Opal Engagement Rings: The Ultimate Guide
Choosing the Perfect Solitaire Diamond Ring: Tips and Tricks
If the thought of choosing the right solitaire ring for your special occasion fills you with dread, you’re not alone. This timeless object of beauty, usually given as a sign of love and everlasting commitment, can be daunting for an inexperienced buyer. We all know diamonds are expensive, so how do we get the best value for our money? And how do we avoid accidentally buying a ring that’s below par? Worry not – as part of our jewelry advisory tips, with this comprehensive guide, you can go into this purchasing decision with not just confidence but excitement.
Understanding the 4Cs
Before you start to shop for diamond rings, it’s good to understand the basics of how a diamond is evaluated. The diamond, after all, is what will make your ring truly special, so here is what you need to bear in mind.
Cut: the cut of the diamond is crucial for its brilliance – in plain language, for how sparkly it looks and how well it reflects the light. A good cut will have solid proportions and symmetry. The grading of the cut ranges from ‘Excellent’ to ‘Poor’ so choose the highest grade that fits within your budget. Read more about it here.
Colour: the most valuable diamonds are colorless or nearly colorless, so what you’re looking for is absence, rather than the presence of color. The scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown).
Clarity: we tend to think about diamonds as perfect, but within their structure, there can be tiny flaws, known as blemishes and inclusions, which affect their appearance and value. The scale ranges from Flawless to Included (where the imperfections are visible to the naked eye).
Carat weight: this refers to the size of the diamond and, while obviously important for its perceived value, bear in mind that sometimes a smaller diamond can be superior in terms of cut, color or clarity, or you may simply find the overall ring more beautiful.
Watch this video to learn more:
The shape
A popular diamond shape is known as round brilliant. This exceptionally sparkly cut has 58 facets which reflect light, giving it stunning brilliance. A similar shape but more elongated is called oval which, when worn, also appears to be elongating the finger and thus adds elegance to the hand. It’s a very popular choice for engagement rings.
The princess cut is square or rectangular and has pointed corners. This is another shape that will make the most of your diamond’s light-reflecting properties and is considered modern and elegant.
Another well-known square or rectangular shape is known as the emerald cut (not to be confused with emerald, a type of green gemstone). Its shape creates a signature ‘hall of mirrors’ effect, an optical illusion created by long, rectangular facets.
The pear or teardrop shape is similar to a round brilliant but with two differently shaped ends: one which is rounded and the other which is pointed. Other than in rings, this shape of diamond is often seen in pendants, earrings and other jewellery.
Finally, for a more vintage and romantic look – and who doesn’t like romance? – consider the cushion cut, also known as a pillow. While square or rectangular in shape, it has rounded corners and large facets, giving it a much softer appearance.
The setting
The setting, while not seeming like a hugely important part of a ring, is actually crucial for striking a balance between how well the diamond is displayed and how securely it is held in place. The following settings maximise on both of those requirements:
A prong setting means that your diamond is displayed on a set of tiny ‘claws’ (there can be four, six or more) which maximise its exposure to light and, consequently, its sparkle.
If you’re worried about your ring snagging your clothes, a bezel is a good setting as the whole diamond is surrounded by a metal rim.
The tension setting doesn’t use any prongs or bezels to keep the diamond in place. Instead, it uses the pressure of the metal band itself and is often considered a contemporary look.
Cathedral setting features arches – unsurprisingly! – which elevates the diamond above the finger. This setting creates a bold statement and can be combined with prongs and bezels. It’s a great choice if you want to draw attention to your ring.
If your concerns are more around the security of the stone than maximising its display, then a basket setting or a flush setting will give excellent protection. Choose to shop for solitaire diamond rings on reputable sites like Best Brilliance to get a true flavour of what you might buy.
Final thoughts
A solitaire diamond ring – whether giving or receiving – usually signifies an important moment in our life. Most often used as part of a marriage proposal, it can be a timeless expression of love and commitment. While it is important to consider your budget – you can find a reliable pricing guide here – perhaps the most important aspect will be the many years of happiness the ring will bring, whether you gifted it to a special person in your life, or were fortunate enough to receive one yourself.
