Indecision over engagement rings!

scrumpy78

I think if DH shose that one for u then it's meant to be

ellies_angel

My youngest stepdaughter got engaged in July and got her engagement ring from Goldmsiths. I have to say she loves her ring. I was shocked at what it cost considering the size of diamond (mostly inclusion setting in a solitaire with diamonds on the shoulder). That also managed to persuade/con (both very young) them into buying insurance for it at a cost of £100. It would have been covered on the house insurance.

My eldest stepdaughter got engaged in Dec last year and her fiance bought her ring from Rox. Another solitaire, much dearer, much bigger, but much better value for money. Excellent setting, certified diamond etc.

While I agree the 3 c's are important, I would tend to much rather go with a jeweller, rather than a high street chain. Their mark up is huge. I see it not only as a token of love, but an investment and when I know that when I am paying out money I want the best I can get for my money. While the antique one isn't as moden as the others, the others won't be that modern for long.

I got married in August last year, we went to a silversmith/jeweller to have my engagement and wedding band made. It is a fairly modern design, 3 diamond trilogy on as yellow gold band with a white gold setting. I picked my diamonds based on the colour, clarity and size, picked my setting and saw it being made. It was half the price of one like for like from Goldsmiths, Beaverbooks.

Em88

Personally I don't think the diamond is the most important thing; I think it is about having a ring that you love. If you don't love either ring then wait until you find one you do.

RainbowDrops

Luckily my OH picked mine, so I didn't have this predicament.
I'd say don't worry too much about havng a fitted wedding band, my engagement ring is slightly shaped, but I got a plain band & it's fine.
You're going to look at that ring for the rest of your life, so pick the one you like most.

Idiophreak

wanchai wrote: »

That's a good point. Colour and cut were most important to me. I wanted a D/E colour, mine is a D (the best ) and the cut grade is fantabilicious or whatever you call it :rotfl: VSI clarity as far as I can recall. Carat - about 0.6. It's FAB.

You lucky lady

LallyPops

Wow, thanks everyone for your replies! I'm so relieved to hear that others have tried on lots of rings. I really thought I was being silly!

Both the diamonds are pretty similar in colour - about I - but the big difference was the size; the Goldsmiths one was 0.33 and the antique style one is 0.60 - both for the same price! Even though they are not the whitest of diamonds, I found it very hard to tell. The impact was of course, the size. They do both have a very beautiful sparkle as well.

Having done a bit more research, I totally get what ellies angel is saying about the mark up. It's unbelievable! I have been researching online and for a similar style, clarity and carat as the Goldsmiths one, we'd save ourselves over £400! Now, I know that at the end of the day it's about the ring and what I'm happiest with but I hate the thought that we are paying over the odds for something, especially as we are having to save like crazy for this wedding and a new car.

As I was getting more and more stressed out by my complete inability to make a decision, the antique shop owner did something I just simply could not believe; he said that I could take the antique ring away with me - free of charge and paying no deposit! - and see what I thought. If I loved it, then to pay for it over the phone and if not, return it! My OH and me were speechless! We offered to pay for it but he wouldn't hear of it. He just said that he wants to ensure I'm happy with my decision and this seemed the best way. So here I am, with a massive rock on my finger and I must admit, it is beautiful! I'm actually worried I might have the pet hamster's eye out with it, it's so big! Lol!

So folks, watch this space! xxx

LEJC

When you say the independant jeweller is selling an antique ring by that do you mean that someone will have owned it before or is it just antique in style?
If it is a preowned ring then that will almost certainly be a better financial buy than the new goldsmiths ring...pre owned rings are not subject to VAT and therefore for the same price you are already getting something that is 20% better value....
Of course the choice remains yours over which ring you like best and choose as your ring but a preowned ring will usually be a far better financial deal than something new on the high street...

Another possible explaination for the 2 rings could be that the independant jeweller has had that ring in his stock for a long time possibly a couple of years and has not actually increased the price of it in line with how gold and diamond prices have gone over the past 12 months...whereas goldsmiths being a larger jeweller will have a quicker stock turnover and their prices will reflect that more...

Either way whichever ring you go for I'm sure you will love it...good luck with your choice!

wanchai_2

How do you feel wearing the antique ring compared to the Goldsmiths one? Sounds like you like it more if you haven't returned the GS ring then compare them and see how you feel about each.

I would go with an independent jeweller every time - the chain stores offer poor value for money IMHO.

Good luck xxx

LallyPops

Thanks all and sorry for the delayed response... my dear bunny rabbit died before New Year so I temporarily put the ring situation out of my mind.

Anyhow, I do like the antique one and know that if I didn't get this I would never be able to afford a diamond of this size but ( and with me, there is always a but), I'm still not convinced it's 'the one'. Everyone I know has said it's "stunning" and a "no brainer" but I think it should also be about the emotions is evokes and I still feel like something is missing. TBH, if I had just bought this one on the day I saw it and not looked at any others I think I would be very happy with my choice. I think what's happened is I've overthought it and seen too many rings and got myself in a muddle!

I'm almost at the point of just letting it go for a little bit and almost starting afresh but I fear that I will end up in the same position. The alternative is, I know, to have one made up to my specification but having spoken to a couple of jewellers about what I want, they both seem insistent on putting their stamp on it and altering what I have suggested! I saw 6 claw, they say four claw. I say slim band, they say thicker band. You get the drift!

If only I could have both rings...!

alipops1986

Post us a picture of both - i'm getting intrigued now!!