US vs UK prices diamond rings

[umbongo]

Hi

I''m in Chicago from the UK for 1 week and am looking to buy an engagement ring - probably Tiffany or similar. I''ve found it hard to get prices to compare US to UK savings - should I expect to save significantly, if so on any particular style or size etc ?

Friends out here seem to think that 40% isn''t unusual but I''m not so sure especially with a global brand such as Tiffany or Cartier. Just looking for a simple, classy white gold with 1ct round diamond.

Many thanks in advance
Andy

 

[chicky]

Andy,

Just my two cents (and I'm a first time poster here) but my fiance is english (i'm american) and we decided it was best to get the ring in the US. Remember the pound gets you more dollars when you convert. I had looked at less than 1 carat of mediocre quality at a jeweler in the UK and for the stone and a 10K white gold band it was 6000 pound sterling. The ring I selected (which is being made now) is about $6500 which will roughly convert into 3800 pounds. For this I will have a 1.17 RB F Il (superbcert) and a vatche channel set x prong setting in platinum.

Do your homework; you may agree that the value for buying diamonds is on this side of the pond!

 

[limey]

Your gut feelings are correct, you may not save much with an established brand since their markup will eat into your potential savings. With the pound so strong against the dollar you shoud be able to save a bob or two. You challenge might be the strict time frame you are under. One idea would be to contact Tom Teshey at PGS (http://www.progem.com/) an apprasier in Chicago that I have heard good things about but not used. Perhaps he'll be able to point you in the direction of a very excellent local store and then appraise the diamond - there is a conflict of interest there somewhere but you are in for some fun trying to find a good stone in a matter of days and get it set. Don't forget to factor in H.M. customs service.