Discussion
Not sure this is best section for this question but here goes.
I'm looking into get an engagement ring budget is up to £5.5k but ideally less but really looking for a platnium band, 1 carat (good cut, clarify and colour etc). I've had a look on the web and have a general idea of what I could get for the money. I always like a good deal (don't we all) so don't want to get ripped off so will avoid the high street store, I'm based in London but can travel if need be, is there anyone people can recommend me to get a good deal on the ring ? I did pop into Hatton Gardens London a few years back, are the dealers good or are there prices over inflatted London prices would I better buying it outside of London ? Also if they quote a price how much in terms of % is realistic to try and negotiate off, I've got no idea on the mark up of these things ?
Finally, girlfriend in passing has said she would like me to pick the ring, but based on previous experience of picking things for her I don't think it would be a good idea, plus she doesn't even know really what's available, if I'm spending circa £5-6k I would prefer her to pick what she wants. I know I can just give her a temporay ring when I propose but I could just imagine me ruining the moment when I propose by having to explain this is not the actual ring etc .... what have others done, risked sorting the ring first or got a cheapy ring first then sorted proper ring after it after ?
ta
I'm looking into get an engagement ring budget is up to £5.5k but ideally less but really looking for a platnium band, 1 carat (good cut, clarify and colour etc). I've had a look on the web and have a general idea of what I could get for the money. I always like a good deal (don't we all) so don't want to get ripped off so will avoid the high street store, I'm based in London but can travel if need be, is there anyone people can recommend me to get a good deal on the ring ? I did pop into Hatton Gardens London a few years back, are the dealers good or are there prices over inflatted London prices would I better buying it outside of London ? Also if they quote a price how much in terms of % is realistic to try and negotiate off, I've got no idea on the mark up of these things ?
Finally, girlfriend in passing has said she would like me to pick the ring, but based on previous experience of picking things for her I don't think it would be a good idea, plus she doesn't even know really what's available, if I'm spending circa £5-6k I would prefer her to pick what she wants. I know I can just give her a temporay ring when I propose but I could just imagine me ruining the moment when I propose by having to explain this is not the actual ring etc .... what have others done, risked sorting the ring first or got a cheapy ring first then sorted proper ring after it after ?
ta
BumFLuff said:
Platinum with a diamond on it 
to be fair she doesnt know what's avaliable and therefore what choices she has as she doesn't wear rings at the moment.
a) I always had a pretty good idea on my OH's taste. to be fair she doesnt know what's avaliable and therefore what choices she has as she doesn't wear rings at the moment.b) I got her to look at advertisements and in jeweller's windows (subtly) to double check I was going along the right lines.
When I popped the question she was really surprised, 1) because she wasn't expecting it and 2) because I'd got her the ring of her dreams!
If you're going for a large-ish diamond, I would say to go for a round (brilliant) stone with as little in the way of setting as possible. I prefer N, S, E, W claws as if you go for the ones in the corners it looks a bit square. The more setting you have (like those fully-enclosed ones) the less light you'll let into the stone.
Don't be tempted to get a crap stone just because it's big. http://www.bestdiamondsearch.com/4c.php describes how the cut is much more important.
Don't be tempted to get a crap stone just because it's big. http://www.bestdiamondsearch.com/4c.php describes how the cut is much more important.
A high street jeweller will mark up by 6 -8 times their purchase price, including VAT.
so, if you spend your £3500 budget on the high street it will get you ring that cost them about £550.00.
And if you decided to sell would realise £350 - £450.
These are guide figures, as rings get more expensive the mark up will drop slightly as the cash profit increases.
A customer came in with a 14ct white gold ring this morning, with 9 diamonds adding up to 1ct. It cost her £2200, and my offer was £200 to purchase second hand. I would have gone to £250 if pushed. She left ashen faced with the "loss" after 6 months since purchase. It had never been worn.
PM if you want be to search for a second hand ring that would be:- cheaper, or "bigger"!
so, if you spend your £3500 budget on the high street it will get you ring that cost them about £550.00.
And if you decided to sell would realise £350 - £450.
