Engagement ring help!

[addz86]

Right I'll need a bit of help here as I haven't got a clue where to start really....apologies for rambling I hope this makes a bit of sense.

I've decided at a bit short notice that I'm going to propose to my girlfriend of five years, it's been on my mind for a while but I've only just put a plan together, it's her 30th on the 11th of March and I know she'd love an Engagement ring for it.

The problem is I don't really know where to start looking, and on her birthday we'll be in Cape Verde... and we're flying out there next Sunday the 5th.

Budget wise it's not going to break any records, somewhere between £1000-£2000 would be nice, we've spoke about it a bit and she doesn't want a expensive or fancy ring but I feel that I should spend as much as possible to get her something I can be proud of her wearing.

She doesn't wear gold so Platinum or white gold, budget depending. Nothing too fussy either just a simple band with a nice diamond, again budget depending. I'm not really sure what that'll allow me, reading through some threads on here I know to avoid high street chains as they'll mark a cheap ring up where as I'll get more for my money from a proper jeweller.

So people of Pistonheads, some pointers and advice would be great please!

Adam.

[addz86]

Some good ideas so far cheers,

I did ponder getting a dud ring to do the deed then make a weekend of going to choose a proper one that'll she'll definitely like, I've really enjoyed reading Eddies thread so don't know whether my budget would allow for one to be made from scratch?

[addz86]

Yeah I need to really, stuck at work all weekend and next week which isn't helping me get a plan together

[addz86]

hyphen said:

Propose to her without a ring, driver her down to Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham the next day, which isn't far from you, and let her pick one (sensibly discussing budget beforehand!). Then go for a nice meal in Birmingham

I'm leaning towards this kind of idea I think, id like to involve her in some way to make sure it's a ring she likes, not as romantic as a surprise I know but after doing to subtle digging it appears we have very different tastes

I'm gonna have a look into a temporary ring to do the deed with, I just hope it doesn't look better than the actual article we pick....

[addz86]

Ah just the man, I wanted to ask your opinion but felt a bit cheeky as I'm quite a distance from your shop and wouldn't want to ask for you're advice to then possibly go elsewhere...

After running my plans by my best mate we said it'd be a nice idea to buy a diamond to present her with then have a ring made to suit, £1000 - £1200 budget on a diamond then perhaps £400 or so on a platinum band if that would cover it?

I've been reading your (Eddie) thread with much interest and that's what gave me the idea to have a ring made, do you get many request over the phone/email or is it mainly face to face?

Thanks everyone for the help so far!

[addz86]

ecain63 said:

With the PH guys it is 90% over the phone and email. They send me the criteria and I see what's available.

I know how much everyone loves the certification on diamonds but from a reputable dealer you should also consider non-certified. The cost of the cert will be a hundred or more pounds on top of the stone and for a sub carat item it has no real benefit. Your eye cannot see the difference between a D and a G in daylight. Nor the difference between IF and Vs quality. Just compare and asses using your head. A crap stone is obvious.

I sell a lot of my stones non cert and unless over 1.5ct most insurance companies and valuers will cover a non cert stone.

PM me your specifics and I'll see what I've got.



Eddie

I've sent you a email to the address on your profile, can't seem to find PM's on my phone,
Adam

[addz86]

Diamond sorted, Many thanks to Eddie!

Edited by addz86 on Tuesday 28th February 12:59