Guide to choosing the perfect Diamond

When beginning the process of choosing a diamond for your bespoke engagement ring, it is important to first establish your budget. This will help to narrow down your options and make the process less overwhelming. Keep in mind that the price of a diamond is determined by the 4 Cs – carat, color, clarity, and cut & not just the size of the rock!

The next step is to decide on the style of ring you would like. There are many different styles to choose from including solitaire, halo, three-stone, and more. Do consider that sometimes you may think that you have found your perfect style but it may not look as nice on your hand. With this in mind think of this as just a broad “narrowing down” of styles. Ideally you should try lots of style on in a jewellery shop. Once you have an idea of the style you would like, you can begin shopping for diamonds that will look stunning.

When choosing your Diamond it is important to consider the 4 c’s as mentioned above. More importantly though ensure your Diamond has been independently certified. This means the grade you are shown has been determined by an independent testing laboratory is not just a vague opinion from a jeweller. The first c stands for Cut, this refers to the proportions, symmetry and polish of your Diamond and how well it has been cut by the jeweller. It is important to choose a well-cut Diamond as it will maximise the sparkle and fire. The second c stands for Colour, diamonds are graded on a scale from D (no hue) to Z (a yellow hued diamond). It is important to choose a Diamond that is close to colourless. The third c is for Clarity, this is how many blemishes or inclusions and is judged on a 6 point scale from included to flawless. The fourth and final c is for Carat, this is how a Diamond weight is measured and therefore results in the size of the Diamond. When choosing your Certificated Diamond it is important to consider all 4 c’s.

The next step is to decide on the shape of diamond you would like. The most popular shape is round, but there are also square, pear, and more to choose from. Again, keep in mind that what looks good on paper may not look as nice on your hand. Try different shapes on in a jewellery store before making your final decision. 

Another important step nowadays is to decide if you would like a natural or lab-grown diamond. Both have their pros and cons, so it is important to do your research before making a decision. Natural diamonds are mined from the earth and are therefore more expensive. Lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory and are less expensive. Keep in mind that both types of diamonds are real diamonds and have the same physical and chemical properties.

The final step is to determine the carat size. The size of the diamond is measured in carats. One carat is equal to 0.2 grams. The size of the diamond does not necessarily dictate the quality or the price of the diamond. It is important to keep in mind that a bigger diamond is not always better. Choose a size that you are comfortable with and that fits your budget. The 4 c’s apply to both natural & lab grown diamonds. If you decide you would like a large stone but it is pushing your budget you may want to consider a Lab grown stone rather than a low grade natural. This will look much nicer than a poor quality natural stone & will cost a lot less.

When choosing your diamond for your bespoke engagement ring, keep in mind all of these steps! It is important to take your time when making such an important decision. With all of these factors in mind, you are sure to find the perfect diamond for your engagement ring!