Want to buy a diamond ring

[Poison-Ivy]

Other than Ernest Jones, Goldsmiths, Fraser Hart, H Samuel can anyone recommend a good shop

Budget of about �500 to �700

[Buenchico]

How close are you to central London? With that budget you won't be able to buy the same type of ring that, say, Victoria Beckham might wear but, equally, you ought to be looking above the type of stuff that H Samuel mainly offers (most of which, to my uneducated eye, appears to be grossly over-priced for what you get). You ought to be looking to see what you can find in the independent retailers in Hatton Garden:
http://www.hatton-garden.net/ring.html

Alternatively, if you're closer to the Midlands, you'll probably find something suitable in one of the many independent shops in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter:
http://www.the-quarter.com/index2.htm
(Click 'Jewellery Retailers' at the top left).

As I assume that you're looking for a new eternity ring (because I answered your previous question on the subject), it would seem a great idea if you and 'Mr Poison' (to use your name for him) could make buying it a special day. So why not have a lovely day out in London or Birmingham (perhaps with a meal in a posh restaurant or taking in a show) and go home with a beautiful memento of the day?

Chris

[Ice.Maiden]

Hi Poison. I wouldn't touch Samuels if I were you. Their stuff may look glitzy in the window, but seems to be on a par with the old Ratners (so I'm told). Goldsmiths are a little better, but I'd agree with Buenchico & try an independent jeweller.
For �500, you'd scarcely get a 0.50 carat diamond, but if that was broken down into smaller stones (i.e. on an eternity ring), you'll find some pretty ones. Good luck with it - x

[Fanriffic]

You don't say where you are.

In Glasgow, we have the Argyll Arcade.

http://www.argyll-arcade.com/

I would recommend Laings.

http://www.laingsglasgow.com/

Mappin & Webb might be to expensive.

http://mappin-and-webb.co.uk/

[bednobs]

have you tried antique shops? For some people antique means second hand But you can get more diamond for your money and can always get the shank changed if you would like. My engagement ring is from an antique shop and is similar to the diamond solitaires you get in hsamuel but it was cheaper (and nicer) in my opinion Plus it is good clarity. i had the shank changed to white gold and it cost about 50 pounds extra
I'd like to think the person who wore it before me had a long and happy marriage, but then i think to myself, "well what's it doing in the shop then?" lol

[Cheekystar]

Beaverbrooks - they seem ok and are conflict free diamonds, if you can when looking at diamonds look to make sure they are clear and have no specks of black. At the price you should def be ok.
I've mystery shopped Beaverbrooks on several occasions and have always found them to be really excellent

[jessiebear]

i reccomend u check out the ebay shop 'allure diamonds'
i got my engagemnt ring there for less than �500, included insured delivery. u may be wary of ordering from ebay, which i was too at first, but i took the risk and i certainly wasnt dissapointed. mine was a 18ct white gold ring with a 0.65 carat princess cut diamond. it it absolutely perfect and every body comments on how huge and beautiful it is! i have also had it valued by a high street jeweller at nearly �3000! you also get a certificate of authenticity with their products, can have words engraved into the ring band, or onto the actual diamond itself! huge choice of rings and all sorts of other products! i could not have been happier with mine for the money! i knew the sort of style i wanted, and had seen in high street jewellers, but were way out of my price range as i wanted to spend around �500. luckily this one ticked all the boxes and as far as ebay goes, the seller was great with communication and informed me at every step of the way as to where my ring was! hop this helps, theyre definately worth checking out!

[Poison-Ivy]

Sorry for the delay in replying.. I live about 30 miles from London so will give Hatton Garden a try. Thank you all for your help.

Yes it is a replacement eternity ring!