7 Stunning Gemstone Alternatives to a Diamond Engagement Ring
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Top 10 Shopping Tips Before Purchase an Engagement Ring
March 28, 2025
Introduction
Understand Setting
Know the 4 Cs
Side Stones
Familiarise with Diamond Shapes & Cut
Ring Size
Examine Under Different Lighting
Diamond Grading Report
Choose the Right Metal for the Band
Reputable Jewellery Store
Styles, Motifs, and Trends
When it’s time to buy an engagement ring, emotions run high. This moment marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life, one that should be sealed with a symbol that will stay with you forever.
The thought of choosing the right diamond engagement ring can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Our buying an engagement ring tips are here to help you choose a ring that’s as dazzling and individual as the love it represents.
At Holloway Diamonds, we understand that the engagement ring you select needs to reflect not only your commitment but also your taste and your story.
Our diamonds are carefully picked for their brilliance, sparkle, and beauty, guaranteeing you that the perfect choice for your loved one is more than an investment, it’ll become a treasure that will shine for generations to come.
Read on to learn the top shopping tips for engagement ring purchase that you need to consider before anything else.
1. Know the 4Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat Weight
Understanding the 4Cs is the first step in making an informed decision when buying a diamond engagement ring.
While many people focus on the carat weight (the size of the diamond), it’s the cut that will make the most significant difference in how the diamond sparkles.
Cut quality has been the foundation of Holloway Diamonds for five decades.
The better the cut, the more light is reflected within the diamond, creating a breathtaking sparkle.
2. Familiarise Yourself with Diamond Shapes and Cut Styles
Diamonds come in a range of shapes, each one offering a distinct character and appeal.
From the timeless elegance of round diamonds to the modern sophistication of oval, princess, and cushion cuts, the choice of shape will define the style of the ring.
Do you prefer a sleek and modern look, or does vintage-inspired charm appeal most to you? Understanding the relationship between shape and cut style will help guide your decision.
Pop into one of our showrooms in Brighton or Canterbury to view the full range of diamond engagement rings and explore your options up close.
3. Examine Diamonds Under Different Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in revealing the true beauty of a diamond. A diamond that looks stunning under showroom lighting may appear quite different in natural daylight.
It’s important to examine your diamond under various lighting conditions to get a true sense of its brilliance.
Pay attention to how the diamond sparkles in soft and natural light to see its true character.
Different cut styles seen in direct sunlight
4. Choose the Right Metal for the Band
The metal of your engagement ring band can significantly affect its overall appearance. Platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold all bring their own charm and durability to the piece.
Platinum is a timeless, durable metal that complements the sparkle of diamonds beautifully. Whereas, yellow gold adds a classic, warm touch, and rose gold exudes romance perfectly.
Think about which metal suits your partner’s style and lifestyle best. Will the metal pair perfectly with future wedding or eternity bands? These considerations should guide your choice.
5. Know the Styles, Motifs, and Trends
From celebrity-inspired designs to classic styles and trends, engagement rings come in many forms.
Consider what resonates with you: does your partner have a particular style, or do they gravitate towards certain motifs, such as vintage, floral, or geometric patterns?
Be sure to consider both current trends and timeless designs when making your decision. After all, this ring will be worn for a lifetime.
6. Consider the Setting: Think About Durability
Don’t forget to think about the aesthetic of the stone and how the setting will impact the longevity of your ring. A secure setting ensures that your diamond will stay in place for years to come.
The most common settings include prong, bezel, and tension settings, each offering a different level of security and visual appeal. It’s important to pick a setting that suits both the style and lifestyle of the wearer. Band thickness is also important.
With the recent rises in gold price there has been a tendency for many engagement rings to be made with thin bands that will require replacement within five or ten years.
7. Decide Whether to Include Side Stones
Side stones, also known as accent diamonds or gemstones, can add extra sparkle and personality to the main diamond.
While they are not essential, they can enhance the overall beauty and create a unique, custom look. Side stones also allow for a variety of design options, from smaller diamonds or sapphires to elaborate halos that frame the centre stone.
If you’re thinking about side stones, make sure to balance the look with the size and cut of the centre diamond to ensure they complement each other perfectly.
8. Measure the Ring Size Carefully
It’s easy to forget, but measuring the ring size is an essential part of the ring shopping process. A poorly fitting ring can lead to discomfort, while a ring that’s too tight or loose could risk being lost.
Certain designs, especially those with side stones or intricate settings, may limit the ability to resize the ring later, so it’s crucial to get the size right from the outset.
If you’re unsure of the size, ask us to assist with sizing and advise a trusted method to determine the perfect fit. If in doubt aim to make the ring slightly larger as not being able to slide it on during a proposal is not a good start.
It is also preferable to resize a ring down smaller than add a piece to extend it.
9. Get a Diamond Grading Report
A diamond grading report is an essential document that verifies the quality of your diamond.
These reports are issued by reputable grading institutions like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which evaluates a diamond’s 4Cs.
At Holloway Diamonds, we provide GIA reports or certificates with each of our diamonds over half of a carat to ensure you have access to all relevant grading reports.
This certificate verifies the authenticity and natural origin of the diamond, providing peace of mind as you make your purchase.
10. Buy from a Reputable Jewellery Store
When you buy an engagement ring, you want to know that the diamond is ethically sourced, the craftsmanship is exceptional, and the store offers a lifetime guarantee.
At Holloway Diamonds, we pride ourselves as one of jewellery melbourne that providing only the finest natural diamonds and gemstones.
Our diamonds are hand-selected by our expert gemmologists, all diamond engagement rings are crafted in Melbourne.
We offer complimentary cleaning and checking services every 12 months and a lifetime guarantee on all of our products.
Additional Considerations: Budget and Long-Term Planning
While it’s important to focus on the above shopping tips for engagement rings, don’t forget to set a realistic budget.
Knowing how much you are willing to spend can help narrow down your options and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by the sheer variety of choices.
At Holloway Diamonds we have an Upgrade policy of giving you the amount you have expended on the diamond as a credit toward a later increase in the size of your diamond.
It’s also wise to consider how the engagement ring will look alongside the wedding ring or potential eternity ring.
Choosing an engagement ring is an exciting journey, and with these buying an engagement ring tips and tricks, you’re well on your way to finding the perfect symbol of your love.
At Holloway Diamonds, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Visit our showrooms in Brighton or Canterbury, or make an appointment to discuss your bespoke design options.
Let us help you create a piece of jewellery that tells your unique story and shines with unmatched brilliance.
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