It has been too good. Need to seal the deal.

[CA_Wix]

Greetings all.
I have posted a few times on here, but have been so busy lately I haven't been able to read/post.
I am still with the same wonderful girl. We visited my home for Christmas and I am ready to take the next step.
I need to buy a ring. I have been thinking about what to spend, and thinking about where to buy it. I have done a little shopping and it seems that one can get a lot more for their money in USA (my home) as opposed to JP. Anyone else find this true? If so, does anyone know how I could swing getting one sent to me in Japan? It is impossible for me to visit USA again in the coming months.
THanks in advance for the help.

 

[Damicci]

That's a hard call as your supposedly not allowed to send jewelry to Japan. Well when I was sending a gift to my wife (gf at the time) I had to lie and say it was costume jewelry. and it made it OK but even still that was very risky. I would just suck it up and see what you can get in Japan.

GL

 

[CA_Wix]

Gotcha.
THat is what I was afraid of. It's not the ring that is important anyways. I just like to save money whenever possible.

Thanks a lot for the advice.

WiX

 

[Uchite]

Congratulations!

I would not take the chance of having a ring sent to you in Japan. Tons of places in Tokyo as you know. Take your time.

 

[justin]

Is there no way you can buy one on-line (just an idea) and have the company send it overseas?

Good luck brother!

 

[Chidoriashi]

http://forum.purseblog.com/ebay-forum/shipping-jewelry-from-us-to-japan-456285.html

post number 4 on this forum (taken from UPS) says that if you have it shipped first-class or priority mail it should not be a problem.

 

[CA_Wix]

Wow!
Sorry for the lateness of my response to this. I have been 'Japanese' busy at work. I though I would get an email every time this thread was updated, but nothing.
I'll be looking into that UPS thing. The only thing is that I can't see the thing in person. I suppose if I went with a reputable, big supplier there shouldn't be a problem.
One more question exists. As for engagement rings, in USA it is the one with diamonds. The wedding 'band' is something given at the time of marriage and can be welded onto the engagement ring, or kept separate (the wife could choose which to wear based on her activities).
Is it the same system in Japan? Just curious if here they give two rings with diamonds, or if it is same as USA.

Thanks all for the help and congrats. I have been a very happy man the past 15 months, and can't let this one get away. She is truly an angel.
Cheers!

WiX

 

[JimmySeal]

I'd suggest coughing up the extra cash to buy the ring in Japan. Even from a reputable retailer, it's hard to tell if the ring is "just right" without seeing it in person. Most jewelry stores also offer a resizing service for rings after you've bought them, and you'll probably have to pay to get the ring sized in Japan if you buy it from somewhere overseas (unless you get the right size right off the bat).

I'd also point out that secretly buying a ring and "popping the question" is almost unheard of in Japan. In most cases, engagement rings are purchased after the decision to get married is settled. Even knowing this, I did it anyway because I wanted to be spontaneous and romantic, but don't feel like you have to hurry up and get a ring to keep from letting her get away.

Diamond engagement rings are the norm in Japan as far as I know, but a lot of wedding bands tend to have diamonds in them as well, and platinum seems to be the metal of choice at the moment.

 

[CA_Wix]

@jimmy: I hear you. I need to see the ring.
About the surprise thing; it just couldn't be done. I will probably be moving back to USA this year (end of long term work assignment). She asked me months ago what is going to happen when my assignment is over and I asked her if she'd like to move to USA. We have already decided to get married. I kind of feel like I failed in the romanticism, but I really didn't have a choice because of our situation.
I'm going to continue to shop in JP for the ring. Good point about the size. We did already go to a place and she got sized, so I know what hers is.
Thanks for all the advice so far all.