How to Buy an Engagement Ring

Congratulations! You've reached that all-important time of your life where you're ready to get down on one knee and ask the love of your life for their hand in marriage. There is no gift more meaningful than an engagement ring, your significant other will wear this piece of jewellery for the rest of her life, so it is important to pick the most perfect ring that your fiancée will treasure forever. 

Buying an engagement ring can be a daunting process, with many factors to consider - from the style of the diamond to the metal, here at Diamond Heaven we have put together our top tips to ensure you get the most special ring for your money. 

Discuss Marriage before Proposing 

At Diamond Heaven, there's nothing we love more than love, but that being said, getting married is a massive commitment and should be taken seriously. Before proposing, make sure you and your partner have discussed what you want from life - this includes kids, money and careers. Marriage is more than just wearing a wedding band - it is about compromise. You should also discuss what type of proposal your boyfriend/girlfriend wants. Your partner may be an extrovert who hates the idea of a public proposal - just remember that not everyone dreams of that bold romantic gesture. 

Decide how much to spend 

Diamond engagement rings can cost hundreds, thousands and in some cases hundreds of thousands of pounds - so setting a maximum budget will help you and your jeweller find suitable options you can afford. Many people still spend one month's salary on an engagement ring, however, there are rules when it comes to how much you should spend on an engagement ring. It is best to set a budget that works for you - there's no need to follow an outdated myth. Whether you choose to go for a more expensive 18-carat platinum solitaire engagement ring on finance, or a smaller trilogy ring that you pay for upfront, the choice is entirely yours.

Find out what style they want 

Everyone wants to surprise their bride-to-be with the engagement ring of her dreams. To make her face light up with excitement you should do a little detective work - paying attention to the kind of jewellery she currently wears and doing a bit of window shopping is a great way to do this. Does she like classic, modern or vintage styles? What colour does she wear most, white metals or yellow gold? Does she like delicate jewellery or chunky? Have these styles in mind when you set out to shop and pick something similar. 

Find out their Ring size 

Getting the wrong ring size isn't the end of the world, but it does make things difficult. If you've got a multi-stone engagement ring that's too big, resizing with a lot of jewels on the band can be challenging, and vice versa for rings that are too small. If the ring turns out to be the wrong size, you need to remember that all isn't lost. You will just have to pay a little more money to get the ring properly fitted.

If you need to find out your partner's ring size, the best way to do this is by finding a ring they aren't wearing and taking it to a jeweller to be measured. If your partner isn't going to be choosing their own diamond engagement ring, and you want to maintain the surprise, then take this route!

Learn the basics of the Four c's 

Do your homework! Before stepping foot into a jewellery store do your research and learn about the basics of the four C's. This will help you determine whether a diamond is of high quality before you begin shopping. Each factor impacts the appearance and value of the diamond, which is why it is very important to understand them before picking the engagement ring that will be perfect for your soon to be fiancée. 

Cut 

The cut does not refer to the diamond's shape; but the proportions, symmetry, measurements and facets placement. The higher quality the cut, the more likely your diamond will glisten and create that beautiful trademark sparkle. 

Colour

The colour of the diamond refers to the presence of yellow/brown hues in the stone. The presence of this colour is evaluated using a grading system, measured from D (colourless) to Z (light colour). The closer the diamond is to Z, the lower the value of the diamond. Fancy coloured diamonds are not measured on the same grading system. 

Clarity

Clarity looks at the number of imperfections, also referred to as inclusions in the diamond. These are usually only seen under a microscope. Flawless diamonds are the most valuable but are extremely rare. 

Carat 

Carat refers to the weight of the diamond. All other factors equal, the larger the carat the more valuable the diamond. The carat of your diamond engagement ring should be down to personal choice, depending on how large you would like the diamond to be. 

Research Retailers 

You may be overwhelmed with the number of jewellery retailers out there. You should never simply pick the first one you come across, do your research into them - do they provide warranties? Have an easy return policy? Offer certification for the diamonds? Have a good reputation? If you require financing, look for retailers that offer these benefits. 

Buying from a trusted retailer will give you peace of mind knowing that you will get expert advice and excellent customer service. Now focus on purchasing the perfect ring for your loved one and planning your special proposal. 

If you require any help in picking the most beautiful engagement ring for you bride-to-be, contact our experts on 0121 200 1300 or book an appointment at your nearest branch.