Buying Engagement ring (diamonds) advice

S

saj77

Member
 North East
Hi all

Just after any advice or recommendations really.

I’ve been looking to buy a diamond engagement ring and saw that the company 77 Diamonds, popped up regularly when doing searches for getting the best value for money.

They get good reviews and are a reputable seller so was pretty much decided on going with them - got a consultation booked next month to view some rings.

However today I came across a website called Rare Carat - which in simple terms is like a search engine for diamonds available.

Out of curiosity I ran a search on the diamond I’ve ‘picked’ with 77 Diamonds, using the GIA number and it found the same diamond elsewhere for 25% less!!

Obviously (a bit like a lot of private plate sellers) no one holds diamonds as stock so you will have the same diamonds listed on numerous sites - they buy them from the dealer once they have a buyer lined up.

So after being confident going with 77 Diamonds, I’m now in doubt! Not sure they’ll give me 25% discount to price match - I’ll be asking though!

Anyone have any experience with 77 Diamonds?

Anyone used Rare Carat website and bought from someone as a result of their search?

Any other recommendations to get the best value ring/diamond?

I know people say diamonds are a con and I understand that point of view but I still need one - just want to get the best quality for my money.

Any advice much appreciated.

Cheers

Saj
 
Why not a nice watch.... a Cartier Tank or something?

It’s something different and doesn’t show that she belongs to someone.... ?
 
Can't believe people buy engagement rings on line. :o

Book two tickets for a weekend in Amsterdam and take your fiance and your wallet with you. :thumbsup:
 
Get her a Z4 she'll never forget :D
Tell her you were going to buy her a cheesy ring her friends could admire but, you thought it better to buy her something SHE would enjoy :rofl:
 
I am sure you will be, but be ultra careful. There are lots of scams out there. Profits on new diamonds are very big so bargain hard. Good luck with the search for the lucky lady. :D
 
1000rr said:
Why not a nice watch.... a Cartier Tank or something?

It’s something different and doesn’t show that she belongs to someone.... ?
Click to expand...
That must have sounded better in your head or looked better written down than it would be in real life.
There may not be another ring needed if you got your fiance a watch instead of a ring that she was expecting.
 
We went to the local Ratners shop and I bought Mrs FB her ring there. I insisted on her going for the most expensive ring in the shop, but she chose a mid range jobbie instead :wink:

Just pop down to the local high street and do some window shopping :P
 
I went into a local ring shop with the missus and let her pick what she wanted (obviously within budget). Done the job and they gave us a decent discount which is always nice.

We visited the usual big name jewellers and gave up with them. They just wanted the cash without giving the service. The local independent jeweller we went with were very good, so I was happy to use them.
 
Another option is to visit an actual jeweller who makes the rings.
You can pick the exact stone or stones that will be in the ring and also the design.
This way you can stick to a budget and also get something that nobody else has.
 
I really wouldn't want to buy online!

I took the future Mrs Tidy to a few jewellers and we ended up back at the 1st one, which was an independent firm with just the one shop where they made them on-site. So again, a unique design.
 
Tiffany here, think it was lost on Mrs M however. Still,..enjoyed getting pissed on the Champagne they kept topping up while she was trying on rings lol. :roll:
 
Thanks for all your advice and input.

So no one has used either company :(

A few of you mention not buying online - Just to be clear I would NOT buy a ring online either. I have an appointment to view the rings/diamonds next month.

The online aspect relates really to the ‘diamond search engine’ I found and the surprising results that it gave me!

Think I’ll stick with my original plan of 77 Diamonds and see how I get on.

Thanks again :thumbsup:
 
I got mine made from the jewellery quarter in Birmingham. I'll never get anything of good quality anywhere else. There are over 100 independent jewellers, with around half of these making their own jewellery on site. The quality and service I have had had from one particular jeweller in particular meant I've since been back several times over the years. As there are so many, they have to compete with each other price wise. I ended up getting a handmade titanium ring with marquise diamond at around 30% less than anywhere else. You obviously get the GIA certificate for the diamond and a valuation for insurance.

I noticed you are in the North East. If you have something similar within driving distance this is definitely the best way to go. Handmade, supporting small business and cheaper - whats not to like?
 
[ref]saj77[/ref], Bought mine this year from www.qualitydiamonds.co.uk (Ray Morris was the salesperson); they have stores in Birmingham, Milton Keynes, and Hatton Garden... the ring comes with the Hatton Garden label which is always nice :thumbsup:

I didn't go in-store, I purchased online, very easy and relatively quick delivery... wife is massively happy :D

They will do a price match!
 
ZedPhwoah said:
[ref]saj77[/ref], Bought mine this year from www.qualitydiamonds.co.uk (Ray Morris was the salesperson); they have stores in Birmingham, Milton Keynes, and Hatton Garden... the ring comes with the Hatton Garden label which is always nice :thumbsup:

I didn't go in-store, I purchased online, very easy and relatively quick delivery... wife is massively happy :D

They will do a price match!
Click to expand...

Thanks, will take a look

Just took a look!!!! A diamond on there is £2500 cheaper than 77 Diamonds for the exact same diamond!!!!
 
I got mine made in Hatton Garden but tbf my brother in law is a Jeweller and has a workshop there :wink:

As above I think it’s a great idea and saved me a fortune. You can go and look at diamonds, choose one and they make a ring to suit :thumbsup:
 
There are lots of online and high street jewellers selling “laboratory grown” diamonds which are passed off as the real deal. Find yourself and old school independent that’s traded for years, offer cash if you can and you can negotiate a big discount. I bought SWMBO an eternity ring last December and when I offered cash the price at my jewellers came down by a third.
Good luck with your search :thumbsup:
 
I can’t comment on the companies you are interested in, although I agree with what others have said and would find an independent jeweller.

My other half found three different rings that she liked certain features of in a small jewellers in Brighton (vogue diamonds), but wanted to create a ring with certain features of the three. Luckily they were able to make a bespoke ring for her and were really accommodating - my patience was starting to run thin that’s for sure! The service was second to none, we also tried several of the better known retailers and as you have found they just seem to want the cash. A small jeweller is more likely to offer good aftercare too. As an engagement ring is hopefully for life don’t forget you might need to get a stone re set or replaced years down the line. Theres also things like free polishing / checkups, we tend to drop it off for a polish when we visit Brighton for the day, and the service is always great.

Good luck with the search, I’m sure you will find the right ring soon
 
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