Non Traditional Enagement Ring

hacked

Hi guys! My boyfriend and I are talking about getting married. We've been looking into engagement rings to try and see how much what I want will cost.

I went to Dun Laoghaire to have a look around and see rings in person to make sure what I liked online was what I actually wanted. Have decided on a sapphire oval cluster. Really stunning! We haven't got a massive budget, and I'm wondering if anyone knows a good jeweller they could recommend.

Also, I am reading on this forum that Antwerp is the place to go. Would this still hold true for other gemstones as main stone? Himself is from Belgium and Antwerp would be totally doable for us. Especially if its cheaper than Ireland.

Thanks!

lazygal

If you haven't got a massive budget I wouldn't spend money going abroad just for a ring. If I was in the market for another ring I'd keep an eye out for jewellery auctions. The prices are fantastic for what you get, but you're limited to what comes up. Alternatively most.jewellers are open to haggling and discounts we have found any time we buy.

hacked

My boyfriend lives an hour or two from Antwerp. Although he'll be moving to Dublin, we will be back in Belgium to visit his family a couple of times a year, so it wouldn't be too difficult.

My sister is the whisper in his ear, so thanks! I'll pass all of this on to him

westernlass

lazygal wrote: »

If you haven't got a massive budget I wouldn't spend money going abroad just for a ring. If I was in the market for another ring I'd keep an eye out for jewellery auctions. The prices are fantastic for what you get, but you're limited to what comes up. Alternatively most.jewellers are open to haggling and discounts we have found any time we buy.

This is how we got mine. It was a third of the price. Theres quite a few in O' Reillys auction like you describe. Be warned there's 16% off as fees. My ring is worth 4 times what we paid.

fits

I think auction is the way to go as well!. If you are smart about it.

hacked

Thanks guys! I've never done auction before -- could you point me in the right direction?

littlenubbin85

Have you thought about antique shops? My ring is a 1920's vintage art deco diamond ring and it didn't cost the earth. I couldn't justify paying thousands for an engagement ring.