Engagement Rings

TheDebtinator

Hi All,

Sorry, this is another "Where should I go for a ring" type post. I am planning on proposing next month to my gf but I am struggling to decide on where is best to go for a ring - there are too many choices! (First world problem). I know the designs she likes the look of, but I do not really fancy getting one from a chain of jewelers, especially with not really knowing what you're buying diamond wise, and one of the rings she has seen has mixed reviews on its strength.

I am well placed to be able to get into London to go to Hatton Gardens, and similarly I am not a million miles away from the Birmingham Jewelry quarter.

One of my other concerns is going somewhere and being laughed away due to my budget (I am not someone who thinks you should spend x months wages on a ring, and nor is my gf), so I am looking at £700 tops really. Am I likely to get laughed at when visiting these areas? Can anyone recommend which area is best? Any places I should definitely visit?

Thank you in advance! :money:

Dpw15

Hey!,

I'm in a similar situation at the moment.

For around £700 you could probably get a 18ct white gold ring with a 0.33ct diamond. Obviously the clarity & colour come into play which increases / decreses the budget.

I'd recommend this website https://www.buyfinediamonds.co.uk

They're the cheapest I've seen so far and have a really good rating on trustpilot. Also they have a shop in london (hatton gardens which you could visit if you wanted to see before you buy.

I'm stuck between them and Ernest Jones.

Hope that helps

thebigbosh

You shouldn't be laughed away - everyone has their own limits and some stores will have stuff for your price too. If certain shops say they can't help you (unlikely), use them to help identify who can. I've heard friends talk about designing their rings and getting them made online but can't recommend anything myself. Also, if going into a shop, give them a bit of a lower budget, e.g. 600, as they'll try and stretch you by showing you more expensive stuff. And if you do like something, remind them of your 'budget' and use it as a negotiating tool. Good luck!

TheDebtinator

Thanks for your replies. I will look at that Web site and take both of your comments on board. Thank you!

mrsHall2b

its not the price of the ring that matters, its what it signifies, my engagment ring cost £50.

benjus

£700 will certainly be at the low end of the ranges you'll see at Hatton Garden, but then the sky's the limit with jewellery.

Actually I was rather unimpressed with the selection at Hatton Garden - it's all very samey and conventional (e.g. solitaire diamond rings and plain wedding bands) - no-one seemed to want to make anything different or creative. I know most of them will make bespoke designs, but that gets expensive.

savvy

MOVING THREADS FOR BETTER RESPONSES

Hi, we move threads if we think they’ll get more help elsewhere (please read the forum rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com"]forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].

inkie

Are you certain that it's a new ring that you are wanting? my daughter got engaged in the summer, and they got a lovely 18ct gold and plantinum diamond antique ring and it came in well below your budget.

She was attracted to something with history to it.

TheDebtinator

Yes she does. We talked about it recently. One thing has changed, she isn't fussed about a diamond, she would quite like a Sapphire, she wants something a bit different from the norm.

daivid

If you go to the JQ try some of the smaller shops further from the centre, they may not have huge stocks but can make up a ring of your specifications in around a week and at a very competative prices. Even if you don't buy from them it will give an idea of target price for the other stores.

As for £700, that sounds like a perfectly respectable budget with some friendly negotiation you will probably be able to get a ring priced at around £1000 for that.

cashewnut

My ring is from Hatton Garden and was £660! Try Carlos - they're at 25a Hatton Garden. Only got laughed out of one shop with our £700 budget (a snotty woman with a little dog who told us to "go to H Samuel with that budget"). How about proposing to your gf with a token ring then taking her along to find the right diamond/sapphire ring?