How to Choose the Right Engagement Ring
An Engagement ring is a sign of love and devotion, a symbol of true love and a promise of a bright future together. This article will help you choose the perfect ring for your partner and steer you away from making costly mistakes as you begin your search.
When deciding on a ring, there are several things to consider. The right diamond can sparkle forever with energy and brilliance. And, if you choose a coloured gemstone, your options are endless. But the most important thing of all is that the ring symbolizes your love and commitment to that special person in your life.
Looking for a diamond ring?
One of the most important things to consider is the 4 C's of a diamond: the colour, carat, clarity, and cut. These are the 4 most important factors when buying a diamond engagement ring.
The carat refers to the weight of a diamond. It's measured in carats, with a carat being equal to half a gram. A high-carat diamond does not mean the diamond is high quality.
Diamonds are graded based on their clarity. A diamond's clarity refers to the number of imperfections within the diamond. For example, a diamond with a clarity of VS2 or SI1 is said to be very clear, while a diamond with a clarity of VVS1 is said to be extremely clear.
The colour of the diamond is graded on a scale of D to Z. The higher the colour grade, the greater the diamond's intensity and whiteness. Here at Baker Brothers, we only select diamonds between D and H colour grades to ensure we offer the best colour of diamond to our customers.
The cut of a diamond is just that, how the diamond is cut. The cut is the most important factor when releasing the beauty of your diamond. In fact, 80% of a diamond's performance is in the cut. An expertly cut diamond of perfect proportion, symmetry and polish interacts with the light and creates an incredible sparkle that can catch your eye across a room. A diamond's cut is determined by a diamond cutter who has years of experience and knows how to select and cut a diamond to maximize its brilliance.
Take note of your partner's style
There's a ring to match every personality type, so pay attention to your partner's style and what they like. Consider their lifestyle and what they do for a living. Do they work with their hands? Then you may want to go with a platinum band because this is the hardest metal used in jewellery design and won't damage, or wear as much. Platinum is also a natural white colour, unlike white gold which needs to be re-rhodium plated every 1-2 years. Are they more of an executive type? gold or silver might be a better choice as these are softer metals.
Do you know your budget?
Deciding on your budget is a great place to start your search; it allows you to narrow your search and eliminate rings that cost too much. The price of the diamond or gemstone is just one factor in determining the overall cost. Several other factors can affect your budget, such as the metal of the ring. You may want to consider our interest-free finance options if you don't have enough money saved at this stage.
Gemstones and settings.. so much choice!
The traditional solitaire diamond ring isn't the only option. If they like rubies, sapphires or even emeralds, choose that!
Solitaire rings are a timeless classic, but we have other styles available such as; halo, cluster, and three-stone rings. Each has its own unique personality which suits different people.
For example, a Halo ring often features a smaller centre stone; encircled with micro-pavé diamonds in a halo setting. This is a frame for the gemstone and gives the illusion of having a bigger ring without the hefty price tag.
If you're really stuck on what type of ring to choose, ask one of our specialists for help, we are here to help guide you in making a decision based on your budget and lifestyle.
Explore a world of colour
If your partner loves vibrant coloured gemstones, then introducing some coloured gems into your search will give you more choice.
Choose a gemstone that matches their favourite colour, personality or birthstone. This will make your proposal extra special; and shows you've really given it some thought.
Your partner will love any ring that represents your commitment to them, but doing some research can ensure that you get something they will cherish forever.
There are so many amazing and unique engagement rings to choose from, and it can make looking for the perfect ring a stressful experience. We want to help make the process a little easier by pointing out a few key things to keep in mind when you begin your search.
Contact us anytime if you feel you need some more help by calling us on 01234 630821 to speak to a member of the team or contact us online by clicking here. You can also talk to us directly on the website by using our live chat option. Thank you for reading, and good luck!