I'm at that stage where I am ready to pop the big question to my gf. But before anything, is anyone in the know about diamond rings? Or can recommend local jewellers giving good prices on diamond. I am in Sydney btw.
Where to buy diamond engagement rings?
iChopstick on 20/10/2012 - 21:44
closed Comments
Haggling you say? the cheapskate in me wouldn't have it any other way.
N thanks for the advice, much appreciated.
Hi iChopstick. Have a look at http://www.bluenile.com. Has a good range and prices are cheaper then you can get in Australia. Bare in mind you will need to pay GST when the ring arrives here.
Also can sign up for ebates.com for extra 2.5% reabte with them. Check it out. I mentioned more about it here as well http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/82421
Call me paranoid, but I am of two mind when it comes to buying jewellery online. Probably because my last purchase didn't turn out so well.
But I have to admit, the site looks good, will use as a reference if nothing else :)
Hey Chopstick,
I bought my fiancee a ring from Miranda Westfield - Midas
Website: http://www.westfield.com.au/au/retailers/midas-jewellers/mir…- I did a lot of shopping around, and price/design/quality. I would say they are right up there.
The ring I purchased was advertised at ~$17 500. I asked for the lowest price and they gave me $10 500. I said tell your manager I'm paying cash and got a further $500 off.
My misses is the happiest with the ring and constantly (at least 5+ a month) gets compliments on the ring at work.
Best advice - don't buy online. You cannot see the actual diamond and they have faults in them that you want to be able to see. Also, it is important that you know what you can pay. And last but not least - know what she wants and haggle the F**k out them. They are ripping you off hard.
Think about this. You pay 'their' retail and you could've spent that $7 500 on your honeymoon or wedding.
:) worthwhile. Not hard to ask "what's the best deal you can do", then offer to pay cash to take more off.
Good luck I'm sure you'll do fine :D
And good luck with the proposal.All the best,
DarrenGreat advise Darren. In saying offering upfront cash, do ask for it but just say you can't afford it and want to make increment payments (lay-by). Try and get the manager to get your new discount quote(upfront cash) in writing. Make sure it includes the price (obviously)product number or some kind of detail of your future purchase. Come back to the store when the manager ain't around and offer your quote to another employee and ask for that price in lay-by. That's what I did and saved myself plane tickets.
Happy wife, happy lifeCongratulations!
Don't limit yourself to diamonds though….your choice of course.
If you want something a bit different, I got mine from here :
http://www.loveandhatred.com.au/
…in the Sydney Strand Arcade.
Was not a diamond, cost around $2k and gets heaps of comments.
Stunning!
Lovely shop.
(I agree on bypass Michael Hill and similar stores)i found a Jeweller who made to order for Cash, he said he sells to the shops who then mark up 100% can give you his number if you are interested he moved from Vic to Qld,
we looked at a few mags and said we like this bit on this ring,and this bit on this ring etc so it is unique. gave hime a $ limit on how much to spend ont the diamonds, i cannot recomend this guy highly enough, he even supplied an independant valuation for insuranceSounds good, can you sent me the number through pm. Much appreciated
Hi steviee
I have pmed you as well
Sorry to hijack your thread ichopstick
get her a tiffany's mate and dont look back
this is a one off buyMy advice is try the Asian jewellery stores. In Asia people tend to buy more as investment than as a fashion statement.
Only advice I can give is make sure with certifications it's done by the proper agencies…the world whatever..i forget. Internaional gem or something? not the European one.
i bought mine about 2 years ago.
checked out aust diamond company etc they're not the same as things like charles rose etc. I can't rmember all this now but looked into all the 4c's etc.
i ended u at charles rose.
also bargained etc. paid on amex for insurance reasons etc
in the end it cost about $14500 on amex and the valuation for insurance etc is for $29k.also be careful of the free cleanings…my wife went in all the time etc but went to a different jeweller now and they doit a different way specifically…apparently when thy jus drop it into the machine and solution its not so great…just shines and looks pretty.
anyway, long post but lots to consider.
also when choosing a ring i'd recommend gettig her input…i kno it ruins the suprise but i bought a bs fake diamod ring for $50 and proposed with that then we went hunting around for the real thing.and for the true ozbargainer…i had a comm bank gold credit card, when i made the purchase, few months later they upgraded to a comm bank diamond card for no cost (forever I assume? still using it). more points etc they must think i can afford purcahses like that always..
anyway my 2c.
you paid 14500, what was the actual ticket price? Looking at a ring from Charles rose and want to see how flexible they are with their pricing.
So much sockpuppeting going on here.
Congrats ichopstick. Whatever you do, don't purchase from prouds, Michael Hill. Their range of diamond rings are cheaper for a reason. Find out what (cut) style of ring your go likes- brilliant, princess so on.
Go for quality because your commitment is a lifetime. This might help. http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/diamond-clarity-chart/.
So look for a reputable jewellery store but if you ever drop by Melbourne city, I highly recommend http://www.australiandiamondcompany.com.au/diamonds
My advise is you shop as if you're shopping for a DSLR. You got to know every spec! Oh and don't be afraid to haggle intimidating jewellery stores. You're an ozbargainer
Good luck