Top 10 tips for buying an engagement ring

Jewellery is our way of celebrating life and the ones we love, and choosing an engagement ring should be a truly exciting and special experience. 

There are four fundamental characteristics to know about diamonds, called ‘The Four Cs’. Together, The Four Cs determine the value and desirability of each precious diamond and therefore each engagement ring:

Cut
Traditionally diamonds are round, which is known as a brilliant cut, but can also be faceted into other shapes. Most often these are square (known as princess cut), pear-shaped, oval or emerald cut, like the one beautifully set into our Sarpa Diamond Ring.

 

Sarpa Ring Diamond 4,75ct D/VS1 Candy Ring Oval Diamond 4,01 ct E/VS2 Sarpa Ring Diamond 3,09 ct VVS2

 

Clarity
The term used to describe how ‘clear’ your diamonds is. All diamonds contain tiny inclusions, except for those very, very rare stones recognised as ‘flawless’. Inclusions are natural and part of what makes each diamond unique. In a diamond of good clarity you should not be able to see them without a jewellers’ loupe.

Colour
This relates to how ‘white’ your diamond is, and is measured on a letter scale from D to Z, with D being the top colour. Typically, engagement rings feature diamonds of D to G in colour, and here at Aenea we also work with beautiful ‘fancy colour’ diamonds, in hues of cognac and Cut 

Traditionally diamonds are round, which is known as a brilliant cut, but can also be faceted into other shapes. Most often these are square (known as princess cut), pear-shaped, oval or emerald cut, like the one beautifully set into our Sarpa Diamond Ring.

Sarpa Ring Diamond 5,06ct E/VS1

Carat
They say size matters but when it comes to diamonds, it’s truly a personal choice! Carat actually refers to the weight of a diamond, but naturally the larger its carat weight, the bigger it will look. But don’t forget - whether large or small, the diamond you choose should be suited to your bride-to-be (and something she’ll love to show off!)

2 Take a long, hard look

Before you find a ring that’s ‘the one’ start by looking at your ‘one’ - your beautiful partner. Her own style, hobbies and even her job could influence the ring you choose. Take a sneak peek at her wardrobe and most importantly her jewellery box to gauge her taste, and you’ll soon be clued up on her jewellery style.

 3 Trust in a Friend

If her jewellery box proves tricky to access, why not call one of her friends? They will love that you have asked them for advice - after all, they know her taste - and it’s a chance for them to be part of this exciting experience. You could even ask them to share some ring ideas with you - just make sure they keep it a secret!

Sarpa Ring Diamond 2,37ct  Candy Ring Diamond 4,51ct E/VS1

 4 That Metallic Taste

Next you should think the precious metals you’d like the ring to be made in. Platinum and gold are traditionally used for engagement rings as platinum is pure and strong, while gold is beautifully traditional and gives you option of three colours - yellow, white or rose. Rose gold is becoming more popular for engagement rings.

5 Or maybe a Gemstone for your Girl?

Modern engagement rings are becoming more adventurous, using coloured gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds and rubies instead of diamonds. Don’t be shy about choosing a coloured gemstone, especially if your partner is a little more daring with her jewellery. Some gemstones are better suited to engagement rings than others - pearls are beautiful but too delicate - while sapphires and rubies are perfect. Sapphires, like the Star Sapphire in our Love Letters Ring, occur in myriad colours, from blue and pink, to green, purple and orange

7 And now… Design

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the countless styles of engagement ring out there, from luxurious halo styles to those that are beautifully organic and flowing. Take a step back and think again about her stye. Is she classic and contemporary, like our Candy Diamond and Platinum Ring? Or does her jewellery tend to make a statement? We often find our clients ‘just know’ when they see the right style of ring for her, so trust your instincts too. 

8 Getting the Size Just Right

Engagement rings are traditionally worn on the left hand, third finger. But what about size? If she already wears a ring on that finger, see if you can steal it away and use a pencil to draw around the inside of the ring so you can gauge its circumference. This can be measured and translated easily using traditional ring sizing methods. And don’t forget that handy friend - they may know her ring size or be able to help.

9 Time Waits for No Man…

So when you’re on the hunt for an engagement ring, make sure you give yourself plenty of it. Having an engagement ring made specially for your bride-to-be can take several weeks, possibly longer if a special diamond or gemstone needs to be sourced. Your jeweller should also be happy to make little adjustments to the ring size afterwards, if needed.

10 Finally - Popping the Question!

Once you have the ring, saying those four little words is the easy bit - just keep a bottle of champagne on ice for when she says yes! Stuck for ideas? Occasions such as birthdays, holidays or simply an afternoon stroll in the park can become the perfect time to get down on one knee and make her the happiest girl in the world.

We hope you’ve found our Top 10 Tips for Buying an Engagement Ring helpful.