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Diamond Ring Buying Guide
13th July 2023 By Nilesh Rakholia
How To Buy a Diamond Ring Quicklinks
For many centuries, diamond rings have hypnotised all those who appreciate the finest jewellery – their symbolism of love, dazzling brilliance and powerful allure make diamond rings one of the most impressive pieces of jewellery to add to your collection or gift to a loved one.
But with so many fantastic diamond rings to choose from, how can you begin to narrow down your search?
In this comprehensive guide, Abelini’s diamond experts share their insights into every consideration when purchasing a diamond ring – from the budget, backing metal and diamond shape to diamond certification and grading, after-care and more.
And, once you’ve taken a look at our extensive range of diamond rings to suit all budgets and tastes, our friendly sales teams are ready for your call or shop visit to help you select the ideal diamond ring for your unique situation.
Abelini’s Ultimate Guide on How to Buy a Diamond Ring
1. Setting a Budget
Before beginning your search for a diamond ring, it’s vital that you set a budget. An accurate diamond ring budget will focus your search and protect you from disappointment when you fall in love with a piece that is too costly. When it comes to budgeting for a diamond ring, factor in the following:
Assess Your Finances by evaluating your financial situation and determining how much you are comfortable to spend on a diamond ring with consideration of income, savings and other financial commitments. How much of a priority is this purchase?
Research Diamond Prices to gain a general sense of the price range for diamond rings. Consider the 4 Cs of diamonds (Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat) – which we shall go into in detail in this article – and gain an idea of what to expect within your budget.
Be Realistic when setting a budget based on your financial assessment, priorities and research. The more realistic you are, the more flexibility you will have in exploring different diamond ring options.
Consult with Us or your local reputable jeweller to discuss and nail down your budget. Our in-house diamond ring experts are here to help you maximise the value of your budget and find greater deals than you could when shopping solo.
Explore Financing Options that enable you to make smaller monthly payments across a range of timeframes and make the most of your budget – just remember to pay close attention to the terms and interest rates before agreeing to any financing plan.
When you have covered all these points and come up with the ideal budget, it’s time to begin your diamond ring shopping adventure – and that starts with truly understanding what differentiates one diamond from another.
2. The 4 Cs of Diamonds
The 4 Cs commonly used to gain an overall view of a diamond’s quality and value are Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat.
Cut refers to proportions, symmetry and polish – it is the most important factor in determining a diamond's overall beauty and value. Graded Excellent to Poor, a well-cut diamond reflects light strongly with a stunning sparkle while a badly-cut diamond appears dull and plain.
Clarity assesses a diamond’s inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (external flaws). Diamond clarity ranges from FL (flawless) to I3 (included), with FL-rated diamonds featuring perfect finishes and a greater value.
Click on clarity grades to view sample images of different diamond clarity grades.
I1
Inclusion
Diamonds have numerous inclusions that can easily be seen. Diamonds of this clarity represent incredible value compared with higher clarity grades. These diamonds are perfect for people not sensitive to the presence of inclusions, but want a larger size (or weight) of diamond.
A diamond’s Colour is graded D (colourless) to Z (yellow or brown) – the less colour a diamond features, the higher its grade and subsequent value.
Click on clarity grades to view sample images of different diamond colour grades.
I
I-color diamond is scintillating and considered a white diamond that does not distract from the diamond’s sparkle. Noticeable color may be detectable to the untrained eye. It looks best in yellow gold settings.
Finally, Carat refers to a diamond’s weight and size. One carat equals 0.2 grams, with diamonds ranging from less than 0.01 carats to one or even several carats. The more carats featured, the higher the value.
With a proper grasp of the 4 Cs, you can evaluate the diamonds that feature in your diamond rings with confidence
3. Picking your Diamond Ring Metal
Next, it’s time to consider the backing metal for your diamond ring. This provides the backdrop for the diamond and the material of the band that goes around the finger.
The most popular diamond ring metals are yellow gold, white gold, rose gold and platinum – each metal has unique characteristics that contribute to and are influenced by personal preference, durability and overall aesthetics.
Yellow Gold is a timeless, traditional choice for diamond ring metals. Yellow gold has a warm glow that complements a wide range of skin tones. As pure gold is relatively soft, yellow gold is often mixed with other metals such as copper and zinc to increase its durability.
White Gold has gained immense popularity as a diamond ring metal in recent years thanks to its elegant, contemporary energy. White gold is created by alloying yellow gold with white metals such as nickel, palladium or silver, then coated with rhodium to enhance its bright white finish. White gold diamond rings are great as they provide a contrasting backdrop that can make the featured diamond appear larger.
