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[needtoknow]

Hi there,

My gf (whoes in early stages of pregnancy) and I are thinking of getting married as we would probably sooner or later anyways, so nows as good time as any time.

She loves the idea of an engagement ring so I will do anything to make her happy. We had a look at the argos book and also the hs samuels website. Probably I will spend at least £500-600 so has any one any ideas of the best place who do good quality rings at good prices. I think I saw something about 1 carrot rings (im totally ignorant on these things)

some advice gratefully accepted.

thanks



Insert from Martin

If you've read this blog, you'll see this is an issue I'm having growing experience in myself. So I thought I'd jot down some of the notes from my own research (there are many more... but times pushing... and there are lots of great tips from posters in the discussion too).

A. Should you buy the ring as a surprise? In my case I gave a token ring when I proposed; so we could choose the ring together, after all, she has to wear it for life (hopefully!)

B. Do you need to buy a ring? If you're looking for a new ring, as opposed to inherited or even eBay'd. Do consider whether you want to buy a complete ring, while it's easier; often you get a much better deal having the ring made and buying the diamond seperately.

C. 2 of the Cs win. If buying a diamond there are 4 Cs. Clarity, cut, carat and colour; yet the most important are Carat and cut. With colour and clarity often some of the gradings only indicate microscopic differences; whereas the size and cut have much more impact on the actual look.

D. Don't fall for 'total carats'. Many high st. jewellers advertise the total carats on a ring. Yet what counts is the carat of the individual diamonds. Five 1/10 carat diamonds are worth a lot less than one half carat diamond.

E. Consider importing the diamond. If you're buying a diamond, it is possible to buy it online with international guarantees and certification and it will often be a lot cheaper.

F. Go to the posh shops for ideas not to buy. Ever fancied a Tiffany ring? Why not visit take a look for inspiration then get a designer from you local jewellery quarter to make your own. Now do note i'm not suggesting copying it, just grabbing inspiration and ideas for your unique ring.

G. The most important rule is don't hurt your finances. While the one or two month rule of thumb is traditional, the MSE rule of thumb is don't hurt your finances. While of course its something to push the boat out a little on; if you end up in debt, so you can't afford a happy life together it's not worth it. Don't buy on impulse, carefully consider what you can afford.

Good luck

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[ShowmetheMoney]

Have a look at the Tesco website - they give information about what to look for when buying diamonds. They also sell rings so might be worth considering them as well.
http://direct.tesco.com/buyersguide/diamonds.aspx

[My Fathers Daughter]

where are you based needtoknow? the jewellry quarter in birminham is very good value and masses of choice.

[Codswallop]

Hi needtoknow

I don't know where you're located, but traditionally many couples in London, go along to Hatton Garden to look for a ring. I think that you will be able to get a better quality ring from there for the same price than if you just went to Argos as you would be cutting out the middle man and each jeweller will take more pride in the jewellery they produce. My Mother chose a vintage engagement ring in Hatton Garden in the 1960s, it's appreciated a lot in value and when I look at other womens' rings of her age, her's does still look better crafted and more intricate than many I see. I think going to an independent jewellers and choosing the ring is also far more romantic than queing up in Argos and the originality will add to the price appreciation in years to come.
Here's a link: http://www.hatton-garden.net/index.html

If you're not in London, many cities have a jewellery quarter.
You can also buy engagement rings over the internet if you want to risk it.
This article should tell you everything you need to know about chosing an engagement ring:
http://shopping.guardian.co.uk/valen...649683,00.html
Have fun shopping for it and best of luck with the pregnancy.

[Lipstick99]

Do you have a branch of Fraser Hart near you..... find a ring in Beaverbrooks, then look at Fraser Hart, you get bigger and better quality for your money.....

[lynnexxxo]

Probably the most un-romantic suggestion ever here - but ebay have a lot of 2nd hand engagement rings.

If you bought from someone local you could go and see the ring and check out its legit.

Although i probably would not tell your girlfriend its second hand from someone who split up!

[roses]

I would also go for second hand. You get a lot more for your money

[BARGAINHUNTER!]

Have a look on www.thebeautifulcompany.co.uk they do some lovely rings and you can even have them on interest free, also they do 7% cash back via Quidco. If you google the company they seem to have a good write up. Their website also tells you all there is to know about buying engagement rings.

