Hullothere wrote: » Hello! Just posted over on Fashion Thread regarding purchasing an engagement ring from Etsy. Just wondered what people thing of purchasing from this website? Have found 3 rings that are just AMAZING - really different, and price is decent. I am not a bit fussed about diamonds, the ones I am looking at are 14k White Gold, with Sapphires/Moissanite stones. Just want something different and unusual, that no one else will have! What are peoples thoughts on buying from a US Seller on Etsy for such an important purchase? I am picking my own ring, and there is no way I want my OH to spend thousands on it, I know everyone says diamonds are the way to go, but I really dont mind if it is white shapphires or Moissanite, I think they also look lovely so that is the main thing! What do people thing - is Etsy safe enough?
Millem wrote: » If you want a moissanite Steve from http://www.moissanite.co.uk/ is your man. He can make you any style in any metal plus they are based in the birmingham jewellery quarter so no import/custom duties. All the stones are hand picked so will be white in colour. (no yellowish) He has the moissanite patent for the uk. If you are not happy with your ring he will give you a full refund. I am seriously considering a moissanite and they come with a lifetime guarantee. Moissanite is really really popular in the USA I found this forum really helpful http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/moissanite-moissanite-show-me-your-moissanite For me ordering from the USA is too much hassle, first of all the rings are not hallmarked, then you have to pay 2% duty and 23% vat and you need to get a letter from the supplier stating "no seals were harmed" for the sapphires/diamonds in your ring! Bizarre I know but that is what I was told when I rang up!!!
Hullothere wrote: » Millem wrote: » If you want a moissanite Steve from http://www.moissanite.co.uk/ is your man. He can make you any style in any metal plus they are based in the birmingham jewellery quarter so no import/custom duties. All the stones are hand picked so will be white in colour. (no yellowish) He has the moissanite patent for the uk. If you are not happy with your ring he will give you a full refund. I am seriously considering a moissanite and they come with a lifetime guarantee. Moissanite is really really popular in the USA I found this forum really helpful http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/moissanite-moissanite-show-me-your-moissanite For me ordering from the USA is too much hassle, first of all the rings are not hallmarked, then you have to pay 2% duty and 23% vat and you need to get a letter from the supplier stating "no seals were harmed" for the sapphires/diamonds in your ring! Bizarre I know but that is what I was told when I rang up!!! Thanks for the reply. That website looks very interesting, have you been in touch with them? Prices seem very reasonable indeed, and you are prob right, ordered from the UK does seem a lot handier! Thanks for the link on Moissanite, it is def very tempting, see to be long lasting, durable, and very very sparkley! Let me know if you order from that website, would love to hear how you get on! Do you know anyone else who went with Moissanite, and were they happy?? Didn’t know about the duty or vat from the US – Must go back and ask about these issues!
JustAThought wrote: » My brother had a piece of jewellery made in the us & shipped for delivery with registered post to Ireland . He wasnt in when it was delivered & got a vat bill of a couple of hundred from customs ( it was on the declaration what was inside- GOD knows why they did that but it was Reg.Post . While organising to pay the VAT he didn't pick up the parcel within the 3 days & some dumdum returned it to the original sender ( terms & conditions); & off it went back to America. When it was eventually re-shipped back to Ireland, despite already having post-paid the VAT & charges; he was charged VAT AGAIN & had to go through a huge rigmarole of paying it again; trying to proove it was the same piece, & trying to reclaim the second VAT payment. . He rues the day. GF LOVED it thou ; somewhat spoiled for him Belfast sounds much easier!
