Diamond engagement rings

Diamond Buyer's Guide

Choosing the perfect engagement ring

A diamond engagement ring is the biggest and most important diamond purchase that you will ever have to make. Involving emotional and financial decisions, buying your engagement ring is a very big step. At Ernest Jones we know this and will do everything we can to help you to find the right ring and make the right choices.

Getting engaged is a momentous event in anyone's life, and getting the perfect ring that captures the feelings that you have for each other is very important. Like your love for each other, every diamond is unique and a diamond is forever.

Of course, a diamond is also a financial investment. Its desirability and value has remained undiminished over the centuries. You'll want to buy the best diamond you can afford, but you'll always find one to suit your budget. You don't need to spend a fortune to get a stunning diamond.

The most important rule to follow when buying a diamond engagement ring is this - take your time - a diamond engagement ring is an emotional investment, cherished not only for it's worth, but for what it represents.

Finding the right ring size

When you get down on one knee and pop the question, you want to make sure that the ring you surprise her with is in the correct ring size. There are several ways to ensure that this happens.

• Be direct and ask her. You might get her hopes up, but then you are going to ask anyway. If you want to be subtle, ask subtly, it's up to you. Think of a way to bring rings up in a conversation and find out that way. Of course there is always a chance that she doesn't know herself, in which case you will need a Plan B.
• Find one of her rings and take it to an Ernest Jones store where one of our professionals will determine the right size on a ring sizer.
• Or you can download our ring size chart and find out the size by following the easy to use instructions included.

However, if the ring isn't the correct size when she tries it on for the first time, don't panic. Even if it is only slightly too big or too small, do not hesitate to bring it back to us and we will exchange it for one that is exactly right.

Diamond engagement ring - style and design

Once you've determined the size of the diamond engagement ring, it is time to consider the style. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Would she prefer a diamond ring in yellow gold or white gold? Two colour gold is versatile and increasingly popular. For something truly radiant, go for platinum.
• Is her jewellery very ostentatious and glamorous? If it is, a stunning diamond three stone ring or a cluster ring would be ideal.
• Or is her jewellery understated and classic? If so, an exquisite solitaire diamond ring is a timeless choice.
• What's her favourite diamond shape? Does she prefer the traditional round brilliant diamond shape or a more contemporary princess cut diamond? Or perhaps she likes the Leo® Diamond, the first diamond to be independently certified for its superior brightness? Again, checking her current jewellery collection would tell you what her preferences are.

Show her some magazines, ask questions, find one of her friends that you trust to keep a secret and ask them what they think. Take notice of rings that she adores on others and admires in jewellers' windows. Have fun and explore possibilities, because when you get it right, she will remember it forever.

It doesn't have to cost the earth

There is a tradition that a diamond ring should represent the value of one, or even two months, of your salary. Of course, we recommend that you spend what you can afford and be careful with your finances because you are going to need some of that money for your wedding rings, wedding and future together. Remember, whatever you choose, she will love it forever!

When researching your engagement ring, it is important to understand how diamonds are valued and why two diamonds that look alike may have different values. To understand this, you have to understand the 4 Cs - colour, clarity, carat and cut. It is the interplay of these that determines the value and the beauty of your diamond.

So take a look through the whole range of diamond engagement rings available at Ernest Jones and you'll find exactly the right ring for you at the right price.

Ernest Jones - our commitment to your happiness

Remember - 'A diamond is timeless. Take your time.' Do the research and remember that we are here to help you make the right choice. If you need a bit more advice, ask one of our experts in your nearest Ernest Jones store because we know that if you've chosen your diamond with love, she's sure to love it too.