TopBanana

I'm not really one for jewellery etc but it seems to mean a lot to my g/f, so I'm going to get her a nice engagement ring. We found a decent ring in town, but it was £6k. So where's the best place to buy diamonds etc for a decent price - is it in Amsterdam? They probably only sell a few rings a week in the place I went into, and I don't want to pay their rent & staff costs!

sti-04!!

Dont thats my advise

Freak

Just buy her a house and leave

cheaper and less hassle in the long run

RESSE

iTrader: (1)

Have you tried the "Jewellery Quarter" in Birmingham (an area full of shops).

I purchased my wife's engagement and wedding rings from there.

Richard

Philip Attaway

South Africa is cheap for diamonds.

My friend bought a diamond out there and had it revalued here for a lot more.

Hatton Garden in London is also supposed to be the place to go.

Phil (who just went to Mappin and Webb cos he's lazy)

Coopz

Yeah a second vote for Birmingham, we bought (i say we, he paid for it!) mine from there, I fell in love with a diamond in a ring but didn't like the setting so they took it out and made a new ring for me. Really good service and price. They have size and quality to suit all budgets. Remember the 4 C's when buying! It's better to go for a smaller but top quality one as you can tell the difference!

Spoon

There is a guy who makes them in Coventry and sells on eBay, to your spec. Superb quality and price. None of your huge inflated mark-ups.

Eg 2.25ct diamond solitaire ring. Handmade from solid 950 standard Platinum & fully British Hallmarked as such. The Diamond is EGL-USA certified as being Colour grade 'F-G' and Clarity grade I1 , and measures 8.34 x 8.32 x 5.45mm. It currently weighs 6.5 grams - Heavyweight!

All for £3,333.

With an insurance valuation certificate for £14,596.22!

Plus there are cheaper choices.


Having said the above though, don't do it!!!

TopBanana

Thanks chaps

Birmingham? Desperate times and all that I suppose

I'll check out ebay Spoon - ta. She specifically gave me instructions not to buy one from ebay though, not sure what that should tell me

+Doc+

Having got engaged to my wife when young and not having the money for a brand new rock I found an antique jewellers and bought a loverly twin diamond antique ring.

richardg

E & H Harrington Jewellery Manufacturers & Repairers in colchester tel: 01206 543680
- they were recommended by a friend and made my wife's engagement ring and our wedding rings. will make whatever you're looking for to your budget

carl

Ugh! Does I1 still count as being a diamond?

GCollier

Before buying, do some research into diamonds. Sites such as http://www.thediamondbuyingguide.com/ tell you the various characteristics you need to know and look for. If you're going to spend a lot of money I would insist on a certified diamond with good characteristics.

There are sites on the web which allow you to search on the various criteria (cut, clarity etc) and see the certified stones they have in stock and their price. This will give you a good feel for the price of the raw stones, and if you buy from the high street will ensure you don't get ripped off for a low quality stone.

Hatton Gardens in London (near Chancery Lane tube) has a massive number of jewelry shops. I'm not sure whether you'll get great value for money, but you'll be hard pushed to find anywhere else where you can compare so many different stones and rings.

Gary.

KiwiGTI

Antwerp is the centre for diamonds.

Soulgirl

I am lucky in as much that my Husbands Father is a jewler by trade (crafts jewellry)... however, I didn't want an engagement ring - instead I went for a rather heavy platignum band with a tiwan (sp) saphire centre and two 22 carat gold wonky hearts either side I have a heart added each anniversary (well, till he moved and didn't set up his bench again) but Im due to have a couple more hearts added soon

kingofturds

iTrader: (1)

dont do it

Soulgirl

People should not be advised not to do anything, for then they would not experience what might have been.

Soulgirl

In fact, my Dad in law can buy diamonds very cheaply - they only get expensive when they arrive in the shops. For something different and value for money, commission a jeweller to make you a ring

Dunk

iTrader: (1)

Remember that she'll need earings, bracelet, eternity ring to match within a few years, & you'll end up spending 4* your original budget

Soulgirl

Oooh, Mr Negative! Don't listen to them

2000TLondon

Dubai is serioisly cheap, could be a free holiday.....

Dunk

iTrader: (1)

So am I wrong ?

D

Soulgirl

Yes, you are wrong

Dunk

iTrader: (1)

Your right, I'm wrong. Divide your budget by 5...... I forgot the necklace.

D

Soulgirl

LOL - she might not like jewellry... not all girls do you know

richardg

the people we went to make all sorts for some one particular shop in hatton garden. he gave me an example of the retail prices...

jods

I'd give e-bay a wiiiiiiide berth when buying an engagement ring.
Some friends bought one recently and it was absolute ****e.

She is v pissed off and he is seriously poorer

In fact - they've just broken up

lawson101

Im with +Doc+ on this one....

Antique place about 8 miles from where I live sold me a ring for my g/f last year. I bartered them down to £300.00 and when I had it valued for insurance it was up to £1250.00.

All in a nice wee earner!!

Dieseldog

It's got to be Cubic Zirconia. I mean, she'll never notice, whereas you'll really see the difference in your newly PPP'd WRX! Think Man!

Remster

If you're looking at Diamond Solitaire rings, my wife, who works in jewellery (not H Samuel etc.), can get some bargains and has done so for friends, family etc.

Please let me know if you would like contact details.

p.s. to give you an idea, our combined engagement and wedding bands would cost retail £28,000. I paid nearer £13k

richardg

...especially if your wife to be is an accountant