Etsy engagement ring

[IAmFourEels]

After a few weeks of browsing eBay, auction sites and Etsy, I have found a style of ring that I love (well within budget, too).

The problem is, it's from a US Etsy store and I'm just not sure if that's too risky. The seller doesn't have any website or proof of identity except his Etsy store, so I'm not sure how genuine/skilled he is. You can't see the ring in real life so it might look tacky/poor quality when it arrives, and then I can't send it back (no returns accepted for custom rings, and I'd be having some minor changes made to the overall design).

I want to be impetuous and excited and get it right away, but part of me feels it would be better to take the design to a reputable UK jewellers that does custom design.

www.etsy.com/uk/listing/592088811/pear-cut-emerald-engagement-ring-14k?ref=hp_rv

What do you guys think?

What a beautiful ring! Have you had a look at photos from reviews?

Sorry, baby started crying. Would it be a whole lot more expensive to have it custom made in the UK? It’s a risk but I’d do it!

Go for it and pay via PayPal (not the friends and family option) so your covered by them.

Damn, now I want this one
www.etsy.com/uk/listing/508346886/emerald-engagement-ring-set-solid-14k?ref=landingpage_similar_listing_bot-5
I’m also looking for an engagement ring 💍

I'd ask an independent jeweller for a quote first you may be surprised. I had my wedding ring custom made and it was cheaper than the high street equivalent and made using better quality materials too.

Hah, I was expecting more sensible, sober responses, not people getting swept up in the excitement with me, AhoyDelBoy !

Yes, I was considering the one you linked to as well - the shop has some beautiful designs!

I had a look at the real life photos from reviews and think they do look a bit tacky, but maybe it's just that the stones in the photos are all quite large, which really isn't my style (the customisation I asked for was a smaller stone).

Not sure how expensive it would be to get it done in the UK, it would be wise to do my research before deciding one way or the other I suppose...

It's gorgeous. My concern with the Etsy seller would be how much you'd pay in customs fees. For a ring that cost £300 you might find yourself adding another hundred or so to that in fees before you could even receive it.

There's a UK based site similar to Etsy, called Folksy. All the sellers on there are located in the UK, and I've bought quite a bit of jewellery from various sellers there over the years, for special birthday gifts. I've never had a problem, and it works in much the same way as Etsy, with individuals having their own shop space. I have my own shop on Folksy, just to be totally transparent, although I make bags, not jewellery.

If you find a seller who's work you love, the chances are they'd probably be open to commissions, if you ask.

www.folksy.com

I agree with @Bloomcounty make sure to factor in the customs cost!

I bought my wedding dress from Etsy earlier this year and it was absolutely lovely however the customs cost was about an extra £75 (dress was £410ish).
I would definitely have a look around in the uk to see if you could have a similar ring custom made.

The ring is beautiful but agree with others it's worth trying to find someone in the uk to make it. I love Etsy but the customs charges can substantially increase the cost.

Lab created emeralds are not worth much, so it's quite an expensive ring with 14ct gold and diamond chips.
It is very pretty though. If you are happy with it then go ahead, but be aware it won't be an investment piece (but then neither are most engagement rings).

I bought my wedding ring from an American Etsy shop. It's beautiful, though was smaller than I thought! However, fits perfectly with my engagement ring so it is the right size, I'm just bad at imagining things 🤷

Oh yes, I'm not fussed about it being an investment piece, and I think I'd prefer lab-created gems as they're more likely to be ethically sourced.

I've emailed a ball-park enquiry to an independent jeweller so will see what they say.