Buying an engagement ring is an exciting part of a couple’s journey to marriage, but it can also be a daunting prospect, especially if it is being bought as a surprise.
It is natural to wonder where to start and what to consider when taking the steps to find the perfect engagement ring, which is why we at BB have put together this guide. We hope that it will offer a good insight and understanding into the things you will need to think about, whether you are looking for yourself or for your partner, as well as offering some practical advice and tips.
If you feel that you would benefit from some personal guidance or have any questions, then get in touch with us at BB Designer Jewellers and book an engagement ring consultation at our store.
When you’re looking for a diamond engagement ring, you’ll want to understand the 4Cs before you buy your diamond. The 4Cs are quality gradings given to a diamond.
Here’s a brief overview of the 4Cs-
Once you understand what the 4Cs mean, the next step is to determine prioritizing the 4Cs. This will help you quickly eliminate some diamonds from your search and select the diamond that’s right for you. It will also help you work with your budget. Knowing which “C” you are willing to spend more on and which you are willing to compromise on.
To view our interactive 4’Cs links click here.
The frame around your centre stone can determine the style of your ring, and there are lots of options out there.
Choosing a unique engagement ring setting is one of the best ways to personalise your ring.
Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular engagement ring settings-
A prong setting is a type of engagement ring setting that features slim metal arms that securely cradle the diamond at the girdle. These are also known as claws. The claws can be made of different metals, such as gold or platinum and can have different shapes, such as round, square, or pointed claws. A prong setting allows more light to enter and exit the diamond from all angles, enhancing its brilliance, fire, and sparkle. It showcases the beauty and shape of the diamond without covering too much of its surface. 4 claw settings are modern and minimalist, while 6 claw settings are classic and traditional. The choice of style depends on personal preference and taste. Some people might like the simplicity and elegance of 4 claws, while others might prefer the romance and sophistication of 6 claws.The prong (claw) setting compliments a variety of diamond shapes and sizes.
A halo setting is a type of engagement ring setting that features a centre stone surrounded by a ring or “halo” of smaller diamonds. A halo setting can make the centre stone look larger and more brilliant as the halo reflects more light into it. It is also known for adding more sparkle creating a dazzling effect. A halo style setting suits different styles and preferences.
A cathedral setting is a type of engagement ring setting that features a centre stone flanked by arches of metal that come up from the shank. A cathedral setting can make the centre stone appear larger and more prominent, as well as provide extra support and protection. It can also accommodate different types of centre stones, such as round, princess, cushion, oval, pear, etc. A cathedral setting can be simple and elegant, or ornate and intricate, depending on the design and style of the metalwork. A cathedral setting is a beautiful and versatile option for an engagement ring.
A bezel setting engagement ring is a type of ring that has a metal rim around the centre stone, holding it securely in place. The metal rim can cover the entire edge of the stone, creating a full bezel. It enhances the appearance of the stone, making it look larger and more prominent, especially when the metal color matches the stone color it also suits different shapes and sizes of stones, from round to oval to pear to princess, and can accommodate various styles and designs of bands.
Not all metals are created equal. Whether you opt for classic platinum or trendy yellow gold, you should know how the metal you choose will affect your ring’s durability and overall aesthetics.
Here is a brief breakdown of some of the most popular engagement ring metals-
White gold is a beautiful and versatile metal that compliments a diamond beautifully. It has a silvery-white appearance and enhances the size of the diamond by reflecting more light into it. Unlike platinum, white gold is a combination of yellow gold and alloys, that is then plated in rhodium. It’s bright finish comes from rhodium plating, so it will wear off over time. White gold has commonly been a popular choice for engagement rings.
As the purest of all gold ring metal types, a yellow gold engagement ring or band is the most hypoallergenic and the easiest to maintain. Yellow gold is the only naturally occurring colour of gold. Its warmer tones are flattering on most skin tones as it is generally the first choice of colour for wedding bands. Its popularity is also on the rise. 7 out of 10 engagement rings are yellow gold.
Rose Gold metal has a gold base with a pinkish tint. It’s an alloy that’s made by combining pure gold, copper and a hint of silver. Rose gold can have different shades and colours depending on the ratios of copper and silver in the alloy. Rose gold is very strong and resistant to corrosion, tarnish and wear. Thanks to its distinct pink hue, rose gold has become popular for engagement rings as an alternative to yellow or white gold.
Platinum is the most durable engagement ring metal, as well as the purest. It is very strong and resistant to corrosion, tarnish and wear. While this pure white metal will show wear and tear over time it will not loose its colour or shine. Platinum’s durability comes at a cost, though. Platinum is the most expensive metal for jewellery and more difficult for jewellers to work with. Platinum is also known as the most hypoallergenic material as it does not contain any nickel or other alloys that can cause allergies.
