Engagement Ring

[Engaged]

I've just got engaged and we haven't started looking for the ring yet. Can anyone recommend any decent jewellery shops here? Or do you think it would be better to wait and get something in the UK?  This came as a complete surprise so I really don't know where to start looking.  Are diamonds cheaper here or would I get better value for money elsewhere?

[expat]

I understand that Belgium is an excellent place to buy diamonds & gems (they are traded there) so you could have a stop-over in Brussels (which is apparently lovely) next time you go to the UK. Or you could go to Hatton Garden in London or the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham city centre. You can choose a gemstone and design your own setting and style of ring. The gold or platinum of course would be hallmarked, I'm not sure if it is in Singapore but is probably is. And of course if you buy in the EEC you can reclaim the VAT back when you leave! Make sure you get a written guarantee and also take out insurance for the ring.

Another idea is to buy something in Dubai as gold there is weighed on scales and charged accordingly - so is apparently very good value for money. Perhaps you could check with the Emirates airline (v.good and Dubai is a good stop-over en-route to the UK)if they or the UAE Embassy can give you any info about where to find reputable places.

Congratulations!  

I think I would avoid the gold in Little India as it is very yellow compared to the gold as most Westerners are used to.  

[Louie]

Congratulations!
That happened to us at Easter...and now I have two rings!
The diamond ring was made by Michael at Mondial Jewellers at Takashamia (Orchard Road). He worked from my husband's own design and produced a truly beautiful peice. As to price, I'm afraid you'd have to ask Brett!....and quietly please  

[London Lassie]

My friend got engaged here on holiday and we went to Lee Hwa who gave her excellent service. The platinum is a bit cheaper here I reckon and they have a good selection if you are  looking for something traditional.

I got mine in Hatton Garden Jewellers in Richmond (on the corner of the main road near to Dickinson & Jones) and got it custom made. Turned out it was about 1/3 cheaper than from a high street shop.

[Jo]

Congrats..  Am in same boat as you..haven't found anything that kinda calls out to me ..know what I mean?  Been lookin...and we have only 5 months to the wedding and still lookin.  At first wanted something with celtic design...but didn't find anything I like back in UK...so decided on simple understated chic..and still can't find one that I want on my finger all my life.  At this rate, I have to do a Pam Anderson and have one tattooed to my finger!...Sigh

[Engaged]

Thanks for all the advice.  London Lassie where is Lee Hwa?

[London Lassie]

They are all over the place - a chain. However the one where we went was in Bugis Junction.

[Jo]

Heyyyyyy...I just came back from lunch at OUB Centre...there is this jewellry shop called de stijl or something like that at the basement which sells a BEAUTIFUL range of engagement rings...they can do sepcial designs made to order too...and their designs are really not run of the mill type of pieces that u would find inmost other shops...go check it out...

[Londinium]

Hi London Lassie- are you from the Richmond area in London?

[pk]

You may wish to contact Vinod More of The Jewel Box (733 4100). They are gem and jewellery wholesalers working out of an office in Shaw Centre. No retail outlets
thus he will see you by appointment.

[London Lassie]

Hi Londinium

No - my base is in Surbiton (house there etc.) I lived there for 5 years before coming over here.  

[AliB]

Nash's in Orchard Towers (#01 - just inside the front door) came highly recommended as a reputable jeweller and he is doing some work for me at the moment.  He does a lot of his own designs and believe me they are "to die for".

[Sally]

How about Tiffanys (in Ngee Ann City)......?

[Casper]

london lassie....surbiton...i'm a wimbledon boy who used go through surbiton on the train every day to get to work in Cobham.  its a small world!

[alibags]

Hi engaged and congratulations!

If this doesn't arrive too late, my advice would be to head to Aussie or NZ - fabulous designs, great quality (which is not that hot here) and with the wekening dollars (kiwi and aussie) you will get a real bargain!

Good luck, and pick well!