Engagement ring... I'm confused

marcyj_2

I live on Guernsey in the Channel Islands. Is it worth me going to somewhere like Hatton Garden in London to find an engagement ring? I only have about £1000 to sensibly spend. Most things are expensive over here but is it the same for jewellery? We take off the VAT here but I can also get that back if I buy in the UK. So unlike the tourists who visit the island it isn't necessarily such a bargain for me.

The popular thing nowadays is to take the future wife along with you to select the ring. I want the element of surprise so that does not appeal at all. I also don't want her to know what I'm spending as that's my business. I know she wants a platinum ring with a princess cut diamond and if possible smaller diamonds either side. She doesn't want weird and wacky designs just traditional and sophisticated. There's also the pressure that it is just right so that she can show it off with pride. To be honest it is stressing me out just a little bit. I am hoping to get down on bended knee this summer (June, July) so time is running out.

anderson8

i picked my ring, but its was 3 months before he proposed so it was a surprise.
when you say its your business about how much you spend, surely if youre going to spend the rest of your lives together then its both of your business?

MrsManda

I think where you buy it from really depends on where sells what you are looking for. Perhaps it'd be better for you to have a look at shops in Gurnsey and email jewellery shops on the mainland to see if they have what you are looking for and at what price.
It may be worth you contacting some of the jewellers in the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter

Then you can make a judgement on where to get it from. Do you know her ring size?
Platinum rings are expensive, as are diamonds so you may find many rings which fit your description to be out of your budget. I chose my engagement ring as I have small hands and a lot of engagement rings dwarf my finger but I didn't know the price until later - I tried on so many and narrowed it down that I hadn't a clue about the one I chose.

Stephb1986_2

Try www.samarajames.co.uk

My ring came from them it's fantastic we can't fault the service and to make sure you like it you can get a mock one made up before hand free of charge

HTH

Steph xx

LEJC

an engagement ring is a very special thing and im sure whatever you choose your other half will love it especially if you know what sort of ring to go for...try a good quality independant jeweller just to get some ideas of styles or prices...afterall you are spending a large amount of money on a considered purchase that will last a lifetime.

Of course the other option is to go for the proposal with a trinket ring that way you can suggest that you both go on a mini celebration break to hatton garden or wherever to choose the ring
best of luck

floss2

I would second the proposal with a sweetie ring, then you can make a trip to the mainland to choose together. Maybe you could make appointments with a couple of jewellers & tell them how much you wish to spend max so they only bring trays out within your budget (and your g/f won't know how much it cost )

marcyj_2

Thanks for your comments. Taking my gf away to London is a great idea. I'll see if there are any good deals out there. Unfortunately there is a monopoly on flights over here so it can be expensive.

After looking around it seems that a platinum ring with a 0.5 carat diamond is heading more towards the £1500 mark rather than the planned £1000.

katsmasterplan

I would really recommend Bham jewellery quarter as there is always at least a couple of shops with deals on, my ring should have been 1400, and that's what it is down as on the certificate for insurance purposes, but we got it for 990 as our budget was 1000. It is a simple cut too

RainbowDrops

Sorry if I sound dim, but are there no Jewellers on Gurnsey?
You've said you're on a budget, so it seems silly to spend a whack of that budget on travelling to a jewellers if you have them locally.

Plus a local shop will be easier if you need to get it resized (the first one will be free normally).

As for whether to get the ring before or after proposing, I'd say get it before.
My OH did that & the whole occassion was a wonderful surprise, he picked a beautiful ring too & it made it even more romantic that he'd chosen it.
Personally I don't like the thought of picking my own ring, but each to their own.
In your case though, it sounds like you know the style she likes, so go for it

marcyj_2

I was thinking about the added cost of the trip. I have already treated her to a birthday surprise to London recently watching a few shows and buying her some clothes so I'm not exactly flush at the moment.

Guernsey has lovely beaches so I'm going to propose on the nicest one at sunset. We will get a bag of chips from a nearby chip shop and eat them on the beach. We will then take walk with our shoes off along the sand and I will write the proposal in the sand. I want it to be romantic but not totally expected so this really appeals to me. A lovely casual evening on our own, the sun is setting and then pop the question.

gorgeouslatinrose

That sounds such a lovely way to propose! You must tell us what happens!