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05/29/2024

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The Ultimate Guide to Engagement Rings

Everything You Need to Know!

What Are the Most Popular Engagement Ring Styles?

Choosing the right engagement ring style can be overwhelming with so many options available. Here are some of the most popular styles:

Solitaire Rings

The classic solitaire features a single diamond, which stands out beautifully on its own. This timeless design is perfect for those who appreciate simplicity and elegance. The perfect example is our bestseller: Oval Juliette engagement ring

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Halo Rings

A halo ring is surrounded by smaller diamonds, creating a dazzling effect that makes the central stone appear larger. This style is ideal for those who love extra sparkle.

Vintage Rings

Vintage rings often feature intricate designs and details from past eras. They are perfect for those who adore a touch of history and romance in their jewellery.

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Trilogy Rings

Symbolising the past, present, and future, three-stone rings are both meaningful and beautiful. They offer a balance of elegance and significance.

What Is the Best Metal for an Engagement Ring?

The metal of the ring band can dramatically influence the overall look and feel of the engagement ring. Here are some popular choices:

Platinum

Platinum is a durable and hypoallergenic metal with a silvery-white sheen. It's an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin or who want a ring that will last a lifetime.

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White Gold

White gold is a popular and affordable alternative to platinum. It has a similar look but requires periodic rhodium plating to maintain its lustre.

Yellow Gold

Yellow gold is a traditional choice that offers a warm and classic look. It's perfect for those who love vintage or antique styles.

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Rose Gold

Rose gold has a romantic and trendy appeal, with a pinkish hue that flatters many skin tones. It's ideal for those seeking something unique and modern.

How Much Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring?

A common question is how much to spend on an engagement ring. The answer varies depending on personal circumstances, but here are a few guidelines:

The Three-Month Salary Rule

Traditionally, it's suggested to spend three months' salary on an engagement ring. However, this is not a hard and fast rule.

Budget Based on Personal Finances

It’s essential to set a budget that you’re comfortable with and that won’t lead to financial stress. Remember, the sentiment behind the ring is what truly matters!

Prioritise the 4 Cs

When setting a budget, focus on the 4 Cs of diamonds: Carat, Cut, Colour, and Clarity. Decide which of these aspects are most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly.

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What Are the 4 Cs of Diamonds?

Understanding the 4 Cs can help you make an informed decision when purchasing a diamond:

Carat

Carat, the standard unit of weight for all gemstones, takes its name from the carob seed. Because these small seeds had a fairly uniform weight, early gem traders used them as counterweights in their balance scales. The modern metric carat, equal to 0.2 grams, was adopted by the United States in 1913 and other countries soon after. Today, a carat weighs exactly the same in every corner of the world.

Cut

Diamond cut refers to the polish, proportions, and symmetry of a diamond, (not to be confused with the stone's shape, which is also referred to as cut sometimes). The quality of a diamond's cut determines the sparkle and refraction of the gemstone. Round brilliant diamonds are the only shape that receive a written cut grade designation.

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Colour

Diamond colour is all about what you can’t see. Diamonds are valued by how closely they approach colourlessness – the less colour, the higher their value. (The exception to this is fancy colour diamonds, such as pinks and blues, which lie outside this colour range.) Most diamonds found in jewellery stores run from colourless to near-colourless, with slight hints of yellow or brown.

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Clarity

During a diamond growth process, microscopic impurities or imperfections become present within the diamond. These imperfections are known as inclusions. Inclusions are extremely common within diamonds and are essentially birthmarks that are unique to each diamond (except flawless diamonds). You may have heard the phrase “no two diamonds are ever alike.” Well, inclusions are the reason. No two diamonds will have the same number, size, location and type of inclusions, even if they have the same clarity grade assigned by the certifier.

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How to Choose the Perfect Engagement Ring?

Selecting the perfect engagement ring involves considering your partner’s style and preferences. Here are a few tips:

Observe Their Style

Take note of the jewellery your partner typically wears. Do they prefer classic, vintage, or modern styles? What metal colour do they gravitate towards?

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Ask for Help

Consult with friends or family members who might know your partner's taste. They can provide valuable insights!

Customisation

Consider customising a ring to make it truly unique. At Harmony Jewels, we specialise in bespoke rings and have experts who will make your search as effortless and enjoyable as possible! Our bespoke service also includes free worldwide shipping, lifetime cleaning, and if it was a surprise proposal and the size wasn't correct, the first resizing is free!

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