FREE DELIVERY (Excl. Sale Items)

DIAMOND SPECIALISTS

0% APR FINANCE* (T&Cs apply)

How To Buy An Engagement Ring

The Baker Brothers Engagement Ring Buying Guide

Congratulations!

Buying an engagement ring may be a little daunting as nobody does it every day! This is a once in a life time event and undoubtedly you want to get it right. Many questions will be buzzing around your head from, how much to spend? What style will she like? Will it even fit? Where do I start looking?

Put all your worries aside and start here with the Baker Brothers Engagement Ring Buying Guide so you can propose with confidence.

What does she like and what is her finger size?

First and foremost is often the worry of “I don’t know her finger size”. The safest an easiest way around this is to buy in an average finger size. The average finger size in the UK tends to be around M or N. If you think your fiancé will vary from this dramatically it’s well worth mentioning it.

A good jeweller will make their rings up in this average finger size meaning in the vast majority of cases it will fit or at least be very close. A simple sizing can often adjust perfectly for the wearer. Bearing in mind there are more than 52 finger sizes that’s a lot to choose from! Indeed most lady’s will not have worn a ring on that finger before and won’t even know the size themselves. So it’s reassuring to know you needn’t fret over which of the 52 sizes to pick, simply let her pick when the time comes!

If style is your number one worry, don’t fear. Style is a tricky thing to get right for anyone buying for another person. When it comes to engagement ring style the biggest thing to consider is that this is a ring to be worn for decades. For this reason it is often best to steer clear of something too fashionable. The best styles are classic and timeless. A little twist on a classic is a great way to add a personal touch.

Classic styles will allow for a wide selection of wedding bands to fit along side.

How much do I spend?

How much to spend has varied historically from 1 months to 3 month’s salary. Ultimately though you want to achieve that balance between what you feel comfortable spending and ensuring you are spending well. Nobody wants to find that they are tied to expensive upkeep, maintenance or repairs on a piece of special jewellery like this.

The adage that seems fitting in this circumstance is “Buy once, Buy well.” Do your research around your ideal budget but don’t forget to ask questions still once you reach the ring of choice. It could be that going for an alternative metal type to what you had expected could save you money in the long term for example.

Many jewellers can also be flexible on the size of diamond and qualities to accommodate your ideal budget. Ensure any jeweller able to do this can clearly and knowledgably explain the differences in this scenario. Some jewellers will sell a diamond they are buying from a list and have never seen. Wherever possible it is better to see the diamond in question and know the quality for certain.
 

Diamond Ring

The 4 C’s

The “4 Cs” term can be thrown out there and almost as quickly moved on from. The qualities of a diamond very much need to be in harmony with each other. It is a fine balancing act between each area. One quality too low and it can literally take away from the life and sparkle of a stone.

Buying from somewhere with a firm understanding of this and a vast wealth of knowledge is what will ensure your diamond sparkles. Every diamond has a grading for its colour (how white it is) and its clarity (degree of visible inclusions). These two areas alone have a huge impact on the performance of a diamond.

Grading of H colour and above will show off the diamond’s natural whiteness while a Clarity grading of Vs and higher with occasionally Si stones showing of their lack of blemishes.

Carat weight is often a quality of a diamond we all know of before this journey even starts. Put simply, it is a measurement of the volume of diamond there. The larger the carat weight the rarer the diamond becomes.

However, this is where it becomes important to strive for that balance. Putting your entire budget into the size of diamond can mean the clarity can become poorer for example. This will ultimately not play in the diamonds favour. It will not perform how you expect if the light can’t bounce out of your large diamond.

Lastly and very importantly an area many jewellers will skirt around (or avoid completely!) is the Cut quality. This does not simply refer to the round or square shape look. It actually refers to the combination of cutting symmetry and polish. The cut quality astoundingly has an effect of up to 50% on the value of a diamond making it vital to discuss in knowing how to spend your budgeted amount.

Buying with confidence

Confidence is often referred to as a “Fifth C”. You should feel happy that you are buying from a reputable and reliable jeweller. Should you want to have it sized or even simply checked and cleaned, you want to know they are going to be there to help.

Baker Brothers Diamonds, your local reputable jeweller will guide you through all these details and any concerns until you are happy and confident on the right choice.


Good Luck!

