How to Choose the Best Diamond for Your Engagement Ring
Understanding the Four C's—Colour, Cut, Clarity, and Carat—is essential when choosing the perfect diamond. While these characteristics may seem overwhelming, learning the importance of each will help you find the ideal diamond that suits your preferences, budget, and style. Here’s a comprehensive look into these key factors to guide you through this exciting decision.
Diamond Colour
Why Colour Matters
The colour of a diamond is one of the most visually noticeable characteristics. Traditionally, white diamonds are the go-to choice for engagement rings, they have timeless elegance and sophistication. Diamonds in the D to G colour range are considered the best for a white, bright look. These diamonds are virtually colourless, with the difference in shades only noticeable under a jeweller’s magnification. For those looking for value without compromising appearance, H or I coloured diamonds can still appear bright, especially in well-cut stones, offering a budget-friendly way to achieve a larger diamond without sacrificing the white appearance as long as a well cut diamond is selected.
Coloured Diamonds for a Unique Style
If you're looking for something that stands out from the crowd, coloured diamonds are a fantastic choice. Ranging from pink to yellow, chocolate, and cognac, these diamonds bring a unique charm and flair to any ring. It’s important to remember that the price of coloured diamonds varies greatly depending on their rarity. Pink diamonds, for instance, are among the rarest and can be quite expensive, while yellow diamonds and chocolate diamonds are more accessible in price. When setting these diamonds, choosing a design that complements their natural hue can elevate the overall look of the ring, making it a true statement piece.
Diamond Clarity
Choosing Clarity for Different Cuts
Clarity refers to the presence of internal inclusions or blemishes in a diamond. While these "fingerprints" of nature are a part of the diamond’s uniqueness, most people prefer a stone without visible inclusions. For brilliant-cut diamonds such as round, cushion, or oval shapes, we recommend a clarity grade between VS1 and VS2. These diamonds are “eye-clean,” meaning inclusions are invisible to the naked eye, giving you a flawless appearance and maximising your budget. If you need to prioritise budget, SI1 clarity can still offer a clean look, thanks to the brilliance and sparkle of these cuts, which help hide minor inclusions.
When choosing step-cut diamonds like emerald or Asscher cuts, clarity becomes even more important. Their large, open facets make any inclusions more noticeable. For these styles, we recommend a minimum of VVS1 or VVS2 clarity, but VS1 can be a good compromise for those seeking a balance between cost and appearance. These diamonds require extra attention to detail to maintain their clean, sleek look.
Diamond Cut
Why Cut Quality is Crucial
The cut of a diamond plays the most significant role in its brilliance and sparkle. The way a diamond is cut determines how light reflects within the stone, and a well-cut diamond will return light through the top of the stone, creating that desirable sparkle. For round diamonds, an Excellent cut maximises this effect, making the stone appear brighter and livelier. Even if a diamond has great colour and clarity, a poor cut can cause it to appear dull. That's why I always prioritise cut when selecting diamonds for my clients, ensuring that every stone has optimal proportions and symmetry for the best light performance.
Exploring Unique Diamond Cuts
For those looking to add a touch of individuality to their engagement ring, consider non-traditional cuts like rose cuts or antique cushion cuts. These cuts, often inspired by vintage designs, offer a softer, more romantic look, with fewer facets and a more understated sparkle. For the adventurous, moval, kite, and shield cuts are eye-catching alternatives that make a bold statement. These diamonds can be paired with modern or vintage-inspired settings to create a truly bespoke piece. As a specialist in unusual engagement rings, the unique diamond cuts are a personal favourite!
Carat Weight
Finding the Right Carat for Your Budget
The carat weight of a diamond is often the first factor people consider when choosing a stone, as it directly influences the size. However, the carat weight alone doesn’t determine the diamond’s visual impact. A well-cut diamond can appear larger than its carat weight suggests. For example, shapes like pear, marquise, and oval tend to appear larger than round diamonds of the same weight due to their elongated form. If you're aiming for maximum size within your budget, these shapes can give you more bang for your buck, without sacrificing brilliance or beauty.
The Impact of Carat on Price
It’s important to understand that a small increase in carat weight can lead to a significant jump in price, especially around whole numbers like 1.00ct or 2.00ct. Opting for a slightly smaller carat weight, like 0.95ct or 1.90ct, can offer considerable savings while providing nearly the same visual impact. When working with me, I ensure to source all diamonds personally to ensure superior cut stones, so no matter the carat weight, your diamond will have an impressive presence.
Diamond Shape and Choosing the Best Option
How Shape Impacts Style
The shape of your diamond plays a significant role in the overall look of your engagement ring. Round diamonds are classic and offer the most brilliance due to their symmetrical shape and excellent light performance. However, if you’re drawn to clean lines and vintage elegance, the emerald or Asscher cut may be the perfect fit. These step-cut diamonds offer sophistication but require higher clarity due to their large, open facets.
For a more modern or unique look, pear or cushion cut diamonds offer soft curves and brilliant facets that blend the best of both traditional and contemporary styles. These shapes are also perfect for those looking for a larger appearance on the finger without increasing carat weight significantly.
Hexagonal diamonds can add a twist to a classic design.
Unusual Diamond Shapes for a Bold Look
If you’re after something truly unique, Poppy Elder Fine Jewellery specialises in sourcing unusual diamond shapes like kite, shield, or moval diamonds. These rare shapes can transform a traditional engagement ring design into something completely personalised. Whether you're looking to make a bold fashion statement or simply want a diamond that stands out from the crowd, these non-traditional shapes can be the perfect choice.
Need Help Choosing the Perfect Diamond?
Choosing the right diamond is an exciting process, but we understand it can be overwhelming. I’m dedicated to guiding you through every step of the way. Whether you’re seeking a traditional brilliant-cut diamond or a custom design with a unique shape, we’ll help you find the perfect diamond to capture your story. Contact me today to begin your journey towards creating a truly unforgettable engagement ring.
