gold ring

[Connemmara]

Well it will be a very big birthday for me in a few months time and I have decided I would like either a 3 row diamond gold ring or a cluster ring. I will go up to about £1,000 with savings I will have then and money presents which I will receive from friends.

Which is the better 9 karat gold or 18 karat - I always believed 9 Karat was better. Any tips for buying this wholly expensive ring - Thanks for your help.

[Prudie]

It depends what you mean by better? Pure gold is 24 carat so 9 is only 9 parts gold out of 24 and 18 obviously 18 out of 24 so much purer and therefore more expensive. The purer the gold is though the softer it is so may wear thin, stretch or bend. I always thought 9 carat was like 'gold for the masses' because it's cheaper. I'd have thought you should think more about the quality and sparkle of the diamonds rather than the gold. Hope you have a great birthday!

[craft1948]

If you can stretch to it 18ct gold is so much better, and will retain a much higher value.

[Connemmara]

thanks Prudie for your knowledgeable answer - yes you are right it is more the diamonds I am after very much - my friends call me Glitter girl - as I adore it so much. Maybe you can offer me an answer on the diamonds - dont think I will get so much for £1,000. Also I have viewed rings on internet - can you answer this for me please. When they say the diamonds are one karat but there are perhaps 18 little diamonds in the ring do they mean that the 18 diamonds add up to one karat in other words the diamonds have been split up. I am actually after a 3 row diamond ring - thanks for your replies

[grasscarp]

If it says one carat it is total one carat. I have five diamonds on a ring that up to a total half a carat. My daughter has bought several very nice diamond rings off ebay at a fraction of the price you would pay in the shops. I also bought a diamond watch off ebay.

[bednobs]

hi connemmara, my advice would be to for "antique" (second hand!) because you get more diamond for your money. If you find a ring you like, you can always get the shank changed to whatever gold you want very cheaply. I did this with my engagement ring, which was much cheaper as an antique than an equivalent ring in jewellery shops, and got the shank changed to white gold because i prefer that. I also like to think that tghe person who wore it before me had a long and happy marriage (although what it was doing in a shop if that is the case is beyond me:))
I got mine form an antique shop in oxford, although i have in mind you are perhaps not in england?

[Connemmara]

Grasscarp I would be nervous to buy off ebay - I have looked there but definitely would be nervous in paying that price and you cant have a look at it and maybe it would not be legit.

[grasscarp]

You have a point, and my daughter did have one item that was described as diamonds and wasnt - looks very pretty but from a chain store for ten pounds. Seller refunded her money and let her keep it. All the other items have been genuine and very good value for money. I just thought I would let you know as often you can get a bargain.

[jake-the-peg]

http://www.theatlanti...ll-a-diamond/4575/4/?

Worth reading if you've ever believed most diamonds were actually valuable

[Connemmara]

well thanks for all your answers once again - I have spotted a nice little number in QVC for about £500. Read 4 reviews from people who had bought the ring and they were very happy with it. Anybody out sceptic about QVC quality???

[Connemmara]

PS PLEASE - Just want a last answer from you folk - I had posted this yesterday but no one responded re my gold ring. I have spotted a nice little number in QVC for about £500. Read 4 reviews from people who had bought the ring and they were very happy with it. Anybody out sceptic about QVC quality both of the diamonds and the shank.