[ghost7777]

The best place by far to buy from is Gems tv have a look you wont go wrong

[ringo_24601]

damn, have you seen how yellow their diamonds are? much better to go to a diamond trader in hatton garden and see them up close

[Tolleydog]

I would second My Fathers Daughter's recommendation of Birmingham's jewellery quarter if you are within reasonable travelling distance. The sheer number of outlets guarantees fierce competition for quality and price. In some shops you will find the salesman actually made the item and it is clear that they are proud of their craftsmanship. Their personalised service makes the purchase more pleasant and memorable.

There are also a number of places selling "not-new" items. This doesn't necessarily mean they are on the market due to break-ups. Many of the pieces are simply unwanted family heirlooms etc. that have been sold almost at scrap value, which means you can get some very unusual, but beautiful pieces at very good prices.

Best of luck for the future.

[sooz]

Or a trip down to London, and go to Hatton Garden.

I have already replied to you on your other thread....and posted a link to the same Guardian article

Step away from the Argos catalogue............

[needtoknow]

Thanks very much for all your kind regards and reccomendations. Unforuately we are not near London or Birminghan but will rule out the idea of argos as has been said very unromantic and probably costly as well. I know that HS Samuels have a shop nearby with some on their website that dont look too bad (though to be honest I couldn't tell a good ring from bad) might have a look in there (to get some ideas) as well as a few more local retailers.

Thanks again,

[normal]

I bought my wife's engagement ring in Hatton Garden, but having also bought jewellery in Birmingham too, I'd say definitely buy in Birmingham as it's cheaper, but doesn't have as wide a choice. Also don't forget to haggle! If you've not knocked at least 20% off, you've not finished haggling!
Do try to get to birmingham if you can as you will get twice as good a diamond for your money compared to the high street. I kid you not.

EDIT: This is the guide I used to learn about diamonds. I knew nothing before, but I could talk the talk and haggle with power after reading this! http://www.guardian.co.uk/consumer/s...649273,00.html

Good luck with the ring (and the marriage!)

[BargainJunky]

I second and third the recommendation for Birmingham's jewellery quarter - I'm not biased honest but I am a Brummie!. My engagement ring and both our wedding rings were bought there.

Why not plan a trip on the train and make a day of it or even stay overnight if you can get a bargain hotel.

Good luck.

[normal]

Great idea! Just remember a lot of the shops close early on Fridays and are shut on Saturdays.

[Eos]

We got ours from the lanes (second hand shops) in Brighton. I was really surprised she was happy with second hand, but we got a pretty big rock for our money.
Take your time though.

Look at lots of rings. If you don't completely love a ring, leave it. Another one that you love will turn up. And enjoy the choosing.

We got quite good at using the lenses in the shop to have a good close look for inclusions etc. This was part of the fun for us, (a surprisingly large number of diamonds look very poor with a lens) and asking to use a lens probably makes the shop less likely to try and sell you a lump of coal.

Oh, and after we finally chose our ring I thanked the sales girl, and shook the managers hand. Got a masonic handshake. (Not a member, but I know the handshake.) I wonder if we could have got a better discount if I'd done one back.

[-1-]

Go round as many as you can, if she's anything like my fiancee she'll have a "ooo that one is nice" in each window.

I noticed one she really kept saying was nice but was expensive (£1,700) ,she knew it was one of those "I love it but will never have it" rings, but I took note and got it.

Got her a nice teddy with a pink bow and put the ring over the knot of the bow she thought it was a plastic ring on the teddy and was happy with the teddy until I told her to take a closer look.

Been in the good books ever since.

Not really money saving advice but if it's meant to be then she will have it for a long time, I wouldn't go anywhere near argos for rings, definatley well known jewelers and get a decent one and more importantly, one she likes.

Good luck mate, i'm sure she'll love whatever you get her as it's the moment and the question that counts not the size or price of a ring.

Edit :

I got the ring I wanted for myself too :-


Diamonds are usually for women yes but It called my name lol.

[Dunners]

Hi, just a thought but it might be worth looking on ebay for tesco clubcard coupons (the mailings are coming out imminently) buying 500 quids worth of tesco vouchers and then exchanging them for Goldsmiths vouchers - this means you'd in effect get 2000 quid for a 500 quid spend and might make your money go a little bit further........

[gk172]

Have you thought about buying one online? We bought our ring online but from america but there are a few uk online stores that you can pick your diamond and then the setting plus you get much better value than high street stores, a few stores ive heard people have used are bluenile.co.uk and diamondgeezer.com.