Another Hatton Gardens thread

linux_cat

Hi, im taking my girlfriend down to Hatton Gardens on saturday so she can pick her ring, my budget is 8k, but hopefully she will only spend 6k! However what i want is pretty specific

Carat: 1
Color: F or above
Clarity: VVS1
Cut: Very Good or above

I have been looking on 77diamonds.com who have the ring for just over 8k, I was wondering if Hatton Gardens would be cheaper?

I have heard that they knock allot of money off if you haggle, but ive also heard that markups are smaller on bigger diamonds?

I really need some advice on what to expect? where to go perhaps? and any other advice you guys/gals can give?

I thank everyone in advance!!

VfM4meplse

Congratulations! I am pleased to see a man cherishing his wife-to-be.

linux_cat wrote: »

I really need some advice on what to expect?

Be aware that you may be plied with champagne or something equally fizzy, this may make the diamonds seem a lot brighter and prettier than they actually are, and also reduce your inclination to haggle. Also commit to nothing on the day, discuss which one your fiancee actually wants and then go back for it later and haggle hard.

Then crack open the champers! :beer:

double_mummy

VfM is right dont commit on the day

if allowed take a photo and put that with the written quote so you can discuss it with OH later on

try as many places as possible and make sure she tries on a wide variety of styles to make sure she finds the one that is perfect for her

i also think you are lovely trying so hard to get this right

linux_cat

Thanks people, I appreciate the love!!...

I shall beware of the champers!...and will deffo leave that till after we have bought the ring.

Shes got an idea in her head, but i will certainly take pictures and commit to nothing until she is totally sure.

In terms of the 'negotiation' when we go back, what sort of percentage shall I start at? are online retailers the best prices I can expect?

double_mummy

i always start with 'oh thats a bit outside my budget is there anything you can do for me on the price'

and then 'oh i was hoping you could do it for xxx' (25% less than the number they give after question 1)

before you go back i would also do internet searches and send lots of emails and get and print out lots of quotes for you to take back with you so you can say 'well i have been quoted xxx from xxx but i really like the feeling here/your customer service/the quality of your work/ the recommendations i have had from others so could you meet this price for me'

after they play hard ball for a bit go for 5-10% under their final price and say 'okay i have xxx in cash i will put down a cash deposit today and pay the remainder in full in cash when i come to collect'

always be prepared to walk away but make sure they have your contact details 'here is my phone number/ email address in case you would like to contact me with regards to this ring'

always have a smile lots of pleases and acknowledge what they say

them: i can only come down to xxx
you: i understand that you can only come down to xxx but i can only come up to yyy

you could also try some riskier tricks

if you get to within a price you are happy with but still want a little bit more off say 'how about we let fate decide lets flip a coin you call if you win i pay xxx if i win i pay yyy' (make sure you have a coin on you - i wouldn't try this on more than around £100

the other one is the hand trick - hold you hand out and say 'i will shake your hand on this ring at yyy'

once the deal is struck remember to get everything in writing including details of payments, collection dates, the diamond specification, ring size, hallmarked metal, gem setting, their contact details, your contact details, whether it includes a specific ring box - basically anything that is important GET IT IN WRITING

i also would not say 'my OH has decided she has to have this ring' or 'my OH loves this ring' or 'my OH has chosen this ring' or 'this ring is definitely the one' as this then puts them in the position of power as it seems that you will do anything to get the ring

sorry for the really long post but hopefully you may save a couple of pennies

linux_cat

Thank you so much double mummy! ill let you know how I get on!!

Thank you again

saverbuyer

double_mummy wrote: »

i always start with 'oh thats a bit outside my budget is there anything you can do for me on the price'

and then 'oh i was hoping you could do it for xxx' (25% less than the number they give after question 1)

before you go back i would also do internet searches and send lots of emails and get and print out lots of quotes for you to take back with you so you can say 'well i have been quoted xxx from xxx but i really like the feeling here/your customer service/the quality of your work/ the recommendations i have had from others so could you meet this price for me'

after they play hard ball for a bit go for 5-10% under their final price and say 'okay i have xxx in cash i will put down a cash deposit today and pay the remainder in full in cash when i come to collect'

always be prepared to walk away but make sure they have your contact details 'here is my phone number/ email address in case you would like to contact me with regards to this ring'

always have a smile lots of pleases and acknowledge what they say

them: i can only come down to xxx
you: i understand that you can only come down to xxx but i can only come up to yyy

you could also try some riskier tricks

if you get to within a price you are happy with but still want a little bit more off say 'how about we let fate decide lets flip a coin you call if you win i pay xxx if i win i pay yyy' (make sure you have a coin on you - i wouldn't try this on more than around £100

the other one is the hand trick - hold you hand out and say 'i will shake your hand on this ring at yyy'

once the deal is struck remember to get everything in writing including details of payments, collection dates, the diamond specification, ring size, hallmarked metal, gem setting, their contact details, your contact details, whether it includes a specific ring box - basically anything that is important GET IT IN WRITING

i also would not say 'my OH has decided she has to have this ring' or 'my OH loves this ring' or 'my OH has chosen this ring' or 'this ring is definitely the one' as this then puts them in the position of power as it seems that you will do anything to get the ring

sorry for the really long post but hopefully you may save a couple of pennies

I'm heading to Hatton Gardens next week to look at some rings. Fantastic advice thanks.

Cariad31

Also I'd suggest asking if the diamond has been independently certified (I think it's called a GIA or CIBJ certificate). A friend got caught out when his fianc!es ring was stolen and the insurance company disputed the shops own certificate grading the diamond and refused to fully pay out .