Need Help With Buying Engagement Rings – UK Based

Q:

Hi Liz,

I came across your website while looking up a bit of research on engagement rings. It has proved to be very illuminating!

I need some help in buying engagement rings UK based, for my wonderful girlfriend of 4.5 years. My budget is £1500. Her ring size is O (I think that’s size 7 in the US?) having borrowed one of her other rings secretly. I’ve looked around lots of the UK jewellery stores for inspiration and possible rings but as a lot of your other readers have experienced, seem to be guided towards not the best styles or overpriced diamonds. I’m fairly settled on it being platinum too, as my girlfriend likes that. She likes something simple, having looked in the shops with her. As for cut, I think Ideal would be great. Style, a round brilliant perhaps. Just looking for great value and a wonderful diamond.

As per your top recommendations, I have been doing some research, and speaking with Ritani directly in the US. Such wonderful customer service! They pointed me in the direction of a jewellers called Joule in Hampstead, London, UK so I could actually go and have a look at some of the Ritani rings in person. Very lovely, friendly person called Jessica showed me some of them, but the range is very small. She could order me in some rings, and choose a selection of diamonds to look over, but I think I will go direct. Especially as she didn’t really know about AGSL vs GIA!!

So, here’s my shortlist from their website. Can you let me know what you think about each of them in terms of best value vs qualities etc?

http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-0-40-Carat-H-color-AGSL-certified/D-T0MM99

http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-0-52-Carat-G-color-AGSL-certified/D-T15RYX

http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-0-51-Carat-F-color-AGSL-certified/D-C157VQ

I’m also looking at maybe another ring style, but sticking with this one at the moment: http://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/solitaire-diamond-tulip-cathedral-engagement-ring-in-platinum/5660

Nigel’s ‘Tulip’ engagement ring in platinum from Ritani. Notice the double-claw prongs, very beautiful!

There is a big price difference I know, and I do think my first choice is cracking value, but just want to compare it against these others before I settle on my final diamond. I’m quite nervous about ordering it online though, especially as most of these are based in the US and I’m in the UK.

Speak soon

Nigel

A:

Hi Nigel,

Thank you for letting me know your diamond ring budget. Don’t be nervous about purchasing a diamond online. I know it is a little scary, but you honestly have nothing to be worried about.

As for your diamonds, a quick synopsis on each:

http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-0-40-Carat-H-color-AGSL-certified/D-T0MM99 – A very nicely cut eye-clean .40ct H VS2. Best overall cut, light return and symmetry.

http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-0-52-Carat-G-color-AGSL-certified/D-T15RYX – Extremely clean .52ct G VS2. There is a feather near the girdle however. Usually not an issue, however feathers near the girdle do need to be investigated further. It can be a durability issue in the future (cleaving, further fracturing, etc.)

http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-0-51-Carat-F-color-AGSL-certified/D-C157VQ – light return and overall symmetry could be better. There is also a white crystal under the table.

Kind Regards,

Liz

Buying Engagement Rings UK Based Vs. Buying Online

Q:

Hi Liz,

Thanks to your website, I think I’m convinced in ordering the diamond ring online now, so that’s a good thing, although I have a couple of questions.

How does ring sizing work if it’s not quite the right fit (esp as I’m working with US sizes and not UK ones)? Is an O size in the UK a size 7 or 7.5 in the US, as I’ve seen conflicting answers? How can I get the ring re-sized if I’ve ordered internationally?

Thanks,

Nigel

A:

Hello Nigel,

If your girlfriend is an “O” in the UK, then that would be equivalent to a USA size 7/7.25. I would ultimately confirm the size with Ritani to let them guide you to the most appropriate size. It seems that everyone’s size chart is just slightly different. Also, any jeweler can make a ring smaller/bigger fairly easy as long as it isn’t an eternity set ring. Ring sizing isn’t difficult or expensive to adjust.

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Hi Liz,

Thanks so much for your feedback. After having spoken with Ritani at great length about the .52ct G VS2 I’m moving forward with this diamond in the Tulip cathedral setting in platinum. I have discussed the “Feather” that is highlighted on the AGSL report, and they have investigated it and believe it will be fine, and can be hidden under one of the setting prongs. Given the clarity rating is VS2 of this diamond, they think it will be fine. Just wanted to let you know.

Thanks again for all your help!

Nigel