drunkmonkey wrote: » Sausie it was 6 years ago and we paid cash, we have good Irish friends in Antwerp so they gave us the run of the place.
Marklark wrote: » I done this trip last year and would advise bringing cash
Gavlor wrote: » This guy http://www.jkatz.be/ is located in the diamond bank sector, can't recommend him highly enough. We also met with a couple of other dealers including Phillipe Harold, also very professional but we got a better quality diamond (the ring is secondary) from Josef Katz. Rule 1: keep away from the glitzy train station stores. Rule 2: see rule 1
hada wrote: » Couldn't recommend Joe Katz more! Got ours from Joe - found him so helpful, willing to design the setting (which was very important for us). In terms of value, we had it valued after we arrived home, and it came out at more than twice what we paid. We went with the ADJA members only by the way: http://www.adja.be/members.htm members
Sausie wrote: » Many thanks for your replies Gavlor and Hada... I have heard good things about Joe Katz and Phillippe Harold. Also to stay well away from the jewellery shops across from the train station. How long ago did you have your ring made? If it was in the last few years did you have any trouble with paying with cash?
liam7831 wrote: » Just get both people to bring the cash, half each would be grand it's not like it's gonna be 20k or anything. We done it in 2012 Antwerp too
Sausie wrote: » Thanks Liam, the other half won't know until she's over there. I've no problem bringing over cash, was just trying to find out if it's still accepted over there since the introduction of the new laws in 2014, which it seems like it is so I should be fine.
kevinr7213 wrote: » HI Sausie, do you mind if I ask how you got on with your trip to Antwerp? I recently got engaged and I am planing our trip for August. Was also wondering about the cash situation. Thanks.
Sausie wrote: » Hi Kevin, We got on very well. It's a lovely city, didn't have any problems finding the diamond district and I paid cash. No problems. If you want any more info on the paying cash or any recommendations of Jewellers or Antwerp in general send me a pm.
drunkmonkey wrote: » I wouldn't get caught up on it just have some of your budget as cash and be able go access the rest from a bank if needs be. I'd be very careful where you buy, you could easily get diddled and for god sake never let the stone out of your sight when you decide on it, insist to follow it everywhere even when there crafting the ring. My recommendation is Hearts & Arrows https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Attraction_Review-g188636-d3188556-Reviews-Hearts_And_Arrows_Jewellery-Antwerp_Antwerp_Province.html we've used them and plenty of friends. All our rings were inspected and valued for insurance when we got home. It's not as big and shiny as the rest of the shops but they guys there are 100%