These are guide figures, as rings get more expensive the mark up will drop slightly as the cash profit increases.
A customer came in with a 14ct white gold ring this morning, with 9 diamonds adding up to 1ct. It cost her £2200, and my offer was £200 to purchase second hand. I would have gone to £250 if pushed. She left ashen faced with the "loss" after 6 months since purchase. It had never been worn.
PM if you want be to search for a second hand ring that would be:- cheaper, or "bigger"!
Speak to Nightmare or Lord Summerisle on here, both will be able to advise and take you through the buying process from beginning to end.
I designed the engagement ring for my wife and she's said that it means that much more to her than something off the shelf. Nightmare managed to get me a great deal on it too, got a much bigger and better cut rock than by going to a high street shop.
I designed the engagement ring for my wife and she's said that it means that much more to her than something off the shelf. Nightmare managed to get me a great deal on it too, got a much bigger and better cut rock than by going to a high street shop.
I bought my girlfriends engagement ring (now wife) from purely diamonds. I also went through quidco and got 7% cash back. Something to bear in mind, as most retailers can more than accommodate the cash back as well as make a healthy profit. Also high street shops have higher margins as you have to pay for their shop rental, compared to the online stores.
Quidco cash back came in without problem, and purely diamonds took around 3 weeks to get my order to me, very happy with both as would advise they are worth a look. Also diamond manufacturers is the other big online one (also give quidco cash back), but I liked one of PD ring designs which is why I went with them.
Quidco cash back came in without problem, and purely diamonds took around 3 weeks to get my order to me, very happy with both as would advise they are worth a look. Also diamond manufacturers is the other big online one (also give quidco cash back), but I liked one of PD ring designs which is why I went with them.
Thanks for everyones replies and links, I will drop the two Ph'ers mentioned PM.
From the looks of I'm after a 1 carat, round/brilliant shape, ideal cut, with ok to good clarity on a platium band, I do want it to sparklerly so would take on the suggestion of not having to much of a clasp holding the diamond. Think Im going to go with what I think she will like and just ask her mum before hand to see if she can confirm it.
From the looks of I'm after a 1 carat, round/brilliant shape, ideal cut, with ok to good clarity on a platium band, I do want it to sparklerly so would take on the suggestion of not having to much of a clasp holding the diamond. Think Im going to go with what I think she will like and just ask her mum before hand to see if she can confirm it.
if you go to hockley in birmingham by the blue clock there are several companies you can go into and buy the ring blanks {hockley mint springs to mind}
then walk along the road to one of the proper jewellers [beach and james} and get them to fit a diamond
all for the price the shops pay
then spend the £3500 you saved on the honeymoon
then walk along the road to one of the proper jewellers [beach and james} and get them to fit a diamond
all for the price the shops pay
then spend the £3500 you saved on the honeymoon
Steve Evil said:
Speak to Nightmare or Lord Summerisle on here, both will be able to advise and take you through the buying process from beginning to end.
I designed the engagement ring for my wife and she's said that it means that much more to her than something off the shelf. Nightmare managed to get me a great deal on it too, got a much bigger and better cut rock than by going to a high street shop.
Another recommedation for Nightmare. He has a shop near Enfield. After a few emails (which he responded to very quickly and helpfully, I travelled down there and they managed to sort me a out a lovely ring for my budget, which the missus loves, and done a cracking deal on it too. The guys down there really know their stuff...I designed the engagement ring for my wife and she's said that it means that much more to her than something off the shelf. Nightmare managed to get me a great deal on it too, got a much bigger and better cut rock than by going to a high street shop.
I am a diamond broker in Hatton Garden, and my director is also in charge of creative design. We also have a mounter and a setter on sight, and her father is a diamond cutter...one of the last in the country!
We specialise in fancy cuts and fancy colours (natural, not treated), so do feel free to contact me. Definitely don't buy from the high street, the mark up is ridiculous!
We specialise in fancy cuts and fancy colours (natural, not treated), so do feel free to contact me. Definitely don't buy from the high street, the mark up is ridiculous!
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