Best place in Austin to buy an engagement ring?

EAC · Post by **EAC** » October 23rd, 2011, 12:41 pm

The subject line kind of says it all. I'm looking for a local jeweler who will sell me a nice, average-priced ring for my hopefully-soon-to-be fiancee. I know next to nothing about this stuff so does anybody know of someone who would make this as painless and as fair as possible? Thanks so much!

mpbrockman · Post by **mpbrockman** » October 23rd, 2011, 8:12 pm

Honestly, I would never buy from a jeweler in Austin. The couple of times (yes, twice - shut up) I've bought an engagement-sized diamond I flew to New York and bought directly from the Exchange (you should definitely educate yourself about diamonds before doing so!)

Then come buy the setting from a local jeweler if you wish (that way you can look at them with your fiancee). I actually saved money doing this and got a trip to NY out of the deal.

You can also go to the Caribbean for relatively inexpensive (duty-free) diamonds and exquisite locally made settings. You'd have to price that out for yourself. Some islands are a lot cheaper to get to than others. Just wear it/them back into the U.S. and DO NOT DECLARE IT at customs.

Mike · Post by **Mike** » October 23rd, 2011, 10:39 pm

Krugers on Congress and 8th. They have a nice selection and will work with you regarding price and style.

kaci_beeler · Post by **kaci_beeler** » October 24th, 2011, 1:55 am

Mike wrote:Krugers on Congress and 8th. They have a nice selection and will work with you regarding price and style.

Yep! This is my recommendation as well.
Roy and I loved our experience with them. They are super helpful and low pressure.

Terry · Post by **Terry** » October 24th, 2011, 8:03 am

Benold's on Anderson. Hallie, specifically. Good luck!

ratliff · Post by **ratliff** » October 24th, 2011, 10:34 am

mpbrockman wrote:Honestly, I would never buy from a jeweler in Austin. The couple of times (yes, twice - shut up) I've bought an engagement-sized diamond I flew to New York and bought directly from the Exchange (you should definitely educate yourself about diamonds before doing so!)

Then come buy the setting from a local jeweler if you wish (that way you can look at them with your fiancee). I actually saved money doing this and got a trip to NY out of the deal.

You can also go to the Caribbean for relatively inexpensive (duty-free) diamonds and exquisite locally made settings. You'd have to price that out for yourself. Some islands are a lot cheaper to get to than others. Just wear it/them back into the U.S. and DO NOT DECLARE IT at customs.

The worldliness, it hurts my eyes.

DollarBill · Post by **DollarBill** » November 4th, 2011, 5:03 pm

I don't know anything about the whole blood diamond thing.

But some people are really concerned with it. You can look on line for "ethical diamonds". I think they usually come from Canada. I was invited to a ton of weddings this year and I heard a lot of my friends blabbering about going that route.

Like I said... I know nothing about this, but judging by some people I talked to this year, if the person receiving the diamond cares about this issue then they probably REALLY care about it.

sara farr · Post by **sara farr** » November 5th, 2011, 11:19 pm

What does your fiancee like? A one-of-a-kind hand-crafted ring is a cool idea, too -- and you could have it be diamond free. What's your budget? You could get a local silver-smith artist to make you a ring of your own design.

http://earthartgemandjewelry.com/content/custom-orders