Hi all,
Just a typical guy looking to buy his gf a ring (more an everyday ring, nothing engagement like), and am thinking the $200-600 range max (after discount etc, so on sale rings of $1-1.2k usually cut down to $500/600 are fine too). Boxing day sales soon so thought I'd ask around quickly before next wed!
I have no experience when it comes to rings, especially ladies rings, and more importantly which jewellers to avoid for quality issues or overpriced markups. All I know is I'm not going to prouds (having had several items break easily over the years e.g. id bracelets etc bought for me).
I have seen a few retail stores in garden city (and elsewhere):
Rosendorffs, Mazzachellis, Michael HIll (have been told these are better?) and;
Angus & coote, shiels, verity jewellers, Zamels.
Just wondering if anyone with experience hunting for rings can give some advice/reviews of the above jewellers or propose any other stores for that $200-600'ish range i'm looking for. Particularly interested in hearing about quality, value and or beautiful well designed etc rings. If you have a Mrs who knows her things when it comes to Jewellry could you please ask her for an opinion re: jewellry store quality/where to go?
I did see a ring last night at MIchael hill, 0.3 carat diamonds all up, 50% off so now $600… not sure what I'm getting for that price is worth it, 10k gold set in 10k white gold? Been slowly extracting info from the gf who reckons it's not too bad quality at MH (though she says she likes Rosendroff or Stefans) but having seen these poor reviews of MH quality online I just don't know what to believe now:
http://www.productreview.com.au/p/michael-hill.html
Some googling got me to this vogue forum talking about retail vs manufacturing, and listed several small boutique manufacturers.. no idea what the diff and point of each is, but for my price range is it worth going to these boutiques? http://forums.vogue.com.au/showthread.php?t=307193
THanks in advance!And excuse my ignorance in this area.
Edit: MIght help.. but this was a replacement ring for her everyday ring which she appears to have lost/misplaced. it was about $200'ish, titanium.. simple cut intertwined hearts… just an idea of the sort of style im looking for, perhaps upgrading to in the $200-600 range.. not sure if lower range diamond rings at that price is overdoing it and it no longer will be 'everyday' wear?
Hi SaberX, Not sure if I'll be of much help. Firstly, I think you are over-analysing. I'm sure if you like the ring, she will also. You can get diamond earrings for about $500 fairly readily in the sales and they usually run at about 0.25 carats per earring (with a single stone as opposed to a cluster of fragments, which is usually much cheaper). I would imagine a ring with a 0.3 carat diamond should be around $500 -$600 with 18ct gold. The only tip I can give is to look for a good colour as opposed to good clarity. Clarity is only a differentiator under a magnifying glass, whereas colour (the whiter on the scale the better) is more visible. As for a good jeweller, I think Mazzuchelli's, Solid Gold, Michael Hill will all be about the same (i.e. good quality, but watch the price). Rozendorf will be the best, but you'll certainly pay for it. I would avoid the big well advertised chains like Zamels and Goldmark (do they even exist anymore??). Anyway, i hope that helps. Cheers.