Engagement ring for around £200 - advice please

PaulShopper

Hello all,

I am looking for an engagement ring on a tight budget. A single diamond on a white gold ring is what I'm looking for. I have found a "9ct-White-Gold-Diamond-Ring--10pts-046867" one for £225 on the F.Hinds site, is it value for money? Can anyone advise me on that and whether there are better deals around? (if so where?)

lilac_lady

Why not consider a second hand jewellery shop? Pretty rings with lower prices.

Curious_George_2

i know some people will turn their noses up but if you dont tell them... they wont know
but have you tried places like argos? or tesco?
i think tesco direct might surprise you... (and you get clubcard points! lol)

LEJC

First things first...youve seen this ring on the website where it is magnified many many times...go and see it in the shop and that will tell you if you think it is value for money...get it in hand and see if you like the appereance.

Your budget isn't huge but it has potential....and really you need to see what you can buy with the money in the flesh so to speak...

Your other option is indeed the second hand market...you will get substantially more for your money as you wont pay vat on the purchase and probably end up with a ring of higher specification...it costs a small ammount to repolish a ring professionally by a jeweller and you have something that looks as good as new

Another option would be to look at stones other than diamomds you have sapphires...yes they can be white they are lovely and I believe there is at least one bride on the forum that may vouch for them as a different stone to a diamond...

PaulShopper

Thanks for the advice. I will have a look around locally. I don't suppose there are any decent online retailers? I know most things are cheaper on the 'net, but perhaps with rings it is better to buy in a shop where you can properly see what you are buying.

LEJC

PaulShopper wrote: »

Thanks for the advice. I will have a look around locally. I don't suppose there are any decent online retailers? I know most things are cheaper on the 'net, but perhaps with rings it is better to buy in a shop where you can properly see what you are buying.

there are some great online retailers ...but in my opinion if you are new to jewellery buying go to the high street first to see the sizes and prices...once you know what style and size and also how big the stones are then you can certainly buy from a reputable source online..

There are a few online retailers people use..one is namely samara james but I believe their smallest online stone is a 0.3 carat so it may be a little outside the initial budget you quoted...

the pictures of your original choice of ring are vastly magnified and so I would strongly advise you to see the ring in the shop to check that you are happy with what you are buying as the internet pictures are not always shown actual size...however once you have seen the ring and are happy with it then theres no reason why not to do a bit of online research...

Once you have decided that the ring in FHinds is the one then go through the cashback site quidco as they currently have 12% cashback on purchases...otherwise use it as a haggle aid in the shop and see if they will match the quidco price in the high street shop...

Do look round the high street H samuels do awhite gold solitaire thats currently in the sale so it might be worth having a look
http://www.hsamuel.co.uk/webstore/d/3538451/9ct+white+gold+1%2f10+carat+diamond+solitaire+ring/
Thats currently 12.5% cash back with quidco too....

RuthnJasper

PaulShopper wrote: »

Thanks for the advice. I will have a look around locally. I don't suppose there are any decent online retailers? I know most things are cheaper on the 'net, but perhaps with rings it is better to buy in a shop where you can properly see what you are buying.

Hi Paul,

Congratulations on your impending engagement!

If I were the buyer, I would want to see the ring before I paid for it - wouldn't be happy about buying one online unless it was for costume jewellery.

Are there any antique markets near where you live (you might find them in local newspapers or local online info)? One near me has lots of different stalls, including jewellery, with lots of great finds if you take the time to look - often some really exquisite one-off pieces too, plus you may be able to haggle with the seller.

However - do bear in mind that the ring is a symbol - and it is what it symbolises (your love and commitment to each other) that's important. If a man I loved wanted to marry me I'd be happy with a £50 (or less!)-job from the Argos catalogue!:D

Good luck - I wish you a very long and happy future with your spouse-to-be! xxx

PaulShopper

Excellent advice, thanks. Yes, I expect they'd knock at least 10% off if I mentioned Quidco in order to secure a sale.

That H Samuel's one looks a good deal, but unfortunately they only have it in size P. Any other specific recommendations would be welcome!

baffledsalmon

Do NOT go to Fhinds/H Samuel etc etc... awful quality diamonds for rip off prices! I recently bought a diamond ring in Birmingham's jewellery quarter - Colour F, Clarity VS1 - cost £2,000 LESS than a colour G and clarity I1 ring from Beaverbrooks!!!! For £200 you're not going to get a lot, but at least make sure you get a half decent quality diamond. If you live anywhere near, try the jewellery quarter (or Hatton Garden in London) and see if they could get you anything. To be very honest, I doubt you'll get a good solitaire diamond for £200 but have you considered a ring with 2 or more stones? The stones will be smaller and therefore cheaper. Be warned - if you go to a highstreet jewellery or Argos/Tesco etc, you will be getting TERRIBLE quality stones!
Edit - have you also considered saving up a little more? For £330 you can get a 0.25 carat ring (albeit colour H and clarity i1) but it may look more impressive than something very small?

LEJC

Ive carried on looking and found another similar type of ring with clive ranger...they are a high street jeweller but more based in the south west and wales...no idea where you are based but it does go to show that your requirement for your budget is achievable...I have used clive ranger before and consider them to be a reputable high street jeweller...
http://www.cliveranger.co.uk/diamondrings/solitaires/item240925?page=9

Im sure you appreciate that your budget isnt huge but youve asked for advice and we've tried to help with suggestions within that budget both new and preloved....I dont think its fair really call any stones "terrible" at this stage...I think you should take the advice you are given as a starting point for your search....and expand your search and possibly budget if necessary once you.ve seen what is available if you dont find the ring you are after for your special proposal...

baffledsalmon

LEJC wrote: »

Ive carried on looking and found another similar type of ring with clive ranger...they are a high street jeweller but more based in the south west and wales...no idea where you are based but it does go to show that your requirement for your budget is achievable...I have used clive ranger before and consider them to be a reputable high street jeweller...
http://www.cliveranger.co.uk/diamondrings/solitaires/item240925?page=9

Im sure you appreciate that your budget isnt huge but youve asked for advice and we've tried to help with suggestions within that budget both new and preloved....I dont think its fair really call any stones "terrible" at this stage...I think you should take the advice you are given as a starting point for your search....and expand your search and possibly budget if necessary once you.ve seen what is available if you dont find the ring you are after for your special proposal...

That doesn't even state the SIZE of the diamond, let alone the quality! You can buy a 0.2 carat diamond for around £100 with less than good but not awful quality (colour H and clarity SI1 for instance)... That ring doesn't look like a 0.2 carat for me.
OP, take my advice and steer well clear of high street - they prey on people who don't have a clue about diamonds.