Could we compile a UK 'recommended' vendors list please?

[Hounddog]

I found this info from Sledge on another thread, relating to someone going to Birmingham for an engagement ring.
I’ve asked if sledge minds me adding it here, I hope it’s ok. Obviously if they do mind I’ll remove it.

Apparently these two jewellers stock’ CBI super ideals...which are gorgeous’.
“Also@Durham Rose participates in this forum. And recently, Best Diamonds helped another PS'er here with an insurance replacement and was top shelf.”.

Durham Rose
Mr Manu Bhardwaj
http://www.durhamrose.com/
14 East Bay Lane, Plexal, E15 2GW, Stratford

England (United Kingdom)
Tel: +44 337 422 4600

Best Diamonds
Ms Céline Gouwy
www.bestdiamonds.co.uk
2 Royal Exchange London EC3V 3DG

England (United Kingdom)
Tel: +44 777 0381 882

 

[Hounddog]

Here’s a couple of others found on another UK related thread, thanks to Rbd, OooShiny and Lorelei.

Recommendations for [email protected]

Bentley and Skinner in London, traditional shop in an expensive part of London, they have a gorgeous collection of Antique jewellery..often have to try not to have my nose actually stuck against their window!!
https://www.bentley-skinner.co.uk/

Another for https://m.facebook.com/HattonGardenBespokeDiamondJewelleryWorkshop/

 

[Hounddog]

A few more recommendations have come through today on another thread.

by d89s46 » Today at 3:18 AM
“One’s I know of that come highly recommended (sadly other end of the country to me) are Baroque jewellery in Brighton (their Instagram is droolworthy), Harriet Kelsall (huge database of their previous commissions online). I also had a fantastic experience in Christopher James in Manchester when I was first looking at diamonds.
On here I’ve seen recommended HG Bespoke, and Harvey’s in Middleton.”

By Alex T, today...
“The jeweler that reset my pear is Christopher Evans in Stockton Heath - he is fantastic. He also has a workshop & store in Poynton, which might be nearer to you if you’re in Manchester. His web is:”

www.christopherevansgoldsmiths.com

 

[GK2]

For anyone in Yorkshire, I wholeheartedly recommend Hugh Rice Jewellers. They are based in Kingston upon Hull but have branches in Beverley and Harrogate.

I’ve had many pieces made/altered by them and the quality has been exceptional. As well as their own line, they carry many high end brands and have a decent selection of pre owned.

 

[Hounddog]

Hi GK2, that’s great, thank you for the Yorkshire recommendation.

 

[Hounddog]

Just a quick update, he’s already been previously mentioned ‘in passing’ by a few people, but I’d definitely add to the recommendations for ‘Hatton Garden Bespoke Diamond Jewellery Workshop’ (HGBespoke) in London. He makes really fabulous Bespoke jewellery, does all sorts of jewellery, rings, pendants, earring, bracelets etc. Anything from simple designs to remarkably large and intricate designs.

 

[SapphireLover]

Hello! I’m resurrecting this thread as want recommendations for the best halo makers in the UK. I’m in Manchester and really would like websites where i can see examples of work first. I’ve looked at the Hatton Garden one recommended on here and don’t like their halos! Thanks in advance.

 

[swaye2010]

Hello! I’m resurrecting this thread as want recommendations for the best halo makers in the UK. I’m in Manchester and really would like websites where i can see examples of work first. I’ve looked at the Hatton Garden one recommended on here and don’t like their halos! Thanks in advance.

It’s funny that this thread came up again because I was just talking about it with someone today.

I have been following Katherine James Jewellry on IG for awhile. Her page looks like a delicious candy store of colored gem halo’s. I am sure you are probably looking for something more modern but I would check with her. I have seen a few modern halo’s too and her prices are pretty good considering.

