So, you’ve made up your mind. You’re going to propose to the woman (or man) of your dreams. It’s time to get planning. Let’s skip the chase and get to the meat of the topic; you want an engagement ring that will blow their socks off, for now, and forever. We can’t tell you which ring is perfect for your partner but we can teach you how to find it. So don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
Before you start
For a ring to truly have meaning to your partner, you first need to look to your to-be fiancé. Their ring should reflect them, either physically or emotionally, or both! Are they a minimalist, or do they like to be the centre of attention? There are many designs that reflect even this simple question, such as an Eternity band for being low-key under the radar or the simple elegance of a Ballad or Waverley ring.
From there, you can expand your search for the ring itself. The list of designs is endless, but knowing what style you want will guide you towards the ring for you. Try checking out Tacori for a range of different styles and price ranges to get acquainted.
The 4 C’s
So, you have a rough idea of the kind of ring you’re after. Now it’s time to find the diamond in the rough. Depending on your budget and desires, there are many different kinds of diamonds which are defined by what is referred to as ‘the 4 C’s’.
Carat
Simply put, the carat is the total weight of all the gems in the ring. This includes rings set in the band and any gems including a center piece gem, if there is one. As such a small discreet ring can have a higher carat value than a flashy ring with a large gem.
Clarity
The clarity of the gem refers to the cloudiness, or lack thereof, inside the gem. The most valuable gems are clear with no imperfections on the inside. Though these gems are most sought after, cloudy gems can be, and in many cases are, very beautiful. If you are going for a traditional diamond more clarity is better.
Colour
Unsurprisingly, colour refers to the colour of the gem. More specifically, it is the closeness to the desired colour. Traditional gems are clear, however, most diamonds have a slight tint to them. This also applies to coloured gems, such as a rose diamonds, sapphires and emeralds. When looking at coloured gems, the colour of the 4 c’s becomes more important than the others.
Cut
The cut of the diamond is its shape. There are many kinds of cuts, too many to mention, however, chances are one of the most popular will strike a chord with you. The most famous cuts are often Round, Cushion, Radiant or Emerald cut. This list may seem daunting, but it’s highly likely that one of these cuts will be the one for you. More unique cuts are available, such as a heart shape, pear or half-moon, for example, which are still available from most designers and are equally as stunning.