It’s one of the most special moments in a couple’s relationship. Getting engaged is a time for celebration, but making sure it’s the right engagement ring can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Whether you’re a hopeful girlfriend trying to figure out your favourite style of ring, or you’re the guy who’s planning on popping the question, it’s not easy to pick the perfect design!
An engagement ring is one of the biggest purchases a guy will make; except maybe a house or car. Not only is it important to get it right to complete the big moment, but you also want to make sure it’s a style that will suit your fiancé-to-be. Likewise, if you’re finding your own ring to hint to your future husband with, you want to make sure it’s perfect. So, where do you start?
The 4 Cs
These are the well-known qualities of an engagement ring that you should be looking out for when shopping. The 4 Cs are colour, cut, clarity and carat and each one is important.
The colour of a diamond is based off a very precise scale, allowing diamonds to be graded. Of course, the most desired diamond is almost see-through or colourless, but your choice can often depend on your own personal style. The scale runs from D-Z, with D being colourless, as well as the highest grade given. N-R on the scale means the diamond will be a very light yellow, while Z will be given to a diamond with a distinct colour such as green, blue, pink or even red.
The cut refers to the proportions and finish of the diamond. Not to be confused with shape, the cut can affect the way the light catches the diamond. The quality of a stone’s cut is determined by the placement of the facets, the stone’s facet surface and how the stone interacts with light.
Clarity refers to the amount of imperfection in the diamond. Each diamond has individual imperfections, so it depends what level of flawlessness you’re looking for. It’s important to remember that most imperfections will be almost invisible to the naked eye!
The diamond’s carat is decided by the weight of the stone. Many believe that the carat is the most important factor that determines the value, but it’s not the only factor to take into account.
The Shape
The shape of the engagement ring is perhaps one of the most important details to consider when choosing a unique engagement ring. This refers to the actual geometry of the stone, and there are so many to choose from. From the princess cut to the marquise, the shape is probably what you’ll notice first about an engagement ring.
From distinct shapes like a baguette diamond to a more traditional, round brilliant cut, engagement rings do quite literally come in all shapes and sizes.
The Gemstone
The beauty about modern jewellery is that diamonds are no longer your only option for an engagement ring. Coloured gemstones are having a major comeback, such a ruby, sapphire or emerald. Making sure you have the right engagement ring for a truly unique proposal, you have a wealth of options at your fingertips.
Diamonds may be traditional, but a yellow sapphire ring or a cluster of rubies might suit you so much better. A fascinating choice when it comes to engagement rings, you might end up finding something that fits perfectly. As more and more people opt for unusual, creative engagement rings, it may be worth considering! Find one that expresses your individual style while maintaining elegance.