Guide to Engagement Rings
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect ring. McDowell's Jewellers in Dublin is here to help. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of buying an engagement ring. We understand the significance of this special purchase and our goal is to make the experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
Ring Styles
The 4 C's
COLOUR
The colour of a diamond ranges from colourless to yellow, and sometimes even pink or blue. The less colour a diamond has, the more valuable it is.
Diamond colour is graded on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (yellow).
Diamonds with a colour grade of D to F are considered colourless and the most valuable. Diamonds with a colour grade of G to J are near colourless and still appear white to the naked eye. Diamonds with a colour grade of K or lower have a yellow tint and are less valuable.
The colour of a diamond can affect its price, but it's important to remember that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing a diamond's colour. Some people prefer a warmer diamond with a yellow tint, while others prefer a cool, colourless diamond.
CARAT
The carat weight of a diamond refers to its size. The larger the diamond, the more it will weigh and the more it will cost.
Diamonds are weighed in carats, and one carat is equal to 0.2 grams. Most engagement rings feature a diamond between 0.5 and 1.5 carats, but the size of the diamond ultimately depends on your budget and preferences.
When choosing a diamond, it's important to consider all of these factors in combination. You may choose a smaller diamond with higher clarity and colour grades, or a larger diamond with a lower grade in one of these areas. The choice ultimately depends on your preferences and budget.
CUT
Diamonds can be cut in different shapes, including round, princess, cushion, emerald, and oval, to name a few. Each shape has its own unique character and appeal. Round diamonds are the most popular, followed by princess-cut diamonds, which are square-shaped with pointed corners.
When selecting a diamond, look for one with an excellent or very good cut grade. This means that the diamond has been cut to maximize its brilliance and fire, and it will reflect light beautifully.
CLARITY
Diamond clarity is graded on a scale from flawless to included. A flawless diamond has no inclusions or blemishes visible to the naked eye, while an included diamond has numerous visible inclusions.
Most diamonds have some degree of inclusion, but a diamond with a clarity grade of SI1 or better will appear clean to the naked eye. Diamonds with a higher clarity grade will be more valuable but can be difficult to distinguish from diamonds with a slightly lower grade.
The Specifics
METAL
When it comes to engagement rings, the metal used is just as important as the diamond. The most popular metals for engagement rings include platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold.
Platinum is a popular choice for its durability and hypoallergenic properties. White gold, made by mixing pure gold with other metals, is a popular alternative to platinum and is often more affordable.
Yellow gold and rose gold are classic choices, with yellow gold being the most traditional and rose gold having a more unique, romantic feel. The choice of metal ultimately comes down to personal preference, as each metal has its own unique properties and style.
STYLE
Engagement rings come in a variety of styles, each with its own unique look and feel. Some popular styles include solitaire, halo, three-stone, vintage, and modern. Solitaire rings feature a single diamond or gemstone, making them a timeless and classic choice.
Halo rings have a central stone surrounded by a ring of smaller diamonds or gemstones, adding extra sparkle and brilliance. Three-stone rings symbolize the past, present, and future of a relationship, with each stone representing a different time.
Vintage rings feature intricate details and designs inspired by earlier eras, while modern rings have sleek, clean lines and a contemporary look. The style of engagement ring you choose should reflect your personal taste and style, as well as your partner's preferences.
SIZING
We offer expert ring sizing services to ensure that your engagement ring fits perfectly. We understand that getting the right size is important. Our experienced jewellers will take precise measurements to determine your ring size and make any necessary adjustments.
We also offer a range of resizing options if you need to adjust the size of your ring, we can resize rings in an hour. All resizing is complimentary with our ring purchases, so you do not need to worry if you don’t know the size.
CUSTOM ENGAGEMENT RINGS
At McDowells Jewellers, we offer the option to custom make an engagement ring to your exact specifications. This allows you to create a one-of-a-kind ring that perfectly reflects your love and personal style. Our experienced jewelers will work with you every step of the way, from choosing the diamond or gemstone to selecting the metal and design.
You can choose from a wide range of styles and settings, or even bring in your own unique design. Custom making an engagement ring ensures that you get a ring that is truly special and tailored to your preferences. Our team is dedicated to creating a ring that will be cherished for a lifetime, and we are committed to providing you with exceptional service and quality craftsmanship.