Hatton Garden or Birmingham Jewellery Quater?

jog

Thank you for all the replies. Sounds like we need to plan a trip to Birmingham, just the small matter of finding someone to look after the children, so we can go together! I don't think my DS's would apriciate being dragged round the Jewellery Quarter!

Jog

betterbargains4u

Birmingham would be my choice as well.
Set yourself aside a whole day, as there are lots of shops to browse around.
Make sure you have a budget in mind before you go, as there are so many beautiful items..you could get carried away!!
My Husband bought me a diamond ring for Christmas...from Beaverbrooks. Although it was nice, I made him take it back and get a refund on it, when I found out how much he had paid for it :eek:
We are now planning a trip to Birmingham, because I know that we will get much better value and quality, for our money.
Have fun.

purplepardalis

Whilst it sounds like you're going to go to Birmingham, I'd just like to say that Hatton Garden is amazing. I've worked in the area for years and I love wandering up and down looking at the huge range of shops - from the boutique designer jewellery shops to the ancient second hand shops that are like a history lesson. You will get a bargain there and if my OH ever feels like marrying me that's where we'd go to get the ring.

And you've got St Paul's Cathedral round the corner which is gorgeous, plus the smallest (and one of the oldest) pubs in London which is just of Hatton Gardens, it's called The Mitre and has been used for filming including Guy Ritchie's Snatch.

I hope that helps you - or someone else!

cocktailsavings

yes biased with Birmingham also as my dad is a jeweller there and casts jewellery. You will definitely find the perfect ring for you and more original. Have fun!

Ivory_Tinkler

I've been to both Hatton Garden and Birmingham Jewellery Quarter and I think Birmingham has the edge over Hatton Garden. I've had a couple of rings from there and they have been sized to fit me while I waited. You can also have rings designed and made. As someone else said, the atmosphere is great and the staff in the shops really know their stuff and you are likely to get a much better quality diamond than on the high street. You can head out to the Broad Street area if you decide to stay over - lots of bars and stuff there!

normal

I'd agree with Birmingham even though I used to live a few hundred metres from Hatton Garden. The choice is better in the Jewellery Quarter unless you're looking for something like a millionaire/celebrity might wear. My advice would also be to try and go Monday to Thursday (late morning - mid-afternoon). You'll get more attention and will have more chance at driving a deal. Always. Always. Haggle! Even during the best of times, if you've not knocked at least 15-20% off, you've not done it properly. Now is not the best of times so see if you can haggle even further!