Where to Buy an Engagement Ring in London

Where to Buy an Engagement Ring in London

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If you’re planning to get down on one knee during your time in London, you’re going to need the perfect engagement ring. Ask any local where to buy an engagement ring in London, and they’re likely to point you straight to Hatton Garden. Located in the eastern borough of Camden, this street has been the city’s undisputable capital of all things jewellery since medieval times, and is today home to a seemingly endless plethoraof independent shops offering bespoke services and an impressive array of engagement rings.

At the award-winning Queensmith Master Jewellers every single lovingly handcrafted piece is made to order, which means everything about that extra-special ring—the diamond, its all-important four C’s (colour, cut, carat and clarity), as well as the setting and band—can be tailored to your, or your partner’s, personal taste.

If modern styles don’t take your fancy, look no further than A. R. Ullmann, the Hatton Garden institution that specialises in antique and second-hand jewellery from a wide variety of eras. From Edwardian clusters to Art Deco solitaires, you’re certain to find something utterly unique here.

Alternatively, when a statement ring (with a price tag to match) is on the cards, head on over to Mayfair’s Burlington Arcade or Old Bond Street, where the cool, marbled emporiums of some of the world’s most luxurious jewellery behemoths can be found dazzling customers and window shoppers alike with their treasures. No woman could resist untying the pearly white ribbon on an iconic Tiffany-blue box, after all, or be left anything but speechless when presented with a diamond from the inimitable De Beers.

Looking for something a little more low-key and personal to propose with? No problem. London’s many small artisanal boutiques offer a dazzling selection of contemporary pieces that will awe even the most traditional bride-to-be. From her workshop in the capital’s trendy Primrose Hill, Phoebe Coleman has just such a collection—and a clientele list that reads like a Who’s Whoof the London fashion scene. Using 18-carat yellow, white or rose gold, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds and many more gorgeous gemstones, each piece exudes simplicity and is yet anything but run-of-the-mill.

If you have absolutely no idea where to start, or are looking for something you just can’t put your finger on (or, well, onto her finger), why not let an expert do the work for you? Kate Baxter at The Cut London offers lunch break consulting sessions as well as a more extensive ring-finding service to make sure you find the perfect sparkler to suit your taste, budget and the special recipient.

Much the same can be said of the bespoke engagement rings that Jessica McCormack creates in her elegant London atelier at 7 Carlos Place, which encompasses shop, studio and workshop. Eye-watering in their luxury, she seamlessly blends traditional and modern styling to create what will no doubt become the coveted heirlooms of generations of blushing brides.

The UK capital has all the makings of a very romantic stay, especially when at one of Ivy's private, affordable and centrally located London vacation rentals.

Feature images © Jessica McCormack; Pheobe Coleman; A.R. Ullman