Looking to propose to the love of your life with a unique and unforgettable ring? Here, we will walk you through what is most important in choosing the perfect design, so you can walk down the aisle to your happily ever after.

ONE

- NUMBER ONE -

Setting Style

With so many options and styles on the market, it is easy to get overwhelmed with choice. The easiest place to start is to get an idea of what style your partner likes. Looking at their current jewellery collection - do they wear more vintage-looking pieces, or do they prefer a modern look? A pave setting - such as our Stella Ring with several small stones accentuate the main stone - is a classic design that has been popular for centuries, while our Toi et Moi Ring design is a popular modern update.

Do they lean towards a more traditional aesthetic, or do they want something unusual, eclectic and unique? A solitaire ring, like our Cleo Ring or Sofia Solitaire Ring, or a three-stone setting like our Trinity Engagement Ring are the most timeless designs. 

For a more standout style, a cluster setting comprising of a range of coloured gemstones like our Meeka Ring  or Saint Germain Cluster Ring is the perfect choice.

For a partner with an active lifestyle, a protective setting such as a bezel - like our Kate Ring or Edie Engagement Ring, tension style, or low set stone will be the best option.

Along with aesthetic style, keep in mind the height of the stone setting, as this will affect the design of the wedding band that will be worn together with the engagement ring. As shown in our Aubrey Wedder with our Zaniah Ring. a higher setting allows the centre stone to sit on top of the wedding band, while a lower setting will mean that the wedding band will need to be designed to curve around the engagement ring centre stone, displayed for our Stella Band with our Stella Ring. 

- NUMBER TWO -

Gemstone Quality

Quality diamonds come with a grading report from a reputable laboratory like the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) or International Gemological Institute (IGI). When assessing this detailed report, the best way to assess a stone's quality is by focusing on the Four Cs: cut, clarity, colour, and carat.

Though you will still need to examine the diamond closely, these grades will be your first indication of the diamond's quality. The most important of the Four Cs - especially when purchasing a diamond for an engagement ring - is the cut.

The cut determines the level of scintillation, brilliance and fire in your gem. The cut scale ranges from excellent to poor. The top two categories of Excellent and Very Good will ensure your diamond sparkles beautifully. It is important to keep your standards in stone cut high, as a well-cut diamond makes any colour and clarity imperfections less noticeable. Well-cut diamonds also appear to look brighter, which will make it look larger than its actual carat size.

Another key C when looking for a perfect diamond for an engagement ring centre stone is clarity. As internal imperfections are difficult to see with the naked eye, you can get away with a quality diamonds below the 'Flawless' classification, but try not to go any lower than a SI1 quality diamond.

One of the most well-known measurements applied to diamonds is Carat, which refers to how much the stone weighs. A carat is equal to 200 milligrams, and is divided into 100 points - which provides an extremely accurate measurement of weight.

When opting for a coloured gemstone engagement ring, sapphire gemstones are a perfect choice due to their hardness and durability. Coloured gemstones were historically used for royal bridal jewellery. When determining the value of a sapphire gem, colour plays the most important role. Blue sapphires usually garner the highest prices, white parti sapphires displaying all three colours of blue green and yellow are the most rare and sort after. Therefore. cuts that enhance colour - such as step cuts - are recommended, as well as cuts maximise light return, such as brilliant cuts. followed by round and pear cuts. Common cuts for sapphires include ovals and cushions, while emerald and marquise cuts add the most to a sapphire's value.

- NUMBER THREE -

Design Aesthetic & Significance

White diamonds are popular choices for centre stones in traditional engagement and wedding bands, however, coloured stones that represent a personalised meaning - such as birthstones - are becoming increasingly more popular. Some options include using a stone that represents the month of the wedding or the engagement. The beauty of a designer ring is that a custom piece can tell a story that represents the couple's love - past, present and future. While a custom ring may take longer to create than a ready-made piece, a ring that conveys heartfelt meaning makes it well worth the wait.

For an exceptionally exclusive design, we are also accomplished in creating specially-designed pieces inspired by details of memorable places, architecture, or photographs.  From the metal work to the arrangement, colour and meaning of the gemstones, your one-of-a-kind design for your extraordinary love is just a consultation away.