Engagement Ring Buying Guide
Picking out engagement rings is an exciting step of your proposal, and it’s also one that many people find daunting. Yet the perfect ring for your partner is always out there and this guide will help you find it.
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.
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 generously-proportioned hands.
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 elongated shape which can give the impression of a greater size.
Pear
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 brilliance of all squared shapes.
Asscher
This shape is an 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.
- Contour
- The shape and dimensions of a diamond play a key role in its appearance in a ring.
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 matches the jewellery she already wears.
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 generously-proportioned hands.
5. Colours
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. Pink 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 partners ring size, contact our sales team and we can send you a free ring sizer in the post so you can check. Alternatively you can take one of her existing rings to a local jewellers to check.
If this isnt an option, try asking a friend or relative if they know her 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’s asleep.
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!