You’d think choosing an engagement ring would be easy after you’ve already done the hard work of finding the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. However, finding the ideal engagement ring can be difficult for many of us. There are many options to consider (many of which, to the untrained eye, can appear to be pretty similar) and many new words to learn. As a result, it’s normal to feel anxious or even frightened about finding the perfect engagement ring.
The reason why this guide to buying an engagement ring is so detailed is because of this. We will explain every facet of engagement ring selection, from cuts and carats to settings and forms.
Find out what to look for in a diamond engagement ring and how to prevent typical blunders by reading on for some helpful hints on how to go about purchasing an engagement ring. Whether you’re looking for a ring for yourself or as a couple to surprise your significant other, this is a great resource.
1. Create a spending plan
Your budget is probably the first and most obvious limitation you’ll face while shopping for an engagement ring. So, evaluate your financial resources and decide how much of a financial investment you are comfortable making. If you want to be sure you’re not spending too much or too little on an engagement ring, it can be helpful to find out how much your friends and relatives have spent in the past. Remember that you should only accept their suggestions as a general rule.
When it comes to an engagement ring, how much is enough?
You’ve probably heard that the standard recommendation for an engagement ring is between one and two months’ wages. Some people may engage in this behaviour, but it is a personal choice. There are no guidelines, and the cost need not be an indicator of seriousness.
When it comes to an engagement ring, how much can you realistically spend?
The most important thing to remember when looking for an engagement ring is to not go over your budget. Brown Family Jewellers has stunning engagement rings for any budget, no matter how tight or expansive it may be. Having a clear upper limit will help you narrow down your alternatives, so be sure to include some wiggle room in your budget or have a rough notion of what you’d be willing to spend on the perfect ring.
2. Think About Your Partner’s Ideal Sense Of Style
The next step is to think about what you think your companion will enjoy. This can be the most nerve-wracking step since you want to give them a gift they’ll treasure forever and ever. However, a few simple tricks can make determining your partner’s ideal style a breeze, allowing you to shop for an engagement ring with complete confidence.
Consider What You Already Know
The act of proposing implies that you already have some idea of your intended’s excellent taste. You’ll be aware of such things as:
- Whether or not they are jewellery-wearers
- What typical hues are those jewellery pieces?
- Whether their accessories are understated and basic or elaborate and ostentatious
- or if they prefer to browse for old items instead of keeping up with the latest trends.
3. Checklist for Choosing an Engagement Ring
You need to know how to look for an engagement ring once you’ve considered your finances and the tastes of your future spouse. Color, cut, clarity, and carat are all terms you’ll need to be familiar with, as are mounting styles, metal choices, and geometric forms. Learn the following vocabulary so you may confidently choose a high-quality engagement ring that will last a lifetime.
The 4 C’s
Four aspects of an engagement ring require your complete focus during your search. The “4 Cs” stand for colour, cut, clarity, and carat.
Colour
The diamond(s)’ color(s) is/are what “colour” refers to in this ring. On a scale from D (the highest rating – colourless) to Z (the lowest rating – coloured), white (colourless) is the most valuable hue. Some diamonds have very delicate colour tones that fall in between these two grades.
Don’t be put off by diamonds that have some colour. An essential factor in the overall impression is the metal used in the band (which will be discussed in greater detail later in this book). For instance, a G-grade diamond may not look quite as clear against a platinum band as it does against a rose gold one.
Moreover, coloured diamonds are typically highly costly and may be the perfect thing your partner has always wanted. You shouldn’t rule out a pink or ruby-red diamond because it isn’t “colourless”. After all, your lover may prefer that kind of diamond.
Cut
Light performance, or how well a diamond sparkles and shines when subjected to illumination, is directly related to the cut. In a well-cut diamond, the light will exit from the crown. Light will leak out the sides and diminish the “brilliance” if the amount is too deep. In addition, if it is cut too shallow, the light will escape through the base, causing it to be less dazzling than it could be. Consequently, it is essential to inquire about the cut when purchasing an engagement ring and to select the best possible stone within your budget.
Clarity
Imperfection is what we mean when we talk about diamond clarity. Higher clarity “grades” are given to diamonds with fewer and less noticeable flaws (or “inclusions”). An engagement ring’s worth is directly proportional to its clarity grade.
On the other hand, the human eye cannot see many inclusions at all. So, while such flaws might be visible to a trained eye under a microscope, the average person won’t be able to notice them. Again, if your budget is limited, consider the best clarity grade you can afford, such as a VS1 or higher “eye-clean” diamond.
Carat
It stands to reason that a diamond’s worth would increase in proportion to its weight, measured in carats (not to be confused with karats, a measure of the purity of gold). Diamonds typically range in size from 0.25 to 3 carats.
4. The Diamond Shape
Assuming you are already well-versed in the 4 Cs, you may now focus on the diamond’s cut. One of the most important considerations is the diamond’s shape, often known as the diamond cut (not to be confused with the type of cut discussed above).
Your choice of diamond shape will considerably impact how your fiancee or fiancée responds to the ring because they may have preferences. In the following paragraphs, you’ll get a quick rundown of the various diamond shapes open to you.