21 St. Peters Street, Bedford MK40 2PN

Tel: 01234 352 343

Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 5.15pm

Payment Options include V12 finance, PayPal, Mastercard, Maestro, Visa, Visa Debit and Klarna
Rolex
My Account
Christmas - Christmas Home
Christmas - Watch Brands
Christmas - Watches by Gender
Christmas - Jewellery Type - Accessories
Christmas - Jewellery Type - Bracelets & Bangles
Christmas - Jewellery Type - Earrings
Christmas - Jewellery Type - Gents Jewellery
Christmas - Jewellery Type - Necklaces
Christmas - Jewellery Type - Rings
Christmas - Jewellery Type - Birthstones
Christmas - Jewellery Type - Jewellery Cleaning
Christmas - Jewellery Type - All Jewellery
Christmas - Jewellery Brands - Clogau
Christmas - Jewellery Brands - FOPE
Christmas - Jewellery Brands - Georg Jensen
Christmas - Jewellery Brands - Gucci Fine Jewellery
Christmas - Jewellery Brands - Gucci Silver Jewellery
Christmas - Jewellery Brands - Marco Bicego
Christmas - Jewellery Brands - Montblanc
Christmas - Jewellery Brands - Rachel Galley
Christmas - Jewellery Brands - Shaun Leane
Christmas - Jewellery Brands - Yoko London
Christmas - Watch Brands - TUDOR
Christmas - Watch Brands - Longines
Christmas - Watch Brands - TAG Heuer
Christmas - Watch Brands - Gucci Watches
Christmas - Watch Brands - Tissot
Christmas - Watches by Gender - Gents Watches
Christmas - Watches by Gender - Ladies Watches
Christmas - Watches by Gender - All Watches
Christmas - Accessories - Cufflinks
Christmas - Accessories - Homeware
Christmas - Accessories - Jewellery Storage
Christmas - Accessories - Watch Storage
Christmas - Accessories - Writing Instruments
Christmas - Accessories - All Gifts & Accessories
Christmas - Gifts By Price - Gifts Under £100
Christmas - Gifts By Price - Gifts Under £250
Christmas - Gifts By Price - Gifts Under £500
Christmas - Gifts By Price - All Gifts & Accessories
Jewellery - Explore Our Range
Jewellery - Specialities
Jewellery - By Type - Accessories
Jewellery - By Type - Bracelets & Bangles
Jewellery - By Type - Earrings
Jewellery - By Type - Gents Jewellery
Jewellery - By Type - Necklaces
Jewellery - By Type - Rings
Jewellery - By Type - Couples' Rings
Jewellery - By Type - Birthstones
Jewellery - By Type - All Jewellery
Jewellery - Brand - Clogau
Jewellery - Brand - FOPE
Jewellery - Brand - Georg Jensen
Jewellery - Brand - Gucci Jewellery
Jewellery - Brand - Marco Bicego
Jewellery - Brand - Montblanc
Jewellery - Brand - Rachel Galley
Jewellery - Brand - Shaun Leane
Jewellery - Brand - YOKO London
Jewellery - Gemstone - Diamond
Jewellery - Gemstone - Lab Grown Diamond
Jewellery - Gemstone - Coloured Gems
Jewellery - Gemstone - Emerald
Jewellery - Gemstone - Pearl
Jewellery - Gemstone - Ruby
Jewellery - Gemstone - Sapphire
Jewellery - Metal - Platinum
Jewellery - Metal - White Gold
Jewellery - Metal - Yellow Gold
Jewellery - Metal - Rose Gold
Jewellery - Metal - Silver
Jewellery - Metal - Mixed
Jewellery - Shop By Price - Under £100
Jewellery - Shop By Price - £100 - £499
Jewellery - Shop By Price - £500 - £999
Jewellery - Shop By Price - £1000 - £2499
Jewellery - Shop By Price - £2500 - £5000
Jewellery - Specialities - Princess Margaret
Engagement - Explore Our Range
Engagement - Style - Solitaire
Engagement - Style - Halo
Engagement - Style - Trilogy
Engagement - Style - Cluster
Engagement - Style - Lab Grown
Engagement - Style - All Engagement Rings
Engagement - Material - Platinum
Engagement - Material - White Gold
Engagement - Material - Yellow Gold
Engagement - Material - Rose Gold
Engagement - Engagement Rings By Price - Under £1500
Engagement - Engagement Rings By Price - £1500 - £2999
Engagement - Engagement Rings By Price - £3000 - £4999
Engagement - Engagement Rings By Price - £5000 +
Engagement - Engagement Rings By Price - All Engagement Rings
Engagement - Our Diamond Guide - The 4Cs
Engagement - Our Diamond Guide - Diamond Shapes
Engagement - Our Diamond Guide - Diamond Ring Styles
Engagement - Our Diamond Guide - Natural Diamonds
Engagement - Our Diamond Guide - Ring Size Guide
Engagement - Our Diamond Guide - Lab Grown Diamond Guide
Wedding - Explore Our Range
Wedding - Ring Material - White Gold
Wedding - Ring Material - Yellow Gold
Wedding - Ring Material - Rose Gold
Wedding - Ring Material - Platinum
Wedding - Ring Material - Palladium
