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Are you preparing to pop the question? Congratulations! But there’s some hard work and research ahead of you.
Working with a trusted jeweller is the best way to ensure your partner receives the ring of their dreams. In this post, we outline 10 things you can do on your first visit to a jeweller to get started on the right track towards finding that perfect piece.
You might visit a jewellery store already having a clear vision of your ideal ring. You might know the shape, the setting, the cut and the clarity you’re looking for - or at least, you might think you know.
If you’ve been browsing jewellery retailers or researching different engagement ring styles online, you might be surprised to see how different the stone can appear in the flesh. That’s why it’s important to visit a jeweller with an open mind.
After all, a trusted jeweller is a master of their craft and is highly skilled in interpreting your tastes; so be open to suggestions and exploring different options. You might find that your perfect ring was something you hadn’t considered before walking through their doors.
Diamond colour has one of the most significant impacts on the stone’s appearance on someone’s hand.
It’s a common misconception that differences in diamond colour grades are almost impossible to tell apart. But in reality, even untrained eyes can easily spot the difference between a D and a J grade diamond.
Hand-picked related content: Engagement Ring Glossary of Terms
A trusted jeweller will be able to point out the colour differences between diamonds and to recommend the ideal option for your preferences and budget.
If you’re buying a larger diamond (e.g. a 1 carat stone), it’s a good idea to ask to inspect the diamond ‘loose’, meaning before it’s been set in a ring. This will give you a clear picture of the colour characteristics of the diamond without any distractions or reflections from the ring metal.
Diamonds above 50 points (or 0.50 carats) are required to carry a diamond grading certificate that outlines its origin and quality characteristics. The most common diamond grading laboratories include:
Your diamond should be accompanied by an independent grading report from an accredited laboratory, which will guarantee your stone’s quality and authenticity. Ask your jewellery which diamond certification they will be using; each of them differs in their measurement and some are more reputable than others.
An inclusion is an internal imperfection within a diamond. The presence of inclusions will affect the appearance of your stone, so learn how to spot them and how they affect the price of your ring.
Diamonds completely free from imperfections in clarity (with a ‘flawless’ rating) are expensive, so if you’re diamond shopping on a budget, it’s likely that you’ll come across some level of inclusion. Asking your jeweller to show you a big and small inclusion side-by-side will give you a great picture of how these affect appearance and price.
It’s rare to find a jeweller who doesn’t love to talk about their craft. Often the best way to discover ideas and inspiration is simply to ask: what do you look for in a great quality ring?
Some jewellers might favour a certain diamond setting style over another, and some jewellers might have a personal preference when it comes to ring metal. Listening to the professional and passionate opinions of a trusted jeweller will be one of the most valuable conversations you have during your diamond shopping journey.
The treatment of diamonds, with processes like ‘fracture filling’ to improve clarity, is becoming a common and largely-accepted practice. However, it’s essential that you don’t unknowingly buy a treated diamond under the impression that it’s entirely natural.
Fracture filling involves injecting a compound into an inclusion cavity, which improves the appearance of the stone. Any reputable jeweller will make it clear whether the diamond you’re buying has been treated.
The jewellery world uses a lot of technical terms, which can make it hard for first-time diamond shoppers to articulate what they’re looking for. You can brush up on your diamond knowledge by reading an engagement ring glossary, but also don't hesitate to take some visual examples with you to the jeweller.
You can find ideas and inspiration by following jewellers on Instagram, browsing some reputable Australian jewellery stores online and following the latest articles on our blog.
Choosing the shape of your diamond is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your shopping and will have a significant impact on the overall appearance of the ring.
More traditional shapes like round, princess and radiant cuts can work well with a variety of settings, and more contemporary shapes like pears and ovals can create a modern and stylish appearance. Don’t take this decision lightly; work closely with your jeweller to find the perfect shape for your partner’s tastes.
Engagement rings aren’t all about appearance. The ring you choose shouldn’t just look great, but it should also be easy to wear and protected from damage.
Some settings styles (like tension settings for example) are more prone to damage than others because of the exposure of the stone. Even more traditional setting styles, like claw settings, can cause the ring to snag on clothes.
Ask your jeweller about the functionality of the ring. If your partner leads a particularly active lifestyle, they might recommend a conservative setting style like a bezel setting, which provides greater protection for the diamond.
If you’re like most diamond shoppers, it’s likely that you’ve spent months of research finding that perfect ring, so why not protect it?
Specialised jewellery insurance like Q Report allows your partner to wear their engagement ring with confidence, knowing their jewellery is protected from damage or loss even while they travel around the world. Our cover even provides you with the option to return to your original jeweller for replacement or repair.
To learn more about why Q Report jewellery insurance is the simplest and safest way to protect your engagement ring, get in touch with us today. Or to get an instant online quote, click the image below.
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This has not taken cut, colour, clarity or carat, your financial situation or your partners taste into account. There are many factors that can reduce or increase the value of an engagement ring.
Speak with one of our Q Certified Jewellers to find out what you can afford, what your partner is looking for and what will financially work best for you.
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