Hatton Garden Ring Advice please!

[Ringhelpme]

Hello!

My partner and I got engaged a couple of weeks ago and are planning to go to Hatton Garden to get my engagement ring.

Any advice of where to start? I’m so clueless. . . My thoughts are that I want something quite simple and elegant, not too fussy. Ethical is important so maybe lab made diamonds? Or Sapphire instead? Not sure of budget (my partner doesn’t have one in mind) but is not the primary factor. We both earn well (40% tax payers), but don’t want to spend money for the sake of it - just want to get something beautiful that I will love. I have quite small hands, thin fingers so nothing too big.

Thanks for any tips or show me your ring or some pics if you think I might like it for inspiration!

to add...a lot of the shops have it all made in India now to save on costs...and often stock the same style of stuff.

If you go be ready to barter hard. I fell in love with a ring there and tried it on just for fun as it was £3600 on the price tag. I didn't want to waste anyone's time so I made it clear it was nowhere near anything I could ever pay- we'd gone with a top budget of £1500.

Anyhow I ended up walking away with that ring later for £1700!

Congratulations OP.

As a jeweller I would say it's good to have an idea of what you do/don't like first and be clear about budget (even if that might seem a bit embarrassing) then it is easier to create a design to your taste and budget without either wasting time showing something either you don't like, or can't afford. Of the 2 rings you posted, be mindful that if you were to wear a wedding ring next to it, the first one would need a shaped rather than straight wedding band, which might have to be specially made.
If you want a silver/white metal choose platinum over white gold, it's much cheaper per gram and retains it's whiteness without needing rhodium plating, it's less allergenic and more hard-wearing.

I used to work in HG...i wouldnt bother...the mark up is huge....800% to pay for the fancy shops and private guards who patrol the streets etc....go second hand or try one of the small work shops up the back stairs etc...some pointers already mentioned....if you pay £1000 for a ring they will only offer you about £200 if you ever want to sell it !!

I don't think this is exclusive to HG, in fact I'd say the shops are probably more competitively priced than other high street jewellers, but agree a workshop would probably be cheaper. And I think most jewellers would likely only give you scrap value back if you tried to sell something back.