Wedding - Ring Material - Mixed Metal
Wedding - Ring Material - All Wedding Rings
Wedding - Wedding Rings By Price - Under £1500
Wedding - Wedding Rings By Price - £1500 - £2999
Wedding - Wedding Rings By Price - Over £3000
Wedding - Wedding Rings By Price - All Wedding Rings
Wedding - For The Bride - Ladies Wedding Rings
Wedding - For The Bride - Bracelets & Bangles
Wedding - For The Bride - Earrings
Wedding - For The Bride - Necklaces
Wedding - For The Bride - Jewellery Storage
Wedding - For The Bride - Watches
Wedding - For The Groom - Gents Wedding Rings
Wedding - For The Groom - Gents Jewellery
Wedding - For The Groom - Cufflinks
Wedding - For The Groom - Watches
Wedding - Our Diamond Guide - The 4Cs
Wedding - Our Diamond Guide - Diamond Shapes
Wedding - Our Diamond Guide - Diamond Ring Styles
Wedding - Our Diamond Guide - Natural Diamonds
Wedding - Our Diamond Guide - Ring Size Guide
Wedding - Our Diamond Guide - Lab Grown Diamond Guide
Watches - Explore Our Range
Watches - Category
Watches - Brand - Rolex
Watches - Brand - TUDOR
Watches - Brand - Longines
Watches - Brand - TAG Heuer
Watches - Brand - Tissot
Watches - Brand - Gucci Watches
Watches - Category - Promotional
Watches - Category - Accessories
Watches - Gender - Gents Watches
Watches - Gender - Ladies Watches
Watches - Gender - All Watches
Watches - Watches By Price - Under £1000
Watches - Watches By Price - £1000 - £2999
Watches - Watches By Price - Over £3000
Watches - Watches By Price - All Watches
Gifts & Accessories - Explore Our Range
Gifts & Accessories - Type - Accessories
Gifts & Accessories - Type - Cleaning Products
Gifts & Accessories - Type - Cufflinks
Gifts & Accessories - Type - Homeware
Gifts & Accessories - Type - Jewellery Storage
Gifts & Accessories - Type - Watch Storage
Gifts & Accessories - Type - Writing Instruments
Gifts & Accessories - Brand - Deakin & Francis
Gifts & Accessories - Brand - Georg Jensen
Gifts & Accessories - Brand - Montblanc
Gifts & Accessories - Brand - Rapport
Gifts & Accessories - Brand - WOLF
Gifts & Accessories - Shop By Price - Gifts Under £100
Gifts & Accessories - Shop By Price - Gifts Under £250
Gifts & Accessories - Shop By Price - Gifts Under £500
Gifts & Accessories - Shop By Price - All Gifts & Accessories
Brands - Explore Our Range
Brands - Watch Brands
Brands - Jewellery Brands - Clogau
Brands - Jewellery Brands - FOPE
Brands - Jewellery Brands - Georg Jensen
Brands - Jewellery Brands - Gucci
Brands - Jewellery Brands - Marco Bicego
Brands - Jewellery Brands - Rachel Galley
Brands - Jewellery Brands - Shaun Leane
Brands - Jewellery Brands - YOKO London
Brands - Watch Brands - Rolex
Brands - Watch Brands - Gucci
Brands - Watch Brands - Longines
Brands - Watch Brands - TAG Heuer
Brands - Watch Brands - Tissot
Brands - Watch Brands - TUDOR
Brands - Gift Brands - Deakin & Francis
Brands - Gift Brands - Georg Jensen
Brands - Gift Brands - Montblanc
Brands - Gift Brands - Rapport London
Brands - Gift Brands - WOLF
Special Offers - Explore Our Range
Special Offers - Special Offer Watches
Special Offers - Special Offer Jewellery
Special Offers - Special Offer Watches - Ladies Watches
Special Offers - Special Offer Watches - Gents Watches
Special Offers - Special Offer Watches - All Watches
Special Offers - Special Offer Jewellery - Rings
Special Offers - Special Offer Jewellery - Necklaces
Special Offers - Special Offer Jewellery - Earrings
Special Offers - Special Offer Jewellery - Bracelets & Bangles
Special Offers - Special Offer Jewellery - All Jewellery
Services - Jewellery Re-Purposing
Services - Services - Custom Jewellery Design
Services - Services - Watch & Jewellery Cleaning
Services - Services - Jewellery Repairs
Services - Services - Watch Servicing
Services - Services - Valuations
Services - Services - Insurance
Services - Services - Interest Free Finance
Services - Guides - Our Blog
Services - Guides - Baker Brothers 4Cs
Services - Guides - Natural Diamond Guide
Services - Guides - Lab Grown Diamond Guide
Services - Guides - UK Hallmarking Guide
Services - Guides - FAQ's
Services - About Us - The Baker Brothers Story
Services - About Us - Meet Our Team
Services - About Us - Blog
Services - About Us - Community Fund
My Account - Login
My Account - Cart
My Account - Wishlist
Get In Touch - Contact Us
Get In Touch - Virtual Appointments
How Can We Help?
LiveChat