Engagement Ring Buying Guide

If you are thinking of proposing, then it’s important that you choose the right engagement ring. It is one of the most important moments in a couple’s relationship, so it is vital that you choose a style of ring that you know she is going to love. But choosing the right design can be tricky if you’re not an expert in the field of jewellery. There are many elements to consider, including stone style, the four c’s, band metal and cuts, but here at Miltons Diamonds, we know a thing or two about jewellery and have all the info you need to find the perfect engagement ring for your other half.

Stone Styles

Solitaire – Features one single centred diamond

Trilogy – Includes three separate stones

Cluster – Features a number of smaller diamonds

Halo – Includes a centre stone surrounded by smaller diamonds

The 4 C’s

Colour – Most diamonds are colourless, but some may be slightly discoloured depending on how cheap the ring is. You can also choose stones with added colour if you are looking for a more vibrant design.

Clarity – Some diamonds may not be completely free from inclusions. A high clarity ring will have virtually no imperfections, whereas a stone with less clarity may have what is known as ‘nature’s birthmarks’.

Carat – The carat is the weight of the diamonds within the ring. If the stone is heavy or there is more than one stone featured, the carat will be larger.

Cut – The cut describes the shape of the stone. Diamonds can be cut into a number of different shapes, including round, princess, cushion, marquise, heart, emerald, oval and pear.

Cuts

Round – Round shape

Princess – Square

Cushion – Rounded square or rectangle

Marquise – Elongated body with pointed tips

Heart – Heart shaped

Emerald – Rectangle

Oval – Oval shape

Pear – Pear shape

Settings

The setting is the part of the ring that connects the diamond to the band.

Prong – Looks like a claw that grasps the stone and showcases the whole diamond

Halo – Centre stone is secured underneath with a prong and surrounded by smaller diamonds

Bezel – Metal is formed around the stone to keep it secured to the band

Invisible – Small stones are placed side by side creating an all diamond band with a bigger stone centred in the middle

Bands

There are a number of precious metals you can choose from when searching for an engagement ring, including Silver, Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold and Platinum.

Now you know what to look for when it comes to shopping for an engagement ring, why not take a look at our collection of second hand engagement rings available at Miltons Diamonds.