What to consider when buying diamond rings

Diamond rings are more commonly worn to symbolise a special milestone in a person’s life, such as an engagement or wedding anniversary, but we also know they make a great gift whether that be for a loved one or even for yourself. 

If you are considering buying a diamond ring, finding the right diamond is crucial. As hands are always on show and more likely to be viewed up close when compared to earrings or a pendant, buying the best diamond for your budget should be a priority. There are many things you should consider when buying a diamond ring. Read on to find out more. 

1. Learn about the 4 C’s

When you are looking to buy any piece of diamond jewellery it is important to know exactly what you are buying so you can find the most competitive prices for the quality of stone that you choose. 

You should consider the carat, cut, clarity and colour of the diamond to find the best combination for you. Carat refers to the weight of the diamond and has an overriding effect on how large the stone will appear, cut refers to how well the diamond is cut and proportioned, clarity refers to how clear the diamond is and whether any inclusions are visible, while colour refers to the tone and hue of the diamond. Head to our diamond education guide to learn everything you need to know about the 4 C’s.

2. Consider your budget 

Once you have learnt the basics about the 4 C’s you should have a rough idea of the sort of diamond you can get for your budget. Now it’s time to set your budget, but be realistic! Of course, everyone wants to get the biggest and best quality diamond for their budget but after your research you may find that you will need to compromise on an aspect of your diamond such as the carat, cut, clarity or colour. 

3. Choose your diamond shape

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing a diamond shape. This should be based on personal preference as it will influence the way the entire ring design looks. For a classic diamond that packs plenty of sparkle you may wish to choose a round shaped diamond, but if you are looking for something a little different a fancy diamond shape such as a pear or oval may be a good choice. Certain diamond shapes will be slightly more expensive, when compared with another of the same specifications, due to the skill required in the cutting process and the amount of waste produced.

4. Select a metal for the band

When you are choosing a diamond ring, the metal colour that you select for the band should also be based on personal preference. Those who prefer classic styles may wish to go for yellow gold, those with a love of vintage may select rose gold and those that prefer elegant or contemporary designs may want to choose a white gold or platinum band. For those with allergies or extra sensitive skin, platinum is the best choice for you as it is a hypoallergenic metal. 

5. Choose your setting

Just like selecting your preferred metal type, the setting that you choose should be based on your personal taste and preferences. Of course, there may be other things you wish to consider such as your lifestyle (or the recipients if you are buying as a gift). Those who are super active or accident prone may wish to choose a setting that provides more protection to avoid the diamond falling out or getting lost. Designs that feature side stones, intricate detailing or thin raised prongs may look beautiful, but for the active or accident prone they can prove problematic. A full bezel setting is one of the most secure settings as the metal encases the diamond, however, those that expose the diamond are considered more desirable as they tend to provide more sparkle due to the amount of light that the diamond is able to reflect. Remember, there are ways to protect your ring such as taking out jewellery insurance or simply removing it and storing it in a safe place before exercising or participating in activities.

6. Find your ring size 

Once you have found the perfect diamond ring, if you don’t know it already, it is time to find out your ring size. If the diamond ring is for yourself, finding your size is much easier as you can order our free ring sizer but if you are buying it as an engagement ring or as a gift it can be a little trickier. For tips on how to find their ring size or to order a free ring sizer simply head to our ring size guide.

A diamond ring is considered to be the most symbolic jewellery item and also one of the most beautiful. From engagement rings and wedding rings to diamond rings for birthdays or to celebrate an anniversary, there is a piece to mark every occasion. 

SHOP DIAMOND RINGS