Looking for a ring! (Gulp!)

MercilessKiller

Hey Everyone!

Currently looking for a ring for my OH - It's that time!!

I have a budget of up to £2k - She's identified the style of her perfect ring:
https://www.adiamor.com/media/Rings/Round/White/R-1320.jpg

With a .47ct colour E SI2 cut diamond and that band (white gold), I'm getting a price of about £1,600. The issue is it's an American company so I may have to get it while I'm in the states (I go over for work quite a bit) to avoid any customs issues I guess!

Anyway, I have no idea about these things so just wanted some opinions on value for money with regards to the type of diamond and the cost associated? Is this a reasonably good price or could I find better looking elsewhere?

Please note, I have this budget to spend on the ring so please don't reply with your opinions of the budget... I just want to know what's the best I can get for that cash in that style basically!!!

She's a fairly petite girl with thin fingers thus I was advised that with that style ring, .3 to .5ct is better than 1ct due to it sticking out on her too much, thus going for an SI2 .47ct rather than a lower cut but higher carat...

Advice would be welcome

split_second

If you get chance have a word with a jeweller in Birmingham, they should have the best prices over here

heartbreak_star

Do you have an idea of the style of ring she might like? If not, I'd suggest getting a placeholder then going ring shopping together

HBS x

MercilessKiller

heartbreak_star wrote: »

Do you have an idea of the style of ring she might like? If not, I'd suggest getting a placeholder then going ring shopping together

HBS x

It's the one in the link I put in my post That's the exact style she wants heh!

Thanks!

heartbreak_star

Derp! For some reason my PC decided not to show me the link.

Good luck

HBS x

gadgeteer_2

As mentioned above, why not call/email a couple of jeweller's in Birmingham and see how much it would cost to custom make one.

Have you taken account any local sales tax that could be due in the US? I know their prices don't usually include sales tax. No idea if you can claim it back like you can in the UK with VAT though if you are a non-resident.

Oh and whilst I think the ring is beautiful, will it be easy to get a wedding ring to match?

MercilessKiller

Why Birmingham? Is jewellery mostly cheaper there?

Also, tax isn't accounted for thus I would have to still pay that yes.

I haven't thought about a matching wedding ring though *gulp* - Ideas would be welcome once again - As I mentioned, this is the style she really wants!

Thanks

heebie-jeebies

I can highly recommend Samara James. My engagement and wedding rings were both from there and I've had another ring from them since and the sales staff are always so helpful.
I had a quick look on their website and the Julie ring in the colour/clarity etc you asked for is £1522.50 but that's all diamonds but I'm sure they could offer you a bespoke option.

MercilessKiller

heebie-jeebies wrote: »

I can highly recommend Samara James. My engagement and wedding rings were both from there and I've had another ring from them since and the sales staff are always so helpful.
I had a quick look on their website and the Julie ring in the colour/clarity etc you asked for is £1522.50 but that's all diamonds but I'm sure they could offer you a bespoke option.

Thanks - Have emailed them

Do people think a smaller carat is better on this type of ring? Someone advised due to the saphires and outside diamonds, 1 carat would actually look a bit weird and out of place and 0.3 would be better!!! I'm thinking of 0.5 though...

Argh - This is hard work!

minerva_windsong

MercilessKiller wrote: »

Why Birmingham? Is jewellery mostly cheaper there?

Also, tax isn't accounted for thus I would have to still pay that yes.

I haven't thought about a matching wedding ring though *gulp* - Ideas would be welcome once again - As I mentioned, this is the style she really wants!

Thanks

If you get one made then it might be worth seeing what they'd quote you for a wedding ring to fit with it at the same time.


I think the reason people are suggesting Birmingham is because it's got a big jewellery quarter so lots of independents, many of whom will be used to doing custom rings and might give you a better price. I'd suggest Hatton Gardens in London as well which is similar but Birmingham might be easier for you to get to.


Re: ring size, I'm small with slim hands and my engagement ring diamond is 0.33 carats, and it still looks quite big. But then it's the only jewel in my ring so I'm not sure if having other stones next to it would overwhelm it - I'd say best to go to a jeweller's and ask them.

MercilessKiller

minerva_windsong wrote: »

If you get one made then it might be worth seeing what they'd quote you for a wedding ring to fit with it at the same time.


I think the reason people are suggesting Birmingham is because it's got a big jewellery quarter so lots of independents, many of whom will be used to doing custom rings and might give you a better price. I'd suggest Hatton Gardens in London as well which is similar but Birmingham might be easier for you to get to.


Re: ring size, I'm small with slim hands and my engagement ring diamond is 0.33 carats, and it still looks quite big. But then it's the only jewel in my ring so I'm not sure if having other stones next to it would overwhelm it - I'd say best to go to a jeweller's and ask them.

Thanks for the advice - Will pay a visit to Hatton Gardens!!! Hopefully they can also help provide advice