Millem wrote: » Yes I have been in contact with Steve as I want this ring set http://www.moissaniteco.com/round-moissanite-halo-wedding-set-p-10241.html For a 1carat centre stone in 18ct white gold Steve quoted £1000 and £1600 in platnium. I have never seen a moissanite in person as there is no one in Ireland with the patent yet, but there is a jewellers in Belfast that Steve supplies so I was thinking of going up for a look! He also supplies littlewoods but he said the stones will be better if it is custom made as they will be hand picked! If you want a diamond Vivienne's jewellers in stillorgan have 50% off everything at the mo! If I don't go for a moissanite I am going to go to her she is very reasonable and all rings are made and only one of each! I do think diamonds are so over priced though! If it's sapphires you are after there is a jewellers in Terenure called pear perfect and they have stunning rings I absolutely adore this one http://www.perfectring.ie/Engagement-Rings/Coloured-Stone-Rings/Pearl_Perfect_Design_Room_-_Blaine_Gemstone_Diamond_Ring-1932.aspx
beltzar wrote: » Hi OP I shop on ETSY more than any other website. I've bought mostly jewellery and recently we spent a HUGE amount of cash on a second engagement ring and band(long story) We had to pay import tax but I still feel we got bang for our buck. I've since brought the rings to a jewellers in Dublin to get resized and he complimented me on them and valued them up a bit on what we paid(I didnt tell him what we paid). That said - I wouldnt buy such an expensive item again online as the stress in case I didnt like it, if it was a dud etc wasnt worth it. Not sure if that helps...
Millem wrote: » This is the main reason that would turn me off buying from the USA! Some people will tell you they got away without paying vat and duties but honestly they are getting so strict now and are opening up 99% of packages! Hullothere the Belfast jewellers do not have a great selection according to Steve but he will ring them in advance for you if you want to go up! Steve is in Birmingham and all the jewellery is hallmarked whereas in the USA the jewellery will not be. If you are interested in white sapphires over moissanites I would pick moissanites as I think the white sapphires look cloudy! Here is a video of a moissanite and a diamond beside each other (I still can't figure out which is which !)http://vimeo.com/m/24371182
Millem wrote: » I am swaying towards 18ct white gold as I don't like the look of platnium when it dulls and it happens quickly! It looks grey! I know white gold needs to be played every 18 months or so but I don't care! It so cheap like max €20! Vivienne's told me to get white gold and I read a good article on weddings online from seamus from volitaire and he prefers white gold! I have read up on palladium but the jewellers here don't seem to recommend it! Whatever metal you get your engagement ring in you must get the same for your wedding ring. I was tempted to go over to Birmingham but Steve offers 100% money back so I wouldn't bother! I have been really cheeky bu dropping into jewellers trying on rings and taking pictures!! So I am getting a feel for what suits me! Make sure when you are trying them on you also try on a wedding band! O and I actually don't know which is which in the video! I got it from a website on there forum!! http://betterthandiamond.com/
Hullothere wrote: » Millem wrote: » I am swaying towards 18ct white gold as I don't like the look of platnium when it dulls and it happens quickly! It looks grey! I know white gold needs to be played every 18 months or so but I don't care! It so cheap like max €20! Vivienne's told me to get white gold and I read a good article on weddings online from seamus from volitaire and he prefers white gold! I have read up on palladium but the jewellers here don't seem to recommend it! Whatever metal you get your engagement ring in you must get the same for your wedding ring. I was tempted to go over to Birmingham but Steve offers 100% money back so I wouldn't bother! I have been really cheeky bu dropping into jewellers trying on rings and taking pictures!! So I am getting a feel for what suits me! Make sure when you are trying them on you also try on a wedding band! O and I actually don't know which is which in the video! I got it from a website on there forum!! http://betterthandiamond.com/ Ya I am the same, I much prefer the look of the white gold. My friend got Platnium and says it much better than white gold, but I think that everyone has their own opinion on it! As you said you have to get white gold played, but at €20 I would live with that no problem at all! Would be nice to get it done anyhow and have it look at lovely and shiny again! Ya I know that some mens weddings rings are done in Palladium, but no one seems to be bothered on it for an engagement ring, I think it looks quite dull. I am going to start going to jewellery shops and trying some on, only just started this and have picked loads I like the look of online, but as you said you don’t know what they will look like till you try them on! I really like the halo style of ring, I know I have read the odd time you might loose a tiny stone, but shur that is the same with any ring I would imagine! I love the one you have picked our from Steve, its gorg! I picked this really unusual on online too, duno what is drawing me to it, and maybe would get sick of it: http://www.etsy.com/listing/90895532/bezel-set-bubble-diamond-ring-in-14k Its in white sapphires, but gives the idea. Maybes its not really engagement ring, just like the look of it! It really is so hard to decide on everything!!
