Hatton Gardens or Antwerp?

[cocjh2]

Simple question really. Is it worth visiting Antwerp to purchase a diamond for my girlfriend?

We''ve seen some lovely examples down Hatton Gardens but wonder if I could get slightly more for my money in Antwerp. I''ve read a few threads on this forum asking the same but the peoples locations were always different (USA, Australia! etc).

I''m not after the ''deal of a lifetime'', but curious if my money could go further.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[cocjh2]

Was hoping someone could help me make a decision...

Looking for around a 95pt, round brillant stone. Colour around D,E,F,G, and VS etc.

 

[elmo]

Curious how local prices you''ve seen compare with these:

0.95 E-VS1 £3,110

0.95 F-VVS2 £3,695

If you go to Antwerp, talk with Paul Slegers at Infinity, one of the forum contributors.

 

[cocjh2]

My current banchmark is £3400 from Calos in Hatton Gardens. Looked on Bluenile before but not interested in buying online.

I''ve read lots of good things about Paul on here, but wanted to get people opinions before contacting him directly...

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/19/2007 4:22:59 AM
Author: cocjh2
My current banchmark is £3400 from Calos in Hatton Gardens. Looked on Bluenile before but not interested in buying online.

I''ve read lots of good things about Paul on here, but wanted to get people opinions before contacting him directly...

Definitely speak to Paul. He is a gentleman and an expert in his field, he would be able to find you an incredible diamond. Tell him what you are looking for and what you want to spend, see what he can come up with. I am in the UK BTW.

 

[Belle Brilliant]

Hi Chris,

I would really recommend Abrahams and Ballard in Hatton Garden. They are making my engagement ring, and they made a beautiful ring for my sister as well. I got a great deal on my stone and wedding set (far better than other prices offered in Hatton Garden) and the shop is owned and run by a lovely couple who are interested in getting you the best stone for your budget without giving you the hard sell. They make their rings in house and the quality and designs are excellent. They are at 110 Hatton Garden. Tel 0207 405 8000. Good luck!

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Why not go to Antwerp?

The beer, chocolate and waffles are far superior and will make you fel good.

But as Elmo says - Paul has reps in Antwerp and also and antwerpen who travels to Londod most weeks who I met earlier this year and he seems to know his stuff.

 

[cocjh2]

Thanks for your help people. Much appreciated.

I''ve made contact with Paul Slegers, so see what comes of that.

I''m still keen on visiting Antwerp thou. Is the diamond district similar to that of Hatton Gardens, where Joe Public can browse and purchase, or more for the dealers? I''m still unsure what Antwerp has to offer me in terms of availability if I make the trek over there...

 

[Pandora II]

Much prefer Antwerp.

I''m in London and would go to Antwerp over Hatton Garden. That said I would rather buy online everytime.

I have seen some very bad things going on in HG.

One example - a very good friend of mine wanted to check out e-rings on behalf of his future BIL who is a very, very well know politician. He did not tell the man in the (very highly recommended) store who he was shopping for but asked to see the best they had in a certain carat range. They showed him a range of ''their top'' stones and spent a lot of time with him. He had 3 stones put aside and return a few days later with the FBIL. The moment the store saw who it was they refused to let him even see the stones that had been picked out and asked them to return in a few days when their ''new stock'' had arrived.

Needless to say, they went elsewhere and my friend is now advising his friends to contact me if they want to buy diamonds.

 

[cocjh2]

Thanks Pandora. Just proposed with a £15 ring from Elizabeth Dukes (read, Argos!). She''s kindly accepted it and said yes, on the proviso something more substantial comes along very soon

 

[Lord Summerisle]

Well hopefully Paul can help you out.

Hatton Gardens, while theres alot of jewellers in one place, and prices can be haggled, i''ve found they are still VERY expensive.. its just with the amount of money they knock off the sticker price it seems a good deal.

(and i forget how many brits are on here)

any reason for wishing to not buy online? more you just want to look at what you are getting before paying?
but if curiosity gets you while your looking around Pricescope, remember when buying a diamond from the US then half the price ($->£ is about $2=£1 ATM then multiply by 1.175 to add VAT. theres no duty to pay on unmounted diamonds)

 

[stebbo]

Date: 10/20/2007 9:45:47 AM
Author: cocjh2
Thanks Pandora. Just proposed with a £15 ring from Elizabeth Dukes (read, Argos!). She''s kindly accepted it and said yes, on the proviso something more substantial comes along very soon

What''s Argos'' upgrade policy like?

 

[Lord Summerisle]

non existant

 

[cocjh2]

Well I didn''t take the trip to Antwerp in the end and met up with Indira and Harry from Infinity at their London office. Viewed a couple of lovely stones and made a purchased. Just need to complete payment and get it mounted!!

I know what you mean about Hatton Gardens thou. Visited many shops there and was offered some ''fantastic'' reductions on the sticker price, most times without even asking!?

We''ve seen a setting in Eric Ross that suits quite nicely. Want to mount the stone as low as possible whilst maintaining a flush fit against a wedding band.

Can anybody suggest some other places in London that would be able to mount loose stones thou?

Thanks,
Chris