Factors To Consider When Selecting An Engagement Ring

Are you getting married? Congratulations to you both! When you are in a whirlwind of wedding planning, whether you are going big or keeping it low-key, you still have a number of things to do. One of which, and arguably one of the most exciting tasks at hand, is selecting the perfect engagement ring for you. If you are uncertain of how to go about it, keep reading for helpful advice.

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How to choose the right diamond

When buying a diamond, there are several important factors to consider, often referred to as the "Four Cs": cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. These factors help determine the overall quality and value of a diamond. Additionally, you may also want to consider the diamond's certification, shape, and fluorescence. Here's a breakdown of each factor:

Cut: The cut of a diamond refers to how well it has been shaped and faceted. It's crucial because a well-cut diamond will reflect light beautifully, creating sparkle and brilliance. The cut is graded on a scale from Excellent to Poor.

Colour: Diamonds are graded on a colour scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The less colour a diamond has, the more valuable it is. However, some people prefer warmer tones, so this can be a matter of personal preference.

Clarity: Clarity measures the presence of any internal flaws (inclusions) or external blemishes (blemishes). Clarity grades range from Flawless (no imperfections visible under 10x magnification) to Included (imperfections visible to the naked eye). Higher clarity grades generally mean a more valuable diamond.

Carat Weight: Carat is a measure of a diamond's weight. Larger diamonds are rarer and usually more valuable, but the overall value also depends on the other three Cs.

Certification: It's essential to buy a certified diamond. Certifications confirm the diamond's quality and characteristics.

Shape: Diamonds come in various shapes, such as round, princess, emerald, and more. The shape is a matter of personal preference, and different shapes can affect how light reflects within the stone.

Fluorescence: Some diamonds exhibit fluorescence, a glowing effect when exposed to ultraviolet light. While faint fluorescence usually doesn't affect a diamond's appearance, strong fluorescence can make a diamond look milky or hazy. It's a good idea to view the diamond in various lighting conditions to assess its appearance.

Remember that personal preferences play a significant role in choosing a diamond. It's crucial to find a balance among the Four Cs based on your priorities and budget.

What size gemstone would you like?

You probably already have an idea of the gemstone size you would prefer. If you have friends or family with large diamonds, you may admire their three-carat diamond ring designs and may be considering selecting one for yourself. It is easy to see the allure of the way light catches on the diamond and reflects its beauty back at you.

When choosing your gemstone size, it is important to consider how you will wear it on a daily basis. If you feel comfortable with a larger gemstone and that is what your heart desires, you should go for it! The great thing about choosing a three-carat diamond or other stone is that you are getting exactly what you want instead of waiting 20 years for an upgrade. Why not start your marriage with the ring of your dreams?

What colour metal do you prefer?

After you have decided on the gem size, it is time to move on to the precious metal for the engagement ring band. The first step in this phase of selection is to take a look at what types of jewellery metal you already wear. Do you like to keep your metals in one family, such as gold or platinum? Or is mixing and matching more your style?

There are several popular precious metals used for engagement rings, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some of the most common ones, along with their pros and cons:

Platinum:

Pros:

• Durability: Platinum is a dense and durable metal, making it an excellent choice for everyday wear.
• Purity: Platinum is naturally white and does not tarnish, maintaining its colour over time.
• Hypoallergenic: It is a hypoallergenic metal, making it suitable for individuals with sensitive skin.

Cons:

• Cost: Platinum is generally more expensive than other precious metals.
• Weight: The density of platinum makes it heavier than other metals, which some people may find less comfortable.

White Gold:

Pros:

• Affordability: White gold is often more affordable than platinum.
• Versatility: White gold pairs well with various gemstone colours and styles.

Cons:

• Rhodium Plating: Most white gold is plated with rhodium to enhance its whiteness, but this plating can wear off over time, requiring re-plating.
• Allergies: Some individuals may be allergic to the nickel alloy used in white gold. Look for white gold with palladium or other hypoallergenic alloys if allergies are a concern.

Yellow Gold:

Pros:

• Timeless Appeal: Yellow gold has a classic and timeless look.
• Warmth: The warm colour of yellow gold complements many skin tones.

Cons:

• Prone to Scratching: Yellow gold can show scratches more easily than harder metals like platinum.
• Not as Popular in Modern Styles: Some individuals may prefer more contemporary metals.

Rose Gold:

Pros:

• Unique Aesthetic: Rose gold has a distinctive and romantic appearance.
• Versatility: It complements a variety of gemstone colours.

Cons:

• Copper Allergies: Rose gold contains copper, which may cause allergies in some individuals.
• Limited Availability: While becoming more popular, it may not be as readily available as other gold colours.

Palladium:

Pros:

• Lightweight: Palladium is lighter than platinum, providing a comfortable wear.
• Hypoallergenic: Like platinum, palladium is hypoallergenic.

Cons:

• Less Durable than Platinum: While durable, palladium is not as hard as platinum, so it may show wear over time.
• Limited Design Choices: Palladium is less commonly used than other metals, limiting the variety of available designs.

When choosing a precious metal for an engagement ring, consider factors such as budget, personal style, durability, and any metal allergies. Additionally, be aware that some metals may require maintenance over time to preserve their appearance.

If you are uncertain of what to do, bring in some of your favourite jewellery when you visit the jeweller. Try them on with a few different engagement ring metals that already include a gemstone of your liking and a setting similar to what you have selected. This will help you get a clear visual of what the jewellery will look like when you wear it together. Alternatively, you can play with new metals that will complement your engagement ring when you select a wedding band to go with it.

Some parting advice.

After you have put in your time, money, and effort into making the emotional decision for your engagement ring, you want to keep your beautiful investment in the best condition possible. In order to do that, you need to keep it clean. Your first step should be to ask your jeweller for pro tips on how to care for the ring. Next, watch this helpful video for at-home tips on the best ways to take care of and clean your jewellery. 

By making educated decisions regarding your engagement ring, you will ultimately choose the best one for you. Find the perfect carat size, gemstone, and precious metal to suit the unique person you are. Get ready to stare at your ring finger all day long.