Engagement Ring Guide

Choosing the ring that she will wear for the rest of her life, and one that represents the love you have for her, there are a few decisions that will need to be made prior to the purchase of this once in a lifetime ring.

Traditionally, gentleman will purchase an engagement ring which is equal to two to three months of his salary, a measuring standard and guide which is still in use today. Whilst you are not required to adhere to this standard, it is a guideline which is useful in your consideration.
 

Choosing the Setting

Choosing from our traditional solitaire settings, settings with side stones, pave settings or three stone settings, Shikari Diamonds offers an extensive range of hand crafted engagement ring settings.

Solitaire settings are by far still the most popular and traditional options for engagement rings. In this setting, the diamond takes centre stage allowing it to catch the most light. Settings with side stones whether it be diamonds or other gemstones, adds additional opulence to the ring that she will be wearing to represent your love. A three stone engagement ring represents the past, present and future - one diamond for each. A pave setting is one where the ring’s band is literally paved with diamonds. Small diamonds are encrusted along the ring’s surface giving the illusion of a solid diamond surface rather than a metal band.

Engagement rings are made from one of three metals: platinum, white gold, or yellow gold. Platinum is the more expensive metal however it is the purest and strongest metal from this selection of metals. Platinum comes out of the ground truly white, with no additives. It is one of the only metals that is hypoallergenic, making it ideal for sensitive skin. In addition the natural white colour enhances the colour of diamonds and other gemstones.

White Gold rings have a white platinum-like appearance and available in 14 carat or 18 carat gold. The appeal of white gold is that it easily matches most other jewellery. In selecting a white gold setting, the higher carat alloys are softer and more flexible, and therefore often found in very complex pieces of jewellery. At the same time, softer metals may not be suitable for pieces meant to be worn every day, and therefore the majority of gold rings at Shikari Diamonds are 14 carat gold. Generally, 14 carat gold is slightly stronger and more durable. White gold is a percentage of pure yellow gold, therefore it must be rhodium plated. Rhodium plating is standard for all white gold jewellery and gives the jewellery a pure white brilliance and lustre. Over time, however, the plating may show some signs of wearing thin as a result of general wear and tear, showing the natural colour of the gold beneath - It can be simply be re-plated by a jeweller.

Yellow Gold rings are very popular at Shikari Diamonds and available in 14 carat or 18 carat gold. In selecting a yellow gold setting, the higher carat alloys are softer and more flexible, and therefore these are often found in very complex pieces of jewellery. At the same time, softer metals may not be suitable for pieces meant to be worn every day, and therefore the majority of gold rings at Shikari Diamonds are 14 carat gold. 14 carat gold is slightly stronger and more durable than 18 carat.
 

Choosing the Diamond

Once the setting has been selected, you need to find the perfect diamond to match. Understanding the four C’s of diamonds is the first step in finding that perfect diamond. Shikari Diamonds has a very large selection and variety of loose diamonds available to purchase as a loose diamond or to Create Your Own engagement ring.

Shikari Diamonds also offers a large range of preset rings and fine jewellery that has already had the diamonds selected and preset by our Jewellers.
 

Finding Her Ring Size

If you plan to involve the purchase your engagement ring with your future bride, then this step is easy. However, in the majority of cases, the engagement is still a surprise and so finding her ring size is a challenge in itself. If you dare to ask your partner's mother or one of her friends to assist they can usually find out her finger size or to borrow one of your partner's rings (from the correct finger) and use the Shikari Diamonds Ring Sizer to determine its size.