Rose Gold has a romantic hue that renders it a trendy choice of diamond ring backing metal. Rose gold features a mix of yellow gold and copper that creates its pinkish colour. Rose gold diamond rings present a powerful vintage appeal, complement various skin tones and are popular choices for women thanks to its soft, feminine aura.
Platinum is a premium diamond ring metal regarded widely for its durability, purity and rarity. Naturally white and extremely striking, platinum is a dense metal that is highly resistant to wear and tear – while its understated beauty is known to enhance the brilliance of diamonds. In addition, hypoallergenic qualities make platinum diamond rings popular among wearers with sensitive skin.
Whatever diamond ring metal appeals to you, ensure that you consider factors including personal style, skin tone pairing, maintenance requirements and budget. And if you need further guidance, our team are ready and waiting for your call or stop by our shop.
4. Shapes of Diamond
With an idea of the diamond ring metal you desire, it’s time for the next, and potentially most important step – selecting the shape of diamond that will be the focal piece of your ring. Read on to discover the most popular shapes of diamond available.
Round are recognised for their continuous band of diamonds or gemstones that wrap around the entire wedding ring. As the name suggests, eternity ring styles represent the never-ending love and commitment shared with your partner.
Princess diamonds are square-shaped with sharp corners. Contributing to modern diamond ring styles, princess diamonds are often more affordable than round diamonds.
Heart diamonds are instantly recognisable due to their shape, which consists essentially of a pear-shaped diamond with a cleft at the top. Heart diamonds typically have 59 facets and are a popular diamond ring choice due to their romantic symbolism and striking appearance.
Oval diamonds are similar to round diamonds yet feature an elongated shape. Oval diamonds feature frequently in classic diamond ring designs.
Marquise diamonds feature a pointed, oval shape with tapered ends – a unique form that supports creative diamond ring designs.
Pear diamonds feature teardrop shapes that unite the brilliance of round diamonds with the unique shape of marquise diamonds. This versatile shape allows for creativity in horizontal or vertical diamond ring designs.
Cushion diamonds have a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners. Popular in vintage diamond ring styles, the large facets of cushion diamonds are famous for their inviting, romantic glow.
Emerald diamonds boast rectangular shapes with stepped facets. Sophisticated and elegant, emerald diamond shapes feature in modern diamond ring designs that play with depth of field.
Asscher diamonds are similar to emerald diamonds yet feature square shapes with larger step-cut facets. Their geometric shape features prominently in vintage and art deco diamond ring designs.
Radiant diamonds are square or rectangular with trimmed corners and brilliant-cut facets. Combining round diamond brilliance with princess diamond shaping, radiant diamonds complement traditional and modern diamond rings alike.
Each diamond shape has its own appeal and will add its own distinct character to the diamond ring that you select. Consider the wearer's style, personal preferences, and the overall design of the ring when selecting your ideal shape of diamond.
If you need advice, just reach out to our team and we’ll be happy to share our decades of diamond ring expertise!
5. Select Your Carat Weight
When shopping for a diamond ring, you will have to consider carat weight, which refers to the size of a diamond and is directly related to its value.
A larger carat weight will lend well to larger diamond rings for men, though it will also carry a larger price tag. On the other hand, a delicate diamond ring for a woman may only need a diamond of a smaller carat weight for the perfect balance of function, aesthetics and value.
While carat weight is a factor, consider it in line with the other 3 Cs: cut, clarity and colour.
By balancing a diamond’s qualities across each of the 4 Cs, you can choose from a curated selection of diamond rings ideal for your budget.
6. Finger Shape and Size
The appearance of a diamond ring on one of Abelini’s stunning jewellery display shelves is one thing – the appearance of that same ring on your finger is another thing altogether.
The shape and size of a finger can greatly impact the overall look of the diamond ring, and proportions must be closely considered. For example, a long and slender finger may benefit best from elongated shapes such as oval or marquise diamonds – while princess or round cut diamonds may best suit wider fingers.
To determine the diamond ring style that looks best on the unique finger of its wearer, we recommend stopping by our store to try on a wide range of diamond ring sizes and shapes.
7. Diamond Quality and Size
Choosing the right fit for any piece of jewellery is important – yet it becomes even more vital when selecting a wedding ring that you or your loved one may well wear every day for the rest of your lives!
Besides carat weight, quality and size play key roles in the overall beauty and value of your diamond ring. Quality and size is influenced by – you guessed it – the 4 Cs that one should always keep in mind when shopping for diamonds.
