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’m really liking the look of this one. Did you feel pressured at all? We’re considering an appointment here. He will give them a heads up on his budget ect.

but won’t be buying until I’m not with him (he will make the final decision once I’ve selected a few I like)

I do! Rich Diamonds on Bond Street. Don’t be put off by the swanky address, they have some amazing stuff and they are extremely well priced. They have a website, have a look. I have sent a number of friends and family there and they’ve all come away with lovely things (from £800 to £50k!)
Good service too. DH bought me a tennis bracelet from there, but a year later, the clasp broke. They took it back and repaired it free of charge, no questions asked.

Just had a look at this! Will definitely book an appointment here! Really really appreciate your recommendation.

No didn’t feel pressured at all! The service from start to finish was really good! We have had a few things made there since the engagement and wedding rings and every time it has been a good experience!
Good luck and congratulations!

Thank you! I have made an appointment there for next week!

exciting!!

I recommend avoiding lab grown stones. You’re better off sourcing an antique or vintage stone - will hold its value better and is far more sunstainable. Hatton Garden will be able to offer you antique (old cut), new natural and new lab-grown/engineered diamonds.

Just came to say please do not worry about the sizing. Rings can be resized easily, and a good jeweller will include it in the price. The difference between the sizes is tiny, and you are correct when you say the width of the band affects the fit. A wider band (or if you are wearing more than one ring on one finger) often needs to be a size or two up.
Also, some people like to wear their rings tight, other people hate that feeling. Some peoples fingers swell a lot in the heat, and need to accommodate that.

If you're set on diamonds go for labgrown. They are much more ethical and you get more diamond for your money. They are the exact same structure as mined diamonds

Don't buy one from a high street jeweller! Got to an independent jeweller who makes them or dependent on where you live, go to Hatton garden, or Birmingham jewellery quarter.

There's a guy on instagram called London jeweller who specialises in getting amazing diamonds at better prices and works to all budgets...

www.instagram.com/londonjeweller?igsh=YzV0ZzZ3ZThqMGFw

I had mine made at quality diamonds who are based in Hatton garden but also have an office in Milton Keynes.
I chose my diamond from their online loose diamonds and they built my ring to my design. It was £4500 in 2014.

You can design your own at Carolyn Codd in Nottingham, I have a beautiful ring from there.

We bought my engagement ring from this Etsy shop. The value for the size of diamond worked out a lot better.
We've since had it certified and valued at a local jewellers, and the diamonds are a bit bigger than the listing suggests they will be, and the value is higher.
Only thing to factor in is that customs aren't included it the cost on the page, so you need to factor that in as an extra cost.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/DianaRafaelJewelry

Very generic stuff though.

I've always gone for vintage jewellery, starting with my engagement ring. I like the designs

Look at an independent designer. I chose the diamond and type of design and metal

Hi all, just an update went with a recommendation in Hatton garden and had the most amazing experience.

and now being asked the official question?

pending! X

Keep us all posted! ❤️

So did you buy one?