Engagement Ring

[james.hendrickson]

Your data is being harvested all the time whenever you use technology. You don't even need to touch your device as Siri is always listening and will make recommendations to you based on things you have only spoken. Once you've done a search, you will definitely see ads. That's how all of the "free" services make money. If they aren't selling a product, you are the product being sold.

This is correct. If you have an account with big tech, or netflix, your data is being sold.

[Magic Johnson]

Oh I understand and totally agree with both of you. It’s just never been so immediate and so obvious for me before.

[disneysteve]

Oh I understand and totally agree with both of you. It’s just never been so immediate and so obvious for me before.

That's surprising. My family jokes about this all the time.

"Had a dream I was on a plane and woke up to ads from the airlines"

[Magic Johnson]

That's surprising. My family jokes about this all the time.

"Had a dream I was on a plane and woke up to ads from the airlines"

Oh, I know I definitely get ads targeted to a white Gen Ex rural male, sure.

But I was talking about an engagement ring on an on-line forum on Thursday. On Friday I messaged a jeweler, then later texted her, and Googled a picture of an engagement ring to her, and on Saturday I saw an ad. No, that's never happened to me before.

I don't really buy a lot of expensive stuff, or stuff on-line in general, and I don't really post much about what it is that I do buy.

[disneysteve]

Googled a picture of an engagement ring to her, and on Saturday I saw an ad. No, that's never happened to me before.

Seriously? You've never Googled something and then had ads show up for it? That happens on a daily basis.

[CryptoSandra]

Pawn shops are a great idea, but even look for the stone that you like and it could be re-designed into something more. We did that many years ago. Bought a gent's ring that had a lot of gold in it and 4 different sized diamonds. It was the ugliest ring ever - but cheap in terms of gold weight. Had it melted down and redesigned. Means you'd also need to know a good jeweller - someone with their own business where the jeweller owns the store would be ideal.

[GoodLiving]

When my fiance (now spouse) and I agreed to get married, we went to a local family owned jeweler and picked out a couple of rings from their catalog, we used manufactured gems. It wasn't anywhere even near $1k and we were just fine with that. I think it truly is the symbolism that is meaningful to each other. I recognize that some folks really like the traditional wedding rings but this worked for us. Good luck and Congratulations!

[myrdale]

Maybe you don’t like this idea, but you could go for used rings somewhere on the internet. Such a ring can be quickly cleaned up and look new. You’ll pay for the cleaning service and have a perfect, real silver/gold ring with a diamond

I should imagine there are some deals out there to be had, but I don't know how comfortable I would be buying used jewelry from someone over the internet. Unless it was someone on Ebay with a very high rating, I think I would do it the traditional way. And call me superstitious, but used rings for a marriage doesn't feel right.

[disneysteve]

used rings for a marriage doesn't feel right.

Many people will use a family heirloom ring. Many others will buy vintage or estate items. You can get beautifully crafted items that simply aren’t made anymore.

[myrdale]

Many people will use a family heirloom ring. Many others will buy vintage or estate items. You can get beautifully crafted items that simply aren’t made anymore. Again superstitious.

Using you're grandparents' rings is one thing. My point was more along the lines of going to the pawn store / online / ex-wife.

[mumof2]

Sorry I can't help you I never had an engagement ring because I didn't want one...I don't really like jewellry and only wear a wedding band....but good luck finding one and rememnber it the thought that counts if she doesn't like it because it is small or not what she wants...then you know she isn't the one for you