Grit to Gleam

GUIDES

The New Norm of Engagement Ring Shopping

In an era where digital connection is as authentic as physical presence, Ben and I, separated by thousands of miles between Shanghai and Los Angeles, decided to explore virtual engagement ring consultations—a trend gaining traction in the pandemic era. With businesses adapting to remote operations, it’s no surprise that even such personal purchases as engagement rings have moved online. The idea that one can find love through a dating app made us think, why not find our perfect ring through a screen?

Setting Up the Appointment

We chose Jean Dousset for our first foray into this digital experience, drawn to their celebrated craftsmanship and the storied lineage of the great jeweler and watchmaker, Cartier. After a simple booking process on their website, we received a Google Meet link for a 45-minute consultation session with Jessica, our designated client advisor.

Tailoring Our Virtual Experience

“Welcome! I understand the uniqueness of your situation,” Jessica welcomed us warmly into the virtual space and began by acknowledging the challenges and opportunities of virtual consultations, especially given our geographical distance. She was eager to tailor the session to our needs, whether preparing for our remote appointment or setting the stage for a future in-store visit. Her approach underscored the bespoke service virtual consultations could offer, bridging the distance between us with ease and expertise right from the start.

Craftsmanship Explained

Our exploration into the world of lab-grown diamonds was both educational and fascinating. Jessica covered the specifics of the HPHT and CVD processes and discussed how these technologies ensure both the quality and sustainability of lab-grown diamonds. As an engineer, Ben was especially captivated by the technical details and the meticulous craftsmanship that went into creating these gems, “It’s fascinating to see how technology and traditional craft intertwine here,” he noted, sharing his appreciation for the technical artistry at Jean Dousset.

Jessica then went on to explain what defines superior craftsmanship in jewelry making and their standards for the extensive customization options available at Jean Dousset. Each ring is crafted to the precise dimensions of the chosen diamond, using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) to ensure perfect fit and exceptional design. This meticulous approach to jewelry making deeply resonated with us, especially given my art and Ben’s engineering background.

Selection and Recommendation

As we discussed potential designs, Jessica adeptly matched our preferences with available options, showing real-time images and modifications that could be made. Together, we looked at real videos of diamonds available in stock along with their GIA certifications, which was particularly helpful in visualizing the actual cut, color and clarity. The discussion extended to wedding bands, ensuring our selections would complement each other seamlessly.

Jessica remarked, “Each diamond tells a story, much like each couple’s journey. It’s about finding that narrative in the stone and setting that speaks to you.” Her expertise shone through as she explained, “Choosing the right setting is as crucial as the diamond itself because it frames your story.”

Ethical and Beautiful Choices

Jessica also touched on the ethical considerations and aesthetic choices involved in selecting diamonds. She informed us that their lab-grown diamonds are primarily sourced from India, known for its skilled artisans who have years of experiences cutting both natural and lab-grown diamonds, ensuring top-notch quality.

Post-Consultation Follow-Up

Following our consultation, Jessica sent us an email with a Dropbox link full of images and videos reflecting our discussed preferences—a digital catalog that allowed us to revisit our options from anywhere at any time. The photos showcased the rings on her hand from different angles and lighting conditions, which was incredibly useful. It helped us visualize how each design might look in real life, ensuring we could make an informed decision toward finding our perfect ring.

Some Final Thoughts

Our virtual engagement ring consultation was not only educational but also incredibly personal and fun. Jessica’s knowledge and the interactive aspect of the consultation made us feel connected despite the physical distance. We highly recommend virtual consultations to anyone looking to find their perfect ring in this modern age.

We believe this experience underscores a broader shift towards a more flexible, inclusive approach to engagement ring shopping, where distance no longer dictates the quality of service. The digital age has indeed transformed how we celebrate love, making luxury and personalization accessible from anywhere in the world!