In terms of cut, always opt for the best-cut diamond available within your budget. The quality of cut is directly correlated to your diamond’s ability to reflect light, which is what gives a diamond its signature sparkle and brilliance.
Regarding colour, aim for a diamond that appears white to the naked eye. And when it comes to clarity, you want to aim for as few flaws as possible in order to achieve a clearer, more radiant diamond ring.
As with all things in life, balance is key. Reach out to our diamond experts and we can help you find the best diamond within your budget that ranks as high as possible in the 4 Cs.
8. Occasions and Symbolism
While a diamond ring does not require an occasion, many occasions are perfect opportunities for the purchase of a diamond ring.
From engagements to anniversaries, birthdays to other milestones – a diamond ring purchased for an occasion will have a symbolism that should be represented in the style of diamond ring you purchase.
Choose a ring that represents the connection shared between yourself and the wearer – the shape of diamond, ring material, cut of diamond, diamond ring style and all other elements mentioned in this guide will play a part in this.
A diamond ring is a personal, significant gift – our team have decades of experience in recommending the best diamond rings for every occasion and preference, so do not hesitate to reach out for personalised assistance.
With proper thought, your diamond ring will be a celebrated heirloom for generations to come.
9. Diamond Certification and Grading
When selecting a diamond ring, it’s important to check that stones have been certified and graded by one or more of the four leading global diamond certification and grading standards
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is perhaps the world’s best-recognised certification organisations. Their detailed grading reports evaluate a diamond's 4 Cs plus additional factors like fluorescence and symmetry.
The American Gem Society (AGS) is a non-profit organisation that grades diamonds according to their unique grading system. A 0-10 grade is assigned to each of the diamond’s 4 Cs then combined with an AGS Performance Grade that factors in light performance and craftsmanship elements.
The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is an independent grading and certification organisation that produces grading reports based on the 4 Cs as well as factors like polish and symmetry. The IGI also features a convenient online service for verifying reports.
Finally, the Hoge Raad voor Diamant (HRD) is a Belgian diamond grading and certification organisation recognised worldwide. HRD grading reports detail a diamond’s 4 Cs plus considerations like fluorescence and proportions.
Purchasing diamond rings that feature certified stones will ensure the authenticity and maximise the value of your jewellery.
At Abelini, we’re proud to present [a vast range of certified diamond rings] that will stand the test of time as life-long investments.
10. Know Your Warranty
Understanding the warranty or guarantee that comes with your diamond ring is essential – otherwise, you will never have total peace of mind regarding this sizeable purchase.
A diamond ring warranty typically covers any manufacturing defects or issues that may potentially arise after the purchase. Ensure you review the warranty terms and conditions to determine the coverage period and the specific situations included or excluded.
Some diamond ring warranties may also offer services like free cleaning or prong tightening – an important factor to keep in mind years or even decades after your purchase.
And finally, enquire about any additional insurance options that are available to protect your diamond ring against loss, theft, or damage.
All Abelini diamond rings are backed by our bulletproof warranty – so make sure whoever you buy yours from has a similarly encouraging guarantee in place.
Different Styles of Diamond Ring
The everlasting popularity of diamond rings is down to their unmatched beauty – though this beauty comes in a few main styles.
These styles have been refined through the years to make the diamond sing in mesmerising displays of light and brilliance. Diamonds feature unique optical properties that, influenced by their 4 Cs, empower them to reflect and refract light in remarkable ways.
Five Stone diamond rings features a row of five diamonds set along the band, which often represent milestones or special occasions. Each diamond typically has a specific symbolism such as love, commitment, friendship or family. Five stone diamond rings provide a beautiful balance between simplicity and elegance, and can be customised with different diamond shapes and sizes for a truly unique diamond ring.
Seven Stone diamond rings, as you can likely guess, are similar to the Five Stone style yet feature a row of seven diamonds set in the band. Each of these seven diamonds may represent the week’s seven days, or even seven virtues. Seven stone diamond rings are versatile and highly customisable, allowing for bold designs as well as more refined approaches.
Eternity diamond rings are characterised by the continuous line of diamonds or gemstones that encircles the entire band. An iconic ring for weddings, eternity diamond rings symbolise everlasting commitment and love. The diamonds are often set using prong, channel or pavé styles for maximum light reflection and brilliance. Eternity diamond rings can also be stacked with other rings for a dramatic, eye-catching look.
