Expensive jewellery

[namechangenumerouno]

Those that are into real jewellery, ie gold and with precious stones - where do you buy it? What brands are tasteful?

Apart from my engagement and wedding ring I’ve never really had anything like this but thought maybe as I get older it would be nice to have a few things to pass onto DD.

Not planning on spending thousands though!

Independent jewellers and auction houses for second hand

Same as pp. Independent local jewellers who make, not just sell, jewellery or independent jewellers who sell antique jewellery.

Right now I'd buy a small gold bar - 5g of gold is about average for a wedding band for example.

The value of gold is at the highest it's ever been right now and still rising, so buy the plain gold, put it away, and you could have it made into anything you / she likes later in life. Or use it to fund something else she wants.

I was in Chester recently. I don't think I've ever been anywhere with so many jewellery shops. I'm not a jewellery fan and couldn't quite believe how many people must be buying jewellery for them to all survive.

This.

Or a small local independent jewellery designer.

I’m the same OP, apart from wedding and engagement rings I haven’t had anything else. I wanted NHS compatible (stud) earrings that look nice but didn’t want stones.
I looked around for all the second hand ones (online) but didn’t like any. I wanted to avoid designer stuff (just purely for price), went to an area with Indian jewellers and I got a screw back earring.
I was also surprised at how busy the shop was with people actually purchasing jewellery.

If you're near London, I would go and walk around Hatton Garden and look at the second-hand jewellery there. It would be a nice day out even if you didn't buy anything. You would get your eye in for the kind of things you like.

Places with large numbers of jewellery shops can be good, because there can be a little more competition on prices sometimes.

Thanks, this is useful. I’ve heard about people buying gold bars on another thread! There are some Indian to the places near here so I’ll take a look.

Don’t just now, unless you do the suggestion of buying gold bar. But you will possibly pay more to have it made to your design.
Second hand items might not be shooting up in price as fast as new/made to order but many places are choosing to sell for scrap with the price so high. Which is sad.
Spend some time looking at what you like, what you would plan to buy, stash some money to get a bit of interest and see what happens to the market.

https://ruthtomlinson.com/products/solitaire-champagne-diamond-ring-with-granules

I’ve got my eye on this ring, the jeweller is in Hatton Garden area.

https://tomfoolerylondon.co.uk/

I’ve also bought from here, mixed price range.

I went to an independent jewellers and explained what I wanted and they sourced the emerald and diamonds. I went in and they had a variety of stones, a few diamonds I liked but they then sourced a new emerald. They then set it all for me. So for me I would definitely go to an independent.

I get mine at Birmingham jewelry quarter and second hand jewellery stores. I love old jewellery.

Second hand vintage, classical styles.

Avoid VAT and better value for money that way.

That's the way to go, every time.