5 Must Know Steps When Buying an Engagement Ring

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THE JOURNAL

BUYING-GUIDES

5 Must Know Steps When Buying an Engagement Ring

Engagement ring with large main stone with small diamonds in band

STEP 1:

CHOOSING THE DESIGN

… The ring itself

Shopping for your engagement ring you’ll discover countless ring designs. In most cases to start are the Pavé design, Halo design, Trilogy Design or the timeless Solitaire design. These are all traditional choices. (Good start to begin gaining inspiration from)

From friends engagement rings to engagement rings you see on instagram…take notes! Then efficiently arriving at store you can enjoy trying on, with no obligation, stunning designs to be inspired by!

Going a little more in depth for a moment, you’ll also need to know (or just have an idea around) these type of questions:

– Which type of claws do I like?
– Shall I have the shank tapered or not tapered?
– Head designs?
– Is it wed fit?

(There are many detailed components that also goes into a design, dont worry too much as more answers and descriptions will be shared when you start to visit the jewellery store)

Fun-ish fact: Approximately 81% of our customers who have loved engagement ring designs, in particular on social media, over the internet or in a store window later realize, after attending our Hatton garden store in London, decide to change their minds from their once beloved design. Why? Not everyone realises that it’s an illusion, the perspective from seeing to trying, can differentiate from one another. It’s important to understand this and keep your mind open to all the possibilities.

It’s the finer details we all care most about.

SHOP LOOK

<h2″>Step 2:

CHOOSING THE DIAMOND CUT

… which shape..

This is one of the 4 C’s that represents the shape of a diamond/coloured stone. So in this step, we are going to focus on the first C, the Cut.

Choosing the diamond cut can be effortless for a lot of people, this can be due to having a favourite shape like the Round Brilliant, Princess Cut, Pear Shape, Oval or the Emerald Cut. Each have their own characteristics, own style and story. Let me tell you a couple of facts that are a great help to know:

1) The Round Brilliant diamond is the sparkliest stone, then after comes the Princess cut. This is because of the amount of facets and an ideal cut that makes the stone reflect the light perfectly back.
2) The Oval Cut diamond/colour stone is commonly used for people with elongated fingers. This is the ideal stone (next the Emerald cut) that gives a good symmetry to the hand it is on.
Having a browse online everywhere in your own time is a great start to discover your favourite preferences because it saves time and the headache when you search answers but, it does not defeat the chance that trying on, can change everything.

SHOP LOOK

Large Round Cut Diamond Looking From The Top

STEP 3:

CHOOSING THE RIGHT METAL

Deciding on the metal we consider the easiest choice in comparison (that is as soon as you hear the comparisons). The metals you would need to consider are Platinum, Palladium, Rosé gold, white gold and yellow gold.

Each have different practicalities & qualities that need to be noted. Typical questions to think about are;

WHICH COLOUR SUITS MY DESIGN AND SKIN? The three colours to go by are White, Yellow and Rose. When in store, get the jeweller working! Try on different metals to evaluate your preferences. (this if you don’t really wear jewellery at all & not have a clue)

WHICH METAL IS STRONGEST TO SECURE A STONE(S) FOR A PRACTICAL PERSON ? Platinum is the most durable becauses of its density.

WHICH METAL IS CONSIDERED THE FAVOURITE? For centuries, gold was the merit of all engagement rings. On the other hand, considering now having platinum to be the most durable, allergy friendly, will never discolor or tarnish (Gold will eventually tarnish due to the alloys in the metall) and also its the purest. Gold is a timeless metal to be used but with practicality, Platinum takes the lead.

CAN I MIX THE METALS? Yes, different metals can be bonded together to make a beautiful balance between all the colours involved. (NOTE: Having a platinum head can make the claws be invisible and make the diamond stand out more. In comparison for example, yellow claws for a white diamond makes the claws very visible but does give it character to the whole piece.)

REMEMBER: Be sure to have your piece hallmarked so it becomes officially the metal the jeweller says it is, its for your own guarantee. Though, pieces of real genuine jewellery across the world doesn’t always have a hallmark to show its legitimacy due governing body regulations. Other icons that (following the image above) are stamped, refer to the metal, purity & where it was Hallmarked.

STEP 4:

CHOOSING THE BAND

I’ll start by writing that the band that goes round your finger is another word for the shank.

This is really a continuation from the first paragraph from step 1. We don’t want to confuse you too much that’s why we intend to separate the information so that you can comprehend in a more fitting approach. The band has many different styles that we would like to be sure you know of, so that we get your creative side activated!

So! Let’s get started and check out each style:

Pavé – There are several similar, yet diverse styles that follow under the Pavé setting:
Channel Set
Grain Set
Claw Set

Then other styles like:

Split
Twist
Tapered

REMEMBER – Twirl, Split and Twist can of course be plain or with diamonds set.

TRY OUR ONLINE RING BUILDER

GO THERE NOW

STEP 5:

CHOOSING THE CENTRE STONE…DIAMOND OR COLOUR STONE?

First things first! The 4 C’s! At the time of your research, if you haven’t already, learn the 4C’s!

By this point you have probably have already chosen your stone, even after realising which cut you love.

But just in case!…Choosing between a Diamond, Gemstone or even a precious colour stone is not always a difficult decision, as everyone has their favourite colour or just know from being a teenager that a diamond is what they wanted as an engagement ring. Same reasons or not, here is a few little points to consider choosing your stone in relation to your design:

A DIAMOND:

-The quality

– Premium price jump?

– Size?

– Is the diamond set too low to be a wed fit design?

A COLOUR STONE:

– Precious stones – Rubies, Green Emeralds and Sapphires

– Semi precious stones – e.g Aquamarines, amethyst

(These questions and information will help open doors to more when your shopping for your engagement ring)

Enquires or corrections. Please don’t hesitate to contact us via email or phone and will be overly happy to help! Thank you so much for reading and we hope you learnt something today. Happy shopping!

– Flawless Fine Jewellery