Diamond Engagement Ring help from Northern Ireland/Scotland.

[Smegger040588]

Hi all

So I am looking to have an engagement ring made for my girlfriend, I have done a little research online and I am now trying to decide what to do!

My budget is ~£5000 I don't know what that translates to in the US but if there is much to be gained by adding a little more I might be able to stretch.

So I know she is in love with Round Brilliant With Pear-shaped Side Stones from Tiffany but I cannot run to the cost. I plan to ask her the big question and have the ring made afterwards together.

There is a local jewellery store in my home town in Northern Ireland where quite a few of my family have got their engagement rings, recently the son of the owner has begun making his own rings in store. This is one of my options but I am unsure of just how much of the mounts etc. he produces and just how competitive he is on diamond cost/quality. However having something made here seems to have some sentimental value and great after service.
Some really rough prices of a Tiffany style ring I have scribbled on a card are: 0.7crt centre, D-E colour, si1 ~ £3400
(I have no idea what size to go for until I see some stones on her finger)


Other threads on here have used someone like Brian Gavin diamonds and seem to have had good results, I would just be dubious from buying at distance. One of my friends recently had a ring made by James Allen and seems to be happy but again not much experience with buying from abroad. I see some of the rings on here seem to have wax moulds sent over for fit prior to the mount being cast etc. I guess this is mega expensive? There is one service closer to home called voltaire diamonds which seems to get a good write up.

Anyway what would be really helpful if you could tell me how to get a better sense of my local jewellers ability, questions to ask what to look out for etc.

Also some pros and cons of getting something made on-line?
If anyone knows any good ring makers more local to me please shout I currently live in Scotland but am back home often.

Thanks in advance

 

[SB621]

Re: Diamond Engagement Ring help from Northern Ireland/Scotl

I think the most important thing about working with local ppl is that you see their portfolio of works they have done that are similar to what you want created!
If they have done something similar and have proven to recreate it at a prrice you are comfortable with then move forward. Make sure you know what your options are if you don't like it- will you get your money back? Will they remake the ring? etc. It is important to have this all laid out so there are no surprizes. Another option might be to source the main diamond(s) through an online vendor. Will they create the setting still? If they don't source the diamonds how much will the setting alone cost? Will the diamonds be covered by their insurance when set? etc.

For me it will all come to down opporunity cost. Who can make me the best ring, at best price point (not necessarily lowest), with excellent customer service. I think once you talk to your local person and get an idea of pricing and their craftmanship you will have a better idea of what you want to do moving forward. I personally have found that I like to source my own diamonds and then send them to a vendor to be set. I might pay more for the setting but I'm insuring the diamonds are a great price and exactly what I want. Plus I don't have to wait for the jewelry to find me options.

Hope that helps.