Advertisement
Help Keep Boards Alive. Support us by going ad free today. See here: https://subscriptions.boards.ie/.
https://www.boards.ie/group/1878-subscribers-forum

Private Group for paid up members of Boards.ie. Join the club.
Hi all, please see this major site announcement: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058427594/boards-ie-2026

Engagement Ring - Antwerp

  • 05-11-2008 12:23AM
    #1
    William Gates
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 208 ✭✭


    I'm thinking of going to Antwerp to buy an engagement ring as all the posts on here seem to be very positive about it. Any info on this would be much appreciated.

    But at the moment, I mainly want to know where is best to fly into to get to Antwerp, Brussels (BRU) with Aer Lingus or Brussels (CRL) with Ryanair.

    Any info on accomodation in Antwerp would also be welcome.

    Also, in general, percentage-wise, how much of a saving is there to be made by gooing to Antwerp?

    Thanks.


Comments

  • #2
    NextSteps
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 984 ✭✭✭NextSteps


    If you fly Aer Lingus to Brussels Airport, there is a direct coach link to Antwerp. I did this before and it only takes 45 minutes to Antwerp city centre. That would be much more efficient than Charleroi.
    There is a gorgeous boutique hotel in Antwerp, but I'm afraid I can't remember the name. Just be sure to stay in the old city (rather than by the railway station). It's a lovely place, with some great bars and places to eat. It's also a centre of fashion - if you have any change from the ring, wander around the Nationalestraat area and you'll soon get rid of it.


  • #3
    rdunphy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3 ✭rdunphy


    HI William, I'm at the same stage you were at when you wrote this entry. I'm trying to find the best way to Antwerp from Dublin. Could you tell me how you got on and maby the name of the hotel and dimond shop you went to. Thanks a mill.


  • #4
    antiskeptic
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,550 ✭✭✭antiskeptic


    William Gates wrote: »
    I'm thinking of going to Antwerp to buy an engagement ring as all the posts on here seem to be very positive about it. Any info on this would be much appreciated.

    But at the moment, I mainly want to know where is best to fly into to get to Antwerp, Brussels (BRU) with Aer Lingus or Brussels (CRL) with Ryanair.

    Any info on accomodation in Antwerp would also be welcome.

    Also, in general, percentage-wise, how much of a saving is there to be made by gooing to Antwerp?

    Thanks.

    Read this before you go....

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055511746


  • #5
    Yoda08
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 49 ✭Yoda08


    Just back from Antwerp and bought the ring. I was initially very skeptical, had done a LOT of research since Christmas on types of metal, best value diamonds etc. Did the Irish retail shops, the Irish direct jewellers, Northern Ireland, looked at bluenile online.. the whole shebang, so I was in a good place to haggle.

    Unbelieveable value, even after discounting 25% off the valuation received in Dublin for a bit of over-egg on their part, still got it for 60% of the actual value so really happy, and would highly recommend it (but ye probably know this already!)

    Having visited all 4 of the ADJA jewellers, had the best time in Orsini - Grit Oskam is the lady there and she's absolutely brilliant.

    Stayed in Hilton with the missus overlooking the main square and it's definitely worth splashing out a little on a decent hotel to make the weekend more special.

    Would recommend flying with Aer Lingus as the hassle from Charleroi was a little tiring (although excitement kept herself awake for the weekend!)


  • #6
    stevemc.ie
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1 ✭stevemc.ie


    I'm heading over to Antwerp to buy an engagement ring next week.

    As luck would have it I was passing through Antwerp last August and so stopped for a few hours to get an idea of what I was getting into and the rough price of a ring. I only went into the shops directly opposite the train station DeKeyserlei street I think. I wouldn't really recommend them as at one point I was being offered a 2crt diamond ring set in platinum for €4500 after the haggle, a bit to good to be true I have since discovered even by Antwerp standards. Also nearly every one of the shops I went into on this street were very pushy (I didn't have any money so was never going to buy that day) and some would get agitated when I would insist on leaving "to think about it" as I was walking to the door the price would get lower and lower. Unless you know the genuine shops from the chancers I'd just stay away from this street altogether.
    But regarding Orsini mentioned here just a small warning. Check out the tripadviser thread on this. Alot of people seem to be complaining about this shop, with others recommended. There is also some other very good advice. People should read this and make up their own mind before they go.

    But with out doubt their seems to be great value to be got in Antwerp, as per usual buyer be ware! And be prepared for the hard sell.


  • Advertisement
  • #7
    radharc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 976 ✭✭✭radharc


    Stay clear of the rubbish near the railway station Steve, best to stick to the 4 ADJA jewellers (there's no hard sell). Went for Philippe Harald myself, pleasure to deal with.


  • #8
    badboyblast
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 754 ✭✭✭badboyblast


    Went To Ludo in Joaillerie Du Centre ourselves, guy is a gent.


    Flew into Amsterdam from Cork and got the train down and back for a bit of madness in Amsterdam before heading home.


Advertisement
Advertisement