Deciding on the perfect engagement ring to give to your intended is extremely challenging if you don’t know where to start. Here is a 10 step simple guide to choosing the right ring for her.
Before you start looking at jewellers
- 1) DECIDE ON A BUDGET AND KNOW HER SIZE
Your personal budget must be considered when purchasing a ring and it is better to do so before you start shopping around. It is conventionally suggested that you spend at least two months worth of your salary on a diamond engagement ring. Ring prices can begin modest, but can range quite high so you’ll need to weigh out your wallet size with her preferences. You should also make sure that at this point you have a measurement for the ring size. Read here if you want tips on finding it without her knowing!
Discussing the metal and setting
- 2) ALWAYS CONSIDER METAL AND SIZE FIRST
Engagement bands are all made from one of three metals: platinum, yellow gold, or white gold. Platinum is the most expensive metal as it resists tarnishing, but it is also the most expensive to repair if damaged. The most popular are yellow gold bands which are readily available as 14-carat or 18-carat gold. They can show scratches and other abrasions but repairs are easily done. White gold bands have a silver-like appearance which matches most other jewellery, but unfortunately will eventually wear off and need replacing. The metal and thickness will affect what settings, styles and stones you can pick, and procedures for repair or re-sizing, and so the size (either in mm or a ring grading E to V) should also be factored in here.
- 3) CHOOSE YOUR SETTING WISELY
There are many variations of standard and custom settings available for engagement rings. Prong, bar, tension, bezel, channel, flush, cluster, and invisible are some of the terms a jeweller will refer to whilst you shop for an engagement ring. Each setting can be desirable depending on the shape or size of ring you are considering. The most popular is prong because it holds the diamond in place as if it were hanging, maximising the amount of light to enter the diamond which creates an more sparkle.
Choose the right Diamond: The 4 Cs
Clarity, Cut, Colour and Carat are the four terms which you need to be aware of when it comes to determining which diamond you will choose for the engagement ring. Though your jeweller will be able to make suggestions, it is recommended that you read up on your diamond education in more depth before browsing.
- 4) DIAMOND CLARITY
Clarity of a diamond has the most influence on its price and is what makes every diamond unique. Clarity is measured by grades which mark the level of inclusions, including blemishes, scratches, air pockets and non-diamond material on the surface of or inside the diamond. Grades range from Flawless to Included, but be aware that diamond grading laboratories have different grading standards. To ensure an eye clean diamond you should always go with a stone of VS1 clarity or above, however you can some times go as low as SI2. Just make sure you either see the diamond for yourself or have your jeweller confirm it is eye clean.
- 5) DIAMOND CUT
Diamonds are known for their brilliance, but a diamond’s sparkle is determined by its cut which works to reflect as much light as possible by adjusting angles and proportions. Proportions are determined by depth and table percentages. The cut grade should be classified already based on the certificate issues by the grading laboratory.
- 6) DIAMOND COLOUR
Diamonds are famous and loved for their icy white appearance; however most diamonds contain a hint of brown or yellow. Colour is graded on a scale from D (white or colourless) to Z (brownish or yellowish). Diamond grades from D to H are usually colourless or near-colourless but a faint yellow tint becomes visible in I grades. You need to consider personal preference, budget and the colour of the jewellery setting before settling on a stone colour.
- 7) DIAMOND CARAT
To get the best value for your money you’ll need to find a good balance between quality and size. Carat refers to the unit of diamond weight. One carat is equal to 0.2 grams. The carat weight will give you an idea of the size of your diamond, but double the weight does not mean double the size. It is a good idea to study a diamond sizing chart prior to purchase.
- 8 ) CHOOSE THE BEST STYLE FOR HER
Once you are familiar with the 4 Cs and feel confident you have picked all the best elements for your stone, you can choose a diamond cut style or shape which suits her personality. Shapes include the classic Round Brilliant cut, the trendy Princess cut, the glamorous Emerald cut, the creative Oval cut, the majestic Marquise cut and many more to reflect every personality.
- 9) CHECK YOUR CERTIFICATE OF APPRAISAL
Once you have chosen the diamond and the setting, you will need to obtain a certificate of authenticity. This certificate will confirm the engagement ring diamond’s value and attributes, and you will need if you choose to insure your purchase. The carat weight, cut, colour and clarity are all validated together with the diamond’s exact measurements. The majority of certificates are issued by the most widely accepted certifying organisations of the diamond industry. The Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.) and the American Gem Society (A.G.S.) are two of the most trusted. Be cautious of alternative laboratories which may not be internationally recognised.
- 10) OBTAIN A GUARANTEE OR WARRANTY
Just in case the ring needs adjusting or repairing, ensure that you understand your rights for return or amendment. Depending on the jeweller, some type of guarantee or warranty may be offered with your purchase. Usually they will either provide a limited time money back guarantee or a lifetime warranty.
Follow these essential steps and feel confident that you will choose the perfect engagement ring for your perfect woman!
