Engagement Rings

lonelyone

Hi all - We're heading engagement ring shopping this weekend in Belfast - so excited!

Any recommendations on where to go?

Gillyx

Joseph Rea, I've heard are pretty good for prices, nothing special about the shop, but you will get a better deal from them, than say Goldsmiths, Beaverbrooks, any of the high street jewellers, who won't haggle on price and are generally over priced anyway.

If money is no object, Lunns.

x12yhp

If you have a big budget, Lunns is the only place to go. Some of their stock is simply to die for.

Honkycat

I second Joseph Rea. Much better value for the same quality and less snooty attitude.

Old_Git

you need a small mortgage for an engagement ring ,second thoughts try argos .;)
Seriously remember this ring should last you 50 years plus ,so dont buy cheap crap.

shiv2001

Gardiners Wholesalers on Waring street have fantastic prices - it's worth popping in there. Don't be put off by the plain exterior, just buzz the door and they'll let you in.
Goldsmiths were pretty helpful and friendly.

wanchai_2

How exciting OP - congratulations!!!!!!!!! You may have to change your username lol!

Go to Joseph Rea, definitely - try both shops as they have different stock in each. My ring is from there - they equalled Gardiners on price and their service is fantastic. They can also adjust the size for you on the premises with only about an hour's wait. Their diamonds are fully certified as well! I can't praise them enough.

Try Lunns and Fred J. Malcolm as well, they are dearer but fab, and the shops themselves are very posh!

Also have a look at Thomas (Upper Arthur Street), they can make a bespoke ring for you and it's pretty reasonably priced. The sales lady is called Tamsin. We were in with her in July and she was lovely.

AVOID Beaverbrooks like the plague - poorly trained staff and very poor quality diamonds for the prices they charge. :eek:

And when you're done, go for a drink to celebrate and show off your sparkler! I still can't stop looking at mine, I love it

leepie

I love Steensons:
http://thesteensons.com/

Pricey but loads of different looking rings

wanchai_2

Oh yes, we went to The Steensons as well! Some very nice rings (some terrible, chunky ones as well - bleh) but soooo expensive! But if you have the money, they can do pretty much any design for you!

Just to add to my earlier post:

lonelyone - have you thought about what you want?

Which metal? Platinum, gold, white gold etc?
Which stone - diamond or something else?
Which cut - round brilliant, princess, emerald, heart, pear, marquise etc?
Which colour? Mine is a D - the highest on the scale i.e. totally colourless, but anything up to F or G is considered very good. You may even prefer a yellow diamond!

Read up as much as possible before you go shopping and don't be pressured or bamboozled.

Make sure that the diamond has a certificate, preferably from either the GIA, EGL or IGI. Do not buy an uncertified diamond or one with a certificate from the jeweller!!!!

I didn't know ANY of this until we started looking, now I feel like a diamond expert! :rotfl:

CountryGirl7676

Another vote for Gardiners - you are able to get so much more for your money than Lunns etc. I got my engagement ring there and will also go there for my wedding ring :)

Congratulations btw, i loved looking

lonelyone

Thanks all,

Think i'll stay away from Lunns and Malcolms - i like getting value for money too much.; Although i have been told to stop looking at the price tag and just look at things i like regardless!

Does anyone know if gardiners resize them that day or do you have wait - I'm noit patient lol