Engagement Rings Buyers' Guide - Introduction

We understand that looking at diamond engagement rings can be difficult, it is one of the most exciting and emotional purchases you will ever make. Always be sure to read the company's diamond policy before any purchase.

Diamond cut, diamond carat, diamond colour and diamond clarity will be explained in this engagement rings buyers' guide. These are important factors to consider as variations of these will dramatically increase or reduce the cost, with some basic knowledge you can identify exactly what you are looking for and potentially get more for your money.

This diamond engagement rings buyers' guide is the perfect tool for you when looking at diamond engagement rings. See other engagement rings buyers' guides.

Engagement Rings - 6 Key Factors to Consider

There are 6 key factors you should consider when looking at diamond engagement rings, these are:

• Budget
• Ring style
• Diamond shape
• The 5 Cs (diamond cut, colour, clarity, carat weight and certification)
• Ring size
• Customer service

1. Engagement Rings - How much do I spend?

There is a traditional guideline to spend 2 months earnings on engagement rings. However we recommend to only spend an amount that you feel comfortable with and can afford.

Decide on your budget and don't be persuaded by a pushy salesperson.

When comparing prices:

Always look beyond just carat weight. For example, 1ct diamonds can differ in cost quite significantly. This is due to the difference in quality from diamond to diamond - cut, colour and clarity.

For example you could have the following diamond options:

• Weight: 1ct, Cut: Excellent, Colour: D, Clarity: VVS1 - This would be the more expensive diamond.
• Weight: 1ct, Cut: Very Good, Colour: F, Clarity: VS2 - This would be the less expensive diamond.

Just bear in mind that with the naked eye, these diamonds (above) would be very similar indeed, but with a big difference in cost.

Be aware that there is a difference between ct and ctw:

• ct = carat weight of one diamond (ie. the centre stone)
• ctw = total carat weight of all diamonds in the ring (if there is more than one, for example a three stone or a cluster diamond engagement ring)

This single centre stone's carat weight would be represented with 'ct'

The total carat weight of all the diamonds on the ring would be represented with 'ctw', while the centre stone alone would be represented with 'ct'

 

Bear in mind that precious metals differ in price.

Platinum is a more expensive metal than gold but has a higher durability.

Always make sure that when you buy a diamond engagement ring,  it has an independent diamond grading certificate. A letter from a shop may not guarantee the actual grade of a diamond, however, an independent grading certificate will.

2. When looking at engagement rings, how do I choose a design?

When considering the style of different diamond engagement rings:

• Personality
• Lifestyle
• Fingers
• Type of metal/s

To find out more on how to choose the perfect ring style for your partner, see the choosing a diamond ring guide and read another guide on choosing a diamond ring.

Please see below some suggestions of ring designs to suit different people:

Personality
	This ring design may suit a more outgoing personality		This ring design may suit a more conservative personality
Lifestyle
	This ring design may suit a less active lifestyle where you are less likely to damage the intricate design		This ring design may suit a more active lifestyle with a more durable design
Fingers
	The thinner ring shank generally suits a wider/ stronger finger		The wider ring shank generally suits a thinner/ smaller finger

 

3. Diamond Shapes for Engagement Rings

The most popular diamond shape for engagement rings is the Round Brilliant:

All other shapes are often referred to as 'fancy shapes'. The most popular fancy cut for engagement rings is the Princess:

There are many different diamond shapes to choose from, diamond shape is quite simply a matter of personal preference. A fancy cut can be great to show off you own unique style. Find out more about fancy shapes.

See below the different diamond shapes on the market:

 

Learn more about diamond shapes.

4. The 5 Cs to consider when looking at diamond engagement rings

The value of a diamond is determined by the clarity, colour, carat and the cut. Certification should be included in the 5 Cs, you should be aware that an independent grading certificate with engagement rings is more desirable. Read more about diamond certification.

When looking at diamond engagement rings, familiarise yourself with the 5 Cs:

4.1 Diamond Clarity

The clarity of a diamond refers to any internal or external flaws that can be seen by a certified diamond grader with a 10 x magnification loupe. Be sure to purchase a diamond without flaws visible to the naked eye.

Flawless diamonds are very rare. Flawless (FL) is the highest clarity grade, with I3 being the lowest. Grades SI2 and above are recommended. It is very unlikely you would be able to make out any flaws in an SI2 diamond with the naked eye.

Learn more about diamond clarity.

4.2 Diamond Colour

Diamond colour refers to the lack of colour in the diamond. Most diamonds have a tint of yellow. The clearer the diamond, the more desirable it is, and the more it is worth.

The diamond colour grade scale starts at D and goes through the entire alphabet. Colour grade D being the clearest diamond possible. We recommend high quality colours from D to no lower than J.

4.3 Diamond Carat

Carat is a unit to measure the weight of a diamond. 1ct = 200 milligrams. All diamonds have a slightly different shape and depth. Some diamonds may have a deeper pavillion (bottom half of the diamond if looking from the side/profile), this would give a higher diamond carat weight.

Please see below an approximate diamond ct to mm guide:

See also for diamond carat weight.

4.4 Diamond Cut

Diamonds with an Excellent or Very good cut are recommended. The cut is very important if you are looking for that all important sparkle, fire or brilliance in the diamond. The cut refers to how well or symmetrically the diamond was cut from the rough diamond. A diamond with an excellent cut has the best symmetry, therefore the most sparkle.

See below an image which demonstrates diamond cut symmetry:

Learn more about diamond cut.

4.5 Diamond Grading Certificate

An independent diamond grading certificate should always be provided with a diamond above 0.3 ct. We highly recommend that anyone buying a diamond should receive an independent certificate so you know for sure what you are paying for.

The diamond grading report specifically states the cut, colour, clarity and carat weight of your diamond.

Learn more about diamond grading reports.

5. Ring Size

It is very important to get the correct ring size for your partner first time around. The magic moment where you slide the ring onto your partner's hand, you will want it to glide effortlessly onto the finger. If engagement rings are slightly too big or too small you can get them re-sized. Some retailers offer a free re-size service.

Click here to get a FREE ring sizer.

6. Customer Service for Diamond Engagement Rings

Always purchase from a retailer which you consider to have excellent customer service. They will always do their best to find what you are looking for, and can be very helpful with answering any questions you may have.