Round
Those looking to stick with tradition should consider proposing a round diamond, the most common shape for engagement rings. It’s uncomplicated, traditional, and eternal; also, the way it’s cut facilitates the easy return of light, making it a brilliant, attention-grabbing choice.
Oval
Oval diamonds are comparable to round diamonds but have a longer shape. It looks great on, giving the impression of length and slimming the finger, and is a good choice for individuals who prefer traditional looks with a modern twist.
Pear
Because of its elongated shape and pointy end, the pear diamond is sometimes mistaken for a teardrop diamond. It is elegant and, like the oval diamond, elongates the finger. Whoever you’re wearing it with has free reign to decide whether the pointed end faces toward or away from the wrist.
Marquise
If you want to stand out from the crowd, a Marquise diamond is the perfect accessory. Even though it’s said to have been made at the request of King Louis XIV, the style remains pretty conventional. Again, it’s a lovely diamond shape that elongates the finger, so it’s great if you have a considerable carat weight to work with.
Heart
Consider a heart-shaped diamond if your significant other is looking for something unique and eye-catching. An intricate design that a master jeweller can only make, but the end product is exceptional and lovely.
Cushion
Cushion diamonds are square in outline but have rounded corners, taking their cue from the shape of a pillow. This setting is perfect if you want to give your loved one a diamond that sparkles in the sunlight, and it also has a timeless quality thanks to its popularity for over a century.
Emerald
An emerald-cut diamond is a true eye-catcher due to its daring and elegant form. Popular during the Art Deco era of the 20th century, this cut features a rectangular shape with truncated corners and a step cut that resembles stair steps when viewed from above. Therefore, it’s a great choice if your significant other is enamored with retro and Victorian-era fashions.
Asscher
The Asscher diamond is a hybrid between the cushion and emerald cut and is often described as looking like a square emerald. The hall of mirrors effect created by the ring’s fine form, deep pavilion, and step cut makes it an excellent lustre ring. This is especially important if the intended recipient of the ring is someone who enjoys the spotlight.
Princess
The princess-cut diamond is a classic and elegant choice for people who prefer more conventional jewellery styles. Its bevelled sides catch the light and shimmer, making it a stunning accessory for those with long fingers.
Radiant
The brilliant sparkle of a radiant cut diamond is best displayed in its rectangular shape. Their length makes the finger appear longer, and their simplicity guarantees that the maximum amount of light is reflected for maximum brilliance.
Setting
After you’ve settled on the diamond’s cut and form, it’s time to think about the setting. The setting is somewhat determined by the sort of diamond you’ve selected, but understanding the various shapes can help you choose the best one. A quick breakdown of each is provided below.
Solitaire
A solitaire setting, also known as a classic or prong setting, resembles a little metal claw that securely grips the diamond. Most of these settings have four or six prongs, and your preference will affect the proportion of the diamond you can see and how safely it is held in place.
The diamond is given greater attention and shines in a solitaire setting. It’s a lovely cut since more of the diamond is seen, and more light can enter, making the stone sparkle more brightly. It’s a classic design that will never go out of style; after all, its very name gives it away.
Shoulder
Shoulder settings highlight one large diamond in the centre, with smaller diamonds on either side to accentuate the shoulder of the band. Therefore, if your significant other prefers opulence to simplicity, this design is an attractive option.
The smaller diamonds that make up the shoulder of the engagement ring can be set in various ways, making shoulder settings another customizable form. If you’re on a tighter budget but still want to give a ring that looks lavish, this setting is worth considering. The additional diamonds provide more glitter and brightness to the band than a single diamond could.
Halo
To place a diamond or other precious stone in a ring with a halo means to arrange the rocks in a ring around the centre stone. Suppose your budget is limited, and you must settle for a smaller core diamond. In that case, the lesser diamonds surrounding it can provide a convincing optical illusion that makes the diamond appear larger than it is.
If the centre diamond is less in carat weight, a halo setting can make it look larger and more brilliant by reflecting the light and brilliance of all the diamonds in the ring onto the smaller diamond.
Trilogy
A trilogy setting is significant since the three stones symbolize the couple’s past, present, and future. Trilogy engagement rings come in two varieties: the modern style, in which all three stones are the same size, and the more traditional style, in which the centre diamond is larger than the diamonds on either side.
The versatility of a trilogy setting means that you can use any combination of diamond shapes and sizes, including fancy ones like pink, blue, or yellow.
Vintage
Given the intricate nature of vintage settings’ craftsmanship, they are frequently an attractive, non-traditional alternative for an engagement ring. Patterned metalwork details, for instance, are sometimes used to enhance the old feel of a room further.
If you and your significant other share a love of the Art Deco, Edwardian, or Victorian eras, then perhaps you might plan your wedding in a venue that reflects those styles.
5. Go To A Trusted Jeweller
Because of the importance of this purchase, you should only buy an engagement ring from a reputable jeweller, like Gabriel & Co fine jewelry. Your jeweller should know their stuff, welcome your inquiries, and be able to break down the diamond buying process for you in plain English. An excellent place to begin your search is with a jeweller with a certificate from a reputable and preferably worldwide organization. In addition to providing information about the 4Cs of Diamond Quality, a knowledgeable jeweller can show you the differences in stones that appear identical to help you make an informed decision when making a diamond purchase. They would suggest looking at several gems in your price range so you can make an informed decision.
