Engagement Rings (merged)

WestieFan

Just put my tuppenceworth in!

I always understood that engagement rings were classed as a gift and therefore don't have to be returned, no matter who ends it.

I was in this position also, many years ago, and remember what my wise old granny told me - give the ring back, but keep the stone!

More recently, an ex b/f bought me two expensive diamond rings (not engagement) and when we split up I thought about selling but would not have got anything like the value. So, taking granny's advice, I had them re-modelled in a completely different way = 2 new rings! And something to pass on to my daughter in the future.

Good luck with whatever you do.

Joannaclaire

Personally I'd give it back, if he paid for it, no matter who ended the relationship. I wouldn't like to have it hanging around if it was his hard earned cash that paid for it, I'd feel too guilty.

However I know of a friend of a friend who was engaged 9!! times and kept the ring each time. She had a dazzling collection on her fingers. I think it's put any further prospective partners off as she's been single for a long time now.

Ems!

Dora_the_Explorer wrote:

Pawn it, donate the money to a good cause or something for yourself, send him the pawn ticket.

This is my favourite idea!!

Killerkris

I was wondering if anyone knew of any good quality jewellers in the manchester area (or online even)? Good value/good quality are of course paramount!

Basically I'm thinking of popping the question pretty soon to my gf and she likes to be unique, and the small hints I could deduce from her was a mix of white gold/yellow gold in the ring. Looking around online a lot there appear to be about 10 rings on the net that are like this, so, I guess bespoke is the way to go.

I'll probably follow on the suggestions from all the other topics here and use a "decoy" ring during the knee bending part to avoid making the wrong choice. There were a few links regarding this in all the other engagement posts - but the ones referring to manchester were dead and the online sites don't have real mentions of bespoke jewellery.

Thanks for any tips and help - also, hints about the price range for a bespoke ring? I have a price in mind for the ring and diamond. Originally I was going to propose with just a diamond in the box... alas then I started reading about "wrong size diamond for my hand" and knew I could be in trouble then!

So, thanks in advance for any help you experts can give.

finc

Whereabouts in Manchester are you? There's a small jewellers near me that make jewellry and have a good reputation locally. I've only used them for alterations so can't vouch for them personally.

There are many different shapes and cuts of diamonds which may influence your ring design. Has she any favourite cuts eg classic, princess, emerald etc?

Killerkris

I'm in the centre but realistically don't mind travelling around to see someone good.

And regarding the cuts - no, thats one of the reasons that I'd prefer to help her choose a ring just for her - she has limited jewellery so its hard for me to work out without directly asking, and I'd like it to be a surprise (her friends haven't been any use either)

Sassa

Hi

Have you tried Manchester Craft centre? Located in the Northern Quarter. There are a couple of bespoke jewellery makers there that specialise in Engagement Rings and diamonds. They're usually open on Sundays as well...good for a browse and some advice at least....

http://www.craftanddesign.com/

fruitcake_2

Ooh if you're in the City centre, ther's a little Jewellers, who used to do some silversmithing for a jewellery designer friend of mine a few years ago, he may be able to give you practical advice and have some contacts if he can't do it himself. His location, Next to the Tommy Hilfiger shop in town is a pub, it's above that....the name of the pub....just not happening right now...sorry, but the Jewellery guys name is Johnathan, top bloke! Hope this helps you and good luck withthe proposal....hope my partner is as romantic as you when he decides to pop the q.....

andycarmi

I got my ring from ORB Jewelers in Urmston, Manchester. I had it made to my own design. Its all made on site and you consult with the guy who is going to make it. (not like large jewelers who send it away!)

You can also add your own gold into the making of the ring which brings the cost down. I had my Grandads wedding ring melted down and used with new gold to make my ring. Which ment it was sentimental to me.

Value was great and I got what I wanted!

3, Station Rd, Urmston, Manchester, Lancashire M41 9JG
Tel: 0161 747 5599

bigjohnuk

OK Guys,

Here goes.... its a first. But what am I looking for ?

I would very much like to surprise my girl friend to ask her to marry me. I would love to present her with a ring. But I coudl do with some help on the ring.

I would like a ring that will last in time. What size ? 0.50 appears to be about right I think ?

Gold or Planitum? I am thinking Planitum, the best I am guessing ?

What style do you think people are going for ? Square or Round ?

Most of all does anyone have any good cost effective shops either web or high street that I can trust?

Too much ? I know, but I feel this is important and I want to try and get it right.

Cheers

John