but softer the ring. If your wife is only going to wear it as a dress ring, then a high karot is fine, but if it is seen as being permanently on her hand, look at dropping to a harder mix, so it will last forever and ever :-))
Any reputable jeweller would be able to guide you through the qualities. The same goes for diamonds, if you are looking at having any in the ring - ask for an explanation about the different colours, cuts etc. If the shop person can't or won't tell you, you are in the wrong shop.
a bit of there i must say. the "carat refers to the weight (or size ) of the stone.
A real diamond will never scratch as it is the hardest matter on earth.....whether you wear it or not every day
on the gold you might be correct then. understood you were talking diamonds. on the scratching of those I cannot comment.....yet.
can they be redone if to scratched?
Another interesting question to me is that what is the difference between wedding ring and engagement rings. Is that true that engagement ring is just for the girl and should have diamond(s), while wedding ring is for both the man & the wife and can go without diamonds? I am really not familiar with the western tradition. Maybe somebody can told me an interesting story on that
Not to buy since you said you dont want to online but they have some interesting info
HTH.
Why white gold instead of yellow gold? Maybe you have already talked to her about her tastes and she doesn't like yellow gold. If so, then talk to her again and find out which she prefers, white gold or platinum. Even if you don't see the difference I guarantee you she will have an opinion. There is also 'rose gold' which has a slightly reddish color to it. She might like that. Again though, talk to her first . If that isn't an option for some reason (say if your gift is meant to be a surprise) then talk to someone else who is familiar with the jewelry she already owns and wears. Sisters are a good bet if she has any.
If you are still hesitating, take a friend or colleague along with you whose coloring (skin tone, but also eye and hair color) is similar to your wife's. Never mind style or size on the first visit, just compare rings of several different materials and see which looks best against a skin tone like your wife's. Then you can go alone and choose the actual ring.
For the size, you really do have to get a measurement somehow. The simplest way is to have her go into a jeweler's shop (any jeweler's shop, doesn't matter where) and ask them to measure her ring size. It takes two minutes and they will not charge for it or expect her to buy anything.
Again, if you can't do that, then you will have to be a little more creative. Persuade one of her sisters or female friends to borrow one of her rings for a few days and have it measured before giving it back. Or buy several cheap rings (10-20CHF each, costume jewelry) and send them all to her. Ask her to try them all on, send back the one which fits best on that finger, then you take that to a jeweler and have him measure it.
Some women also have a set - the engagement ring matches the wedding ring...
I did a quick internet search for 'platinum' and 'Geneva' and 'Chopard' came up as a recommended brand... I don't know if they will have anything in your price range, but they would definitely be 'authentically swiss'...
Some women love surprises. Others (and I am one of them) would prefer not to be surprised, especially with something like a ring that she might wear for perhaps the rest of her life.