Choosing an engagement ring can be one of the most amazing occasions leading up to marriage but it can also be an incredibly overwhelming experience.  With a wide selection of rings to choose from, gemstones to decide on and precious metals to consider, it is easy to be unsure of how to definitive decision especially as this is the most symbolic item in your relationship. Here we try to take you through some tips with our guide to buying a diamond engagement ring.

Remember, before any shopping expedition – find out what your partner likes before you even scour the shelves!  After all you may be paying a small fortune for a ring which may never be worn!

Cut: The cut of any diamond is the one characteristic which can diminish not just the overall finish but the value of the ring.  A poor cut will affect the overall ‘sparkle’. Explore the shape of a diamond and always look at a selection of different cuts, it may influence your overall decision.

Colour: Incredibly, the most valuable diamonds are ones with very strong and distinctive white (colourless) colour, usually referred to as ‘fancies’.  Jewellers grade these type of diamonds as ‘D’ and the scale moves up to ‘Z’.  Always do your research when buying from reputable jewellers and look out for any substitutes diamonds such as cubic zirconia and white sapphire.

Clarity: The clarity of a diamond refers to the inclusions (marks) in the diamond which look like tiny bubbles or small clouds.  The closer they are to the surface, the larger the risk that the diamond will fracture.  However, as long as the stone is graded SI1 (Slightly Included 1) or IF (Internally Flawless) then you are on the right track!

Carat: The weight and size of a diamond is measured by its’ carat. A carat is equal to 0.2gm, or 200mgm. A carat is divided into 100 smaller units called points. For example, three-quarters of a carat is 75 points. The average size of most engagement-ring diamonds is between half and one carat.

If you are still in doubt, make a list of questions and interrogate your jewellers – they will always be happy to talk you through the four C’s!

Did you know:

The first recorded account of a diamond engagement ring was in 1477 when King Maximilian I of Germany (1459-1519) proposed to Mary of Burgundy (1457-1482) and offered her a diamond to seal his vow!