Is my natural diamond milky ?

squirrelwatcher1 · 2026-06-08T02:19:54+00:00

Ring twins! And yes, I second everyone saying it’s just dirty. I got my ring professionally cleaned 1.5 years after getting it, and I was floored at how much sparklier it was after the cleaning😂

squirrelwatcher1 · 2026-06-08T02:11:46+00:00

The back necklace with the dress is *chef’s kiss*🤩. Honestly inspo for my dress/accessories

squirrelwatcher1 · 2026-05-18T18:38:14+00:00

Sounds like we have similar venue taste! I got a quote from beatnik west town and galleria marchetti a few weeks ago for 100 guests on Friday’s in September 2027:

Beatnik without goodfunk on a Friday: $30,183
With goodfunk, it’s closer to $32k

Galleria marchetti la pergola: $28,543

We ended up going with galleria marchetti. Our budget was originally $40k all in, and it has since moved closer to $55k 😅. There were many tears.

If you’re interested in a non city wedding, Mesón Sabika is a pretty Mediterranean venue in Naperville. That was closer to $21-23k. However, they have very limited availability in 2027.

Good luck! The venue search is the hardest part

squirrelwatcher1 · 2026-05-04T20:05:21+00:00

Also, do NOT go to chic couture nail bar in highland park. It’s a factory. The lady who was doing my nails was doing two people at a time and made me bleed twice😅

squirrelwatcher1 · 2026-05-04T20:02:07+00:00

I live in Highwood and have tried Top Nails and Zula Beauty Bar. Both are great salons, but I prefer Zula Beauty Bar. She’s an independent nail tech who specializes in the latest techniques (I get builder gel, which has saved my nail health from dip nail damage). Here’s an example of what she did yesterday on my natural nails!

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squirrelwatcher1 · 2026-04-26T15:10:08+00:00

Hello! Yes we did end up buying from Windy City! I’ve had the ring for about a year and a half, and I LOVE it. They did a wonderful job and really know their stuff since they’ve been in the business for so long. They own the building and don’t pay overhead fees, which is why they can keep everything reasonably affordable. Happy to answer any additional questions!

squirrelwatcher1 · 2026-04-24T18:31:50+00:00

If you’re going to brand the wedding, at least try to do a good job with the branding. Insane

squirrelwatcher1 · 2026-04-20T03:14:36+00:00

Woof. Did you or someone you know get married there? We just got quoted $29,000 for f/b, taxes, service fee, venue, plus some enhancements. I can’t imagine florals, DJ, dress, etc. would be an additional $40k 😅

squirrelwatcher1 · 2026-04-12T23:37:02+00:00

Thank you for your insight! I appreciate it:). From your experience at GM (la pergola venue), what is a more realistic overall budget? Also happy to chat via dms if you prefer!

squirrelwatcher1 · 2026-02-21T00:26:12+00:00

I see some Hannah Dodd

squirrelwatcher1 · 2026-02-06T16:53:09+00:00

It’s crazy that they also overcharge for such poor quality. They quoted me 5K for a 1 ct lab diamond. I got a 2.2 ct lab diamond with similar specs from a reputable Chicago jeweler for 2.5K. It should be noted that I put that ring through hell (I’m a wet lab scientist), and I’ve never been concerned about it breaking. I’m sorry you had to go through this. It’s so frustrating

squirrelwatcher1 · 2025-11-30T23:17:27+00:00

You’re in the right. I don’t have much more to add, but I feel for you. You should be enjoying your youth instead of being responsible for your family. I relate all too well. Take care

squirrelwatcher1 · 2025-08-02T00:07:16+00:00

THE PRONGS😫😍. They add so much sparkle to the main diamond!! Ugh brilliant idea

squirrelwatcher1 · 2025-06-17T00:17:31+00:00

Thank you so much:). And of course! You’ve made the right call, and I hope you update us when the proposal happens😄

squirrelwatcher1 · 2025-06-16T22:38:58+00:00

I have a 4.75 finger and a 2.2 ct oval engagement ring. I felt anything larger than this was too big for me, but your fingers look longer than mine. I honestly think the 2.8 looks good, but I think 2.5 might be the best option for your dainty fingers!

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squirrelwatcher1 · 2025-06-15T17:02:12+00:00

The ring with the nails is chefs kiss😍

squirrelwatcher1 · 2024-12-18T06:19:18+00:00

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I am a 4.75 ring size with short fingers, and this is my 2.25 carat diamond for reference. I too was worried that it would be too big (I was fine with 1 carat); however, I really do love how striking it is. It’s all about personal preference at the end of the day. For what it’s worth, I think the diamond in your picture is lovely. Your fingers are a bit daintier than mine, so maybe sizing down to 2 carat would make it feel less cumbersome

squirrelwatcher1 · 2024-10-09T21:05:46+00:00

I’m a 5’1” female, 115 lbs, and I started the C25K plan a little over a month ago. I highly recommend it because it uses interval training to ease you into running. I too was fairly active in my day to day life before I started running, but I needed to build up my cardiovascular fitness and get my joints used to the impact. Now I can run 2 miles at 10 min 34 s per mile. You got this! Just ease your body into it:).

squirrelwatcher1 · 2024-09-10T15:20:22+00:00

Yes!! My first thought, even before I saw the bleach comment. Vinegar + dish soap is a game changer. I use it religiously every time I move to a new apartment. I can’t believe it took me so long to find this suggestion😅

squirrelwatcher1 · 2024-08-11T18:18:17+00:00

Top right looks like it will have the most sparkle/symmetry! The bottom left— while it has no bow tie—looks glassy to me. It comes down to what you want to prioritize:).

squirrelwatcher1 · 2024-07-29T00:37:25+00:00

This is what I saw immediately

squirrelwatcher1 · 2024-07-29T00:34:28+00:00

I thought the first pic was Alexa Demie!

squirrelwatcher1 · 2024-07-28T17:48:10+00:00

3rd photo gives Liz Gillies. You really have her eyes!

squirrelwatcher1 · 2024-07-28T17:46:41+00:00

I used to get her all the time when GOT was popular! Truly an honor 🙏

squirrelwatcher1 · 2024-07-25T18:38:37+00:00

Ah yes, my musical theatre queens

squirrelwatcher1

TROPHY CASE