UKers: know a quality national jeweler? And, are GIA/AGS reports common here?

[gwendolyn]

I'm trying to find a jeweler who will have ideal cuts on hand in various colour grades so I can see exactly how colour sensitive I am (hoping not very, so I can get a bigger rock!). The only jewelry stores I've seen in person have been H.Samuels in various malls (which is no good even if they have well-cut stones; I want to be able to see the diamonds in natural sunlight), and Boodles online. Oh, and the occasional pawn shop, but I want to see the certificate and know what I'm looking at.

If I have to, I will make a special trip into London at some point to look at stones, but I'm thinking there MUST be some reputable jewelers somewhere in my area (Cambridge) that I just don't know about.

I did check out the "local jeweler" section of the forum, but it's only for the US, so that was no help, and I've done a bunch of Google searching, but haven't found much at all. I think it was Ellen who suggested I try to find an HOF dealer here to guarantee that I am looking at well-cut stones, but there don't appear to be very many to choose from, and none are close to me. (I have no car, so I get around by bus or train, just so y'know.)

So!! If you know of any national jewelry stores (or local ones, if you know Cambridge & surrounding areas), would you please tell me what they are?

Also, all the stones I've looked at online have been graded by GIA or AGS--will it be a problem finding American grading associations in Europe?

Thank you!!

 

[Deelight]

Ohhh Gwendolyn I not in the UK but one of my favourite jewelers from Australia are opening in the UK if they have not already. They are currently exhibiting at Harrods Fine Jewelery in London, they have absolutely exceptional pieces and the staff have always been an absolute delight to be with, really helpful. They have H&A, AGS0 and loads of different colours and beautiful yummies to play with , They do here but it might be worth calling ahead first or emailing them to see what the stock over there is like.

Their Website is Calleija

GL

 

[gwendolyn]

Hiya, Deelight, thanks so much for the info! I tried the link you posted but it didn''t work for me (got a 404), so I looked them up on Google but so far have only found locations in Aus. Will keep trying though, and the jewelry they have up on that website!!! YOWSAH!!!

Just gorgeous, I can see why you love them!!!

 

[Rhea]

I haven''t been in the UK very long but I have yet to walk into a jewellery or hear about one that has both well cut stones and is reasonable in price.

Maisie and Pandora are both UK based (born and breed I think so they may know of someplace) but I believe they both imported stones from the US.

 

[gwendolyn]

Date: 2/10/2008 1:51:43 PM
Author: Addy
I haven''t been in the UK very long but I have yet to walk into a jewellery or hear about one that has both well cut stones and is reasonable in price.


Maisie and Pandora are both UK based (born and breed I think so they may know of someplace) but I believe they both imported stones from the US.

Oh, I''m not looking to buy from them--just window-shop to get a feel for colour. I''ve gone before, back in the US, but wasn''t comparing stones that were cut equally well, so I didn''t get a good feel for what my ideal cut stone will look like in a certain colour grade.

Thanks for chiming in, Addy! And thanks for your input in my other thread in RockyTalky as well!

 

[Pandora II]

If you fancy a trip to London one Saturday let me know and I'll take you to New Bond Street to check out the good stuff!

I know one of the girls in De Beers - she's my FSIL's best-friend - so we can do some serious playing!

Graff, Tiffany, Cartier and Harry Winston are all in the same road - as are Asprey and Moussieff - so it's blingtastic! They're pretty happy with window shoppers.

Don't even bother with H Samuels. Ernest Jones are mildly better - but I don't really set foot in any of them. I don't know Cambridge at all I'm afraid.

I'm away from the 21st to 25th Feb and the 6th to 10th March - but otherwise I am in London.

It's not a problem finding GIA rated stones here - HRD is also common.

 

[iheartscience]

I don''t know if you can get to London easily, but I was just looking at the Infinity Diamonds website and came across this jeweler who carries the Infinity line. The Infinity website is www.craftedbyinfinity.com.

Best Diamonds at Design by Indigo
2, Royal Exchange
EC3V 3DG London
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 208 8685210

Hope this helps!

 

[Maisie]

I used to work for Goldsmiths and they didn''t have anything certificated under £5000. I don''t know if that was just my branch. None of the certificates were from AGS or GIA.

 

[gwendolyn]

Thanks for the suggestions, ladies! Pandora, that sounds like SUCH a fun afternoon!! I will have to try and figure out when I can make it down to London next and see if you are free!!

 

[Lord Summerisle]

Date: 2/10/2008 5:27:34 PM
Author: thing2of2
I don''t know if you can get to London easily, but I was just looking at the Infinity Diamonds website and came across this jeweler who carries the Infinity line. The Infinity website is www.craftedbyinfinity.com.


Best Diamonds at Design by Indigo

2, Royal Exchange

EC3V 3DG London

United Kingdom


Tel: +44 208 8685210


Hope this helps!

I think that this dealer is located in Hatton Gardens - so there''ll be alot of choice to compare to....

 

[trinity911]

Hi Gwendolyn, have you tried Catherine Jones on Bridge St in Cambridge? The shop''s owned by the mum of a friend, so I''m probably biased but it''s a lovely family business who promote local designers and who stock only conflict free diamonds. I think they can do custom work and would source the diamonds directly. Their website is www.catheriniejones.com

let us know how you get on!

 

[gwendolyn]

Date: 2/13/2008 3:21:11 PM
Author: trinity911
Hi Gwendolyn, have you tried Catherine Jones on Bridge St in Cambridge? The shop''s owned by the mum of a friend, so I''m probably biased but it''s a lovely family business who promote local designers and who stock only conflict free diamonds. I think they can do custom work and would source the diamonds directly. Their website is www.catheriniejones.com


let us know how you get on!

Oooh, one right here in town! The items on the website look absolutely lovely, trinity911--do you happen to know if they would have any loose stones in house to look at, or if it''s all set stones?

 

[trinity911]

The last time I was in the store, I did see some loose stones and some bespoke pieces...it was a while ago but I''m pretty sure they can call in stones as they do commission work with their own bench designers etc. It wouldn''t hurt to speak to Vanessa - she''s Catherine Jones'' daughter - she''s passionate about what she does and is totally lovely

 

[gwendolyn]

That''s great! Thank you so much, trinity911!!