It is important to remember that this is a very special purchase, after all your engagement ring is something you will wear ever day for the rest of your life! And it could possibly even become a legacy you will pass on to your children and grandchildren. At the very least, it certainly is one of the most important pieces of jewellery you will ever own.
How much will I have to spend?
An Engagement Ring is often the first major purchase a couple makes together. And when it comes to deciding how much to spend, well, it really is up to each individual couple. De Beers, the famous diamond merchant, offers a good guide by recommending an investment of around two months salary.
Which is the better gold, 9ct or 18ct?
Both are good. 18ct has more gold in it and is more yellow. 9ct has half the amount of gold as 18ct so it is less yellow and can tend to oxidise.
Which gold wears better, 9ct or 18ct?
Both wear well. It is not recommended to have 18ct next to the 9ct as the harder alloy (9ct) will wear the 18ct away over time. 18ct next to 18ct wears just as long as 9ct next to 9ct.
Instead of diamonds what other stones can be used?
We have designed many magnificent engagement rings using a wide variety of gem stones in a wide variety of colours. One popular stone is the delightful pink sapphire. Smaller diamonds are often used to compliment the centre gem stone. We do recommend, the use of harder wearing stones for engagement rings due to their high usage. The harder stones include sapphires and rubies. It is really up to the individual.
Do large diamonds break easier than smaller ones?
No. Diamonds are all the same hardness (10 on the Moh’s scale). Poor cutting or large inclusions could increase the chances of breaking the diamond, but diamonds are usually very difficult to damage.
Will the style go out of fashion?
Styles do change over time, and sometimes so does your personal taste. Your diamonds and precious stones will however be as good as when you first purchase them and will remodel beautifully into a new design in the future if you feel you would like something different.
What size stones do you get for your money?
It all comes down to the four C’s: that’s how diamonds are graded:
Colour
With white diamonds – the less colour, the brighter and more expensive the diamond. The colour range is D to Z with D being the whitest and highest grade. With coloured diamonds the more intense the colour, the more expensive the diamond.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the amount of inclusions. Inclusions are tiny carbon particles. The less inclusions, the more brilliant and expensive the diamond.
Carat
A carat is a weight used to measure stones. This represents the size of your diamond.
Cut
Cut refers to the shape and proportions of the diamond.Shapes include brilliant (round), oval, pear (tear-shaped), heart, princess (square), marquise and emerald cuts.
The proportions of the diamond, it’s cut, will effect it’s brilliance. It’s important to only use diamonds that are cut so the light is reflected through the top giving the diamond its sparkle. This means that regardless of the setting your diamond will be magnificent.
In a diamond that is cut too deep, the light will reflect through the sides. In a diamond that is cut too shallow often seen in old-cut diamonds, the light will reflect through the bottom.
What types of gold and metals are available?
22 carat yellow gold, 18 carat yellow, rose and white gold, 14 carat yellow gold, 9 carat yellow, rose and white gold, platinum, titanium. Any of the above metals can be combined to create your unique design.
What is my finger size and is it the same summer and winter?
Any jewellery store will be able to measure this for you. Some people’s size will vary in hot weather, while pregnant or swimming in cool water. When measuring the finger size, it is important to take into account the width of the band.
What type of setting is best for me; channel, rub-over, claw etc.?
This really depends on your taste and lifestyle. All are secure and attractive if well made. Some ladies with active lifestyles or certain occupations prefer the flatter settings i.e. rub-over, as they can’t scratch or catch.
What will the thickness and the height of the band be?
This will depend on the stone size and the setting style. It is important that your band is made in proportion to your finger size. Your individual taste is also very important à do you like bold, chunky, contemporary or classic, fine, flowing designs.
What type of band: flat? round? bevel?
This will depend on the style chosen, (classic, modern, contemporary) and what will suit your hand.
How will the wedding band and eternity ring fit around the engagement ring?
When made properly, it will be a tight fit and shouldn’t move. This will minimise wear. It is essential to have a wedding and eternity rings that compliments your engagement ring. They need to bring out the features that you originally choose the engagement ring for. It should compliment not overpower.
Does claw setting let more light into the stone?
