Engagement Ring Guide
Engagement rings buying guide
1. Ring style
The style and setting of the engagement ring’s band is just as important as the stone that will be set on it. The ring should reflect her personal style: you may want to choose something that matches the jewellery she already wears.
2. Diamond shape
The different shapes of diamonds
Brilliant Round
Gives more ‘sparkle’ than any other.
Princess
This cut is extremely versatile and looks stunning on a variety of rings.
Cushion
A squared shape with rounded corners, affording excellent light dispersion.
Oval
Oval have an elongaten shape which can give the impression of a greater size
Pearl
This shape is attractively symmetrical, with a tapered point
Emerald
A glamorous rectangular cut that shows off the clarity of the diamond
Heart
The heart shape is a romantic and stylish choice that stands out
Radiant
Has the most brillance of all squared shapes
Asscher
This shape is a elegant, Art Deco influenced shape
Marquise
Was first commissioned by King Louis XV and elongates the finger
3. The 7Cs
Carat
A diamond’s weight is measured in carats; the larger a diamond the more rare.
Cut
A well cut or faceted diamond, scintillates with light, offering the greatest brilliance and value.
Colour
Diamonds are graded by colour, starting at D and moving through to Z, with D being the most colourless.
Clarity
The greater a diamond’s clarity, the more brilliant, valuable and rare it is.
Certification
A diamond grading report is a quality certification from an independent gem laboratory.
Cost
It is important to buy a diamond that offers the best features but with a good mix of the first four Cs.
Flou
Diamonds that are said to be fluorescent contain particles that emit a visible (usually blue) glow when exposed to UV lighting.
4. Shape & Setting
The style and setting of the engagement ring’s band is just as important as the stone that will be set on it. The ring should reflect her personal style: you may want to choose something that
It should also suit the shape of her fingers. as a general rule, smaller rings are more appropriate for younger people, while larger rings look best on mature hands. Rings with wide, horizontal stylings are well-suited to long, slender fingers, while shorter fingers call for more vertical designs. An elongated ring can also flatter more .
An engagement ring is traditionally made from gold, although it doesn’t necessarily need to be gold in colour:
White gold is just as popular for its understated, elegant appearance. Rose gold is also very attractive and lends the ring a unique look – or for an engagement ring that almost seems to glow from within, consider platinum.
White (colourless) diamonds are the traditional choice for the stone, but again you should feel free to let your own instincts – and her style – influence the final decision. Yellow,Pink and Blue diamonds, prized for their rarity, make an exceptional choice for a ring with a difference.
6. Ring size
While it’s easy enough to have a ring adjusted if you don’t get it the right size the first time, it adds a special something if your intended can wear it right after your proposal!
If you don’t know your partner’s ring size, contact us so we can help you with the ring size so you can check. Alternatively, you can take one of her existing rings to a local jeweler to check.
If that’s not an option, try asking a friend or relative if they know their ring size. And if they don’t know, don’t despair – try (carefully!) measuring the diameter of your partner’s ring finger with a piece of string while she sleeps. or you can visit our educational guide where you will follow all the steps to be able to get the correct ring size / Printable Ring Sizer.
And finally…
There’s a lot to consider when buying an engagement ring – but we hope this guide has helped you to arrive at a decision that you’re both happy with. All that remains is for us to wish you all the best of luck with your proposal!