British Diamond Engagement Ring Trends And Tips
Diamond engagement rings have long been popular for couples in the United Kingdom, with many choosing to invest in a high-quality diamond ring to mark the start of their married life together. In recent years, there have been new diamond engagement ring trends here in the UK which have influenced the types of rings people choose to buy.
With so many different styles and options available, it can be difficult to know what to look out for when shopping for a diamond engagement ring.
Here are some trends and tips to consider as you start your search.
Recent Trends In Diamond Engagement Rings In The UK
1) Alternative diamond shapes
One trend that has emerged in recent years is the popularity of alternative diamond shapes. While round diamonds have traditionally been the most popular choice for engagement rings, other shapes such as princess, oval, and pear-shaped diamonds have become more fashionable in recent years. This trend is partly driven by the desire for unique and unusual engagement rings, as well as the influence of celebrity engagement ring choices.
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2) The use of coloured diamonds.
While white diamonds have typically been the most popular choice for engagement rings, coloured diamonds such as yellow, pink, and blue are becoming more popular. This trend is likely driven by the desire for more unique and distinctive engagement rings and the increasing availability of coloured diamonds on the market.
3) The use of alternative materials for the setting.
While gold has traditionally been the most popular metal for engagement rings, other materials such as platinum, palladium, and white gold are becoming more popular. This trend is likely driven by the increasing popularity of alternative metals in the jewellery industry and the desire for more unique and unusual engagement rings.
Rose gold: Rose gold has become a popular choice for engagement rings in recent years, thanks to its warm, romantic colour. This metal is often paired with diamonds in vintage-inspired or antique-style rings.
Mixed metal: Mixing different types of metal, such as white gold and rose gold, can create a unique and stylish look for an engagement ring. This trend is perfect for couples who want something a little different from the traditional all-gold or all-platinum ring.
4) Halo settings
A halo setting features a centre diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds, creating a beautiful and eye-catching ring. This style is popular because it can make the centre diamond appear larger and more brilliant.
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5) Vintage-Inspired Rings
Vintage-inspired engagement rings, with their intricate detailing and antique-looking finishes, have become increasingly popular in the UK. Many of these rings are based on antique or vintage styles but with a modern twist, such as a halo setting or a mix of different diamond shapes.
6) Ethical and Sustainable Options
As consumers become more conscious about the impact of their purchases on the environment and on communities, there has been an increase in demand for ethical and sustainable engagement rings in the UK. This includes rings made from recycled metals, conflict-free diamonds, and lab-grown diamonds.
Tips for Engagement Ring Buyers
If you are considering purchasing a diamond engagement ring in the UK, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Determine your budget
It is important to set a budget for your engagement ring before you start shopping. This will help narrow down your options and ensure that you are able to find a ring that fits your financial means.
Consider the 4 Cs
When shopping for a diamond, it is important to consider the 4 Cs: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. The cut of the diamond refers to its proportions and symmetry, which can affect its sparkle and brightness. The colour of the diamond ranges from colourless to yellow, with the most valuable diamonds being colourless. Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions or blemishes in the diamond, with the most valuable diamonds being those with few or no inclusions. Carat weight is a measure of the size of the diamond, with larger diamonds typically being more valuable.
You can read more about the 4Cs and diamond quality here.
Choose a reputable retailer
It is important to choose a reputable retailer when purchasing an engagement ring, as this will ensure that you are getting a high-quality diamond. Look for retailers that are accredited by organizations such as the International Gemological Institute or the Gemological Institute of America. You will probably see appropriate logos on the websites of online retailers or by the door or cash register of high street retailers.
Check online reviews from independent review sites such as Trustpilot. Here are our online reviews.
Consider the setting
The setting of the engagement ring, which is the metal band and prongs that hold the diamond in place, is an important consideration. There are many different setting styles to choose from, including prong, bezel, and pave, so be sure to consider which one will best suit your preferences and lifestyle.
The setting you choose can affect the appearance and durability of the ring, so it is important to choose a setting that is suitable for your needs. For example, prong settings are popular because they allow more light to enter the diamond, which can enhance its sparkle. However, these types of settings may not be as durable as other types of settings, such as bezel or pave settings.
