Buying an engagement ring can be very daunting. There are so many choices and it is a big moment in a person’s life. We have put together this handy guide of 5 engagement ring buying tips to make this choice a little simpler. Most good jewellers will guide their customers in their selection of the perfect engagement ring. They ought to advise on the best gemstones, metals and settings. However, it is always best to have some knowledge of the subject so that you know what to look for. An engagement ring is likely to be worn every day of the wearer’s life, so it must be high quality and exactly to their taste. If you are searching for the perfect engagement ring, keep reading for our 5 engagement ring buying tips.
Our 5 Engagement Ring Buying Tips
1. Try to avoid trends.
An engagement ring is worn every day with every outfit and for every occasion. For this reason, it ought to be classic and perfectly suited to the style of the wearer. The ring will be paired with every other piece in a jewellery collection, meaning that it ought to be versatile. Many jewellers advise customers to steer clear of obvious trends when selecting engagement and wedding jewellery. This is to prevent the style from falling out of style and the wearer potentially going off of their ring. However, if the person you are giving the ring to adores a certain trend or time period and often styles themself in this trend, then exceptions can be made. The most important thing is that the ring is perfect for the wearer.
Certified Diamond 0.50ct D SI1 IGI Diamond Engagement Ring FCD28393
If you are searching for a clean and simple ring that will never go out of style, then this solitaire style could be a perfect choice. This ring exhibits a very traditional design meaning that it will pair perfectly with anything in a jewellery collection. The ring is crafted from platinum. This is a very desirable metal in engagement and wedding jewellery as it is long-lasting and will not lose its perfectly polished silver hue over time. This metal also provides the perfect backdrop for the central gemstone to truly shine. A single round brilliant cut diamond is set at the centre of this ring. It is secured using a four-prong setting, ensuring it is secure.
2. Keep the ‘Four C’s’ in mind.
When purchasing any gemstone jewellery, it is important to have the four c’s in mind. This is the method that jewellers and gemstone specialists use to categorise and rate gemstones. The four c’s are colour, cut, clarity and carat. Each of these is important, but some can be prioritised depending on what you are searching for in a gemstone. Some shoppers may choose to prioritise carat over clarity, meaning that they get a larger stone that may have some inclusions. It is important to aim for a high-quality stone to ensure that it lasts well in the engagement ring, but the four c’s are a guide rather than a goal. The exact specification of the gemstone is very personal to the wearer’s wishes and requirements.
Certified Diamond 0.50ct D SI1 GIA Diamond Engagement Ring FCD28348
This ring is an example of a compromise that can be made between the size and quality of diamonds. The design of this ring creates the illusion of a larger diamond by framing a central diamond with a halo of smaller ones. This creates the illusion of a much bigger stone at a much more wallet-friendly price point. The band of this ring is created using platinum to provide it with a beautifully polished and long-lasting finish. Each diamond used in this ring is a round brilliant cut to create a dazzling sparkle with every movement of the hand.
3. It doesn’t have to be a diamond.
Diamond engagement rings have not always been the traditional choice. This ‘tradition’ was manufactured in the late 1940s by DeBeers in an effort to sell more diamonds. This campaign was massively influential on the engagement ring industry and diamonds have been the most popular choice ever since. However, diamonds are not for everyone. Many people have chosen to move away from this tradition, instead opting for an alternative gemstone. Emeralds, rubies and sapphires have been options for centuries. Gemstones like amethysts and moissanite are gradually growing in popularity too.
Elements Gold 9ct Rose Gold Large Morganite Diamond Ring Size EU54 (UK N) GR563P 54
Morganite is becoming an increasingly popular choice in engagement rings. It is often favoured for its beautifully feminine pink hue. This ring is crafted from 9-carat rose gold. The pink tone of this metal creates a stunning backdrop for the pink gemstone, creating a cohesive look. The band of the ring is set with sparkling diamonds, ensuring that it catches the light from every angle. These diamonds are continued onto the halo setting of the gemstone. A pear-shaped halo of diamonds frames the par-cut morganite at the centre of this ring.
4. It is important to consider the setting.
When searching for the perfect engagement ring, many people solely focus on the gemstone. However, the setting and band of the ring are also vital to the overall design. The band and setting of an engagement ring must be of high quality to ensure that the ring is robust enough to be worn every single day. This will also contribute to the longevity of the ring. To achieve this, a ring ought to be made from a high-quality metal such as gold, white gold or platinum. The band of the ring needs to be sufficiently thick to ensure it will not snap. Once the practicalities have been considered, it is important to take note of the metal that the recipient of the ring normally wears. It is advisable to select an engagement ring in the same tone of metal as the majority of their jewellery collection.
GEMEX Platinum 0.42ct D SI1 Marquise Single Stone ENG30013
This ring exhibits things that ought to be considered when assessing the band and setting of a ring. This ring features a stunning marquise-cut diamond at its centre. This gemstone cut creates an eye-catching and bold finish but requires more protection from its setting. The stone is secured with two standard prongs and two corner prongs. These corner prongs protect the vulnerable points of the gemstone, preventing any potential damage. The stone is the centrepiece of a classic and minimalistic platinum band. This band allows the gemstone to take centre stage and would pair beautifully with any silver-toned jewellery in a collection.
5. Know your budget before you shop.
When faced with a huge range of beautiful engagement rings, it is easy to get carried away. It is important to know your budget before you start shopping for an engagement ring and to try and stick to it as closely as possible. A good jeweller will ask for your budget to use as a guide as they help you to find the perfect ring for your loved one. By knowing your budget and an ideal gemstone size, you can work with a jeweller to find the perfect ring for you and your loved one.
James Moore TH 9k Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Ring RD448S
This ring is a beautiful example of a more budget-friendly engagement ring option. The band of this ring is crafted from 9-carat yellow gold. This gives it a more vintage and warm tone. It will pair beautifully with other gold-toned jewellery in a collection. An oval-cut sapphire is set at the centre of this ring. This gemstone has become increasingly popular in engagement jewellery, especially with the fascination surrounding the sapphire ring in the Royal Family. This sapphire is surrounded by rows of diamonds that form a halo around the blue gemstone. This accentuates the unusual cut and colour of the gemstone.
What do you think of these 5 engagement ring buying tips? Do you have any tips of your own to share? Let us know in the comments!
