Diamond earrings for 40th

[spinduffy]

I’m very lucky and have some beautiful pieces from a high end jeweller locally; 1.7 carat diamond platinum solitaire, diamond pendant and tennis bracelet.

I am 40 next month and my husband has looked at diamond earrings from same high end jewellers. I’m just thinking that he could get me as big (maybe even slightly bigger - thinking 1.5 carat total), at a slightly lower cost by shopping on line / buying abroad or looking for pre owned.

Any suggestions? I know he will spend crazy money, when I would be happy with him spending much less and still getting a lot of ‘bang for your buck’.

Apologies if this sounds crass; we both earn well and sadly have no children and have decided to stop the repeated ivf cycles, so have good disposable income.

Forgot to add we are in South Africa on holidays this month, but I worry there isn’t much cheaper there x

I personally would want to spend a night in London and book appointments to go to Cartier, Tiffany's, Boodles etc and independent Jewellers around Hatton Gardens etc and really enjoy the experience of looking at and choosing my earrings.

Diamonds are much cheaper in South Africa so it may make sense to get yours there ? Although I guess try to get a recommendation!

My DH got me a pair of diamond earrings for xmas from our go to jeweller in Hatton garden, it was lush!

Or have a romantic weekend in Birmingham and spend the time trawling the Jewellery Quarter. Probably cheaper than Hatton Garden.

Definitely have a look at diamonds in SA, they are cheaper there. I bought a 1.00 carat diamond and a 1.00 tanzanite in Cape Town, and had them made into a stunning ring which I designed myself. Have a look online to see what’s available and where.

I always start at antiques fairs
Followed by places with lots of antique and secondhand jewellers eg the lanes in Brighton or hemswell cliff near Lincoln
Failing that I prefer Birmingham antiques quarter to Hatton garden any day

We were told to match the earrings to my pendant, so I think my earrings are 40pt each and the pendant is 50pts.

Otherwise you're pendant ends up looking tiny.

London is a bit far for us. We are considering online, but will price around and definitely look into antique x

If you’re in SA and will be going to Cape Town, consider choosing your own diamonds from Shimansky on the Waterfront. A great experience. Of course, you’ll have to then work out how to get your jewellery while you’re on hols. But there is a fabulous selection of ready made items too. Plus they have a very good selection of tanzanite.
Otherwise, Browns Jewellers, found in most SA malls is one of the best.

I phoned shimansky. They were really helpful, but it would appear the prices are pretty much the same as here.

It is so, so, so much cheaper to have jewellery designed and handmade by a local jeweller. Often 50% lower than the high end/high street brands - they are insanely overpriced. You must be able to find one locally - ask on local FB groups for recommendations etc. The jeweller in our village has made all of our family's jewellery for decades. You have something unique and handmade, and will get much more for your money. They should be able to copy anything you want. (If you want details for mine let me know!).