Yes, most men stress about choosing the right engagement ring for their partner. But do you really have to? With the right knowledge, finding the perfect diamond engagement ring can be a really enjoyable experience.Â
Now you’d ask where should you start? Well, to make it easier for you, we’ve put together a few important things to consider on how to buy a diamond or design an engagement ring that is sure to get that ‘Yes!’
First things first…
Why choose a diamond for an engagement ring?
Diamonds have always been appreciated for their beauty and rarity. They are the hardest known gemstone that can withstand everyday wear and tear. Diamonds symbolise love and commitment in a relationship.Â
The history of proposing with a diamond ring goes back to when the Austrian Archduke Maximilian proposed to his wife Mary with a diamond ring. Today, diamonds have become the epitome of romance because of their uniqueness, inimitable composition, and investment value.
So, if you are planning to propose and looking to buy a diamond engagement ring, here is what you should be looking for.
What kind of diamond should you buy for a ring?
It’s the first question that pops into your mind the moment you consider making a commitment, followed closely by how much a diamond for an engagement ring costs.
The simple answer is that you and only you can decide which stone best represents your relationship and how much you would be willing to pay for it. So rather than rely on others, it’s best to go diamond shopping yourself.
Before you embark on a diamond-buying journey, here’s what you need to consider.
Knowing the important 'C' out of the 4'C's of diamonds
While emotions and sentiments are important, buying a diamond is still a huge investment. You might have heard about the 4Cs of a diamond, but do you know which one is the most important ‘C’?Â
Hear it from our expert gemmologist Ila Marquis
- Cut refers to the proportions and symmetry of a diamond. It determines the brilliance or sparkle of the diamond. The Round Brilliant cut is considered the best, as it has the highest brilliance (it is even in the name). But it is the most expensive as getting the exact proportions of the 57 facets aligned correct mean there is more wasted diamond rough. If you are looking for a diamond that has more bang for your buck, you can always go with other cuts and shapes like princess, cushion, pear, or oval as these cuts are less expensive per carat.
- Colour of a diamond is graded on a scale from D to Z. For white diamonds the term for the highest colour grade is actually named ‘colourless’. Diamonds listed as D colour to G colour on the scale fall in this range. Diamonds that are listed from H colour and lower colour grades on the scale will start to look yellow/brown in tone. As you look at M colour and down, it will be quite noticeable. The colour, or lack thereof, partly determines its price. In other words, the less colour a diamond has, the more precious it is.
- Clarity or the number of inclusions in the diamond is the third factor that impacts its price. Almost every diamond has an inclusion of some type, like twinning wisps which are formed as the diamond grows and are not seen by the naked eye. It is extremely rare to see a flawless diamond. These are, therefore, the most valuable.Â
- Carat is the unit of weight for diamonds and directly impacts the price of diamonds. When it comes to engagement rings, the total carat weight of the diamonds on the ring will determine its price, along with the metal and cost of workmanship.
On a pragmatic level, when you shop for diamonds, keeping the 4Cs of diamonds in mind will help you pick the right one.
How to choose an engagement ring for your partner?
Don’t forget that you are selecting a diamond for the love of your life. You want to identify the perfect stone for your significant other that conveys your love and commitment in a way that words cannot. Going diamond shopping together can make the experience an enjoyable and memorable one.Â
Read our elaborate engagement ring guide before you go ring shoppingÂ
Here are some quick pointers to remember:
1. Get Personal when viewing a diamond
When it comes to selecting a diamond for an engagement ring, nothing can compare to seeing the stones in person and holding them in your hand.Â
- Visit a few jewellers and check out a few options before deciding on a trusted jeweller.Â
- Check out a selection of diamonds before you pick on the perfect one. When you look at diamonds, examine them using a loupe and admire them with the naked eye. This will give you a better understanding for what you want and help you make the right choice.
2. The diamond shape reflects your relationship
Picking a diamond shape can be a reflection of your relationship. Every couple shares a unique chemistry, and the diamond you choose can symbolise the love you share.Â
- A round brilliant cut solitaire diamond ring is a perfect choice if you are looking for something timeless and classic.Â
- A three-stone ring symbolises the past, present and the future of your relationship. You can go for a bigger centre stone and smaller side stones in a 3-stone engagement ring for a dramatic look.Â
- An oval cut diamond is the most popular choice for engagement rings by millennials. It is modern as well as classic, and looks absolutely gorgeous in all metal colours.Â
The shape of the diamond is a very personal choice and completely depends on your liking and preference.Â
3. A 1-carat solitaire is not a benchmark for engagement rings
Everyone seems obsessed with the 1-carat diamond for an engagement ring, and rightly so. It is indeed a carat weight to swoon over. But do you know there are other factors that make a 0.75ct or even a half carat diamond equally rare and expensive?Â
For example, the Asscher cut diamond is the most rare of the diamond cuts. So finding a half carat Asscher cut with D colour and VS clarity is more elusive and exclusive than a 1 carat round brilliant cut.
Quality over quantity is also a factor. A 1 carat diamond cut poorly with a mediocre colour and clarity will look dull and dirty. So a smaller diamond with excellent cut, proportions and colour/clarity grades will display better scintillation and sparkle.
Other practical tips to consider when buying a diamond
Diamonds are expensive, and it is natural to wonder whether it is worth investing a huge amount. So here are a few other tips for choosing your diamond engagement ring.
Future Investment: Diamond value skyrockets with time
Apart from wowing your bride-to-be, diamonds also serve as a great investment that will grow in value because diamond aren’t susceptible to volatile stock prices like property or currency during economic instability.Â
Furthermore, given that diamonds are rare, the price of a diamond is always going to increase. Diamonds, therefore, are a smart financial decision.
Diamond Certification & Insurance: keeps you secure
Diamond certification is a system of evaluation and grading of diamonds. The certification system is primarily based on the 4Cs described above. When choosing a diamond for your engagement, therefore, it is advisable to get a certified piece so that you are sure about its authenticity and value.
Insurance Tip: Check out your home and contents PDS to ensure you are covered for engagement ring. Always read the fine print to check to see what you are (and aren’t) covered for before you collect your ring. There are many different insurance companies that solely cover jewellery, like Q-Report, click here to get a quick quote or check out https://www.canstar.com.au/home-insurance/jewellery-insurance/ blog for more details on jewellery insurance.
Selecting a diamond is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Choose wisely and carefully, and if you still need guidance, speak to our friendly team for advice.