A simple explanation of the difference between 9K gold and 18K gold is that 9K gold has less pure gold in it than 18K gold. Pure gold is measured in karats, which is a unit of weight equal to 0.2 grams. The higher the karat, the more pure gold there is in the metal.
The rest of the metal is made up of other alloys, such as copper, silver, zinc, or palladium, depending on the colour of the gold.
The difference in pure gold content affects the price, appearance, and durability of gold jewellery. Generally, 18K gold is more expensive, richer in colour, and softer than 9K gold.
Engagement ring style is a personal and meaningful decision that depends on several factors such as preferences, style, taste and lifestyle.
Here is a brief breakdown of some of the most popular engagement ring styles-
A solitaire engagement ring is a ring that features one centre stone; whether diamond or gemstone. There are no other diamonds or gemstones anywhere on the ring, and the band is typically plain with no pavé diamonds.
The halo setting is a ring of small accent stones, typically pavé diamonds, that border a larger centre stone. Halo settings can be the same shape as the centre stone, or they can be different, such as a cushion-cut halo circling a round diamond.
Diamond side stones refer to the small stones that are placed beside the centrepiece on an engagement ring. As their name suggests, they are primarily used to accentuate or highlight the centre stone. They add elegance, style, and character to your piece of jewellery and enhance the sparkle and style.
A trilogy style embodies three stones of any shape or size, set into one beautiful ring. With a classic round in the centre, the engagement ring will never go out of style. Add two shoulder stones of choice and you create a ring that is memorable, unique and an heirloom in the making
The word vintage literally means “of age.” With such an open meaning, there are many interpretations of this style.
The shape of a diamond is its outline, as viewed from above, and it’s the shape that often determines the overall style and impact of the finished piece of jewellery. There are several shapes and cut combinations that appear together so often they have been given their own names.
Round shape diamonds are considered a popular and classic choice. Round diamonds are usually paired with a brilliant cut as this is the ideal combination of shape and cut that maximizes the brilliance and sparkle of the stone for maximum effect.
An oval shaped diamond is a type of diamond that has a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners and a brilliant sparkle. An oval shaped diamond has a combination of a modern and round brilliant cut pattern with an old mine facet pattern, which gives it a unique sparkle and fire. An oval shaped diamond is a great choice for an engagement ring, as it can suit any style and setting.
A marquise shape is an oval with pointed ends rather than rounded. It is considered a difficult shape to cut and a marquise diamond is usually more expensive because of the expertise that goes into cutting it. A marquise cut diamond is cut in such a way that makes the size of the diamond face appear bigger than its equivalent carat weight, so a marquise diamond will appear more expensive than it is.
Pear shaped diamonds feature one rounded and one pointed end, like a teardrop. Pear shaped diamonds are considered elegant and can be particularly attractive when paired with a brilliant cut. Whilst not considered a traditional choice for an engagement ring, a pear shaped diamond ring can be a stunning alternative and has become a popular design in modern engagement rings.
A princess cut diamond is usually square and paired with a brilliant cut with pointed corners. The square shape often makes the diamond appear bigger and more pronounced, especially on a finger, which makes them popular in engagement rings.
An emerald cut diamond has a flat rectangular face with edges that are step cut. The face of the stone makes it appear larger than the stone seems and creates the look of many rectangles within the face. Because the face is mainly flat, an emerald shaped diamond doesn’t sparkle as much as a multi-faceted diamond, but it can show off the clarity and colour of the stone excellently.
A radiant cut diamond is a type of diamond that has a square or rectangular shape with cut corners and a brilliant sparkle. A radiant cut diamond has 70 facets, which give it more fire and brilliance. It also has a larger face-up size than other cuts of the same carat weight, making it appear bigger and more impressive. A radiant cut diamond is a great choice for an engagement ring.
A cushion cut diamond is a type of diamond that has a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, resembling a pillow or a cushion. A cushion cut diamond has a combination of a modern and round brilliant cut pattern with an old mine facet pattern, which gives it a unique sparkle and fire.
An asscher cut diamond is a type of diamond that has a square shape with cut corners and a brilliant sparkle. An asscher cut diamond has 58 facets, which give it a unique octagonal outline and a hall of mirrors effect. An asscher cut diamond is a rare and distinctive choice for an engagement ring, as it can showcase the clarity and color of the diamond.
A heart shape diamond is a type of diamond that has a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, resembling a pillow or a cushion. It is a classic and elegant cut that has been around for almost 200 years. A heart shape diamond has a combination of a modern and round brilliant cut pattern with an old mine facet pattern, which gives it a unique sparkle and fire.
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