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Engagement rings..

NickK

NickK

NickK

Caporegime
Joined
13 Jan 2003
Posts
25,937
So I shall mostly, this weekend, be buying an engagement ring.. a bit backwards as I've already asked her and she said yes.

So suggestions for good places and where to get 'educated' in engagement rings would be a good start!
 
just pop in to your local independent jewellers for a chat. They will be exremely helpful and have experienced this loads of times before.

There are quite a few different types of shape of diamond, cut (how it reflects the light) and setting (way it is mounted on the ring). In addition, there are different clarities and colour of diamond as well as a measurement of flaws. Plus you have the choice of metal to take in to account. Ask to see the certificate that details the weight, clarity and colour of the diamond- if there isn't one then go elsewhere.

Any good independent jeweller will help you. Also, ask your soon to be wife about what she likes in terms of metal and shape of diamond as she will be wearing it forever. You might want a big blingy type of ring where she may want something more subtle.

Oh and...CONGRATULATIONS!
 
Her.

If she already knows, go with her... It's the best way to make sure you get it right...

Otherwise like the rest of us hopeless men we're left wondering what she likes, because let's be honest we have no idea... Hopefully you've been doing your research, and have an idea on what stones she wants, what metals she likes, whether she wants it to be big, or small etc...

Then combine this with your general feel, and get something that meets both criteria's... The engagement ring I bought for my now fiancee, was one of the few purchases I've made in my life where I actually managed to fulfill all the criteria I meant to in purchasing it... Also managed to get all of hers in as well... Very useful the massive range you can find. Just go to any jewellery shop you can find :p

Also don't listen to what other people say, if you find a ring that costs £200 and is perfect then there's no point spending £1000 just for the effective ring-peen...

P.S. Congratulations :)

kd
 
We had a little chat about this on the night, she was stating platinum as it doesn't have to be refurbished in the same way that white gold does. I have a sneaking feeling it will be a simple platinum+diamond jobby..

I've read up - the 1 month salary is a marketing drive in the 20th century by deBoers to drive up their revenues.
 
Don't listen to all the bull**** about what to pay etc.

I used http://www.bluenile.co.uk/?rf=pd

myself, You pick the diamond then get it set, Really nice service.

Paid £1k was valued at £1.3k, Similar rings on the high street were selling for closer to £3k.

So my biggest bit of advice is stay away from the high street stores, You will have your eyes ripped out.
 
A months salary was the traditional amount, the americans called it at three months salary.
Go to an independent jewelers, they will talk you both through, then if you are happy buy, else go to that chaps website, buy stone, get it set.
 
Does she specifically want you to choose it? If not take her with you and she'll get exactly what she wants.

You'll just have to pay for it ;)
 
NickK said:
[..]

I've read up - the 1 month salary is a marketing drive in the 20th century by deBoers to drive up their revenues.
Click to expand...

That's true of almost the entire diamond jewellery industry and most of the rest of the jewellery industry (though not deBeers for all of it). DeBeers' fixing of the diamond industry goes well beyond a marketing drive. It's a rather unpleasant price-fixing cartel. It's up to the two of you what you spend your money on, of course. If you know the market is rigged and you buy anyway, at least you're not being taken unawares.

Maybe it would be better to let her choose her ring. It will probably be something she wears every day for a long time. Is there any particular reason for you choosing it?
 
Don't go into a high st. jewelers there are plenty of independent shops where you can get a better deal. I 'only' forked out £1500, worth £1700 for my fiancés ring (had it valued elsewhere) Princess cut. 3/4 ct. Diamond on a platinum band.

...This was last year and were getting married in 6 weeks :)
 
Get one made! Will make her feel more special and shows you care. It takes a bit longer but is worth it.

Just find out the style she likes and go from there.
 
My wife has always been one for the diamond engagement ring... So we took a trip down hatton garden in london to get an idea of what was what, what suited her and so on... Then jumped on blue nile once we had decided what to get :)
 
First of all congratulations! Secondly, buy what you can afford, I hate all this you must spend £x amount.

As already suggested check out some independent jewellers as they can offer you some really good discounts. Saying that some of the chains I visited also offered to match the price of other competitors. Once you get an idea of what she likes and what's available for your money check out Blue Nile (linked above) as I am sure you will be able to do better there than most other places.

I had the task of buying a ring without my GF's knowledge, I got the ring size a bit wrong but Blue Nile's service was excellent from start to finish and she absolutely adores the ring.

If you are anything like me by the end of the process you will be a self qualified diamond expert :D

Here's a shot of the ring I got from BN:

IMAG0018-1.jpg


Good luck!
 
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