Your Diamond Ring FAQs
When it comes to diamond rings, almost everybody's first thought is about engagement rings. The reality is that not all diamond rings are engagement rings, and not all engagement rings include any diamonds. These days there are many options when it comes to the gemstones in an engagement ring. While wealthy and powerful people have been accustomed to diamond rings for centuries.
The modern diamond engagement ring only became possible when the availability of diamonds increased with the De Beers mines in South Africa. These vast new mines bought the price of a diamond ring within reach of millions of people.
For millennia, diamond rings have been used as jewellery for all sorts of purposes - wedding rings, dress rings, statement pieces - worn by men and women as a show of wealth and power. Here are five of the most frequently asked questions that we receive through contact with our clients.
How Many Diamonds Does A Ring Need To Be Called A Diamond Ring?
It just takes one diamond to make a diamond ring - no matter how large or small that diamond might be. Of course, whether a ring with one tiny diamond and a load of cubic zirconia is worth buying as a diamond ring is another question. But yes, if there is one diamond, it is a diamond ring - no matter what a disappointed girlfriend might tell you?
Of course, we often refer to diamond rings that have other gems by the joint name. So, we sell diamond and sapphire rings, diamond and ruby rings and more.
Can Men Wear Diamond Rings?
Oh, yes, but of course. For much of history, diamond rings would have been seen on the fingers of kings, pontiffs, and other rich and powerful men as a symbol of their wealth and power. For the past century or so, diamond rings have become much more closely associated with women. Still, the pendulum of fashion is swinging once again!
Some men, even in the UK, are now starting to choose diamond-studded wedding rings. A trend that makes such a welcome change from the plain rings that so many guys wear.
Often, a couple will choose matching wedding ring sets. The lady's version will be a little showier and the band more slender than the man's version. When seen together as a couple, the unmistakable pairing is clear to see. Some brave men even choose to wear an engagement ring and, usually, the ring will be embellished with at least one diamond. In a suitably manly setting - of course!
Modern fashion has given men the go-ahead to enjoy the beauty of diamonds - and why not. After all, we used to do it - at least those of our ancestors rich enough to afford such a rare natural treasure!
Some not us, of course, perish the thought, might even suggest that diamonds are too good to be reserved only for women!
Is There One Vital Thing To Remember When Buying A Diamond Ring?
The most important thing to remember when you buy a diamond ring is to make sure that you get the style and look that gives you the most pleasure and delight. Every other aspect of the purchase should serve this overriding goal!
To make sure that the diamond ring you want is the diamond ring you should buy, you should educate yourself about diamonds. Learn about the 4Cs of diamonds; that's Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat Weight. See our information about this subject HERE and HERE.
Of all the ways that a diamond ring can be designed and made truly, the most important thing is that you be happy, delighted with the way the ring looks on your finger. Remember this, it is the quality of cutting, the skill of the diamond cutter's and polisher's skill, which makes a white (clear diamond) sparkle and look how you expect it to do. Coloured diamonds are a bit different. Here, the colour, depth, shade and consistency are the parameters to look out for.
Black Diamond Full Eternity Ring 0.35ct 50 Stone in 18k White Gold
£463.00
£727.00
This eternity ring has an elegant and timeless beauty. Handcrafted in immaculate 18k white gold, this ring showcases a full circle of round-cut natural black diamonds of G/SI quality with a total weight of 0.35ct. The black diamonds are mounted… read more
What Are The Various Types Of Diamond Rings?
Engagement rings, promise rings, eternity rings, wedding rings, cocktail rings, statement rings - many reasons to give, receive and wear a diamond ring! However, when we set aside the purpose of the ring, we can think of the different styles of diamond rings.
There are solitaire rings consisting of a single diamond.
There are rings often made up of a central diamond (or other gemstones) with smaller diamonds supporting the main gem.
We have halo designs where smaller diamonds surround the main stone.
Vintage rings that were either made many years ago or are designed in a similar style.
There are cocktail rings that are flamboyant in style, intended to call attention to themselves and their wearer. And there are statement pieces which are unique designs around which an entire outfit is created to support the ring and its diamonds. The wearer is a walking showcase for the diamond ring's beauty!
Every diamond ring's design is created to display the diamonds to the best effect. Still, how the effect is achieved can vary hugely.
A halo ring consists of a large centre diamond with a halo of smaller diamonds. The result is to accentuate the central stone, often making it look even more prominent. In some designs, all the diamonds are colourless, or if coloured, all of the same colour. Increasingly popular is the use of contrasting colours of diamonds or other gemstones. See our pink sapphire designs HERE.
Cocktail rings tend to be attention-getters ad often include other precious stones, often in a bulky, somewhat 'obvious' setting. These are not for shrinking violets and those who prefer a low social profile!
Vintage rings showcase historical styles that went out of fashion decades ago but have now become appreciated once again. Art Deco designs are currently popular with many diamond jewellery lovers.
Statement rings are like cocktail rings in that they are designed to call attention to themselves. Often the attention gained by the ring comes from the colour or, more particularly, the size of the diamonds. Still, it can sometimes be the design of the ring that is the showstopper. Many statement pieces carry a motif from nature or mythology, such as flowers, butterflies, sea creatures or dragons.
Flower Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace 0.50ct G/SI 18k White Gold
£1,512.00
£2,767.00
Half a carat of beautiful diamonds is skilfully shaped and polished by hand then arranged in a delightful floral halo that wonderfully catches the light. Shaped and securely set in lustrous 18k white gold for a striking finish. This pendant… read more
How Can I Know That My Diamonds Are Not Fake?
When you go shopping for a diamond ring, only buy from reputable jewellers, hopefully with plenty of recommendations.
Learn something about diamonds before you go shopping. Perhaps take a knowledgeable person with you to act as an advisor and pull you away from a bad deal.
Ensure that your diamonds have certification from a reputable diamond grading laboratory such as the GIA, the Gemological Institute of America.
A reputable diamond certificate will give information about the diamond's origins, the quality of the diamond and how well it has been cut and polished. Your diamond's certificate is similar to a passport. It identifies and describes the diamond making it possible to be sure that you are getting what you paid for.
How Can I Check My Ring Size?
Most but not all diamond rings can be resized, if necessary, but it is best to know the correct size before purchasing. You can go into most jewellery stores, and they will give you the measurement of your finger. We have an online ring sizer. You can find out more about ring sizing and download the ring sizer in this article HERE.
Thanks for checking out our reader's diamond ring FAQs. When you come to purchase a diamond ring, you will probably have many more questions. We are here to help you, and we know that if you want an answer, we should be able to help you.
You can email us or use our online chat service. The chat window is at the bottom right-hand corner of each page on our website. If you have a question that we should add to the next set of diamond ring FAQs please send us a message and we will add it to our next collection.
Buying a diamond ring is a big thing for all of us so take the time to know just what you're getting. Our team is here to help you; please just ask! When you do a little research, you will find that shopping for diamond jewellery of all types can and should be great fun. Looking through our collections of rings is fun all by itself. Take as much or as little time as you need!
