Diamond and ? rings. What would you want? Help me choose?

[mrscumberbatch]

I need to replace a ring, I have a sapphire and diamond target ring that is now too fragile to wear. Short of replacing absolutely everything about it, it's unavoidable.

So I'm going to hide it in a drawer and look at it wistfully. But it means I need a new ring.

I like having diamonds to add a bit of sparkle but like having another stone in there as well. I'm into antique settings and uber modern contemporary out there typey things too.

What would you have/choose?

Emerald and diamonds. Something like this, i.e. fairly conventional. But possibly spending more than £6.51.

OOOH I'm bling shopping myself just now, such fun!

Couple of websites I have found with loads of different settings (and good prices)

www.diamond-heaven.co.uk
www.purelydiamonds.co.uk
www.bluenile.co.uk

I've used bluenile before (my engagement ring) and they are fab, haven't used the others but reviews seem good so far. They don't have many with other stones although there is a lovely one with sapphires I have been eying up!

my current shortlist (not all gemstones)

www.diamond-heaven.co.uk/product-detail.cfm?theProductID=3C085DB7-DF23-95DE-FB26DD5A756E3CCB but in white gold

www.diamond-heaven.co.uk/product-detail.cfm?theProductID=3C04E019-BD70-0C7F-3E73714A79FF6698

www.diamondmanufacturers.co.uk/diamond-ring/2050.html

www.bluenile.co.uk/sapphire-engagement-ring-platinum_8315

Oh hello.

I haven't a clue, sorry. but wanted to say hello.

I'm still saving for a really nice yellow-stoned ring, myself. I thought for a long time I'd definitely go for modern in style (plain band, big lump of a stone, slightly "worked" look to band) but have found myself increasingly googling antique rings. Do you think that style of contemporary is a bit "over"? Also, what do you do if you have really fat fingers? Folk from antique times seem to have been far dinkier than my good self, and I suspect widening antique rings is tricky.

You probably don't have that problem, and are small and dainty of digits ...

I love Emeralds but already have an emerald ring similar to this but with the centre stone as an emerald.

<a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?start=221&um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1920&bih=1009&tbm=isch&tbnid=ryorAB8nJ7-9sM:&imgrefurl=www.engagement-rings-of-london.co.uk/6710d-3stonediamondring.htm&imgurl=www.engagement-rings-of-london.co.uk/threestone/3st-emlm-08x2f-267.jpg&w=267&h=161&ei=r5VCUPTBOaiW0QWO5oCICw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=914&vpy=768&dur=2914&hovh=128&hovw=213&tx=115&ty=109&sig=108565776429953037501&page=5&tbnh=124&tbnw=205&ndsp=54&ved=1t:429,r:49,s:221,i:247" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">3 stone

If I get another 'conventional' stone I'd like something really unusual. Or vice versa get a really unusual stone.

Believe it or not statistically, I hardly ever look at jewellery online (because I'm old fashioned and like grading the jewellery by eye.)
So I'm going to have a proper look at these websites and see if I can find some inspiration.

I am feeling Opal-ly tendencies as well, need to explore that further but <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1920&bih=1009&tbm=isch&tbnid=IIoYyNs61L02xM:&imgrefurl=www.alisonneedfulthings.co.uk/antique-jewellery-details.asp%3Fid%3D595&imgurl=www.alisonneedfulthings.co.uk/prodimages/600-1096.jpg&w=550&h=412&ei=zZZCUOvzFMq60QXxwoHYDw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1473&vpy=514&dur=2885&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=91&ty=82&sig=108565776429953037501&page=1&tbnh=149&tbnw=200&start=0&ndsp=45&ved=1t:429,r:34,s:0,i:177" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">thiswould be amazing on!

Your link's not working, mrsc.

I feel denied sparkle.

There are some stunning antique rings here

www.rubygrays.com/

this one is beautiful, www.rubygrays.com/collections/sapphire/products/cabochon-sapphire-and-diamond-engagement-ring

Love the sapphire setting statistically. Would look fab on. The first one with baguette diamonds would be a nightmare as baguettes seem to be a dirt trap. You'd constantly have it in for cleaning!

Lilac, fancy seeing you here! Lol.

I love contemporary jewellery. But the really unusual bits not everyday bogstandard matching ring and earring sets. It's not really 'in vogue' at the moment as there still seems to be be vintage styles in fashion but if you have a really cracking bit of jewellery I don't think it really matters if it's in fashion or not!

I have fatter fingers than usual! (I'm blaming the rubbish summer) but i do have broad hands. Not particularly dainty. I like big rings, substantial pieces as they balance out the hand.... but every now and then you find something quite pared down and elegant which is flattering as well.

Depends on the setting for stretching antique rings. Rule of thumb- if the setting is seperate from the band (ie: in a cluster) it can be stretched. If its set into the band then it's more difficult.

