Engagement Rings (merged)

ditzymuppet

Congratulations on even thinking about proposing It sounds really very romantic... I'm so excited for you :j

You've put so much thought into it, I'm sure whichever ring you get her, she'll love...(and say yes!!)

~ditzy x

windym_2

You could go to a good local jewellers and ask them if they will supply a 'token' ring. Most good jewellers will do this for a CC deposit. Then when the romantic bit is over, explain that she can chose the ring from the jewellers, with you. Nothing worse than a ring you don't like, and she will be wearing this for a long time.

Congratulations

Katinkka

I would be really careful about choosing the ring yourself. I would ask without the ring and tell her you can go shopping together to make sure she likes it. No offense to you but I dread to think what my dp would buy if left to shop for it on his own.

donna-j_2

I agree. Choosing my ring was one of the nicest afternoons I've had with my OH. We had a nice lunch, went ring shopping than went to see a romantic film. (We NEVER do romantic things so this was special.)

In the end I got the one he liked rather than the one I'd seen myself.

BUT, I got pregnant that weekend too so watch out :snow_laug

1purplefairy

Hi there, :rudolf:

Just need some good advice please, I have done a search and read all the previous posts about engagement rings, but I am still very unsure to choose!?

I got engaged 2 weeks ago...got a 'gesture' ring, as my partner just doesnt have the same taste as me, so now I just need to pick out my perfect ring...which has me more worried than excited!

I dont know much about diamonds, so I am a bit sceptical... that and besides the fact that i am very indecisive!!
I have a budget of around £1900... I have had a look around but as I am not from this country and havnt been here very long, I am not sure which are respectable high street jewellers?

I now know (after having a bit of a look around) that I want a single solitaire diamond, set in 18ct gold with a simple band that narrows slightly before the stone setting. but how do i know about the diamond? I have read about the 4 c's...
So would i just go for the ring priced closest to my budget amount to get the best diamond???

I have seen a ring at "H Samuel's" in their 'Forever Diamond' range that I quite like, but then i read the ff posting:

"Do not go to H Samuel
________________________________________
Once had a ring bought from here was descibed as 18ct gold with 25points diamond; I had it appraised for insurance elsewhere and was shocked to find it was only 9ct gold and was illusion setting with virtually no diamond content. They are part of the ratner group (plastic jewels as admitted by owner in the early 90s). Need I say when I took ring back they were very quick to offer refund. "

Is this true? I mean the ring and diamond comes with an independent certificate, how do i know that I am getting my money's worth?
Also, would it be good asking for a discount on this amount that I am going to be spending? if so, what percentage discount can i expect, if any?

also, from all the ladies out there... I want to have my diamond standing out set in claws, is that really a nuicance to wear and also will it be worrying me if it stands up? ( i dont normally wear rings!!)

I really appreciate any help, worth gold and diamonds to me!!

Thanks a lot!!!

purplepurple

congratulations!

You know your budget which is a start, but to be honest I'd stay away from the "big" high street jewellers... their mark up is horrendous so the quality of the pieces can reflect this (the stuff from Ratners was cheaper to replace than to repair!) .... you don't say where you are in the country 1purplefairy, but most big towns/cities will have lots of independent jewellers.. or just look in the yellow pages for jewellery designers/makers. For £1900 you could get something really amazing from a smaller jeweller (even designing it yourself).

As to the stone setting, a claw setting will allow more light to shine through the stone, so it will sparkle more, but can get caught on clothing etc... depends if you're going to be wearing it every day and depends on the quality of the ring... a good quality one shouldn't be a problem.
A bezel setting (where the sides are rubbed over the sides of the stone) are much flatter and good for a ring that will be worn every day, but don't allow as much light to enter the diamond, so aren't quite as sparkly....

To clean the ring, just use a toothbrush and some warm soapy water! :snow_grin

1purplefairy

purplepurple wrote:

congratulations!

You know your budget which is a start, but to be honest I'd stay away from the "big" high street jewellers... their mark up is horrendous so the quality of the pieces can reflect this (the stuff from Ratners was cheaper to replace than to repair!) .... you don't say where you are in the country 1purplefairy, but most big towns/cities will have lots of independent jewellers.. or just look in the yellow pages for jewellery designers/makers. For £1900 you could get something really amazing from a smaller jeweller (even designing it yourself).

As to the stone setting, a claw setting will allow more light to shine through the stone, so it will sparkle more, but can get caught on clothing etc... depends if you're going to be wearing it every day and depends on the quality of the ring... a good quality one shouldn't be a problem.
A bezel setting (where the sides are rubbed over the sides of the stone) are much flatter and good for a ring that will be worn every day, but don't allow as much light to enter the diamond, so aren't quite as sparkly....

To clean the ring, just use a toothbrush and some warm soapy water! :snow_grin

Thanks a lot, we live in Surrey/Berkshire, I know a lot of people mentioned the possibilities of Birmingham or Manchester for jewellers, it is a little bit out of the way...

but i am doing some more research, I guess I'll rather wait than buy something straight away beacuase I couldn't wait to wear my ring!

wigginsmum

How about coming into London to Hatton Garden (nearest tube station Chancery Lane)?

Jules

mdb99jh

Anyone know of a good independant jewelers in manchester?

lanko

Have you considered online jewelers this one seems good prices selection https://www.geraldonline.com They seem to have a good returns policy so if you are not happy.considering using them for a few christmas pressies.any one have any experience with them