UK based gemstones and jewellery makers

[MollyBlue]

Hi guys,

I've been a lurker on this forum for a while, lusting after many of your lovely jewellery pieces!

I really want to treat myself to a nice ring, probably with sapphires and diamonds although I'm still unsure about style.

I've seen so many recommendations for US companies that specialise in wonderful gemstones, such as Jeff White etc. Now I've seen the quality of these gems, I can't help notice how dark and drab a lot of sapphire jewellery for sale is here in the U.K.

So, does anybody have any recommendations for gemstone specialists or high quality jewellery makers here in the UK? Is there a Jeff White or Victor Canera equiviliant this side of the pond?

My budget is probably somewhere 1k -
2k. And I'm not set on style, so if anybody has any suggestions I'd love to see them! Thanks.

 

[Maisie]

I live in the UK and I’ve never come across anyone who can compare price/quality with the PS vendors. Is there a reason why you don’t want to work with one of them?

 

[MollyBlue]

I live in the UK and I’ve never come across anyone who can compare price/quality with the PS vendors. Is there a reason why you don’t want to work with one of them?

Thanks Maisie for your reply.

I think my only reservation is not easily being able to see stones in the flesh - I'm not sure how returning stones would work in terms of return postage but also claiming back customs charges.

Have you done this? Did it all work ok? Now I've seen the amazing stones some US vendors are offering I really don't want to settle on something without the same level of colour or saturation!

Side note - surely there is a gap in the market for a fine gemstone seller based in the UK?!

 

[lissyflo]

I follow G F Williams on instagram. I’ve never seen their stones in person so I couldn’t recommend, but their site has a wide range. It’s hard to compare prices without having seen the cut etc in person but they might be worth a look, especially if you’re close to London?

 

[Gloria27]

Hi guys,


So, does anybody have any recommendations for gemstone specialists or high quality jewellery makers here in the UK? Is there a Jeff White or Victor Canera equiviliant this side of the pond?

My budget is probably somewhere 1k -
2k. And I'm not set on style, so if anybody has any suggestions I'd love to see them! Thanks.

http://www.temprell.com/
http://www.just-gems.co.uk/

I have to mention I've never had anything done by them yet, but I know that Temprell made rings for some celebs and just gems seem really good with coloured stones as you can see from their website.

 

[Maisie]

There is definitely a gap in the market for top quality affordable gem stones. I honestly won’t pay the prices for poor quality here. It seems that buying from abroad, even with the import/vat costs is worth it. I have never returned anything to the US for a refund. I have upgraded diamonds though. Working with Whiteflash and Brian Gavin Diamonds was very straightforward as they helped me with the paperwork.

It is possible to reclaim duties if you return something. I just don’t know how long it takes. I think that’s why it’s a good idea to ask the vendor for lots of photos in different lighting and videos if possible. That way you are in the best position to choose a stone you will be likely to keep. Lots of the favourite PS vendors are used to shipping to other countries and they will make the process as easy for you as they can.

 

[MollyBlue]

http://www.temprell.com/
http://www.just-gems.co.uk/

I have to mention I've never had anything done by them yet, but I know that Temprell made rings for some celebs and just gems seem really good with coloured stones as you can see from their website.

There is definitely a gap in the market for top quality affordable gem stones. I honestly won’t pay the prices for poor quality here. It seems that buying from abroad, even with the import/vat costs is worth it. I have never returned anything to the US for a refund. I have upgraded diamonds though. Working with Whiteflash and Brian Gavin Diamonds was very straightforward as they helped me with the paperwork.

It is possible to reclaim duties if you return something. I just don’t know how long it takes. I think that’s why it’s a good idea to ask the vendor for lots of photos in different lighting and videos if possible. That way you are in the best position to choose a stone you will be likely to keep. Lots of the favourite PS vendors are used to shipping to other countries and they will make the process as easy for you as they can.

Thank you both for your helpful replies. Gives me something to look at here, but also more confidence in buying from abroad. That's what my heart is telling me to do. I've seen some beautiful sapphires that I'm sure I would have been very pleased with.

Thanks for sharing your advice and experience Maisie. Is the ring in your profile yours? That sapphire is beautiful! Where did you find it?

 

[MollyBlue]

I follow G F Williams on instagram. I’ve never seen their stones in person so I couldn’t recommend, but their site has a wide range. It’s hard to compare prices without having seen the cut etc in person but they might be worth a look, especially if you’re close to London?

Thanks Lissyflo! I've just had a quick glance and was drawn to this straight away! Wonder if it might be a bit dark in real life?

 

[Maisie]

My sapphire is lab grown. Due to a change in forum policies we are now allowed to post these in the fashion jewellery board. My ring is there if you would like to see more pictures.