Engagement rings - Hatton Garden?
Discussion
I'm planning a trip to a couple of recommended jewellers in Hatton Garden to find an engagement ring, but a few reviews seem to suggest that online is a good option e.g. Blue Nile. I'm (obviously) not an expert, so just wondered how Hatton Garden compares in terms of value.
I haven't really nailed down the budget I want to aim for, but probably £4k-£6k, and don't want to get ripped off....at least no more than is appropriate by spending fun car money on a ring!
Thanks
I haven't really nailed down the budget I want to aim for, but probably £4k-£6k, and don't want to get ripped off....at least no more than is appropriate by spending fun car money on a ring!
Thanks
I went to Hatton Garden to look at engagement rings and wasn't disappointed! Booked appointments with a couple of highly rated shops and went with what felt best. Ended up viewing lots of different diamonds, although each shop had similar bands for setting the diamond in.
I did a bit of research before I went with regards to the 4C's and had some examples from Blue Nile of prices for comparison.
Ended up using Hatton Jewels and the insurance assessment came through nicely above what I purchased the ring for. Have just gone back to get our wedding bands as well.
I did a bit of research before I went with regards to the 4C's and had some examples from Blue Nile of prices for comparison.
Ended up using Hatton Jewels and the insurance assessment came through nicely above what I purchased the ring for. Have just gone back to get our wedding bands as well.
Rawwr said:
Give her something from Argos for around £25. If she doesn't like it, you're in for a lifetime of disappointment 
Just because I could, doesn't mean I should. If all I was comfortable spending was £25, she'd be happy with that - but that's not really the question of the thread.Prohibiting said:
Did mine via Blue Nile. A diamond is a diamond, what else is there to look at? Filter with your 4C criteria and budget etc and there you go... no need to go and visit people.
I havent quite worked out how Blue Nile compares in terms of value....though I guess they offer savings by not having retail outlets. Did you compare like with like, or just avoid visiting people (which is tempting!).I proposed with a holding ring and then went to Hatton Garden with the wife so she could choose a ring.
We weren't terribly impressed at the choice or value until we found The Wedding Ring Workshop there. Went up the stairs, had a good chat with them and arranged for them to custom make a ring for us. They designed and created a really special one off piece and we were able to select the stones from a huge collection.
It was pretty good value in the end and we spent about what you have for budget. We also went back there for a day in the workshop to make the wedding bands ourselves. Again, it was pretty good value for a special and memorable day.
We weren't terribly impressed at the choice or value until we found The Wedding Ring Workshop there. Went up the stairs, had a good chat with them and arranged for them to custom make a ring for us. They designed and created a really special one off piece and we were able to select the stones from a huge collection.
It was pretty good value in the end and we spent about what you have for budget. We also went back there for a day in the workshop to make the wedding bands ourselves. Again, it was pretty good value for a special and memorable day.
cbmotorsport said:
I bought a diamond form Blue Nile and had the ring made and stone set in Hatton Garden. The ring ended up being independently valued at just under twice what it cost. You'll get much more bang for buck buying your stone from blue nile or similar.
Thanks - hadn't considered that option. I had a look on Blue Nile but it was mainly the ring that I was unsure about.....choosing the diamond didn't seem as difficult! Who did you use in Hatton Garden, and did you just get the stone sent straight to them?p.s. tried to email you to ask for your intel on this option, but don't think your profile is set up to receive messages. Would be good to understand the relative split of cost...i.e. ballpark for ring and set.
Edited by johnnyBv8 on Wednesday 13th November 17:27
I bought earrings from Hatton Garden recently - actually quite enjoyed the day.
Started of at one end, went shop by shop (skipped a few I didn't like the look of) down one side, had lunch and went back the other side. Took all day.
One clear thing was that the 1st few were trying to mug me off as they thought I knew so little (correctly) but I kept calling cards from everyone I visited with notes on what they were offering (ie quality / size of diamond and price) and every new shop I went into clearly showed that I was comparing them against someone else. That, & no doubt knowing far more towards the end of the day, meant the prices started tumbling!
No doubt you could do it all on-line - if I was to do similar again I would prefer to go back to HG.
I can't believe I've just said I enjoyed shopping...!
I've just checked the prices on Blue Nile - they're within the same ballpark as that which I paid (recently - only a couple of months ago) but they do have a great selection.
Started of at one end, went shop by shop (skipped a few I didn't like the look of) down one side, had lunch and went back the other side. Took all day.
One clear thing was that the 1st few were trying to mug me off as they thought I knew so little (correctly) but I kept calling cards from everyone I visited with notes on what they were offering (ie quality / size of diamond and price) and every new shop I went into clearly showed that I was comparing them against someone else. That, & no doubt knowing far more towards the end of the day, meant the prices started tumbling!
No doubt you could do it all on-line - if I was to do similar again I would prefer to go back to HG.
I can't believe I've just said I enjoyed shopping...!
I've just checked the prices on Blue Nile - they're within the same ballpark as that which I paid (recently - only a couple of months ago) but they do have a great selection.
Edited by sleepezy on Wednesday 13th November 17:19
If you have the opportunity to buy elsewhere (e.g. in NY) you will save a lot in tax vs 20% VAT in the UK. Diamonds are close to being commodity priced in the right places, i.e. their price is pretty much defined by their weight, colour, clarity and cut.
Of course, in you buy it elsewhere you would have to leave it there or pay tax when you import to the UK. Obviously.
Of course, in you buy it elsewhere you would have to leave it there or pay tax when you import to the UK. Obviously.
Just remember that the markup ranges from as little as 20% (usually online retailers), to as much as 250% in a jewellery store, keep that in mind, then go get something she’s happy with.
My first wife’s ring cost £28 in 1960, and my second, (and final wife’s) one was circa £800 in 1990.
My first wife’s ring cost £28 in 1960, and my second, (and final wife’s) one was circa £800 in 1990.
It may be worth peaking to PHers https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?me... or https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?me...
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