Engagement ring shopping is often very exciting, but can also be a nerve-racking time. We have put together a list of steps to consider when purchasing an engagement ring as a couple or in preparation to propose.

Knowing the 4 c’s
The 4 c’s are used to determine the quality of a diamond. The quality is determined by the Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat.

Cut – The cut of a diamond determines its brilliance and refers to how it is proportioned and finished. The more precisely a diamond has been cut, the more it sparkles under the light.

Colour – A diamond’s colour grade refers to the lack of colour. Diamonds that display little to no colour are considered to be of a higher quality.

Clarity – Clarity refers to any tiny impurities or blemishes that are in the diamond.

Carat – Carat refers to the weight of a diamond. The carat weight is often the factor that is dependent on your individual budget.

Have your timing right
For many brides and grooms, a wedding and engagement ring is often the only jewellery that you will wear every day for the rest of your life. It is worth taking some time to arrive at the right fit for you. For those who know exactly what style of ring they would like, the process can be quite short. For those who have less of a direction or for those who are looking for a custom build or refurbishment, turn around times can be longer. Keep these timelines in mind for when you plan on proposing.

Consider your budget
We recommend having an idea of what you are willing to spend from the start. This will allow us to guide you in finding or creating the perfect ring for you, which also fits within your budget. Heading into a jeweller where there are various options of sparkling rings, diamonds and gems can be exciting but also overwhelming.

Choose your Metal
When choosing the metal for your ring, we recommend that you decide on the colour first. Most individuals will have a preference for white, yellow or rose metal. For those who have a preference for white metal, then the choice is between the two main options of platinum and white gold. Once you have decided on the metal, you will need to choose the style you like and the cut of your diamond or gem.

Cuts of Gems and Diamonds
It is a good idea to have an idea of which shape of diamond or gem you would like, as this can affect the overall design greatly. If you are unsure of which direction to take, we are able to discuss the various options with you here in store to find the perfect fit.