If you had £300 to buy a ring what would you pick?

[Vintageraven]

I have a significant birthday coming up and a relative has given me a budget of £300 to pick a present. Their only proviso is that it is for something that I'll keep, so something like jewellery that can then be passed on in the future.

I think I've decided that I'd really like a ring. Preferably with a gemstone and diamonds. I'm happy with either mined or lab grown. I really want to avoid cubic zirconia.

I'm not really a jewellery person, so I have no idea where to start and if it's even possible with that budget.

So, if you had £300 to spend what would you pick?

I would search for a vintage art deco ring, you get better value on vintage pieces and I love owning a piece of history.

Moissanite is very sparkly, double refraction & almost as hard as diamond. Most are lab grown now.
You can get some lovely coloured spinels. Some of the blues look like incredible natural sapphires.

If you’re not really a jewellery person, is this a good idea? If you get a ring, I think you’d be better off going to either an independent jeweller, the jewellery quarter or a cash converters. Avoid the generic h Samuel’s etc. I got a £400 solitaire ring from there that was allegedly £800 on an amazing offer. When it broke (not due to quality) they basically said it was worth 10p. It’s mass produced, overpriced shite.

I’d look in second hand/antique shops. You can get lovely jewelry much cheaper.

I bought a lovely 1925 diamond ring (tiny diamonds set in platinum art deco style) for £300 last year. I would really recommend looking at vintage or antique jewellery within this price range.

That's so sad. What a rip off.

I'd go for vintage I think. I love Tanzanite, but that's as pricey as diamonds these days. I wish I'd bought something when I was in Tanzania a few years ago.

Another art deco fan here. My engagement ring is a delicate 1920s diamond cluster and only cost us £120 at the time (10 years ago).

I would find a local jewellery maker and have something made.

I like silver, chunky rings and had a lovely one for my birthday from DP from a silversmith who was selling at a town craft market so would go to someone like that

Have a look at the rings on Loup vintage!

With £300 I would look for a lovely brooch. Have a look at antique/vintage/preloved jewellery. You will get much better value.

I would get something from my favourite jeweller - maybe this ring in my birthday stone. Or a colourful enamelled ring.

Sheila Fleet

I would look at other stones as well. I believe it’s aquamarine that’s rarer than diamonds but is cheaper due to demand. I’d google it tho as it could be another stone.

I bought a vintage ring I love from ringlife24 on instagram. Great pictures, great service and great price.

Not sure if this is your kind of thing, but Hannah Batstone is a local jewellery maker who I have bought a few beautiful pieces from:

https://www.hannahbatstone.com/shop-silver-gold-contemporary-jewellery?category=R+I+N+G+S

She has some gorgeous rings ready for sale and is also happy to talk about commissions for your budget

I think it would potentially be difficult to have anything made, unless you add to your budget, unfortunately, possibly silver, but gold prices are insane at the moment
£100/g (ish) for 18ct gold, raw material
This can affect vintage prices as well because they won't sell jewellery for less than you can scrap it

I never know where to look for vintage/antique rings. Always worried they’re fake or it’s a dodgy website!

Take a look at your local auction. They often have beautiful jewellery and you can pick up a real bargain. The guide price will give you an idea of the likely value.

Thank you

Something a bit different? https://the-ouze.com/collections/rings

I have one and love it.

Look in person in antique shops.
if you’re anywhere near Hungerford there are several in the town.

Something silver by Georg Jensen probably this
https://www.georgjensen.com/en-gb/jewellery/silver-jewellery/moebius-ring/20000309.html?cgid=Jewellery_126

Have a look at Naomi James rings.