Hi Les
Thats a nice thought and a great idea seeing as you are going to Cyprus. Yes, it is wise to purchase in Cyprus. My wife buys at least one ring every time we go

The main reasons are many. Yes, it is cheaper ~(or at least thats what she tells me). Many of the proper jewellers make their own pieces - this makes it a little more personal than buying mass produced. Also, they tend to use a higher carat gold than we are used to here - typically 14ct would be default as opposed to our 9.

Yes, there is a Cyprus hallmark - link here
http://www.assay.org.cy/standards.htm

Now, where to buy?
It will involve a bus/taxi, but I would recommend either Larnaca (every second shop seems to be a jewellers), or, and closer to home, Deryneia, which prides itself on the quality of its jewellers. Particularly Lambros and Melekkis. Both of these jewellers have websites and are listed on Marions Kapparis website http://www.kapparis.info/shopping/famagusta.html

Hope this helps - she will thank you for it

Ady

i agree, we got married in napa in 2003 and bought our rings over there. we paid around £250 for what would have cost over £500 here. my one even has a real diamond in it!! could never afford that here.

thanks pubdog

i better get saving