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She just created a website recently too:

Collections

A beautifully curated collection of modern, vintage and antique fine jewellery. For over a decade, Katherine James Jewellery has been quietly providing those in-the-know with red carpet ready, heirloom-quality jewels, using expertly-sourced gemstones, the finest materials, and our impeccable...

kjj.rocks

I’ve looked at a lot of antique settings from this company called Antique Velvet Gloves. I have been searching for a gemstone halo lately and they always have some interesting pieces.

Rings Archives | Antique Velvet Gloves

www.antiquevelvetgloves.com

If you are looking for a modern halo, there will be so many sales going on over the US Thanksgiving weekend. The reduction in price might help offset some of the custom’s and duties. The exchange rate is still not great though.

 

[lissyflo]

What kind of budget are you working to? And what is it about Hatton Garden’s halos that doesn’t appeal? If we know what you don’t like, it could help us suggest other options.

There’s a thread somewhere here on Durham Rose, but I can’t remember whose. The ring finally turned out really well but took a couple of iterations, so they may not be the way to go if you want an easy, low input option.

I agree with @swaye2010 though - if you’re after a really well executed halo, or somewhere where you can see lots of real life pictures like here on PS, you may well be better off going to a US vendor if you’ve tried the other recommendations in this thread and couldn’t find what you’re after.

 

[SapphireLover]

What kind of budget are you working to? And what is it about Hatton Garden’s halos that doesn’t appeal? If we know what you don’t like, it could help us suggest other options.

There’s a thread somewhere here on Durham Rose, but I can’t remember whose. The ring finally turned out really well but took a couple of iterations, so they may not be the way to go if you want an easy, low input option.

I agree with @swaye2010 though - if you’re after a really well executed halo, or somewhere where you can see lots of real life pictures like here on PS, you may well be better off going to a US vendor if you’ve tried the other recommendations in this thread and couldn’t find what you’re after.

They don’t look neat enough, some of the prongs look wonky too me.
It’s for a reset of my current ring, and halos that I like are Whiteflash Guinevere, Ritani 1RZ1851, Alison Hall’s Elle (more ideas below). I don’t want the hassle of having to send my stone back and forth. My budget is up to £1500 and in 18k gold, however I don’t know if it’s doable to the standard I would like on my budget.

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[SapphireLover]

Does anybody know if Isabella George is still trading? I’ve emailed at [email protected] and not had a reply and find it strange that there’s no website/ Facebook etc.

 

[Blingismything]

I don’t have any recommendation but your budget is very low. I looked into having a ring made and one quote I received was £750 for a yellow gold three stone with me supplying all the diamonds. I have given up on the idea due to the exorbitant prices.

 

[SapphireLover]

I don’t have any recommendation but your budget is very low. I looked into having a ring made and one quote I received was £750 for a yellow gold three stone with me supplying all the diamonds. I have given up on the idea due to the exorbitant prices.

A local jeweller quoted £1000, they said they would reuse the gold from my current setting, so I wondered if I budget of £1500 would be reasonable. Having never had a reset done before I have no ideas of even ballpark figures.

my email to Isabella George bounced back so I can only assume they aren’t trading anymore.

 

[SapphireLover]

Today’s Sunday Times Style supplement has an article on resetting jewellery and recommends a few benches. Here it is, sorry for the screen shots.

 

[deeman]

@Hounddog Can I just check, is this the facebook page for the Hatton Garden Bespoke Diamond Workshop that is mentioned above a few times?

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I used Durrants in Hatton Garden for my lady's engagement ring, and we plan to go back there for the wedding ring (likely to be an engraved/filigree platinum band).......

They also had no issues setting a stone from a third party vendor (thank you again, Wink ).

In addition to Durrants mentioned above does anyone know of any other UK based businesses that would be happy to set a stone from a third party?

 

[gm89uk]

My friend bought a beautiful 1.40H CBI from Durham Rose. The finish on the setting was excellent and their customer service was top notch. He was very pleased with the whole purchase.

 

[Hounddog]

Hi @deeman, sorry I’ve only just seen your message and the others. When I click on your ‘security check’ link...Yes, it does take you to the correct ‘Hatton Garden Bespoke Diamond Jewellery Workshop’ on Facebook. I think he now has about 27,000 + followers.
He can do absolutely anything anyone wants, great skills and precision etc.
I can’t rave about him too much (been there and done that!) as I might be subject to being considered partisan! I’ve no allegiances, I just think his work is truly superb.

Just to be cautious, as I’ve said before a few times, Hatton Garden is an area of London and LOTS of companies use the name in their advertising, and there are a few who (even when I’ve written the ‘correct’ name in a search box) still pop up and are the wrong ones! It can be very confusing.
So if you see a quality of work you don’t like...it’s probably not him! Design you don’t like..fair enough as that’s personal choice....but quality of work you don’t like..I’d be incredibly surprised!
As deeman has done, it’s best to confirm it’s the correct one you want by checking the craftsmanship and images against any pieces you’ve seen before and really liked to know it’s him.

It’s wonderful to see all the other recommendations coming in for UK jewellers. I’d like to add....
In East Anglia I’ve seen good work by;
Lanes of Holt, Norfolk.
Webb’s of Holt, Norfolk.
Aspens of Woodbridge in Suffolk.

It will be great to keep building the list. Thanks

 

[Hounddog]

Oops..having re read your post @deeman, HGBDJW only tends to use his stones or stones that are yours via a piece of your own old jewellery, so a re-design. I don’t think he works with third party stones.
Always worth checking though, if you don’t mind the likelihood of a negative answer. Best wishes.

 

[charks]

Hi,

I have had diamonds set by my local jeweller. When I decided to upgrade my ring I bought a matching stone for my old stone and had a pair of earrings made. When I got 'diamond shrinkage' I bought a Ritani Halo setting from Pearlmans and had my 1.35 ct diamond reset by my local jeweller. Any good jeweller should be able to set a stone.

I bought a Ritani setting because their melee are a very good quality for the price. Of course you have to factor in import duties but it was still much cheaper than buying in UK.

I'm very happy with my ring. I get lots of complements. Sorry no photo. I took loads when I first got it but I can't find them. But you can see my post here

My hero - Bill Pearlman

Hi there The dreaded diamond shrinkage hit me about a year ago. I decided that I couldn’t live without a halo. I HAD to have one. Just one problem. Most of the suppliers of halo settings wouldn’t sell them without the center stone. Or they wouldn’t sell a setting without setting me sending them...

www.pricescope.com

Good Luck!!!!!

 

[OoohShiny]

Thanks to @TravelKat for the recommendation of Simon Wright in St John's Square, Clerkenwell, London!

#JOTW - Sharing the Bling

Wow! Amazing!

www.pricescope.com

 

[SapphireLover]

Hello, just thought I’d update about my recent experience. I am in the UK and wanted by engagement ring resetting. After reaching out to many vendors, I realised I either didn’t like their work or they were ridiculously expensive (and still not that great). I ended up going to David Klass. I had some issues with shipping my ring out to the states which wasn’t his fault, however the rest of the transaction was textbook. The quality of the setting is outstanding and it worked out very reasonable. In fact, I went back to him and asked him to make me a diamond band to go with. I’d definitely recommend working with him. His setting is immaculate and the prints are perfect.

 

[SapphireLover]

Hey! Thought I’d resurrect this thread again. I’m looking for recommendations for a UK bench who can reset the diamonds in these earrings into good bezels. I follow loads of UK Benches on Instagram but don’t like the bezels I’ve seen to date. I am a bit nervous about sending abroad due to Covid/ Brexit delays and the diamonds aren’t even so I want them setting properly into the bezels by the person who makes them.

What to do with heirloom diamonds/ red stone?

I have these from my late grandmother (who died before I was born) that sit in a jewellery box and need something doing with. 1. Chunky antique cut diamond earrings- each diamond is about 4mm. They seem like a very old OMC-when I've taken them in to a jeweller I've been told that they from...

www.pricescope.com

I contacted Hatton Garden Bespoke but they don’t do resets.