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Think about insurance
It is a good idea to insure your engagement ring to protect it in case of loss or damage. Many jewellery retailers offer insurance options, or you can purchase an extension to your home contents insurance policy.
Check The Hallmark
In the United Kingdom, it is a legal requirement that all but the very smallest pieces of precious metal should carry a hallmark when sold. There are exceptions for very old pieces made before hallmarking was required, so there might not be a hallmark on a piece of antique jewellery. The hallmark does not have to come from the UK, but most jeweller buyers prefer to have either a British or EU hallmark. Not all countries have the same standards of purity for precious metals.
Get a certificate
When purchasing a diamond engagement ring, be sure to get a certificate from a reputable laboratory such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). This certificate will provide detailed information about the diamond, including its cut, clarity, colour, and carat weight, and will help you ensure that you are getting a quality stone.
You don't need to follow the trend!
Knowing about diamond engagement ring trends is only a guide. In the end, the most important thing is to choose a ring that you both love, especially for your fiancee! No matter how fashionable a ring might be, if it does not fit with her image of what an engagement ring should be then it will always be a disappointment to her!
Frequently Asked Questions About Engagement Rings
Do people buy fancy yellow diamond engagement rings?
Yes, fancy yellow diamonds can be a popular choice for engagement rings. Fancy yellow diamonds are diamonds that have a natural yellow colour and are graded on a scale from fancy light yellow to fancy vivid yellow, with the most intense and saturated colours being the most valuable.
Fancy yellow diamonds are often used as the centre stone in engagement rings and can be paired with a variety of different metals, such as white gold, yellow gold, and platinum. They can also be combined with white diamonds or other gemstones to create a unique and striking engagement ring.
The cost of a fancy yellow diamond engagement ring will depend on various factors, such as the diamonds' size and quality, the setting's complexity, and the type of metal used for the band. Fancy yellow diamonds are graded based on the 4 Cs: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. Rare and high-quality diamonds will increase the price of the engagement ring.
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What is the most popular shape for the centre stone in a diamond engagement ring, and why is this the case?
The round brilliant cut is the most popular shape for the centre stone in a diamond engagement ring. This is the most popular shape because it is versatile and looks good with various ring settings and styles. The round brilliant cut is also the most efficient cut, meaning it makes the most of the diamond rough (the original diamond crystal, as mined from the earth) and maximises its sparkle and brilliance.
Other popular shapes for the centre stone in a diamond engagement ring include the princess cut, the cushion cut, the oval cut, and the pear cut. Each of these shapes has its own unique characteristics and can be a good choice for an engagement ring, depending on the wearer's personal style and preferences.
It's important to note that the shape of the centre stone is just one factor to consider when choosing an engagement ring. The quality of the diamonds and the ring’s overall design are also important considerations. Ultimately, the most important thing is for the couple to choose a ring they love that feels right for their relationship.
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Is the G/SI diamond grade a good choice for an engagement ring?
The G/SI diamond grade refers to a diamond’s colour and clarity grades. The "G" colour grade means that the diamond is nearly colourless. It will have a slight yellow or brown tint that is not visible to the naked eye. Unless you are an expert, you will not see the yellow tint unless the diamond is compared to a perfectly colourless diamond under strong light. The "SI" clarity grade means that the diamond has slight inclusions that are visible when viewed under 10x magnification. In a well-cut diamond carefully set into the ring, the setting will usually conceal these flaws.
Overall, the G/SI diamond grade can be a good choice for an engagement ring, as the colour and clarity of the diamond are considered high quality. Diamonds in the G/SI grade range are often more affordable than diamonds with higher colour and clarity grades, making them a good option for most jewellery buyers.
It's important to note that a diamond's colour and clarity grades are just two factors to consider when choosing a diamond for an engagement ring. The other two factors, taken as a whole, are known as the 4 Cs, are cut and carat weight. The diamond's cut refers to how it has been shaped and polished, affecting the diamond's sparkle and brilliance. The carat weight of a diamond refers to the size of the diamond and is a measure of its weight.
Ultimately, the most important thing is choosing a diamond that you love and fits your budget.
What diamond grades are the most cost-effective to choose for a diamond engagement ring?
The cost of a diamond engagement ring is determined by various factors, including the quality of the diamonds, the complexity of the setting, and the type of metal used for the band. When it comes to the diamonds themselves, the 4 Cs - cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight - all play a role in determining the cost.
In general, diamonds with lower colour and clarity grades tend to be more affordable than those with higher grades. For example, diamonds with colour grades in the G-J range and clarity grades in the SI-I range are often more affordable than diamonds with higher grades.
However, it's important to note that these lower grades are still considered high quality and are not easily visibly different from diamonds with higher grades to the naked eye. It's also worth considering that a lower-grade diamond may be a good choice if it has a high cut grade, as the cut of a diamond plays a significant role in its overall appearance and beauty.
Most of our diamond jewellery has a colour grade of G and a clarity grade of SI. In our experience, these grades offer the best value in terms of both price and quality. We firmly believe that, for most jewellery buyers, there is no benefit to paying for something that cannot be seen!
Ultimately, the most cost-effective choice for a diamond engagement ring will depend on your personal budget and preferences.
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Which diamond shape has the most sparkle per carat when used in an engagement ring?
When used in an engagement ring, the diamond shape with the most sparkle per carat is the round brilliant cut. The round brilliant cut is the most popular diamond shape and is known for its maximum sparkle and brilliance. This is because it is cut with specific proportions and angles designed to maximise light's reflection and refraction, creating a dazzling display of sparkle.
Other diamond shapes, such as the princess cut, cushion cut, oval cut, and pear cut, also have a high level of sparkle and brilliance, but they may have less sparkle per carat than the round brilliant cut.
It's important to note that the cut of a diamond plays a significant role in its overall appearance and sparkle. A well-cut diamond will have more sparkle and brilliance than a poorly-cut diamond, regardless of its shape.
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How much does the average engagement ring cost?
The average cost of a diamond engagement ring in the United Kingdom in 2019 was approximately £1,417, according to a survey conducted by Brides Magazine. This amount can vary widely depending on the specific characteristics of the diamond and the type of ring setting chosen. Factors that can affect the price of a diamond engagement ring include the size and quality of the diamond, the type of metal used for the setting, and the design of the ring. It is also worth noting that the cost of a diamond engagement ring can vary significantly depending on the retailer and location.
By comparison, the price of the average engagement ring in the United States in 2019 was $6,351 (5,269.23), based on a survey conducted by The Knot.
Some engagement rings can cost many thousands of pounds, while others may cost much less. It's essential to consider your budget and choose an engagement ring that is both meaningful and affordable for you.
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Should a couple choose their engagement ring together?
It's ultimately up to the couple to decide how they want to approach choosing an engagement ring. Some couples may prefer to choose the ring together, while others may prefer for one person to surprise the other with the ring.
There are pros and cons to both approaches. Choosing the ring together can allow both partners to be involved in the process and ensure that the ring is something that both people will love and feel comfortable wearing. However, it can also remove the element of surprise and make it more challenging to keep the proposal a secret.
On the other hand, having one person choose the ring can allow for a more traditional and romantic proposal. Still, it’s important for the person choosing the ring to consider the other person's preferences and style and choose a ring they will love and feel comfortable wearing.
Ultimately, the most important thing is for the couple to communicate and come to a decision that works for them and feels suitable for their relationship.
What Are Your Next Steps Toward Buying Your Engagement Ring?
Now that you know something about diamond engagement ring trends and some of the more technical matters to consider, please take a few minutes to browse our collections of engagement rings. All of our jewellery is designed and handcrafted in the United Kingdom. We stand by the quality of our jewellery by offering a lifetime workmanship guarantee on everything we sell.
As you look through our range of carefully photographed engagement rings, don’t miss our live chat system. On each page is a chat option where you can ask us any questions about the items you are looking at. We will give expert answers to help you to make the right choice!
