Choosing a diamond engagement ring is much larger decision than just the simple purchase of a ring. Diamonds are typically the popular gemstones used for engagement rings as they represent the commitment and love you give to your partner, and if diamonds are given the correct care, then they can last a lifetime.
Finding the perfect diamond engagement ring can seem like an easy challenge, but usually it is not. Give yourself at least a month to do your research, and to evaluate all the options available to you. It may be a hard task to accomplish but this is where our diamond engagement ring service can help.
There are some important factors you should consider when choosing an engagement ring. We will go through them step by step.
 18K Gold or Platinum
Traditionally, engagement rings are made of 18K gold, but nowadays platinum (white gold) has become very popular too, mainly due to its strength and durability. So now, choosing between 18K gold and platinum for a diamond engagement ring is a matter of budget and personal taste. To help you understand more, here are some facts about these two materials:
18K Gold (yellow gold) is usually less expensive than platinum, it is a softer metal and therefore slightly less robust, so if a gold ring is worn regularly it can eventually dull and/or wear away, but the good news is that an 18K gold can easily be repaired, re-polished, and will not tarnish.
Platinum (white gold), being such a rare metal it is generally more expensive than 18K gold. Platinum is a strong pure metal, which will not irritate the skin of allergic people, it is also more resistant to damage, so won't wear away and/or develop a satin finish. However, these properties usually make it more difficult for platinum jewellery to be repaired and re-polished, but on the other hand, because of these characteristics it is also less likely that a platinum ring would ever need to be repaired or re-polished.
The setting
The setting is the part of the ring which holds the diamond to it. Usually the setting is made of platinum for durability and strength. The variety of settings is really amazing and the most popular engagement ring setting is solitaire. There are also settings with prongs - four or six. The four prong setting will give the diamond a great exposure, however the six prong setting holds the diamond more securely. If a ring is to be worn often, than a six prong setting is highly recommended.
A diamond setting with additional side stones allows much more light to enter, therefore making the stones more sparkly. The diamond can also be placed in a rub over or a channel setting.
The Diamond Cut
The cut of a diamond gives it its shape. Here you need to determine what shape she likes the most is. Most diamond engagement rings are set with a brilliant cut diamond, but you can choose also princess, oval, pear, heart, marquise, and emerald diamonds. Each type of diamond cut conveys beauty and style in its own way. You should note that the cut of a diamond also has an effect on its sparkle.
The Diamond Size
Diamonds are measured in carats. The carat is actually a weight measurement of the diamond stone, which can be used to determine the size/volume. It is considered that the diamond for an engagement ring should be one carat or above. Bigger stones should be of an excellent quality to represent their real beauty. Smaller diamonds may also create an amazing engagement ring and they will not be less appreciated. You should also consider your partners hands and finger shape when deciding what size to go. This matter is treated in the next.
The Diamond Quality
The diamond quality grade is affected by its colour and clarity. The colour of a diamond varies between D and Z, D being the best and the whitest colour and Z which maybe a tinted colour. For diamond engagement rings, colours grading from D to J are the most widely used. The clarity of the diamond shows the inclusions that appear in a diamond stone. A diamond with a grade I.F. clarity describes a diamond with no internal flaws, but they are very rare, and because of that highly valued. A diamond with a grade I clarity represents a diamond with visible inclusions.
More information about the quality of a diamond can be found in our Jewellery Guide. Then with the help of our Engagement Ring Wizard you may explore different combinations to help find the right balance of all the characteristics of the diamonds i.e. size, colour and clarity.
Is the ring I choose suitable for her?
No matter how expensive or beautiful the ring you've chosen is, it is possible that on her hand it is just not looking that glamorous. Yes, not every style is good for every hand. That's why you should consider her hand and finger shape.
"Jewellery" portrait of your partner:
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For a long fingered large hand, a large prong setting will be the best. You should feel lucky, not everybody can wear this type of ring, and this is a setting that really shows off the sparkle of a diamond. |
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For a wider hands with shorter fingers, medium sized rings are the most impressive, as long as the diamond stays flat on the ring as prong settings are not usually very suitable. |
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For thin, delicate hands with small fingers, small stones will look gorgeous. The style doesn't really matter as long as it is simple, otherwise the ring may seem to swallow the hand. |
The ring that she will love
She will hopefully wear this ring for the rest of her life, so it is vital that she feels happy with it. The easiest option is to choose the engagement ring together, but if you want it to be a surprise, than you have to force all your intuition and put in a lot of research and observation time.
Here are some tips of how you may make a "jewellery" portrait of your partner:
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observe what style of jewellery she ordinarily wears |
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observe the jewellery that she possesses |
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check her wardrobe, sometimes the overall style of a person may give you the necessary information |
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find out if she likes white gold more or maybe she prefers yellow gold |
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ask her friends and family |
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what is her character like? Is she conservative or an extravagant soul? |
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if she isn't wearing jewellery at all, than a simple and traditional ring will be the best choice. |
Well, it is not so difficult to find the right engagement ring after all, but if you need more help just send us an e-mail or call our helpline. We are ready to answer all your questions and give the proper advice.
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