I looove this citrine ring it's unusual and modern. You never ever see citrine with hematite. (Of course its unfathomably expensive, but i can dream/make a cheap copy )

Same here :(

It does depend what you are looking for - my engagement ring (well, it's replacement actually) is a solitaire which made things a little easier. I went to our local nice-ish jewellers and tried things on, decided what I wanted, but when I came home and priced up I found I was getting far better stones at a fraction of the price.

the difference maybe isn't so obvious with antique but with new it was just insane. At the time (few years ago) my half-carat, e coloured, ideal cut ring cost roughly the same as a quarter carat from a high street (i.e. ernest jones type) jeweller where they were reluctant to even tell me the diamond grading!

Links working for me gatheringlilac? Odd.

www.engagement-rings-of-london.co.uk/6710d-3stonediamondring.htm

Copy and paste into URL. Tis a beauty.

And PHWOAR Mini. That is a gorgeous ring. Right up my alley.

Love this one from Ruby Grays. But I have a sneaking suspicion that it might look shite on

That rubygray ring is beautiful, so unusual.

Shocking that they didn't want to tell you the grading Statistically.

Antique, there's always a good chance to get more for your money. Luck of the draw and knowing what you're looking for helps.

New jewellery is nuts. In our shop we bought in an identical range as we had 2 years ago (popular local designer) but because of the rise in metal prices it was costing twice as much. The problem is that the general public still have the same amount of money in their pocket so whereas before they would get a decent bit of jewellery for £50 and it being relatively affordable, now the same piece is £100+ and they don't have the money spare for it!

The only thing keeping the jewellery industry afloat at the moment is scrapping. I hate to think of some of the lovely things that are being melted down in the name of making a buck . (Although to be fair, if it were me and it was the difference between getting paid or not being paid, I'd be the first one in there with a blowtorch )

Oh, btw - that exact bluenile ring came up on ebay (including all it's paperwork) last week. It didn't sell, and hasn't been relisted yet but I suspect it will be back soon.

It was a size Q which is a country mile too big for my fingers unfortunately (the only part of me that is remotely skinny!)

Agree re price inflation - out of interest I priced my engagement ring again, and even through bluenile it had doubled in price in

Really? I'm surprised it didn't sell. You never know with ebay mind you. It's bloody unpredictable.

Not a bad wee investment mind you if it's doubled in 5 years. They should redo the old saying 'Safe As Houses' into 'Safe As Jewellery'

Silly person hadn't listed the size which I suspect didn't help :) I only found out because I asked.

Now see, that is part of the argument I am currently using on DH to convince him to buy me diamonds. That and the fact he forgot our anniversary and I can huff impressively well :)

I love some of the more ornate dress type rings - I'm looking for something I can wear every day just now (dull professional job so have to be fairly sensible) but could so see me developing a vintage fetish. We have a gorgeous (and expensive) antique shop which I walk past on the way home which is always full of the most exquisite fine jewels.

Go have a look in a shabby horrible antique shop for a bargain!
Genuinely wouldn't believe the ridiculous things that I have found covered in dust piled into a mouldy plywood cabinet in an antique shop in Exeter. (Stunning pearls that were still in the original box. Amazing quality and probably never worn.)

The shabbier the shop the less they are paying for upkeep as well which means that their prices should be better!

I have never bought jewellery, the only pieces I have are family bits that have been passed down and they haven't cost me a penny so mine are going up in value!

However I am itching to have a Georgian brooch. I like the idea of something very bold and simple.

Nice antique bling here www.john-joseph.co.uk/rings.html

I like the MM330R Georgian gold on silver Enamel and diamond cluster ring, hmmm

Good luck with your shopping.

If I were you I'd possibly get a replacement target ring like this one www.graysantiques.com/antiqueDetail.php?antique=13914
showing my ignorance I didn't know such things existed till today, and now I am slightly desperate for one.

That's a nice site Mini. Lucky you at the family heirlooms. All our family jewellery was melted down in the 80's when my dad was establishing his business. (Manafacturing jeweller.) I'm making up for it mind you.

Ha. Scripsi, that's very funny as that's pretty identical to my current target ring! I don't want to get into the habit of buying more than one of the same ring because that's a bit indulgent lol.

diamond and ruby This is an absolute STONKER of a ring. Completely out of my price range (so much so as there's no price given!!) but so bonkers looking that I'm considering trying to do a cheaper replica.

They are both STUNNING!

mrsc - that last ring looks as though it's had the most exciting time. I can just imagine it hanging out in nightclubs and travelling to fashionable world hot spots first class.

mrscumberbatch that is stunning, love it, I want one too. So your father's a jeweller, lucky you. I'd be like a kid in a sweetie shop.

I did trade some stuff in with a guy I've known all my life, he made some of the rings back in the 70's and 80's for my mother, they were quite dated and of that time, he will take the stones out and melt the gold. I've kept the oldest and most valuable pieces mainly as investment and for my kids. Mainly burmese rubies which I love and I'm fairly certain they will rise in value.

Could you have something like that last ring made, maybe the large central diamond could instead by a white saphire, (they are getting rarer now and increasing in value)

by or be ! so tired