How to choose the perfect engagement ring for your partner
If you’re preparing for a marriage proposal, you must pick out the right engagement ring when you make the big reveal. Whether it’s a surprise or you choose it with your significant other, you should consider several factors impacting the ring’s beauty and long-term value. Here are some elements to discuss with the jeweller to help you make the best investment.
Compatibility with the wedding band
If you have an heirloom wedding ring, your first consideration is that the engagement ring will match the wedding band. If you intend to purchase both rings new, bridal sets are an excellent place to start your search.
Metal
Wedding and engagement rings are typically made of yellow gold or white gold. Platinum is a high-density silver-coloured metal, so it tends to have a higher investment value. For the trend-conscious bride, rose gold has become a popular choice.
Setting
When it comes to the stone for your engagement ring, start by narrowing down a preferred setting. A classic solitaire is an elegant choice if it features a high-quality diamond. If you prefer a little more detail, you might consider a solitaire with accents, a halo setting or a multi-stone setting.
The four Cs of diamonds
Most traditional engagement rings feature diamonds. Get to know these four aspects of diamond quality before starting your search:
- Cut. The cut refers to the shape. Princess or round cuts tend to be more costly. If you’re working within a fixed budget, opting for a marquise cut or pear shape might help you afford a higher-carat stone.
- Carat. The carat (ct) is a universal weight measure for diamonds and gemstones. A larger stone doesn’t necessarily mean a higher carat count; some stones have a higher density than others. A useful measure — especially when considering multi-stone settings — is the total carat weight (TCW), which indicates the total weight of all stones in the ring.
- Colour. Traditional white diamonds are graded from D for peak colourlessness to Z for a yellowish hue. Most engagement rings have diamonds with near-colourless I and J grades.
- Clarity. The stone’s degree of rarity and purity is indicated by a clarity grade. The highest grade is FL, indicating the diamond is flawless internally and externally when viewed at 10x magnification.
White diamonds aren’t the only option for engagement rings. Many brides are opting for more colour in their bridal sets with morganite or aquamarine centrepieces.
Find your ideal engagement ring in Halifax or Dartmouth
When you’re ready to take your relationship to the next level, make Charm Diamond Centres your first and last stop. Our selection of engagement rings includes ethically-sourced options like lab-grown diamonds or Canadian-mined diamonds. Whether you’re in the Halifax-Dartmouth area or elsewhere in Canada, we’re here to help you make the right choice. Contact us today or visit us in-store.