Looking for a Ring With Diamonds? 4Cs? Blue Sapphires? Here’s What You Need to Know
We can all agree that choosing an engagement ring is one of the most meaningful purchases anyone will ever make because it’s more than just a piece of jewellery. It’s a symbol of commitment, it’s a promise a couple makes to one another and it’s, most importantly, a reminder of some of the happiest and most hopeful memories you’ll have. Its purpose is to signal that you’ve chosen a lifetime with someone you really love. With so many factors to consider (what do I want to look at for the rest of forever, what’s comfortable, what will stand the test of time?), it can also be a daunting task. To help you navigate this big decision, here are the five key things to think about before you start shopping.
Know the 4 Cs
When it comes to diamonds, the 4Cs are your best friends. This stands for Colour, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight, which are the global standard for assessing diamond quality. Understanding these will help you compare these precious gems so you can make an informed decision.
Colour refers to how colourless the diamond is, with the most sought-after diamonds being completely colourless. Clarity measures the presence of any internal or external imperfections. The fewer the blemishes, the higher the clarity grade will be. Cut is all about how well the diamond has been shaped and faceted, and will directly affect its brilliance and sparkle. Finally, the carat weight measures the size of the diamond. While larger diamonds are often more expensive, the cut and quality can be just as important, if not more so.
A well-cut diamond with excellent clarity and a good colour grade will shine ever so brightly, even if it’s slightly smaller in carat weight. There’s no wrong or right as to what to go for, but it’s good to know these specifics when it comes time to pick the diamond for your engagement ring.
Set a Budget
This one is very important. The world of fine jewellery is vast and prices can vary rather significantly. By determining your budget beforehand, you’ll ensure that you’re looking at rings that not only catch your eye but also fit comfortably within your financial means. While our consultants are great at helping you with your selections, you don’t want to end up falling in love with a ring that’s completely over your budget.
Ring Sizing
Getting the ring size right is kind of a big deal. One wouldn’t want the ring to immediately fall into the sea or sand when you pop the question. We may or may not be speaking from personal experience. There are a few ways to find out your partner’s ring size, some more sneaky than others. You could discreetly borrow one of their rings to take to your consultation, enlist the help of a close friend or family member, or you could always work in tandem with your partner and come in and try it on together. We also offer resizing services, so if it’s not a perfect fit, there’s no need to worry. Check out our size guide for more.
Shapes and Cuts
The shape of the diamond is one of the first things people notice and it’s good to distinguish between a gemstone’s shape and its cut style.
The shape is basically the outline when viewed from above. You’ll come across terms like ‘marquise’, ‘hexagonal’, ‘pear’ etc, so it’s a good idea to look into which ones you like the most. The most popular shapes at the moment are round and oval but the choice will always lie with you and your partner.
Then we have the cutting style which refers to how the facets are arranged. The most common style is the brilliant cut which is designed to maximise brightness, which is understandably very appealing to quite a lot of people. Another popular style is the step cut, known for its long, elegant lines and dreamy gleam.
Style Preferences
If you’re choosing an engagement ring as a surprise, without your partner’s involvement, it’s important to consider their personal style. You might want to look at the jewellery they already wear and ask yourself: do they prefer pieces that are classic and understated? do they express themselves with bold and contemporary designs? Do they wear more gold or silver tones? Paying attention to these details will help you choose a ring that complements their style and is something they’ll love wearing every day. If you’re making the decision as a couple, it’s definitely something you can discuss so that you arrive at the absolute best design.
Let’s summarise what we’ve learned here. Buying an engagement ring is a journey filled with excitement, emotion and a few rather important decisions. By keeping the 4Cs in mind, setting a budget, understanding shapes and cut styles, ensuring the right ring size and considering your partner’s preferences you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect ring that could become a cherished piece of your shared history.
Happy ring shopping, and here’s to a lifetime of happiness.
