Engagement Ring Help

shuffles03

Hi,

I'm looking to buy an engagement ring and was wondering where would be best to go in Dublin.

My girlfriend loves Art Deco, 1920s, 1960s and also Georgian styles. Based on that I was thinking of trying to find an antique ring.

Maybe something like this:
http://www.voltairediamonds.ie/engagement-rings/engagement-rings/Blue-Sapphire-Engagement-Ring

Am I completely off the mark on style?

I thought about getting one made but I need to get it this week and that would probably be too short a notice.

ElleEm

Would you not try to get an actual antique ring as opposed to a reproduced one? It could work out cheaper too.
The ring you posted is beautiful, but personally I think sapphire engagement rings have become too common since Catherine Middleton and Prince William used a sapphire engagement ring.

shuffles03

Where in Dublin would be best to look? My budget isn't very large.

homemadecider

I suggest making an appointment with Voltaire Diamonds, they have a huge range of beautiful rings. I got an antique-style art deco ring there and I love it. They can use different metals and sized diamonds to suit your budget. I think prices start around €1500 or so.

shuffles03

Cheers for the info. I'm also going to try Delphi Antiques too. Anyone have previous experience there?

annoyedgal

There has been a few negative posts here about delphi so be careful. I got a 1920s ring in a lovely little antique shop on johnsons court in dublin. I think was three doors up from corner on the powerscourt end. Didnt have sign up but its called empress. Also highly recommend weldons on claredon street, also antiques and also vintage inspired. They had lovely rings. Good luck with it!

John Mason

i wanted and antique style ring but with an amethyst, i could find anything suitable so i ended up with a beautiful antique style ring.

would you consider bring your gf with you when you buy it ?

shuffles03

Just read loads of posts here about Delphi. There's no way I'm going there now.

It's a surprise so I'd like to choose the ring myself. I've sent an email to Voltaire so hopefully they get back soon enough. I'll check out some of the antique stores you guys mentioned. Cheers!

snickerpuss

I had a diamond & sapphire engagement ring made at Voltaire based on an antique design. I was very happy with it. I could have gone with an antique but I prefered being able to change little elements, get the metal I wanted etc. Also the diamond is amazing compared to the ones in antique jewelry. It is so sparkly and clear!

It did take 9 weeks to make bespoke but yours may not be as complicated as mine was! I didn't mind the wait anyway!

shuffles03

Is Voltaire only bespoke? I need to find one before next Wednesday.

snickerpuss

As far as I know you choose from their selection and then they make it to your specifications. I didn't get the impression that they had any to take home immediately but I could be wrong!

homemadecider

Mine took about 4 weeks with Voltaire from the time I ordered. Before ordering I went in twice to view rings and confirm what I wanted.

What's the rush? Why do you need it so quickly?

shuffles03

I have an appointment with Voltaire today.

The reason I'm looking for one now is that we're together 10 years next week and are going away for a few days to celebrate. Thought it would be the perfect time to propose.

Cheers for all the advice! Much appreciated. One last question;

What are people's thoughts on sapphire v diamond? I ask as someone mentioned sapphire rings are more considered to be eternity rings and that I should stick with diamond.

Based on the eras my g/f likes, I thought a sapphire style ring with diamonds around it would have been a good choice.

wuffly

I would have a look on etsy for different styles, http://www.etsy.com/search?q=art%20deco%20diamond%20ring&ship_to=AE there are tonnes on there and slightly more original (no offence). I have a beautiful heirloom art deco ring and its more like this http://www.etsy.com/listing/157773829/platinum-and-diamonds-art-deco-design?ref=sr_gallery_36&ga_search_query=art+deco+diamond+ring&ga_ship_to=AE&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery smaller rock tho! if you find something you like you could get it made in Voltaire or if you know anyone passing through Dubai you could get it made there for a fraction of the price.

Voltaire Diamonds: Seamus

Many thanks for mentioning Voltaire Diamonds on this thread.

We have a large selection of styles available immediately.

Please have a look at some of our styles on our Youtube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/user/VoltaireDiamonds/videos?shelf_id=1&view=0&sort=dd

Many thanks
Seamus

www.voltairediamonds.ie

snickerpuss

shuffles03 wrote: »

I have an appointment with Voltaire today.

The reason I'm looking for one now is that we're together 10 years next week and are going away for a few days to celebrate. Thought it would be the perfect time to propose.

Cheers for all the advice! Much appreciated. One last question;

What are people's thoughts on sapphire v diamond? I ask as someone mentioned sapphire rings are more considered to be eternity rings and that I should stick with diamond.

Based on the eras my g/f likes, I thought a sapphire style ring with diamonds around it would have been a good choice.

If you are so unsure why not let her choose? She will be wearing it for good (hopefully!) so you don't want to get her something that she doesn't like or is only okay. Especially as from the sounds of it she has certain styles she likes.

On a side note I got a diamond with sapphire shoulders because I do think the sapphire with diamond surround is a bit too Kate Middleton. And don't mind people who say diamond over sapphire, you can have whatever kind of stone in an engagement ring!

GardenMadness

Before you buy, there's an antique shop in royal Hibernian way with amazing bargains - estate jewellery so it's all old fashioned settings and you get a lot more for your money going that way. I wish I'd tried there before we bought mine. Frankly, for the price we paid in comparison, we were totally chumped.

Arbiter of Good Taste

Just my opinion, but please think hard about surprising her with a ring. An engagement ring is such a personal object, and hopefully(!) she will be wearing it for the rest of her life. Rings that look nice on one person may look horrible on someone else.

Also, I had so much fun picking out my engagement ring. Think about using it as a fun experience together. Have you thought about a "holder" ring? Something cheap until you choose the real one.

I got mine abroad, but I've heard great things about Voltaire.