The holiday season is the perfect time to get engaged and finding the perfect engagement rings top the list at this time of year. With the relaxed pace of life during the season and with friends, family and loved ones around, what better time to pop the question to your beloved than during this beautiful and cosy time of the year.
With your plans to pop the question to your beloved underway, you need to find the perfect engagement ring for your special lady. One that you’ll be proud to give her and one that she’ll be proud to wear for a long time to come. And, when it comes to engagement rings, diamonds are a girl’s best friend.
Diamond Engagement Rings are made up four key Cs
Remember the 4 Cs
Clarity – the extent of a diamond’s flaws. Less flaws equals more clarity (and sparkle appeal). Stick to the F to 1L scale for best clarity (ask your jeweller about the clarity scale)
Colour – the finest and most expensive diamonds are colourless and also adds to the sparkle factor. However, that’s not to say that those with some colour do not also sparkle. You just need to find the one that works for your budget.
Carat – this is the weight of the diamond. The greater the carat, the bigger the diamond and the more expensive it becomes.
Cut – makes all the difference and refers to the proportion, alignment, and shine of the stone and determines how light will pass through it for that all important sparkle!
Diamonds for engagement rings come in different shapes and cuts. Each to suit the style and personality of the special lady you are purchasing it for. I’ve listed some favourites:
Cushion cut – rounded corners and larger facets, gives this cut a vintage yet modern look. Buy it for your organised and daring bride to be.
Princess cut – my personal favourite. Elegant and dramatic with a modern understated feel. Great if your soon to be fiancée is decisive and fun-loving!
Emerald cut – often a rectangular shape. It has fewer facets (than the other cuts) so look for ones that offer maximum brilliance if you’re going for this type of cut. Great for the efficient and straightforward bride to be.
Oval cut – unique cut for those looking for something slightly different (similar to a round cut), it’s a fresh take on a timeless style. Get this for your bride to be if she is creative and risk taking.
Marquise cut – oval shaped with pointed tips at both ends, makes the diamond appear larger than it actually is. Buy this if your beloved is unique and adventurous!
Teardrop cut – also known as pear due to its pear-shaped nature. Full of fire and beauty and makes a wide finger look slimmer. Great for the vivacious bride to be.
Round cut – Also known as brilliant cut. Reflects more light than other cuts and most popular of all the cuts. Perfect for your bride to be if she is a traditional, easy going lady.
Heart cut – should be well proportioned for optimum sparkle. Symbolizes endless love and devotion. Perfect for the hopelessly romantic bride to be.
Now that you have an idea of the different cuts, the final piece of the puzzle in helping you to decide which ring type to get, are:
- Check for any clues she has left for you
- Her personal style and what will suit her personality
- Her current jewellery – is it simple and elegant, over the top or somewhere in between?
Remember to talk to your jeweller during the buying process and don’t forget to insure.
Happy shopping!
All images via Pinterest
