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Engagement Ring Guide
Getting engaged is a memory every woman will cherish forever. Make that moment spectacular with the diamond engagement ring of her dreams. Browse our selection of classic solitaire's, timeless three-stone rings, and Platinum engagement rings, available in a variety of styles.
Down through the ages, the engagement ring has served as a pledge of true love and as a symbol to the rest of the world that two people have chosen to spend their lives together.
1. Figure out Your Budget
Before you do anything else, figure out what your budget is. You can buy a diamond engagement ring costing a few thousand rupees to upwards of lakhs. The western standard is two months’ salary; but no such Indian standards seem to exist! Back to top
2. Look at diamond cut and shape
Get educated about the 4Cs, the diamond industry norm to evaluate any diamond.
The 4Cs are the Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat Weight.
It is the cut of a diamond that determines how well the stone reflects light to show its brilliance. A standard grading report describes cut by the shape or outline of the diamond and the facet arrangement pattern (also known as cutting style). Shapes range from the popular round to hearts, pears, emerald, and more. Choose a shape that reflects the tastes of the person who will wear the stone. Back to top
3. Seek diamond clarity
Most diamonds have tiny flaws called inclusions, often invisible to the naked eye. Diamond clarity is described using the industry letter grading scale, from “flawless” (FL) all the way to “imperfect, flaws visible to naked eye” (I1, I2, I3). Choose diamonds without inclusions that affect the reflection of light. Back to top
4. Determine the colour of the diamond
While most diamonds appear white, all include trace amounts of yellow. Colorless diamonds rated D, E, and F typically are the most expensive, followed by nearly colorless diamonds (rated G, H, I, J). However, deeply colored "fancy diamonds," also called Z+ diamonds, can sometimes cost more than colorless diamonds of the same carat weight. Fancy diamonds, popular in many celebrity engagement rings, come in a variety of colors, including deep yellow, pink, green, blue, and black. Back to top
5. Choose diamond carat weight
Diamond size is measured by weight in carats. Prices rise depending on the carat weight increases. Choosing a slightly smaller carat weight, even 0.05 less, can save quite a lot of money and still allows you to gift your finance a dazzling stone. Back to top
6. Choose the Setting
The classic setting to hold a single diamond is a prong setting, typically four or six prongs. This setting offers a sense of security and a way to brilliantly show off the stone, since it is lifted up to reflect light through all parts of the diamond.
The bezel setting, a collar of gold that wraps around the diamond, adds height, dimension and a great modern look.
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7. Choose the Setting Style
   
There are a number of engagement ring settings to choose from, ranging from solitaire settings and three-stone to multi-stone settings. Sometimes, the setting you choose will be influenced by your lifestyle. Bezel or similar settings may be more comfortable for those who lead active lives because the stone is recessed more than in a prong setting. However, prong settings are popular, too, because of the higher visibility of the stone. Back to top
8. Decide on the Metal
Choosing the metal to use for your engagement ring is largely a matter of personal preference. You might decide on white gold or yellow gold to match your existing jewellery collection, or you could opt for platinum for a splash of class. Back to top
9. Spot certified diamonds
Certain gemmological laboratories issue grading certificates that describe the qualities of a particular diamond, including cut, carat, clarity, and color. Before you make a purchase, make sure a reputable gemologist or gemological lab issued the grading certificate. Popular labs that certify diamonds and gemstones include:
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Gemmological Institute of America (GIA): GIA is considered the gold standard of diamond graders. Established in 1931, the not-for-profit GIA has its HQ in California, and presence in a number of locations worldwide.
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European Gemmological Laboratory USA (EGL-US): There are a few independently owned grading labs that carry the EGL name. EGL-US certificates, however, are the only EGL certificates permitted in the US. Back to top
When you read item listings describing a certified diamond, make sure it includes a photograph of the grading certificate and its serial number as well as a picture of the engagement ring. |
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