A Buyer's Guide to Choosing an Engagement Ring
So you've spent the duration of your relationship so far deciding if, then when, then how to propose. Now comes the easy bit – choosing the ring. It's not as complicated or scary as you think – just follow our step-by-step guide.
Design
Of course, the design of the ring is up to you. The most popular are the classic solitaire engagement rings (just a single stone), and also trilogy engagement rings (with three stones).
Metal
Most people choose platinum, palladium, 18ct white gold or 18ct yellow gold for engagement rings. Which one you choose is a matter of taste; platinum, palladium and 18ct white gold will appear much the same colour but suit different budgets and have very different properties. Have a look at the guide to choosing the metal for wedding rings for more information on the features of the alloys.
Size
If the engagement ring is for yourself, or someone who knows they are receiving the ring(!), make sure you double-check your finger size using our sample service. Have a look at the page on finding out your ring size.
If the ring is for a surprise proposal, you might have to get creative. Liza's blog has some tips about how to guessstimate the size needed.
Diamond – the 3 Cs
Shape (cut)
The cut of the diamond refers to its shape, and also as a grade of how well the shape is formed. The latter is important as it can affect the direction of travel of the light passing through the diamond, and therefore the degree of sparkle! For this reason, all our diamonds are graded 'good' or better.
Brilliant-cut (round) stones are the most popular choice for engagement rings. Round stones are cut to show the diamond at its best – the facets around the ring allow for maximum sparkle!
Princess-cut (square) diamonds are the most popular of the 'fancy' cut stones on the market.
Emerald-cut refers to a rectangular shape with cropped corners.
Asscher-cut is a square shape with cropped corners.
Oval stones describe themselves, and are most often set perpendicular to the band for maximum effect.
Marquise diamonds are like ovals, but taper into a point at either end.
Heart-shaped diamonds are the romantic choice, especially popular for proposals around Valentines.
Pear shaped stones are tear-shaped.
Carat
Carat refers to the weight of the diamond, rather than its exact proportions. You'll find interesting nuances in the way they are priced, e.g. the price of 0.48ct and 0.49ct stone will be very similar, but 0.50ct will cost a lot more.
Clarity
Every diamond will have tiny flaws in, known as inclusions. The clarity grade refers to the degree to which it is included.
F (Flawless): An incredibly rare grading, meaning no internal or external flaws.
IF (Internally Flawless): No internal flaws. Some surface flaws.
VVS1/VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included): Tiny inclusions that are very difficult to detect under 10x magnification.
VS1/VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Tiny inclusions seen with some difficulty under 10x magnification.
SI1/SI2 (Slightly Included): Tiny inclusions more easily detectable under 10x magnification, and that might be visible to a trained human eye.
I1/I2/I3 (Included): Inclusions visible under 10x magnification that are also visible to the human eye.
Colour
Diamond colour is graded by letters of the alphabet from D to Z. The most desired are those with the least colour, i.e. the whitest. The whitest stones let the most light through them, and are therefore the most sparkly! We sell diamonds from colour D (exceptional white) to H (white), but the range goes all the way to Z.
Certificate
Any loose diamond can be certified, but it's not cost-effective for smaller diamonds, e.g. those in eternity rings, where the cost of the certification can be more than the cost of the diamonds themselves! We certify all diamonds in single stone engagement rings (or the centre stone of trilogy engagement rings) over 0.25ct, at no extra charge to you. Of course, we'd be happy to certify smaller diamonds, or diamonds in accessories, by arrangement; and might have to charge for this.
Our diamond certificates are from independent gemmological institutes such as IGI, EGL and GIA.
