Read our tips on how to choose an engagement ring.
Set your budget
Think about your overall budget and find the price range that works best for you. Forget the notion of spending ‘three months salary’ on your engagement ring and set a budget that works for you and your partner. Start your search by exploring the wide variety of settings we offer. Once you have a sense of your preferred style, reach out to us with your budget and style preferences. We have the expertise to tailor almost any setting to fit within a specific budget, ensuring you find the perfect ring without compromising your financial goals.
Choose a diamond shape
Before deciding on a diamond shape, consider your personal style. Are you drawn to sleek and minimalist aesthetics or vibrant and daring designs? Do you prefer clean and contemporary lines, or are you inclined towards vintage-inspired looks? It's also worth pondering if you already have a favourite shape that dominates your jewellery collection. Reflecting on these aspects will guide you towards the perfect shape for your needs.
Learn the 4Cs of diamonds
The 4Cs refer to a diamond’s cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. These four factors determine a diamond’s overall appearance and value.
Cut refers to the diamond’s proportions, symmetry, and overall craftsmanship. It determines how well the diamond reflects and refracts light, contributing to its brilliance and sparkle. Cut grades range from Excellent to Poor, with a well-cut diamond exhibiting maximum brilliance.
Colour refers to the presence or absence of colour within a diamond. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamonds on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Colourless diamonds are highly valued for their purity and rarity.
Clarity measures the presence of internal or external flaws, known as inclusions and blemishes, respectively. The GIA grades diamonds on a scale ranging from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions visible to the naked eye). Higher clarity grades indicate greater rarity and higher value.
Carat is the unit of measurement for a diamond's weight. It indicates the size of the diamond, with one carat equal to 200 milligrams. Generally, larger diamonds are rarer and more valuable.
Select a setting
The setting of a ring refers to its overall design and style. It serves as another means of expressing your personal taste, whether you lean towards vintage-inspired elegance or a modern-yet-timeless aesthetic.
When selecting a setting, it's essential to consider how it complements the shape and carat size of the diamond. Certain settings are designed to enhance specific diamond features. For instance, a two-tone engagement ring is an ideal match for colourless diamonds since the platinum prongs won't introduce additional colour to the centre stone. A Halo engagement ring can create the illusion of a larger diamond size, particularly with lighter carat weights. Keeping these pairings in mind can help you choose the perfect setting for your preferences.
Avoid getting overly influenced by trends on social media. Instead, focus on finding a setting and diamond combination that resonates with your personal journey and values. This process is unique to each individual and should reflect your individuality.
Find the best metal for you
The choice of metal and colour should be based on personal preference. The most common metals used are the following:
Platinum engagement rings are renowned for their exquisite elegance and remarkable durability. Platinum is an excellent choice, especially for individuals with sensitive skin, as it is hypoallergenic. Moreover, platinum beautifully complements colourless diamonds, enhancing their brilliance and showcasing their inherent beauty.
Yellow gold is an ideal option for individuals with neutral or warm skin tones and can mask any subtle hints of yellow that may be present in diamonds with lower colour grades. It is often considered the most classic or traditional setting colour.
White gold is a popular choice for those with neutral or cool skin tones. The cool undertones of white gold harmonise flawlessly with these skin tones, creating a striking contrast and providing a beautiful backdrop for colourless diamonds.
Rose gold warm and rosy hue sets it apart from traditional gold options. The soft and subtle pinkish tone of rose gold creates a feminine and delicate aesthetic, and it complements a wide range of skin tones.
