Engagement Rings (merged)

HermioneM

Stumpjumper, thank you for your reply. I found that thread on Pricescope purely by chance after someone earlier in this thread mentioned it. So, I'm not actually aware of GoG or Brian - are they in the US? Would you suggest that it's worth getting it imported as opposed to finding someone in the UK?
Sorry, lots of questions, but I don't really know where to start!

stumpjumper

ah, my appologies.

Yes, both Brian and Good Old Gold are in the US. both have excellent reputations. Haveing the stone and ring imported is certainly one option, and i have no hesitation recommending them, as both Jon at GOG and Brian are cut nuts!
you can see the type of cushions that Jon stocks in these videos: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5416/ and http://www.vimeo.com/3299563

if you read back a page or too, the costs of importing a ring are explained, between IdealD and myself.

part of the reason i suggest the US option is that the guys are well known in the diamond world, and also provide alot of information about the diamonds they have in stock - there isnt really the same culture over here, it seems more - 'how cheap can i get it?'

If you where to speak to either, then your looking at a total budget of about $3500 (for ring and diamond(s) ) to allow for the import duties on the ring that are payable.

HermioneM

No worries!;) Thanks for all the info. I've sent an enquiry form to Brian, as well as a few other UK custom jewellers, so I'll wait and see what comes back. I'd also consider the same setting with an oval centre stone.

I've been having a good look through some more threads on Pricescope, and boy there are some MASSIVE stones on there! In fact, the majority seem massive - is that a US thing?!!

stumpjumper

hehe, yeah.

I was chatting with Brian's wife Lesley the other day, about oe of my friends whos getting a ring sorted for his proposal.
She mentioned that they have found the majority of UK folk buy something around the 1/2ct mark... where as, as you say, on Pricescope certainly they are looking at 1ct+ its not something to worry about. in the same way there is a differance in average size between say New Yorkers and LA where they like their rocks BIG, to say Boston, where theres more a UK style size culture.
I think the biggest stone i have seen on there put in a ring was a 5ct stone that Whiteflash did as an upgrade for a customer, here and http://www.pricescope.com/idealbb/view.asp?topicID=96677.

HermioneM

Wow, now that's a rock and a half!!! No matter how much money I had, I don't think I could wear something that size!

Do they just spend lots more money over there and that's why they're so big, or are they just more expensive over here? I was a bit worried about e-mailing Brian though, because I thought he might think my little ring was too insignificant, but now you've put my mind at rest - thanks!

SwanJon

Had a brief flick through here, and felt I should mention where I bought mine
http://www.jewellerywebshop.co.uk/

Fantastic help & service throughout, I was a little nervous dealing online with that kind of value, but went incredibly smoothly. - deserves a little plug at least.

2003wastheyear

Just wanted to say a big thanks to all of you! Got my real ring this weekend, after taking in all the advice from you peeps. Ended up following one of you to see Batcha at The Heart of Hatton Garden. Got beautiful ring, great deal and GIA cert. Thanks again!:T

roisinmurfee

Hi all, I've been reading as a guest for a while now and am now making my very first post. My fiance proposed a while back with a dummy ring so that I could tottle off and find one I wanted myself. I almost wish he just picked it out for me at this stage because my head is just boggled with learning about it all! Anyway, he's visiting this week and wants to have the ring on my finger for when I go home in April, so this Wednesday is looking like D-day on the ring front! :j

I've been trying to educate myself on the diamonds side of things and think I have done ok, but am really afraid of getting scalded. What do people think of this ring found at 77diamonds.com:-
"Roma" (love the name cos it's the first two letters of both our names, plus it's where we're getting married!) Platinum (950) trilogy ring with two round cut, G colour, VS clarity diamonds each 0.20ct, set on a tapered shank.
The centre stone is GIA certified round 0.36 G VS2 excellent cut with depth of 61.4%, table of 56%, with ratio of .62. Polish is very good and symmetry is excellent. There is faint flourescence and no girdle or culet.
The price of the center stone is £628 including VAT, and the total price of the ring is £1445. I think it's a good price but would really appreciate the opinions of those in the know on here! Have any of ye dealt with 77diamonds.com and if so how did ye find them?
Thank you so much in advance!:o

stumpjumper

price wise. the exact same stone is on the Blue nile website for £465+VAT (£534.75 inc VAT) but their rings are more expensive, so swings and roundabouts...

cant say anything on the cut - since the GIA cert hasnt been put up, just the basic info you have from 77d, points in its favour are that it is a GIA Excellent on the cut grading.

Tigerlilley1980

HI everyone! Just looking for some advice my fella has asked me to look for an engagement ring I like, then he is going to wait and buy it as a surprise.

I am looking for either a quarter carat emerald cut platinum solitaire ring or a marquise cut platinum solitaire diamond ring. Have been looking online particularly at the shops from the Birmingham jewellery quarter.

I was just wondering if there is somewhere people can reccommend that is good value. I dont want to get it from America. Just a bit dubious about ordering online and would prefer to use somewhere others have used. Many thanks, Tiger xx