All depends on the type of stone. Well-cut diamonds will reflect the same amount of light regardless of the setting.
What colour gold suits me?
Some golds do look better on certain skin tones:
- Olive skin: yellow or white gold
- Fair skin: white gold or white gold with yellow gold highlights
- Red Heads: rose or white gold.
What shape of stone suits me: brilliant (round), princess (square), marquise, emerald cut?
Every shape can be used as long as the design takes into account personal taste and finger shape. For example with longer fingers the longer stone (emerald or marquise cuts) are good. For short fingers, the shorter styles (princess and brilliant) tend to look better.
Are engagement ring supposed to be solitaires?
They can be cluster, random-set, multi-stone or solitaire. We have created many beautiful designs for couples that contain more than one stone. Although many people start out looking for a solitaire, they often are delighted with their final choice of a multi-stoned ring.
Why is Jewellery cheaper in some stores than in others?
There are three main reasons:
- Casting instead of hand-made production: casting uses less gold, less labour and has a shorter life. Handmade designs are one of kind and made by a craftsperson. They have a sharper, shinier finish and last for a lifetime. They can also be made around the stones of your choice.
- Stone Quality: stone quality and price varies greatly.
- Rent and other overheads: rent in large shopping centres is very expensive. Advertising can also be extraordinarily expensive.
Should diamonds be set in white or yellow gold?
Either looks good but white can make the diamond look larger and keeps it whiter looking when the ring is dirty.
Here are just some of the designer secrets to give you professional guidance – ideas to help you match, and design (or re-design) your Jewellery to suit YOU!
- Rubies, Emeralds and Opals look their best set in Yellow Gold.
- Diamonds tend to look better set in White Gold – it makes them look ‘whiter and brighter’ even when they’re dirty! Although the setting may be best in White Gold, the rest of the Jewellery piece looks great made with White, Yellow or Rose Gold.
- Sapphires and blue stones also look better set in White Gold. And as with Diamonds, the rest of the Jewellery piece looks great made with White, Yellow or Rose Gold.
- Pearls look great in White and Yellow Gold.
- Low set Rub-Over settings enhance stone size and are very secure and practical.
- It’s best not to wear 9ct and 18ct or White and Yellow Gold on the same finger as the harder alloy will wear the other away over time.
- If you have long fingers, free flowing designs look great.
- If you have shorter fingers, thinner, straight bands look best.
- If you wear pointed stones (Marquise, Pear or Heart shaped) they tend to look best set with the point directed at the finger nail.
- If you have dark or olive skin, both Yellow and White Gold can look great.
- If you have red hair, White and Rose Gold can look particularly nice.
- White gold can look great on fairer skin tones.
- With Gents Rings, it’s now very popular to have combinations of White and Yellow Gold as it matches 2-tone watches, belt buckles and sun glasses etc.
- Blue and Purple Titanium, combined with either White or Yellow Gold really makes an individual statement particularly in Gents Rings. We now have a Unisex Titanium range exclusive to our studio.
- Some Precious Stones wear better than others. For example, Diamonds, Sapphires and Rubies are ‘hardy’ while more care needs to be taken with Opals, Emeralds and some Pearls.
- Men’s Neck Chains are now worn longer – 50 cm to 60 cm.
- Once men like their Wedding Rings and Chains and enjoy wearing them, they are more likely to wear other Rings and Chains. It gives them a sense of individual style and confidence.
- Platinum is a totally different metal to White Gold. It’s particularly fashionable when combined with Diamonds. Because it’s harder to craft, some Jewellers cannot offer their customers the choice of Platinum.
- If you have a long neck, Chokers can look really nice.
- If your neck is broader, longer Chains or Pearls look great.
- When choosing a Necklace, it’s elegant to add the matching Bracelet so it can be worn as a matching set or joined to form a longer Necklace.
- If you have some White and some Yellow Gold Jewellery, it’s nice to have a bold 2-tone Ring that brings them together.
- Drop Earrings look great with short hair or when your hair is worn up.
- Diamond Studs look great casually – as well as being a stunning Jewellery accessory for formal occasions.
- We make diamond extensions that are put on behind the main stone of your studs for evening wear.
This article was provided by: Stephen Dibb Jewellery
