New York Enagement Anyone Got Any Advice!!!

johnharrington

Hi all,
I'm new to the boards so bare with me.

I'm travelling to New York in a few weeks and plan on asking to big question while over there.

Fairly sure we'll prob get the ring over there (I know she wants to choose herself) -have seen from previous threads that both Hanikens and Salvitore are highly recommeneded. Have looked at both websites and am just curious has anyone bought from either - and more importantly if they have how much have they been able to haggle off -
I have about 7k dollars so a reasonable amount to spend on a ring.

Secondly - my plan was to propose at the Rockafeller tree or "On top of the Rock" but am open to suggestion - anyone know any other good places - have though about the Empire State but have heard it can be very busy -

Daisy03

Can't give you any advice on jewellers but with regards to location I would say Top of the Rock. Theres plenty of room up there and the view is much better (particularly at night) as there is reinforced glass rather than wire in the Empire State Building.The Empire State Building observation deck can be extremely cramped aswell.

I would think that the Christmas tree at the Rockafeller Centre would be extremely busy.

Other locations which would be nice are Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge. When we were there we did a lovely cruise around Manhattan. Can't remember how long it lasted but around 2 hours. It took in the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge etc and was one of the highlights of the trip so maybe its worth a thought.

Good Luck.

patrickincork

Went to New York in May to get engaged, got our ring through a friend so can't recommend a jeweller, but Central Park was a beautiful spot and we have some lovely pictures.

Best of luck, wherever you choose!

quazzy

I'd recommend Salvitore - we picked out the ring together. Nice experience - not pushy like a lot of the other places in the area.

As for haggeling, I don't think you'll need to as I found their pricing to be competetive from the get go. Still I haggled for a little bit but tbh we were very happy with what we got and what we paid for it.

Only thing to remember is the price quote excludes sales tax - I think its about 8% so just remember that.

As for popping the questions, DONT go to the empire state. I was up there and there was no less then 3 or 4 couples getting engaged. Very busy and not a huge amount of room - not much chance of getting down on bended knee ;-)

But its your choice, go where ever you want to or just pop the question when you feel you want to ask.

Good luck with it all

johnharrington

Thanks Daisy - yeah my origianl idea was to go to the Rockafeller tree and then to the 'Top of the Rock' and basically just judge on the night which is the better to do it. If the tree is busy then definetly will pass.

Have heard good things about Salvitorre alright - a lot of people say that whatever you get over there is going to be worth a lot more over here anyway - not sure if thats because of taxes or exchange rates or whatever.

One thing for sure anyway is Empire State is out - have heard too many people saying its not even a nice visit as its usually packed.

Thanks everyone

Anyone else got 2 cents to add!!!!!

bobaloulou

Just back from NYC 2 weeks ago, where we got engaged, and bought our engagement ring and wedding rings over there.
Went to Salvatores, and we were delighted with deal that we got. They are extremely nice in there. You will get a fantastic ring for $7000. In fact I would go in with a lower budget, you will be v suprised by what you will get. You can always go higher then!

As for proposal we went to the Brooklyn bridge.. Central park was also fantastic so I made him ask me there too

Enjoy!

sfmonet

Once heard a proposal idea and though oh wow! But you may need to be a bit artsy.

They guy asked a gallery to put a ring inside a class case with a note (as if it was on exhibition). When he took his girlfriend around looking at the exhibits they stopped in front of the ring where it said on a note something like:

This is the ring that Bob used to propose marriage to Mary on this date.

Different, I love art so that would be ideal....but you know different...and art galleries aren't always crowded.....just an idea!

johnharrington

Wow that is unique - a lot of people seem to be saying Salvatores so i think ill give a look in there anyway. The Brooklyn Bridge also sounds like a lovily place to propose.

sfmonet

And look at it this way, the dollar keeps falling, so you will be able to get something really nice that you wouldn't be able to get over here!

Now to just convince my bf for a trip back home (for shopping of course )

Shoes&Frocks

I can recommend Roman Malakov on 1 West 47th street. Great service and very helpful.

damissus

Hi, i'm new here too
We bought my engagement ring in New York too. We went to Engagement Rings Direct and dealt with Mark Turnowski. He's a really genuine guy and very helpful. just give him your budget and he'll source a diamond for you and then you choose your setting separately. You can get your setting from him or you can buy it elsewhere and he will have it set for you.

we paid $4100 for a ring thats worth a heck of a lot more!

have a look at his website http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/

Edited to add:

Also look at http://www.pricescope.com/idealbb/forum.asp?forumID=3 to educate yourself on diamonds a bit before you make the purchase! Some fab rings on there too

seamus

johnharrington wrote: »

Secondly - my plan was to propose at the Rockafeller tree or "On top of the Rock" but am open to suggestion - anyone know any other good places - have though about the Empire State but have heard it can be very busy -

Top of the Rock works, or at least it did for me

We went up quite late - around 9.30/10 at night I think. Nighttime view is great and it's not very busy, especially if you go right up to the top - There's a section which is blocked off by glass, but you can go up another level and there's no glass (if you jumped, you'd land on the lower level ) and very few people, much nicer.

It's frickin freezin in December though so don't dawdle or she'll be dragging you back down before you get the chance to pop the question.