Engagement Ring Shopping - Cork or Galway ?

Tzardine

So it is almost the time for me to propose to my girlfriend and I am looking to have her pick out the ring with me. My plan is to propose with a temp ring and then go shopping the next day for the real one.

I am going to make a weekend of it and go to either Cork or Galway and was wondering if anybody had any general suggestions on which city is best for jewelers.

I know that we are not supposed to name any particular stores so in general terms can anybody recommend one city over another.

If anybody has any specific recommendations for stores please feel free to PM me.

Much appreciated

pwurple

Well, whatever shop you go to, engagement rings often take a few visits to get sizes adjusted etc, so I hope you can go back again a week later to pick it up.

Keane's is the biggest shop in cork with a good reputation. You might be as well off to make an appointment if it's a weekend. And bring your wallet.

ABajaninCork

There's also a couple of bespoke jewellers on Oliver Plunkett St in Cork (the same road as Keanes) who will design and make rings for you.

Neadiekerry

I would advise against going to keanes in cork. A friend recently bought a ring there and later found out the diamond was a lower quality then she was originally told. It took a solicitors letter in order for the stone to be replaced.

pwurple

Neadiekerry wrote: »

I would advise against going to keanes in cork. A friend recently bought a ring there and later found out the diamond was a lower quality then she was originally told. It took a solicitors letter in order for the stone to be replaced.

I have a similar story from another jeweller in cork, on a different street, but as it was a much smaller shop, they didn't replace the stone and effectively told the person to take them to court (which they couldn't afford).

Perhaps cork isn't the right place for rings!

ABajaninCork

Have you considered going over to London and getting the ring in Hatton Garden? More bang for your buck, and you can bargain with the jewellers. They're Jewish, so they consider it rude not to bargain!!

Tzardine

ABajaninCork wrote: »

Have you considered going over to London and getting the ring in Hatton Garden? More bang for your buck, and you can bargain with the jewellers. They're Jewish, so they consider it rude not to bargain!!

I did consider buying in London and even Antwerp. There is no doubt that you will get better value but I was worried about after sales. What if there was a problem, I would have to travel back there possibly.

I am leaning more towards Galway now. Herself loves Galway too so would enjoy a weekend there.

wandatowell

ABajaninCork wrote: »

They're Jewish, so they consider it rude not to bargain!!

I dont know why but thats very funny

ABajaninCork

wandatowell wrote: »

I dont know why but thats very funny

Seems to be the thing with Mediterranean countries. You HAVE to haggle! When we bought my ring in Hatton Garden, we were given coffee and biscuits. The jeweller seemed to be settling in for a long afternoon...

I was in Rhodes one year. Went to the local market to buy a leather bag for my mother. Guy kept me there for TWO hours haggling the price over mint tea.

ABajaninCork

Strituck wrote: »

I did consider buying in London and even Antwerp. There is no doubt that you will get better value but I was worried about after sales. What if there was a problem, I would have to travel back there possibly.

I am leaning more towards Galway now. Herself loves Galway too so would enjoy a weekend there.

After sales isn't a problem in Hatton Garden. Simply courier the ring back and they will deal. I believe it's the same in Antwerp too. But problems are very rare. Unlike chain store jewellers.

Gatica

Galway is a lovely town. Doesn't have a huge number of jewellery stores but the ones there are quite good methinks... Depends on your budget I suppose.

Around the centre there's Faller's, Lazlo, Hartmann's, Claddagh Jewellers, Blacoe, Diamonds and Gold, Tempo Antiques, Thomas Dillon, Twice as Nice, Claddagh and Celtic Jewellery Company and Cobwebs. My favourite selection was in Cobweb's. There's probably another number of smaller ones around when you walk around, and I'd imagine some outside the city centre too...