Getting Engaged? Top 5 Cities For Ring Shopping

August 9, 2012 | Filed under: The List | Posted by: Cherrell Tarantino

While you can find quality jewelry and engagement rings in almost every major city, there are a few that truly stand out from the crowd. These are not just cities for quick shopping visits; they are exciting and romantic destinations that make the whole ring shopping experience one that will last a lifetime. Each one has its own trends, standards and creative takes on engagement and wedding ring design that can either be bought in-store, online or custom made to every style and budget. The following are the top five cities to start your dream ring search:

• Los Angeles, California

The famous Los Angeles jewelry district presides over 12 city blocks in the heart of historical L.A. This district features over 3,000 of the world’s foremost manufacturers, designers and wholesalers of quality jewelry, gemstones and diamonds. Here you’ll find the latest glamorous trends in wedding jewelry, from variations on Princess Kate’s heirloom sapphire to lacey, intertwined bands and colored diamonds.

• Tampa Bay, Florida

Situated on the Sunshine State’s Gulf Coast, Tampa Bay boasts a lot of unique style when it comes to jewelry. With Colonial Spanish, traditional Cuban and modern Latin American vibes, you’ll be sure to find plenty of rings with flair. Specializing in in both vintage and modern designs, the bespoke jewelers along the coast of Tampa Bay showcase alternative gemstones and stunning raw diamonds, which are not only beautiful but affordable. Plus, you’ll conduct your search while basking in lush, tropical surroundings with world renowned seafood, music and a laid-back atmosphere. In the end, what could be better than sunset daiquiris on the beach after a long day of shopping?

• New York City, New York

The Big Apple is famous for many areas like Broadway, Wall Street and Central Park, as well as providing the backdrop for countless films. However, for ring shoppers, no place is more famous than the 47th Street Diamond District in Manhattan. Housing 2,600 individual retailers, it boasts being the “Holy Grail” for getting top-quality at tremendous value. It’s recommended to avoid street hawkers and make appointments with shops that catch your fancy in order to guarantee superior service and the best shopping experience.

• Dallas, Texas

The popular quote is “Everything’s bigger in Texas”, and ring shopping in Dallas in no exception. Jewelers here specialize in high-glam, celebrity-inspired styles like J. Lo’s giant pink diamond, Katie Holmes’s traditional solitaire, Jennifer Love Hewitt’s vintage band and Penelope Cruz’s bold sapphire. Customization is also big in Dallas, with jewelers giving bespoke options for making standard rings unique and even modifying family heirlooms to pay respect to its history while reflecting your personality.

• London, England

If you’re in the mood for a hop “across the pond”, Hatton Garden has been the epicenter of the London jewelry quarter since the Middle Ages. With over 1,000 of Britain’s best jewelers in this area alone, shoppers in the market for quality jewels and precious metals are truly spoiled for choice. Known around the globe for its diamond industry, London is also the place to find generations of skilled craftsmen who specialize in everything from antique and traditional to contemporary and even futuristic design settings.

Travel to one of these cities to make your engagement a once in a lifetime experience. By making the trip to a special destination you can make choosing the ring for your loved one a unique and special experience!

Molly Henshaw is a freelance writer living in the DC metro area. She is also a contributing author for the fine jewelry experts at www.icingonthering.com. Let their experience guide you to the right diamond for your loved one!

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Posted by Cherrell Tarantino on August 9, 2012. Filed under The List. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry