STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO DESIGNING YOUR ENGAGEMENT RING
Designing your engagement ring with Unique Diamonds involves personalised steps, ensuring every detail reflects your vision. From selecting metals to choosing your centre stone, we guide you through each choice to create your dream ring.
Step 1 Choosing The Right Metal
Metals form the foundation of any ring. Their choice influences style, durability, and comfort. The easiest way to decide what metal is right for your partner is to take a look at their individual style. Do they gravitate towards white gold or silver jewellery, or do they mainly wear yellow gold items?
If you’re not certain, here’s a list of all the metal types and their unique characteristics:
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White Gold
A blend of gold with white metals, white gold offers elegance and versatility. It's a popular choice for modern designs, pairing well with numerous gemstones.
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Yellow Gold
Timeless and traditional, yellow gold brings warmth and classic beauty. It's perfect for vintage-inspired rings.
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Rose Gold
With its unique pinkish hue, rose gold adds a romantic touch. It's ideal for those seeking something distinctive yet timeless.
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Platinum
Durable and pure, platinum stands for strength. It's hypoallergenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Step 2 THE PERFECT CENTRE STONE
One of the most important decisions you can make regarding your engagement ring is selecting your centre stone. Diamonds, known for their brilliance and durability, come in various cuts like round, princess, and emerald. Unique Diamonds offers a range of centre stones, each with unique qualities, to match every style and preference.
If you’re not certain, here’s a list of all the metal types and their unique characteristics:
Another option to consider is the choice between natural and lab grown diamonds. Lab grown diamonds undergo the same chemical process as natural diamonds, however instead of being mined from the earth they are grown in a laboratory. Lab grown diamonds offer more flexibility when it comes to size and clarity and it’s no wonder that over 90% of our clients have opted for lab grown diamonds.
Step 3 DECIDING ON THE DESIGN STYLE
One of the most important decisions you can make regarding your engagement ring is selecting your centre stone. Diamonds, known for their brilliance and durability, come in various cuts like round, princess, and emerald. Unique Diamonds offers a range of centre stones, each with unique qualities, to match every style and preference.
If you’re not certain, here’s a list of all the metal types and their unique characteristics:
Another option to consider is the choice between natural and lab grown diamonds. Lab grown diamonds undergo the same chemical process as natural diamonds, however instead of being mined from the earth they are grown in a laboratory. Lab grown diamonds offer more flexibility when it comes to size and clarity and it’s no wonder that over 90% of our clients have opted for lab grown diamonds.
EXPERT TIPS AND COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
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PERSONAL STYLE OVER TRENDING DESIGNS
After nearly 20 years in the industry, we’ve seen our fair share of trends when it comes to engagement ring styles. One important thing to consider when selecting the setting and centre stone is to prioritise personal style rather than what is popular.
While trends may come and go, personal style is timeless and unique to you and your partner. An engagement ring is not just a piece of jewellery; it is a symbol of your love and commitment. It should reflect your individuality and resonate with personal taste.
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CONSIDER YOUR BUDGET
Understanding your budget allows our specialists to tailor their recommendations and designs to meet your financial expectations. By discussing your budget upfront, we can suggest suitable options and guide you towards the most cost-effective choices without compromising on quality or personalisation.
This helps ensure that you find a stunning and unique engagement ring that not only captures your love but also aligns with your financial goals.
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UNDERSTANDING LONG TERM MAINTENANCE
When selecting the metal type for the band of your ring, it’s important to understand the maintenance requirements for each choice
White gold rings start out as yellow gold, but undergo a process called ‘rhodium plating’ to give it that classic white gold look. We recommend that white gold rings are ‘re-plated’ every 6-8 months to ensure the colour is kept pristine and white.
FAQS
What things should you consider before your first appointment?
Here are key considerations to guide you before your first appointment with us:
- Diamond Choice: Natural or Lab-Grown? Decide between the allure of natural diamonds, ethically sourced and conflict-free, and the modern appeal of sustainable, lab-grown options. Our experts will help you navigate this choice.
- The 4C's: A Quick Overview. Learn the essentials of diamond quality with our guidance on the 4C's (Colour, Clarity, Cut, Carat Weight), backed by GIA certification for peace of mind.
- Selecting the Right Metal. Choose a band that matches your partner's style—be it the classic elegance of yellow gold, the sleek appeal of white gold, or the modern touch of silver.
- Inspiration is always welcomed! Bring any ideas or inspiration to help us understand your vision for the perfect engagement ring, making the design uniquely yours.
We recommend reading our guide on How To Design The Perfect Engagement Ring, as it simplifies this process into 3 simple steps.
How long does it take to have an engagement ring custom-made?
Our entire process of creating a custom engagement ring takes around 4-6 weeks. Please contact us if a ring is required urgently.
How much should I spend on an engagement ring?
You might have heard rather outdated advice like 'spend three months of your salary on an engagement ring'. There was a point in time where that advice may have been relevant. With the introduction of lab grown engagement rings, you now have significantly more options in designing the perfect ring at a budget that you're comfortable with.
There is no 'required minimum spend' anymore. Only spend what you're comfortable spending!
For more information, read our article on Navigating Engagement Ring Costs
How will I know the right size for my partner's engagement ring?
The easiest way would be to bring in one of your partner's rings for us to size, however there are other ways we can help. Feel free to reach out if you've got any questions!
What is included within your lifetime manufacturers warranty?
At Unique Diamonds our jewelry company, we stand behind the exceptional quality of our craftsmanship with a lifetime manufacturer's warranty, ensuring every piece you purchase is free from defects in materials and workmanship.
Our warranty covers you for any defects but does not cover you for any lost, stolen or accidental damage.
What are the maintenance requirements of my ring?
To ensure the lasting beauty and integrity of your engagement ring, we recommend having it professionally inspected and maintained at least once a year.
Regular maintenance not only preserves the ring's exquisite appearance but also prevents potential issues, such as loose settings or worn prongs, which could lead to the loss of a stone. During these maintenance sessions, our expert jewelers will meticulously clean the ring, check for any signs of wear, and make necessary adjustments or repairs.
This proactive approach allows you to cherish your precious symbol of love in its most pristine condition, ensuring it remains as captivating and vibrant as the moment it was first placed on your finger.
Visit Our Store
With over 10 years of experience, our team pride themselves on offering customers a truly personalized service when visiting our showrooms in Canberra or Melbourne.
We're here to help
Designing the perfect engagement ring with Unique Diamonds is a journey of love and craftsmanship. From choosing the right metal to ensuring quality and value, we guide you at every step. Book an appointment at our Melbourne or Canberra showroom to start creating your dream ring.