In modern relationships, the emphasis is often on equality and shared decision-making. Choosing an engagement ring together aligns with this approach, emphasising partnership from the very beginning. However, choosing an engagement ring by yourself means that you have control over the ring budget and design – and the surprise element of the actual engagement is definitely still there.

Whether you’re choosing an engagement ring together or you want to surprise your partner, we have perfectly refurbished rings waiting for you.

Ring shopping – what to look for

Many people feel intimidated at the thought of buying an engagement ring. Whether you choose to do this with (or without) your significant other, particularly when it comes to buying diamonds, there are lots of factors to understand. These are known as The four Cs of Diamonds, namely: Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat size – which all affect how expensive it is.

Refurbished rings are the way to go

As diamonds are valued according to the 4Cs, before retailers put their own mark up on them, buying an engagement ring can put you into unwanted debt very quickly – which is not the way you want to start your new life together. The advantage of buying a perfectly refurbished engagement ring is that you can find something utterly unique and special, which is much more affordable than buying new.

Diamonds: The 4Cs – understanding the basics

Cut

Of all the 4Cs, the cut has the greatest effect on a diamond’s beauty. The more precise the diamond is cut, the more captivating the diamond is to the eye.

Colour

The colour of gem-quality diamonds occurs in many hues ― from colourless to light yellow or light brown. Colourless diamonds are the rarest. Other natural colours (blue, red and pink for example) are known as “fancy,” and their colour grading is different from that of white colourless diamonds.

Clarity

Diamonds can have internal characteristics known as inclusions or external characteristics known as blemishes. Diamonds without inclusions or blemishes are rare; however, most characteristics can only be seen with magnification.

Carat Size

The carat is the diamond’s physical weight measured in metric carats. One carat equals 1/5 gram and is subdivided into 100 points. Carat weight is the most objective grade of the 4Cs.

Choose a ring that suits your beloved

Now that you know the basics of diamonds, you can select the perfect diamond shape that pairs with the right colour and clarity combinations to suit your budget. But it’s also important to think about what kind of ring would suit your partner’s style, personality, and lifestyle. The first thing to consider is the cut that your beloved would like best: round-cut, princess-cut, emerald-cut, pear-shaped, oval-cut, or heart-shaped, just to name a few. Then you must choose if you think they would prefer yellow gold or white gold (or something else) for the actual ring. From there, it comes down to the design of the ring. Instead of having all diamonds, you might choose to look for a ring that also incorporates a gemstone, which can have a special meaning behind it… especially if you choose your loved one’s birthstone too.

To browse some of our extensive range of beautiful engagement rings online, click here.