Korean Job Discussion Forums

[HijackedTwilight]

Can anyone make a recommendation on a place to buy an engagement ring in Seoul?

Staff with some English ability preferred.

Rocks requiring less than 1 yrs salary also preferred.

[Xuanzang]

Try Costco. Can always have it resized somewhere else. Or you could go to Shinsaegae and check out Tiffany and Co. They definitely know enough English to sell you their stuff.

[bassexpander]

I didn't buy there, but I second Costco.

[Kikomom]

From what I've read, the engagement ring is small compared to the wedding rings themselves. So plan for that too.

While you're at it (is this a K-girl?), don't forget the wild goose.

[Mr. Pink]

Koreans typically don't do engagement rings, so good luck on that. My Korean wife didn't expect one, I thought I should at least look around. If you got mega bucks to spend, then yeah Tiffany's is the place to go. They had some nice rings for 10-20mil won. I'm sorry but I'll never spend that much money on an over-inflated monopolized product (the diamond).

Beware that most Korean jewelry is complete crap. There is a reason why they don't have security guards or bars on the windows etc. The stuff is junk compared to the quality stuff we have in the West.

[ChinaBoy]

[giraffe]

Yeah if the girl doesnt want one All teh better for you!!! Probably a good idea to give an engagement ring if the girl has no clue if your going to propose to her though.

Back in Canada when i was engagement ring shopping 2 years ago i just went around to every jewelry stores to learn as much as i could about rings and diamonds in general to see what available and how big diamonds are. Ended up buying the Ring Online and couldnt be happier. BUt i guess that doesnt help you because i probably wouldnt trust Korean jewelry stores OR even worst korean online jewelry stores. Maybe look into importing internationally might get better quality and price should be decent.

[Kikomom]

Some men like to decorate their women. A proposal with a ring is as sweet as it gets.

Diamonds come in a variety of qualities with four elements you'll want to familiarize yourself with.

1. Cut
2. Color
3. Clarity
4. Carat

[xCustomx]

If you want to educate yourself about diamonds, go to pricescope.com

[Kikomom]

OTOH, the diamond business is notoriously exploitative. Being that this a life-long symbol of your love for each other, perhaps you may wish to evaluate your shared ideals and how a precious gem fits into the scheme of things.

[Rory_Calhoun27]

So when will societies start to see the paradox of big-rock diamond rings and the idea of "starter marriages" being impractical?

I say, save the big rocks for at least the 5th anniversary.... at least then there's something longer-term shaping up!

Just remember diamonds as wedding trinkets came into 20th century vogue as a result of post-WWII marketing by Debeers: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeBeers_Diamond_Corporation#Marketing

and while we're at it, remember "There's Something About Mary!" In possibly the greatest line of dialogue in Hollywood, "Marriage... each day's better than the next!"

Usually takes most people a moment or two to consider the message it sends, but they get it! My sister-in-law didnt find the true meaning until after her divorce party.

[HijackedTwilight]

So, engagement rings aren't generally given here?

Or, they are given but the wedding ring is the major ring?

Can anyone confirm/deny/provide more info?

[bassexpander]

Many Korean women believe in buying expensive his/her couple watches. Ask Koreans about that.

[giraffe]

[Yaya]

If were you, I'd go to Singapore on vacation and buy the ring there.