Millem wrote: » If the moissanite stones get loose they will be replaced for free! As there is a lifetime guarantee. Whatever ring you like get at the end of the day you will be the one wearing it! I am torn between a halo and a round solitaire. The thing about halos are they are so popular at the moment but maybe a single solitaire would be better long term. I am a ring size m and anything less than a carat on my hand as a single round stone looks vile whereas with a halo you could get a 0.4 centre stone and it will look the same size as a 1 carat! [IMG][/img] Uploaded with ImageShack.us The ring on the left is a 1 carat diamond in platinum with a price tag of E11,000 and the one on the right is a 0.4 carat centre stone with a 0.2oish halo diamonds in platinum with a price tag of E3,000.
Hullothere wrote: » Millem wrote: » If the moissanite stones get loose they will be replaced for free! As there is a lifetime guarantee. Whatever ring you like get at the end of the day you will be the one wearing it! I am torn between a halo and a round solitaire. The thing about halos are they are so popular at the moment but maybe a single solitaire would be better long term. I am a ring size m and anything less than a carat on my hand as a single round stone looks vile whereas with a halo you could get a 0.4 centre stone and it will look the same size as a 1 carat! [IMG][/img] Uploaded with ImageShack.us The ring on the left is a 1 carat diamond in platinum with a price tag of E11,000 and the one on the right is a 0.4 carat centre stone with a 0.2oish halo diamonds in platinum with a price tag of E3,000. Good to know you can get moissanite stones replaced – Really cant find one thing wrong with getting a moissanite ring at this stage, esp with a lifetime guarantee! I think they look fab, and I really wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between it and a diamond. Thanks for posting the pic, €8grand in the different of those rings, and the one of the right to me looks so much more expensive! I am defo sold on a halo style, I just love it! I know what you mean though, maybe a solitaire would be more long lasting, but I really think the halo style is timeless too, and looks really great! Also as you said if you want at least 1c on a single stone, a halo style would be the way to go to get the same look!
Millem wrote: » They are diamonds not moissanites! I am thinking of getting a 1carat moissanite halo as there is very little price difference between 0.75 and 1 carat! Or a 1.25 sing stone. I tried on that ring above and it is not huge or even big on my hand! Diamonds are such a rip off! I would be terrified walking around with a €11000 ring on my finger!
Hullothere wrote: » Millem wrote: » They are diamonds not moissanites! I am thinking of getting a 1carat moissanite halo as there is very little price difference between 0.75 and 1 carat! Or a 1.25 sing stone. I tried on that ring above and it is not huge or even big on my hand! Diamonds are such a rip off! I would be terrified walking around with a €11000 ring on my finger! As would I, I would feel so uncomfortable knowing that is how much it was worth, I dont think I would wear it every often! So what kind of price are you coming in at for the 1carat halo style? And does the include stones on the shoulders of the ring, or without?
Millem wrote: » For moissanite? The first ring I showed you 1 carat centre stone plus a halo (maybe 0.20?) no diamonds on shoulder plus wedding band £1000 white gold and £1600 platnium with Steve. In diamonds I would think crazy crazy price!! I don't want diamonds on shoulders as I feel that I would need stones on wedding band and I want a plain band! The only decent prices jewellers in Dublin IMHO are vivienne, Thomas gear, Martin gear and gear jewellers the rest are rips and that includes volitaire!!! Who were actually more expensive than rocks and that says something!!!!
Hullothere wrote: » Millem wrote: » For moissanite? The first ring I showed you 1 carat centre stone plus a halo (maybe 0.20?) no diamonds on shoulder plus wedding band £1000 white gold and £1600 platnium with Steve. In diamonds I would think crazy crazy price!! I don't want diamonds on shoulders as I feel that I would need stones on wedding band and I want a plain band! The only decent prices jewellers in Dublin IMHO are vivienne, Thomas gear, Martin gear and gear jewellers the rest are rips and that includes volitaire!!! Who were actually more expensive than rocks and that says something!!!! That is such a great price for that ring! £1000 for white gold is idea, and that includes the wedding band which I didn’t realise. I suppose you are best to buy the band now as you know that they will be perfect together, rather than trying to match it up later. I am very tempted by that ring also, it is absolutely gorgeous! As you said might as well go with the 1 carat centre stone, doesn’t seem to be much different in the price. I can only imagine the price of the same ring in diamond. From the research I have done, and from friends rings etc, the prices here just seem unreal, esp for diamonds, we are on a budget so certainly won’t be spending that much! I would image for £1000 equivalent here you could end up with a tiny tiny diamond! Thanks for all your help, it is great to get someone elses view on this, as I said I didn’t know where to start! I have opened the picture of that ring a few times now, it is GORG!
