Choosing the diamond cut for your engagement ring is a big decision. From princess cut to pear cut, finding the right shape that matches your future fiancés personality and style, you want to ensure your decision is correct. This is why, it may be worthwhile to attend a jewellery showroom together to view some engagement ring options.
The real questions you may ask are: where do I even start? How will I know which diamond cut suits my partner and what is the difference between a princess cut and a square cut engagement ring? Accompanied by your partner, you will be sure to find an engagement ring that they love.
We understand that an engagement ring will be one of the most important purchases of your life, so we are here to help you find the best options for you, and your future fiancé.
How are Diamond Engagement Rings Created?
Engagement rings have been used to celebrate love for hundreds of years from Ancient civilisations like the Egyptians and Romans. During these times, rings were used to symbolise a relationship between two parties, or even two families, and would be adorned with precious metals and gemstones.
When selecting an engagement ring, it is important to prioritise longevity, ensuring that the ring will not only reflect your love, but also withstand the test of time. By visiting a trusted and expert retailer, you can tap into the years of experience to ensure you make an informed and meaningful choice.
Forming a Diamond
Diamonds are historically the most common engagement stone. They are known for their durability, brilliance and symbolic meaning of unity and strength. Their sparkle factor also commands attention, making them ideal for encapsulating one of the most important moments in both of your lives.
Diamonds are made under pressure, their formation of pure carbon, known to be as deep into the earth as 120km, pure carbon becomes pressurised under the earth’s crust and heated up to temperatures of 900 to 1,300 Celsius. This act forms brilliant, sparkling diamonds that have a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, making them extremely resilient.
Related : Our Diamond Buying Guide
Choosing your Engagement Ring Metal
As the vintage aesthetic returns, platinum, yellow gold and clusters are resurfacing, echoing the designs of the Victorian and Edwardian era, with a modern twist. Coloured gemstones are also returning to the market, sapphires and rubies are a unique alternative for your engagement ring.
From traditional 18ct gold bands to more modern platinum styles, when choosing your engagement ring metal, think about the wearer's current style and daily life. It may be best to opt for a harder metal like platinum if the wearer has a more out-going lifestyle with many physical activities.
Related : What Metal Should I Choose for an Engagement Ring?
Choosing your Perfect Diamond Cut
When choosing your engagement ring, it is important to discuss the type of diamond cut. With various styles and shapes, your partner may have a preferred look or, even wish to try on a few different styles to see what looks best.
A diamond cut refers to the style or design used when shaping a diamond for polishing and crafting jewellery. The choice of cut significantly impacts the stone’s brilliance, fire, and overall aesthetic. Talk to your partner about any particular styles they may like. Perhaps they prefer a more traditional look like a princess or oval cut, or more modern like pear or emerald cut.
Related : Understanding Different cuts for Diamond Jewellery
Are Diamonds the Only Precious Stones for Engagement Rings?
Rubies and Sapphires are becoming more popular choices for engagement rings thanks to their deep rich colours and various symbolistic connections to eternal love, loyalty and faithfulness.
A deep ruby, usually accompanied by diamonds, is a great option for those looking to symbolise their divine love for one another. With a rich history in religion and love, rubies are a great centrepiece to an engagement ring to add a pop of colour and deep, meaningful connection.
Sapphires are also another great choice, representing loyalty, truth and faithfulness, the sapphire and diamond engagement rings are ideal for an occasion that is all about lasting commitment. The deep blues of sapphires echo a tone of nobility and wisdom.
Related : Ruby The Gemstone of Protection and Divine Love
Common Engagement Ring Shopping Questions
We understand that you may have even more questions relating to purchasing an engagement ring, so, we’ve answered a few of the most common questions for you.
Does Shopping for an Engagement Ring Together Take Away the Surprise?
Though some people may feel that engagement ring shopping together ‘takes away’ from the surprise of being engaged, in a survey from the Natural Diamond Council, it found that 63% of 2,000 couples interviewed had chosen their engagement rings together.
On some occasions, it may be worth it to take your partner ‘window shopping’ to find a style they prefer and a metal that suits them, rather than asking them outright, but, if you do want to shop together, the experience can be just as magical.
Remember! Just because you are shopping for the ring together, it does not mean the proposal will happen then and there. You can still feel excited by the proposal when and however it happens.
How Can I ask My Partner for their Ring Size?
Finding out your partner’s ring size can be a difficult task, it is not something that just comes up in conversation. However, look for other ways to obtain this size. Find a ring they regularly wear to get a basic idea of their size, or even, suggest you would like to buy yourself a ring and measure your own finger, which may incline them to do the same.
If you are out of luck, or perhaps not the smoothest when it comes to trying to find your partner’s ring size, fear not. At Michael Spiers, we can assist with re-sizing your ring for your future fiancé at no extra cost.
Can I get my Engagement Ring Resized?
A large percentage of the time, yes, however there are some exceptions to the rule. Depending on the setting of the stone, as if it has diamonds on the shoulders of the ring.
The best practise is to speak with your expert in reference to the ring you desire, and enquire whether this could be resized to a smaller or larger size than you require.
Your Perfect Engagement Ring at Michael Spiers
If you would like to discover more about the beautiful engagement rings and wedding bands we have in our showrooms, we invite you to our showrooms in Truro, Plymouth and Taunton where our friendly teams can help you find a piece that is perfect for you.
And for the extra special experience, visit our Wedding Suite in Exeter. With a soft and romantic style, feel transported into a realm of calm where you can explore all of your engagement ring or wedding jewellery options. Whether you are searching for a classic solitaire engagement ring or a cluster ring, our expert team offers tailored guidance to find jewellery that perfectly compliments your love story in the most luxurious way.
Related: Michael Spiers Unveils New Wedding Suite in Exeter
