I didnt buy many because they were expensive, but they were fun to look at. We were also the first ones to get married, so we didn't really know what we should do.
It was fun though, we were pretty broke so we ended up making most things ourselves, which I loved and it made it very special for everyone.

Enjoy!

Peter Lang does some stunning handmade jewellery, and they are often “one-offs”. I am sure he does rings.

The Rocks area of Sydney certainly has some great opal, mother-of-shell and diamond rings but they are very expensive, as the area is aimed at tourists.

There are a couple of antique and curio shops that sell everything in The Rocks, you may be able to pick up something truly unique there:

Bottom of The Harbour:

Bottom Of The Harbour Antiques specialises in nautical antiques and marine artefacts. Products range from clocks, divers' helmets, bells, lamps.

Margo Richards Antiques:

Margo Richards Antiques offers a range of items from 1840s through to 1950s. Gold and silver jewellery, scent bottles, fans, silver pieces, fringed.

http://www.therocks.com/sydney-Shopping-Antiques.htm

I didn’t bother with an engagement ring. But then again, I met and married my husband within a three month period, so didn’t really have time to get one, and then afterwards I could not be bothered. As I feel it is the marriage that is important, not the symbols of it.

Thanks guys. All info is helpful! His Loveliness has even requested we take 2 days off work this week to go ring shopping! I happily obliged, of course, and we are going on Monday and Friday.

I agree - I would be happy, quite honestly, with a simple band ring, purely because I am so overwhelmed that he wants to marry me. However, he wants a diamond engagement ring that I love, as he said I will be wearing it for the rest of my life.

I am surprised at how much some people will spend though. One forum said a woman made her fiance buy her a $40k engagement ring! Which he had to take a loan out to afford. Crazy

What ever happened to the sentiment of things! I don't think I will love the actual ring he buys me any more than the one he made me. As they symbolise the same thing.

lerato

My OH designed the ring with the help of the jeweller. I did some of the groundwork on my own, like finding the jewellers I liked. Then we went together to give the designer some pointers and for him to meet us together. Last, my OH went back on his own to finalise the design, and discuss price and carats and whatnot.

I sort of of knew what to expect when he presented me with the finished ring, but it was actually even better than the image I had in my mind!

It was very important for us to meet the right jeweller who really listened to us and did not try to push us towards something we didn't want.
My ring is a thickish white gold band with 3 round brilliant cut diamonds (middle one slightly larger than the other 3). It has an emery finish and 2 tiny diamonds at the back, one for each of our children. I love it and many people have commented on it as it's so far from the usual solitaire engagement ring. It wasn't super expensive either, it's custom-made and nobody has the same one!

So my advice would be that, unless you find a ready-made ring that you love, find a jeweller who will be able to create what you want.

Congratulations on your engagement!

My husband and I have been together for 18 years, married for 14 years. My eldest son (age 16) was my engagement ring!! As said in a previous post, the sentiment means more than anything. If you want a lovely ring, then that is fine, but the important thing is the promise that an engagement gives and the life together that follows.

Wow – that is amazing.

Not to put a damper on your happy news.....but I have recently read that the “average” wedding costs $45,000 and the “average” divorce costs $50,000 – so spending $40,000 on a ring is mind blowing.

My wedding ring only cost $100 - so I can't even pawn that if things get tough

These look absolutely gorgeous:

http://www.engagementringssydney.com...ion-sydney.php

http://www.lawrencesanders.com.au/de...ry-gallery.php


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Congratulations!!

Out of the 'high street' options, I found Angus & Coote and Michael Hill had the best choice. Good Luck and let us all know what you choose!