Millem wrote: » Honestly not being stingey but I really wouldn't want to spend more than a grand on a ring! Vivienne had a lovely one 0.6 diamond marquise cut 18carat white gold for €995 but it sold! She only makes one of each! Her rings all have certificates etc. So it is possible to get value in diamonds!I have found her expensive for wedding bands though! If you go for a marquise or pear they look much larger stones because of the cut! If you do go for a halo with Steve or anyone else make sure you state that it is not 'floating' otherwise there will be a gap between the centre stone and halo. (I think it looks a bit weird!)
Hullothere wrote: » Millem wrote: » Honestly not being stingey but I really wouldn't want to spend more than a grand on a ring! Vivienne had a lovely one 0.6 diamond marquise cut 18carat white gold for €995 but it sold! She only makes one of each! Her rings all have certificates etc. So it is possible to get value in diamonds!I have found her expensive for wedding bands though! If you go for a marquise or pear they look much larger stones because of the cut! If you do go for a halo with Steve or anyone else make sure you state that it is not 'floating' otherwise there will be a gap between the centre stone and halo. (I think it looks a bit weird!) I am thinking the same, €1000 is plenty, and I would be more than happy with that, as they say each to their own! Going to go to Gordon Brown for a look, dying to see what they look like! Emailed Steve yesterday and he send me over lots of images of the 1c, .75c and .5c options on the halo ring, they are lovely! I think the 1c looks the best though! He gave me pricing for each too, and there is not that much difference in it. He also noted that they can custom make rings too, which is def interesting! Very excited about this now, thinking it is a good way to go!!
Millem wrote: » Totally agree! I only priced 1 ct halo of the image I sent him (the ring set) as I knew from his site there is little difference on price! Where is Gordon brown ? Do they sell moissanites?
Hullothere wrote: » Millem wrote: » Totally agree! I only priced 1 ct halo of the image I sent him (the ring set) as I knew from his site there is little difference on price! Where is Gordon brown ? Do they sell moissanites? Hey, He has quoted for, just for the engagement ring (not including wedding ring), Halo style all in 14k white gold inc VAT and postage: 6.5mm (1ct) is £735.00 6mm (0.75ct) is £695.00 5mm (0.5ct) is £615.00 He sent on pics of all of them - And really think the .5 stone looks kind of small on the ring! Gordon House is the jewellers in Belfast – Thinking I might take a trip up. He said to call before hand to ensure he has some samples. He also said that they can custom make rings if you send on a photo!
Millem wrote: » Gordon house!! Would you not go for 18carat white gold? Or are you set on 14carat?
Hullothere wrote: » Millem wrote: » Gordon house!! Would you not go for 18carat white gold? Or are you set on 14carat? I dont mind really - Does it make a lot of difference do you think??
Millem wrote: » I had a conversation with blue nile about it 2 weeks ago! In the states 14carat is more popular as it needs to be replated less as it contains less gold. But in Europe 18carat is more popular as it contains more gold! I would go for 18carat tbh! Are the quotes for the first halo ring I posted or the halo ring on my hand that I posted? Let me know how you get on in Belfast as I have never seen moissanites in the flesh! Are you interested in blue sapphires or tanzanite? If so qvc have some lovely ones also! If you have sky tv moissanite uk are on Ideal world shopping channel, you can also check out the clips online.
