Engagement ring shopping… help!?

[LibbyL92]

Hiya!

At the weekend my partner of 10 years told me we were going engagement ring shopping (hasn’t asked to marry me yet but clearly getting the ball rolling!)

we headed to the generic places like Goldsmiths and Beverbrooks. I was sized up as three different sizes in both J, K, L. Apparently depending on the depth of the ring you could be smaller/bigger.

i was not present in the room when budgets were asked ect. But I know the sales woman brought out rings costing 8 thousand!
I don’t know what his budget is but it will not be anything close to that as we definitely couldn’t afford that (quite frankly I wouldn’t want him spending that anyway)

we came home feeling quite underwhelmed with the confusion of sizes. And the woman pushing the rings costing a bomb in our faces.

I did however find one I loved. It was around 2,700 he had a Google online at the specs and found one over half the price with the exact same spec from an independent jewellers.

my question and advice is does anyone know of any places that are not generic high street that do lovely engagement rings for no more than £2500?

a bridal set would be considered as well.
I don’t want him being ripped off and I’m also so worried about sizing.

we live in London, we could travel to Kent/Essex ect or areas around.

any advice hugely welcomed. Thank you so much xx

I would look for an independent jeweller and have one made. I had my wedding ring made. Its totally unique to me and was a similar price to a high street one

I was thinking this.

I’ve had a Google and apparently Hatton Garden is a good place to start!

What about second hand vintage. The jewellery shops in the Laines in Brighton are fabulous if rather overwhelming. I think you could pick up a lovely piece within your budget there.

A second vote for going to the Lanes in Brighton, lots of shops selling new and vintage rings, and you'll get a much better service than those high street shops. Also do consider a lab grown diamond if you get a new ring, they're cheaper, much more ethical and environmentally friend, and look identical.

I follow Aimee on IG, not been lucky enough to buy from her yet but once I get the funds I want a custom piece.

https://www.claritydiamondsbyaimee.com/

she seems fabulous and often does posts on price comparison with big high street shops showing the huge mark up they do vs actual costs.

Thank you! I’ve just followed and will chat to my partner about her. Looks like some beautiful rings!!

If you go to Hatton Garden, I had mine made here: https://thediamondshop.co.uk

They were really helpful. Mine was about £5k in 2009.

They also bought it back when I called the engagement off

Staff were helpful and friendly.

Personally I'd look at raw diamonds. Gorgeous and unconventional. This Danish store has some lovely examples but you could ask for similar from a local independent. https://roughdiamondsjewellery.com/collections/rings

Mine was Queensmith in Hatton Garden, would 100% recommend.

I’ve just been looking at them! Looks really promising!!

thank you :)

Would also recommend Hatton Garden. Lots of choice on price etc and really good to go and have a browse to get ideas. I wouldn't worry about size - that can all be sorted.

Ruth Tomlinson is an independent designer in Hatton Garden. Loads of options around the price you’re looking at.

Ruth Tomlinson is lush.
We got mine from Samara James. Huge amount of choice and you can select your metal. They will also send you a silver replica to try out. Very reasonably priced too.

https://www.samarajames.com/?pk_campaign=Brand&pk_kwd=samara%20james%20-%20e&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwir2xBhC_ARIsAMTXk870MRTsvYqt2506fIIZJchcB2Qcfou8HduzPoZ0lcxlYOebggxwppYaAj_rEALw_wcB

Another vote for Queensmith in Hatton Garden. We had my engagement ring and wedding rings made there and the service was excellent.

I had mine made by Clarice Price Thomas, who I think was in Hatton Garden (or just round the corner) Beautiful classic designs but also if you want something a bit different. I love her instagram, the pieces she makes are just beautiful!

https://claricepricethomas.com/

Another vote for Hatton Garden, if you're London based it's a no brainer. Have fun!

The Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham too, as an alternative to Hatton Garden.

Mine also came from the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham.

We also went to the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham.
Decide on a budget, what style you want and then shop around for the diamonds. Prices did vary quite a bit between companies.
Definitely cheaper and better quality diamonds than High Street jewellers.

Try Diamond Heaven. There's one in London. A fraction of the cost elsewhere and beautiful. They build them to your style and budget
https://www.diamond-heaven.co.uk

Something a bit left field:

https://www.cassandragoad.com/jewellery/rings?style=engagement-rings&sort=popularity&gadsource=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6rydodXnhQMVipxQBh1pmw9NEAAYASADEgKYxxDBwE

Mine was from Daniel Christopher in Hatton Garden. I wasn’t there when it was picked but I think DH budget was £4k (he suggested I put that on insurance). I wanted a pink sapphire which they didn’t stock but ordered it in specially and sourced the band for it. I think it was good value compared to others I saw online when I was trying to work out insurance costs.
They were lovely as well. We ended up getting our wedding bands from there. Pretty sure they gave us a discount on the bands because DH had bought the engagement ring there.

If you have one custom made, copyright the design! I had a one of a kind ring made, now it is a very popular design in a niche market!!!

Second a PP for vintage.

I have a unique engagement ring bought from a pawn brokers. I love it as much today as I did 30 years ago when I was given it.

Never seen anything even remotely similar.

Thank you for the advice everyone!

having spoke with my partner we’re going to book some appointments in Hatton garden as we’re not far from there!

found some on Queensmith that are under 2k which is where I think he would want to be in terms of price.

it’s so very exciting! I’m absolutely beaming today.