3 Tips for Buying an Engagement Ring

Making an engagement ring purchase is one of the most significant jewellery decisions you'll ever make. To ensure your ring is both flawless and crafted to the highest standards there are a few crucial things to keep in mind - so you're not left with a poorly made piece you'll regret.  

While it's common for clients to focus on choosing a design they love and learning about diamond quality, the finer details of ring's setting and structure are often overlooked. 

So, to help you choose a Diamond Ring in Melbourne that not exudes beauty but also has impeccable craftsmanship, here are our

3 Tips for Buying an Engagement Ring 

Let's begin with

1. Focus on Structure and Symmetry of the Claws

Before you finalise your purchase we advise you inspect the overall structure and symmetry of the ring. Firstly take a close look at the quality of the diamond claws.

Are they symmetrical?
Are they the same size/shape?
Are they perfectly polished?
Are they cradling the diamond securely?  

These probably aren't details you're likely to pay attention to - but they are crucial in enhancing a diamond's brilliance. The setting and claws must be perfectly aligned and polished. Whether your ring has a four or six claw setting, each should be symmetrical and consistent in shape and size.

Why is this important? 

A poorly executed setting with misaligned claws will throw off the balance of your ring. When the claws are not located in the right position the ring will forever look off and in some scenarios even affect the appearance of your diamond shape.

It doesn’t matter if your diamond is flawless, if the setting isn’t harmonious it will immediately degrade the centre stone. How the diamond is placed is responsible how much light can enter the stone and how brightly it will sparkle! The goal is perfect symmetry to complement your diamond. 

Any unevenness can diminish the appearance of the diamond - or worse. When the claws are too thin, short, totally uneven, or the wrong shape, the structure of the setting will put the diamond at risk for chipping, cracking, or falling out of the ring. 

A skilled jeweller/diamond setter will hand-craft each of these details to perfection. In contrast, Engagement Rings that are mass-produced on a large scale by global retailers or created by apprentice-level workers can easily overlook these integral and intricate details - or not have the skill to finish the ring to the highest of standards.

Time and care should be taken in the craftsmanship by expert jewellers and diamond setters so that the claws and setting are masterfully constructed to achieve a perfect symmetry.

Read more: How to identify a superior quality Ring Setting

2. Checking the band and Smaller Diamonds 

A high-quality engagement ring isn't just a centre stone. It's also the quality and comfort of the band. 

To gage the standard, place the ring flat and inspect the evenness and thickness of the band.

Is it even all the way along?
Does it look too thin or delicate?
Is the ring symmetrical?
Is it an even circle shape or a more distorted oblong? 

Here's why it matters.

When the band of the ring is uneven and asymmetrical your centre Diamond might begin to look more like the leaning tower of Pisa than the beautiful engagement ring you expected. And structurally speaking, when some areas of a ring are thinner than others it will be placing more pressure on these weaker areas of the ring. In turn this can cause uneven wear and tear - which inevitably affects the integrity of the band over time. Some parts of the ring may begin to feel thin and sharp on your finger, the uneven tension may lead for the band to break, or smaller side diamonds to fall out.  

Smaller side diamonds and pave bands should also be neatly set to maintain with precision. Look closely and see.

Are the placement of the diamonds evenly spaced and straight? 
Are diamonds the same size?
Are the diamonds slightly different colours? 

Those that choose a design with a diamond band should also inspect the smaller stones. Just because these smaller diamonds are not the centre piece does not mean that they should be compromised on quality. It is important that all of the shoulder diamonds and pave stones are uniform and held in place securely.

Each diamond along the band should be perfectly calibrated to the millimetre. This detail contributes to the integrity of the band, keeping the diamonds securely in place. It also is a key feature for a harmonious look to the eye. Diamonds that are different sizes, colours or not set in a perfectly straight line can ruin the overall appearance of the ring. 

This impeccable attention to detail extends beyond your engagement ring - it also influences the pairing for your future bridal set and what kind of wedding band you can choose. A poorly crafted band can mean that your wedding band will not sit evenly or will never fit flush together. When worn together the fit may feel awkward or uncomfortable with uneven or large gaps between them or even worse they will scratch each other when worn together.

Read more: Wedding Bands FAQs

3. Gold and Polish

The alloy mix of precious metals and polish is critical in revealing an Engagement Ring's true quality.

Always opt for metals that are nickel-free, as nickel can tarnish and change colour quite quickly. This is because the colour of nickel alloys aren't white by nature, and rings that contain nickel will inevitably change and reveal hints of yellow as they wear.

Why you shouldn't overlook it. 

As well as the discolouration, Nickel allergies are also very common and can cause skin irritations for many. Which is a nightmare for a ring that is supposed to be worn daily and appropriate for all occasions! The last thing you want is a ring you cannot wear consistently.  

The best option is an 18ct White Gold combined with palladium based alloys. Palladium is hypoallergenic and allows an 18ct White Gold Ring to retain its bright white colour, staying pristine for longer. At Janai we use new gold with every engagement ring - and all of our precious metal alloys contain no Nickel.

Lastly, we recommend to observe the polish of your ring setting and check that it has been highly polished at every angle. The interior of the setting should be bright and reflective like a mirror. As diamonds interact with their surroundings - a perfect polish makes your diamond look 20% whiter and brighter. 

The Final Result

The quality and craftsmanship of your engagement ring is crucial for ensuring a lasting piece. For a breath taking diamond ring result, it requires passion and expertise.  

At Janai our team of jewellers/diamond setters have over 35 combined years of experience, each diamond is hand-set by our expert team with an impeccable attention to detail.

We have a full production team of experienced artisans, investing endless hours into workmanship. We believe every customer deserves perfection and an Engagement Ring of unrivaled quality.

To book your appointment with us to create your bespoke Engagement Ring in Melbourne, please fill out your details below.