Engagement ring shopping!

[JadeTurtle]

Hi guys!

I'm just looking for some advice please. I'm in the slight-less-common position of having been proposed to without a ring (well, he used a ring I already owned as he knows how fussy I am!) and given the option to pick one myself.

Other than window shopping in general high street jewellers' windows, I haven't really properly looked at anything in person yet. I've got a rough idea of what I'm looking for and have spoken to some jewellers online (as I'm thinking about designing my own because I'd like a specific shade of teal sapphire which aren't very common to come by, especially already set in the type of ring I'd like).

I'm struggling to figure out what size stone I'd like so would definitely like to see some in person.
I'm thinking of heading to Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter as I know there's lots of jewellers there so plenty of options including ones that specialise in sapphires. I've noticed most are by appointment only, but a bit overwhelmed by choice to know which ones I want to make appointments at!

Just wondered if anyone was aware of any that allow you to visit without an appointment, or whether they have a good selection of rings to view from the window?

We live in Lincoln so not too far from Birmingham but it's still a bit of trip so don't want to waste our trip if we haven't booked and can't get in anywhere.

Thanks so much! 😊💍

I think you can probably pop in but do be aware that you're heading at the busiest time of year. I would avoid weekends. There are lots of shops and there will be plenty of choice. There are shops that will design for you and a range of stones. Some shops specialise in diamonds, others in gold. There is one particular shop that specialises in coloured stones if you're after sapphires. Hope that helps

Congratulations on your engagemnt!

I also had my ring bespoke made and didn't give an idea of carat size, just budget. At the appointment he had about 30 stones for me to look at, of all varying sizes, clarity, colour etc. to match my budget. I was able to handle them all, place them on my finger to help me decide. So doubt you need to make the decision before moving ahead with a designer, they should be giving you options!

Hi OP - I'd recommend trying Carolyn Codd in Nottingham. The majority of their work is bespoke and hand forged. Once we'd decided on what we wanted they ordered in stones they didn't have in store - but they had plenty to get an idea of size/cut. Very reasonably priced for what they do ☺️

www.carolyncodd.com

I'm near Lincoln too and had mine made this summer l by a wonderful jeweller in a village near Lincoln. I showed her a ring I like and she ordered the stones and made it, it's beautiful and I saved a huge amount compared to what it would have cost retail. She made our wedding bands too at the same time.

Hi, Just wondering what the name of the jeweller near Lincoln is please? Would love to look into this option! Thanks :)

If you send me a PM I'll let you have her number

Congrats! No advice as don’t live local to you but wanted to say sounds like a smart man who knows you well! A great start to married life. All the best. 😘