Millem wrote: » Yes I am considering tanzanites, sapphires and diamonds. I found three fantastic websites:http://www.purelydiamonds.co.uk/diamond-rings/sapphire-diamond-rings/pds422w-18ct-white-gold-cluster-ring-with-an-emerald-cut-sapphire-centre-and-a-round-brilliant-cut-diamond-surround.html They are based in London jewellery quarter. I have been onto them and they are sending photos.http://www.diamond-heaven.co.uk/featured-jewellery.cfm?perPage=32&lPerPage=16 They are based in jewellery quarter in Birmingham, check out their clearance items absolute bargains! And my favourite: http://www.buyfinediamonds.com/ They also sell on amazon and Ebay. They are based in jewellery quarter in London. Below are two serious contenders This is my absolute favourite ring, was so tempted the other night just to buy it, but I am waiting back to see photoshttp://www.buyfinediamonds.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductName=1.30Ct%20Tanzanite%20And%20Diamond%20Ring,%2018K%20White%20Goldhttp://www.buyfinediamonds.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductName=Clearance%20F/VS%200.75Ct%20Round%20Diamond%20Engagement%20Ring,950Platinumhttp://www.buyfinediamonds.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductName=G/VS%200.80%20Carat%20Round%20Amps;%20Baguette%20Diamond%20Engagement%20Ring%2018K%20White%20Gold
Hullothere wrote: » Millem wrote: » Yes I am considering tanzanites, sapphires and diamonds. I found three fantastic websites:http://www.purelydiamonds.co.uk/diamond-rings/sapphire-diamond-rings/pds422w-18ct-white-gold-cluster-ring-with-an-emerald-cut-sapphire-centre-and-a-round-brilliant-cut-diamond-surround.html They are based in London jewellery quarter. I have been onto them and they are sending photos.http://www.diamond-heaven.co.uk/featured-jewellery.cfm?perPage=32&lPerPage=16 They are based in jewellery quarter in Birmingham, check out their clearance items absolute bargains! And my favourite: http://www.buyfinediamonds.com/ They also sell on amazon and Ebay. They are based in jewellery quarter in London. Below are two serious contenders This is my absolute favourite ring, was so tempted the other night just to buy it, but I am waiting back to see photoshttp://www.buyfinediamonds.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductName=1.30Ct%20Tanzanite%20And%20Diamond%20Ring,%2018K%20White%20Goldhttp://www.buyfinediamonds.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductName=Clearance%20F/VS%200.75Ct%20Round%20Diamond%20Engagement%20Ring,950Platinumhttp://www.buyfinediamonds.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductName=G/VS%200.80%20Carat%20Round%20Amps;%20Baguette%20Diamond%20Engagement%20Ring%2018K%20White%20Gold Hey! I am loving the one you have picked, it is stunning, and the price is great! Thanks for passing on those websites, it is great to know. Had a quick look through and the prices are pretty decent, need to sit down properly and go through them all. Did you get extra pictures? Are you sold??!
Millem wrote: » Prices are great I got 3 pics back from diamond heaven but of the wrong ring!! They apologised and said they will send me pics ASAP! Haven't heard anything back from buy fine diamonds yet so I will ring them tomorrow! The great thing about all of the sites (including moissanite) is that you can send ring back and get full refund! Martin gear have 50% off everything this week also and he is a great jeweller! He had one in august this year. I am not planning to buy my ring till around halloween as I am a real perfectionist when it comes to this stuff! It takes me ages it make decisions!! I don't want to rush in to it in case i regret it! I love halos but think they are "in fashion" at the moment which is turning me off them! I love tanzanites and sapphires but think maybe it's better to get a colourless stone as it goes with everything and I don't want to jump on the Kate Middleton band wagon! None of the jewellers I have gone to are ever keen on me trying them on maybe that is because they are cheaper! My friend told me to go with a colourless stone as I can always buy myself a coloured stone down the road! I am now concentrating on what would look best with a wedding band as I don't want to have to get a curved one made! My head is wrecked at this stage! What about you? I have thrown a spanner in the works for you? I have asked Steve for a quote for just halo ring in platinium it haven't heard anything yet. The only thing that I am worried about moissanite is getting the white gold replated as I have read on the Internet about jewellers not wanting to touch moissanite and I don't fancy posting my ring to Steve everything I want it plated so I think if it is moissanite I will get platnium as it only needs to be polished (which you can do yourself?).
