Engagement Ring Questions

MartynK

Hey all,

I've got a couple of questions re engagement rings and modifying them that you guys might be able to answer.

Me and the Missus have been together coming up to 3 years this Nov and we've talked on and off about marriage both jokingly and seriously to the point were if I proposed I know she'd say yes, my only concern at the moment is I 100% want kids, she is unsure, obviously we need to sit down and talk about that first so we can see what's what before committing further emotionally and financially, but lets assume that all goes fine I've got some questions about the ring..

She found a ring when we were tidying up some of her things in her mums house and gave it to me as it fit the ring finger,
It is apparently platinum and has some diamond or maybe glass flakes on the side, but the original diamond got removed and reset with some cheapish gem which she didn't like.

We discussed plenty of times that we don't like the De beers marketing ploy of x amount of months salary on a ring and think money like this is better spent else were. So I (and her when she gets a ring) would like it to be not a massive amount of money.


So, long story short, Because this ring is apparently platinum I have assumed its a good metal and in theory worth it to modify and to keep costs down I am thinking of removing the current setting and replacing it with 3 settings for a Sapphire and some smallish diamonds, and I am hoping that if I pick manufactured ones it will be cheaper.

Does anyone have any experience with having a ring modified in such a way and know the types of costs and any possible jeweller recommendations to take a look down in Dorset?

Gloomendoom

If I were you, I'd get yourself up to Brum jewellery quarter (or the London equivalent) and get a few quotes for the work.

Slinky

Whatever you do, don't use RJ Turley in Birmingham. They were actually recommended to me by Marlows along the road who made my engagement ring!

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2567409

Spanners86

It is lovely that you are putting some thought into the ring that you choose.

The problem with your plan of using the platinum to reduce costs is that you will be paying for the (hopefully very experienced and competent) jewellers time to alter the ring. He will probably have to hand make the setting out of platinum to fit onto the ring and the cost for his/her time and skill may be more that you are saving.

Have you thought about scrapping the platinum for its scrap value and using that to offset the cost of a ring that is already made. Rings that already made are often made in bulk therefore cutting down the manufacture cost percentage within the ring and you will get more ring for your money. (I hope this is making sense!) (Assuming that your girlfriend has given you this ring to do what you want with as opposed to just lent it you to get the size right?)

If you have time, find a good jeweller that can quote for the work without obligation but also check out the prices of made up rings that she likes. Good luck