Engagement ring shopping. - Jewellery quarter

[lukefreeman]

I'm looking at rings, and I think I know what style I want, what cut, size etc, but I'm not sure where to start looking in when I go shopping!

Most purchases I make I like to read reviews etc, so has anyone got any reviews/warnings about shops in Birminghams Jewellery quarter

Or even better any diamond ring dealers on here!

Cheers

[C0ffin D0dger]

We bought ours there, really didn't know what we were doing, what should expect to pay etc. but I don't think we got ripped off Wife likes it anyway.

As you probably know it's all about the 3 Cs - cut, clarity, colour as well as the weight (carats). Better the quality of the stone the more it costs per carat. Ended up with a platinum mount as it's better than white gold supposedly.

[The Beaver King]

The standard answer is talk to 'nightmare' on here; although I think there are a few guys who specialise in jewelry on here.

I'm sure someone will be along shortly to point you in the right direction.

[MikeOxhard]

Can recommend Aspire Diamonds - Have had a few purchases from there over the years - great service :-)

[paddy27]

C0ffin D0dger said:

We bought ours there, really didn't know what we were doing, what should expect to pay etc. but I don't think we got ripped off Wife likes it anyway.

As you probably know it's all about the 3 Cs - cut, clarity, colour as well as the weight (carats). Better the quality of the stone the more it costs per carat. Ended up with a platinum mount as it's better than white gold supposedly.

I can only repeat the above. I would add keep an eye out for fluorescence as well. The less of that the better to.
If your offer Leeds way i know a really great place that will design and make to your requirements. Cheaper than a shop to!.

[E92M3STEVE]

Another recommendation for Aspire, I bought the wife's engagement ring from there, following that the wedding rings and eternity ring. Always haggle and i got good discounts off the ticket price on all of them. You also get a full retail valuation for your Insurance etc,

[ensnare]

I've heard good things about the Blue Nile website too, maybe worth checking it out

[andburg]

Luke

personal recommendation as I've just spent a large sum of money having one custom made to my spec.

http://wjshawjewellers.co.uk/wedding-engagement-ri...

I went in gave them a spec, they ordered in a selection of stones around my budget, I visited ahgain to then choose a stone or to maybe order another batch in.

The made the ring up in advance of the date I needed, decided it wasn't quite in proportion so ordered some new shoulder stones and made me a second ring up in time.

I cannot fault the service I received,

OK they're not in Birmingham but they will do anything in their power to make it right for you.

give me a shout on FB if you want more info

Andy

[DavidJG]

If you're in the JQ, I'd try G Bicknells - corner of Vyse Street & Pitsford Street - they have a great range and sensible prices.

They'll manufacture to order and do a great job.

[seyre1972]

Hi - ensure the diamond(s) you are buying are certificated/Certified. As you'll also need that for the insurance.

Diamonds explained


Diamond Certification

[lukeyman]

We used this guy:

http://www.jamesnewman.co.uk/

We were at the lower end of the scale cost wise but they still couldn't do enough for us. Wife had the diamond from her original engagement ring re-used and one of their designs tweaked to suit. I suppose it depends on how much you're willing to spend and what you think you should get for your money but we were really happy with the quality and service.

[DomBertone]

I live in the JQ and purchased the O/H's engagement ring from Diamond Dealer direct, opposite the pub Rose Villa Tavern. Great professional service and help, did my research before and after and felt I got a good deal. I found you have to be quite stern, a few shops are very 'hard sell' but overall enjoyed browsing and learning first hand.

[ali_kat]

All of them are competitive in the JQ, it's a case of finding one you like & feel you can trust.

Personally, I'd talk to Nightmare or ecain63

[PurpleTurtle]

I hail from Brum but have lived in the South East for 20yrs, but always wanted to get our engagement/wedding rings from the JQ, just as something to connect me back to my birthplace. We spent a long Saturday trawling many shops there, ultimately we were a bit overwhelmed by the selection, there being so many.

Eventually we went for Riches Jewellers, a small store on Warstone Lane (32 Warstone La, Hockley, B18 6JQ) - don't even have a website, as I expect most of their business is done from walk-ups and recommendations.

It's run by a lovely husband and wife couple in their 60's. He makes everything to order on site, we got a really friendly, personal service that you don't often get in retail these days. The rings they made for us were perfect, and prices were far more reasonable than we expected. Can't recommend them highly enough. The shop front isn't much to look at - it's not one of the bigger 'LOOK AT ME' places you get in the JQ, you could easily walk on by, but we had exceptionally good service.

[rsbmw]

Got the wife an eternity ring from Mitchel & Co in August, great product and service, can't say fairer than that. Polished her other two rings up for free too.

[Krikkit]

rsbmw said:

Polished her other two rings up for free too.

Sorry...

[sjj84]

The Beaver King said:

The standard answer is talk to 'nightmare' on here; although I think there are a few guys who specialise in jewelry on here.

I'm sure someone will be along shortly to point you in the right direction.

'Nightmare' is definatelty the man to talk to. Bought my wife's engagement ring from him, couldn't have been easier. There's a reason many on here have used him and constantly recommend him.

[pbg2770]

Here's what I should say: Good luck - what an exciting time in your life.

Here's what I want to shout: RUN. RUN AS QUICKLY AS YOU CAN AND DON'T LOOK BACK. If you must stay, just find somebody you hate and buy them a house. It'll work out cheaper in the end.

[epom]

MikeOxhard said:

Can recommend Aspire Diamonds - Have had a few purchases from there over the years - great service :-)

A few you say ?? :-)

[AB]

sjj84 said:

The Beaver King said:

The standard answer is talk to 'nightmare' on here; although I think there are a few guys who specialise in jewelry on here.

I'm sure someone will be along shortly to point you in the right direction.

'Nightmare' is definatelty the man to talk to. Bought my wife's engagement ring from him, couldn't have been easier. There's a reason many on here have used him and constantly recommend him.

Comes highly recommended by me too.