Your Guide to Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring

Planning on popping the question? Getting engaged is such an exciting milestone but finding the perfect engagement ring can be overwhelming. When you picture an engagement ring, diamonds instantly spring to mind, but how do you know which diamond to choose? In this guide, we explore everything you need to know about buying a diamond engagement ring.

Is buying a diamond ring worth it?

For their stunning beauty alone, yes, a diamond engagement ring is definitely worth it. Diamonds have intricate prisms that refract the light creating a sparkling spray of colour, often referred to as ‘fire’. The more colourful the fire, the better the diamond.

They are the hardest natural material in the world, making them virtually scratch-free. A diamond ring will stay beautiful for a lifetime, especially if taken to your local jewellers for regular cleaning.

Does the size of the diamond matter?

Size doesn’t always matter when it comes to diamond rings. While some people love big and beautiful stones, others prefer smaller stones or even cluster designs. It’s all down to your personal preference. It’s best to talk to your partner and find out what style they’re drawn to. If your engagement is a surprise, then ask friends and family for their opinions on what design will make them beam as bright as the diamond.

We believe that quality matters just as much as size. The higher the diamond quality, the more it will shine. The value of a diamond is determined by four factors, also known as the 4 C’s. Many prefer clarity and colour over carat weight, and if a small stone delivers this then it’s worth considering.

What are the most popular diamond engagement rings?

The perfect ring is always going to be down to your partner’s preferences, but there are some styles and cuts that sit at the top of the popularity list.

The classic solitaire ring is a firm favourite engagement ring style. Round and princess cut stones on simple bands are favoured for their simplicity and beauty. Other firm favourites are the elegant emerald-cut and cushion-cut stones, unique and stunning in their design.

Shape and cut aren’t the only factors that make a ring popular; there are other elements that are starting to become more important to buyers. This includes the type of diamond.

Lab-grown diamonds are rising fast in popularity. People favour them over naturally sourced diamonds not only for their price but their reduced environmental impact. With no digging or deforestation to find the diamonds, lab-grown stones are a safer and greener alternative.

Not only that, but they are just as beautiful. Their clarity is stunning and almost indistinguishable from natural diamonds. They are also a fraction of the cost. So if you’re looking for a budget friendly option, lab-grown may be the option for you.

Is it okay not to get an engagement ring?

A proposal doesn’t necessarily need a ring. Everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. For those who prefer other items of jewellery, engagement bracelets and necklaces are a beautiful alternative to rings. Pieces such as diamond tennis bracelets and solitaire pendant necklaces are becoming more and more popular in the proposal scene.

Find the perfect ring at Aleks Jewellers

We pride ourselves on our beautiful selection of jewellery but also our experience in helping people find their perfect pieces. If you’re looking for that special engagement ring take a look at our online collection or pop into our Norwich store, our jewellery specialists would be delighted to help.