Minimalist diamond rings have a clean, understated design often featuring a single diamond or small cluster of diamonds upon a simple band. These elegant, simple designs welcome the diamond itself to take centre stage – as you can imagine, these suit a wide range of occasions, styles and diamond types.
Caring for Your Diamond Ring
As we all know, diamond is the hardest element on Earth. However, to keep your diamond ring gleaming as much as the day you bought it, you’ll want to practice caring for your diamond ring properly.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning will protect your diamond ring from the dirt of daily wear and maintain its brilliance. Simply soak in warm, mildly soapy water for 15 minutes, gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush then dry gently with a cloth or kitchen paper.
Avoid chemicals in cleaning products such as chlorine or bleach, which may damage the metal setting of your diamond ring. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals such as chlorine, bleach and other cleaning products. These chemicals can damage the metal and discolour or damage the diamonds.
Avoid heat that may damage and weaken your diamond ring setting and cause the diamonds to come loose. Ensure you protect your diamond ring from direct sunlight and extreme heat or cold.
Proper Storage
Store separately to prevent your diamond ring being scratched or damaged when knocked against other jewellery pieces. Keep it in a dedicated pouch or jewellery box section for best preservation.
Avoid humidity,which may damage the metal setting and even dull or discolour the diamonds of your ring. Diamond ring storage is best done in cool and dry places.
Regular inspection will ensure your diamond ring remain vibrant, secure and undamaged. If you notice any new or potential damage, take it to a professional jeweller (or stop by our store) for repair.
Professional Servicing
Regular servicing by professionals will ensure your diamond ring remains in the best condition. If you need a repair, do not attempt to do it yourself as you may cause further damage.
Repolishing may be needed occasionally to restore your diamond ring to its full brilliance. If your diamond ring metal is white gold, you may also need to have this replated every now and then.
Looking after your diamond ring is simple if done consistently and attentively. By following the above tips, you can ensure a long life of brilliance for your new piece of jewellery.
Faq
It's important to find the right balance between diamond size and quality. While a larger diamond may have a greater visual impact, it's best to factor in overall quality factors across the 4 Cs of diamonds: cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. A well-cut diamond with good colour and clarity will have better brilliance and sparkle, regardless of its size. It's advisable to prioritise quality over size, as a smaller diamond of higher quality can often be more visually appealing than a larger diamond with lower quality.
The cost of a diamond is influenced by several factors, including the 4 Cs as well as other considerations:
Cut: A well-cut diamond that maximises brilliance and sparkle will generally be more expensive.
Colour: Diamonds that are closer to colourless are generally more valuable, although fancy coloured diamonds can have unique appeal and higher prices.
Clarity: The presence of internal or external flaws (inclusions and blemishes) affects the clarity grade, with higher clarity grades commanding higher prices.
Carat Weight: Larger diamonds are generally more expensive due to their rarity, although the other factors also play a role in determining the overall value.
Other factors that may influence cost include diamond shape, fluorescence, and the reputation and overheads of the jeweller or retailer.
The choice between lab-grown (synthetic) diamonds and natural diamonds depends on personal preferences and priorities. Consider the following factors:
Origin: Natural diamonds are formed in the Earth's mantle over millions of years while lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled laboratory environment. Some people prefer the uniqueness and natural origin of natural diamonds, while others appreciate the ethical and environmental benefits of lab-grown diamonds.
Quality and Appearance: Lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds, making them visually identical. Both types can be of high quality.
Price: Lab-grown diamonds are generally more affordable compared to natural diamonds of similar quality, offering a budget-friendly option.
Sustainability and Ethics: Lab-grown diamonds are considered more environmentally friendly, as they have a lower carbon footprint and don't involve mining. Natural diamonds can be sourced responsibly through ethical mining practices.
Ultimately, the choice between a lab-grown or natural diamond depends on your values, budget and personal preferences. We recommend that you research and explore both options before making a decision. Whichever choice you make, ensure that your diamond is accompanied by a reputable grading report to validate its quality and authenticity.
Your Stunning Diamond Ring Awaits…
Just as diamond rings have mesmerised us in the past, we are sure they shall continue to do so in the centuries to come. We certainly are fascinated by them here at Abelini!
We hope you enjoyed this exploration into the vast array of styles, settings and cuts that may play a part in your new diamond ring. From a classic eternity diamond ring to a seven stone platinum diamond ring, the options are as endless as your imagination (and budget!).
Whether it’s simplicity or extravagance you seek, timeless elegance or modern sophistication – our friendly team of diamond ring experts are ready and waiting to welcome you in-store and make that life-changing purchase the right way.
