Advice- Engagement Ring Setters in Melbourne

LPianesseur on 06/05/2018 - 23:00

Hi all, I hope this is the right place to post this so here goes.

I’m currently looking for an engagement ring, and am thinking of purchasing a loose diamond from online stores such as Blue Nile/James Allen, as it gives a better spec and cost than purchasing a diamond and ring set from branded stores like Tiffany’s or HW.

Some may ask why don’t I just get it as a ring + stone set from Blue Nile/James Allen?
I think my main reason would be because I don’t like the engravings with their brands on it, especially if it says Blue Nile/James Allen. (I dunno, would you ladies mind it?), and also it’s hard to judge if the setting will be nice without trying it on.

So my question is, would you recommend purchasing diamonds online? And if I have a loose diamond, where would I be able to find a reputable place that can mount the rock into a setting? (in Melbourne)
I’ve done some googling myself and some people have recommended independent small jewellers around the CBD. Is it good to get it done at these places? And are there anything you need to be aware of?

Apologies if there’re too many questions. But thanks!

Fashion & Apparel Engagement Ring Jewellery

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 07/05/2018 - 01:12

    Sucked in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5kWu1ifBGU

  • altomic on 07/05/2018 - 07:49
    +2

    blue nile has always been a popular choice of ozbargainers.

    when I needed an engagement ring (and already had the stones) went to Stephens & Miller in Camberwell junction (mum and dad got their wedding rings there in the 60s and have been using them since).

    showed them the stones, they suggested some appropriate setting types from magazines, and helped us "design" what we wanted. they then made up a rough prototype for a fitting. and then made the the ring and set the stones.

    we are very happy with the ring. can't remember the exact price, maybe around $500. considering we had the stones I consider I got off lightly.

    that said, I bought a $2 engagement ring from aliexpress as a travel "decoy" - (I was paranoid about getting mugged or something) - it got so many more compliments from my wife's friends. FFS

    My serious advice - find out your partners ring size, get a ring sizer (I've just posted a deal for it). and order an inexpensive engagement ring from aliexpress.

    Have a look at the range they have. check out those that have a lot of feedback to see buyers reviews/photos. I did buy a few different style of inexpensive rings from aliexpress. they were all very nice. the "diamonds" ,to my untrained eye, looked good - i.e. nice and glittery., the settings are decent, and overall no one (except a trained jeweller with a loupe) will be able to tell. I am serious.

    • pjetson on 07/05/2018 - 11:20

      that said, I bought a $2 engagement ring from aliexpress(aliexpress.com) as a travel "decoy" - (I was paranoid about getting mugged or something) - it got so many more compliments from my wife's friends. FFS

      :-)

      • Pianesseur on 07/05/2018 - 17:10

        Thanks altomic!! Appreciate your valuable advise! The aliexpress ring you suggested looks surprisingly real too (From picture anyway), I expected something different when I clicked on the link.

        that said, I bought a $2 engagement ring from aliexpress(aliexpress.com) as a travel "decoy" - (I was paranoid about getting mugged or something) - it got so many more compliments from my wife's friends. FFS

        Hahaha

  • Godric on 07/05/2018 - 08:06

    Don't do it

  • 2jzzzz on 07/05/2018 - 09:48

    I imported stone myself and had Ironstone In Yarraville make it to my design. She was wonderful.

  • Zaenille on 07/05/2018 - 10:58

    I was thinking of going Moissanite and I would have if I didn't find a cheap diamond ring on gumtree. And I asked her if she was fine with that, and she said yes.

    I proposed earlier without a ring, so I was able to openly ask her opinions on what rings/stones she liked and we were lucky that her exact specifications were available in gumtree.

    Cost me $350 (negotiated down, I know they don't sell well on Gumtree plus this ad has been on for months) for something that would cost me $1800-2000 for a similarly specced ring at a jewelry store.

    Just make sure it includes the valuation certificate.

    • Pianesseur on 07/05/2018 - 17:16

      Never heard of moissanite until today lol, first time googling that word.
      I’m sure my SO doesn’t mind it as long as there’s a ring “to show”, but i think it’s better to ask too.

      Well done on getting a massive bargain though.

  • darken on 07/05/2018 - 12:59
    +1

    I bought an engagement ring through James Allen. There is no 'James Allen' engraving on the ring.

    • Pianesseur on 07/05/2018 - 17:12

      I assumed there’s the engraving as their online pictures showed it lol.
      But thanks for letting me know!

      • [Deactivated] on 07/05/2018 - 17:15
        +1

        I think that is there to demonstrate what an engraving might look like, i.e. your own engraving.

        • Pianesseur on 07/05/2018 - 17:17

          Ahh yes good point, never thought about that

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