Types of diamond engagement rings
Our beautiful Rocks Forever collection of diamond engagement rings features a range of styles and designs to suit all. Couples have a choice of metal types, including designs mounted on 18ct yellow, white, rose gold and platinum rings,
Yellow gold diamond engagement rings showcase a classic and timeless style due to the traditional look of the glowing warm metal. Many of the early engagement rings in history were crafted from yellow gold, making these types of rings the perfect choice for couples who are looking for something classic, but which is guaranteed to last a lifetime.
The bright and alluring nature of white gold on the other hand creates a stylish and modern ring. The reflective band pairs perfectly with the brilliance of the diamond detail, extending the shine and sparkle to cover the entire surface of the ring.
Rose gold is another stylish choice, as the warm toned metal type has been a trending style for some years now. Again, the hue of the band pairs well with a brilliant diamond, but this time, allowing the stone to sparkle, while the subtle colour helps channel all attention towards it.
Diamond engagement rings are also available in a variety of cuts. Our collection includes everything from traditional round cuts that bring out the optimum brilliance of the diamond, as well as stylish oval and cushion cuts for something with a little more charm and character.
As well as diamond cuts, you can choose various settings such as halos, solitaires, claws, clusters and diamond pavé designs. These details help to enhance the size of stones and create additional sparkle.
How to choose the right diamond engagement ring
Choosing the perfect diamond engagement ring can be a tough decision especially when the choices are endless. Here at Rocks, we offer an expert consultation service where we’ll listen to your needs and help you pick the perfect ring for your loved one. Our Irish Family business is built around expert craftsmen, diamond graders, goldsmiths and designers. Sound good? Be sure to book an appointment with us today.
If you are buying a ring for a surprise proposal, there are a few things to consider before starting your search. Firstly, consider your partner’s current style. If their usual choice of clothing and jewellery is chic and classic, then a yellow gold band might be best. However, if they are someone who keeps up with the latest trends, rose gold or white gold options are where to begin your search.
Similarly, be sure to look at their current jewellery collection as this will give you an idea of the colours and diamond cuts they like. Although an engagement ring is much more special than just any other piece of jewellery, you want to make sure it fits perfectly with their current style so it can be worn alongside existing pieces for a seamless and sophisticated look.
Earth Mined vs Laboratory Grown Diamonds
Did you know that diamonds can be earth mined or laboratory grown? Both stones are identical in the chemical composition and have the same characteristics and brilliance. The only difference is their creation and of course, the resulting cost.
Some people chose earth mined diamonds as they like to use a natural creation to adorn their jewellery, while others are attracted to the sustainability and green aspect of laboratory grown diamonds.
Each type of diamond comes with its own diamond certificate evaluating its characteristics and both have the same appearance so what you chose is your preference. At Rocks, we can offer our customers both of these wonderful options.
The 4Cs
Once you have narrowed your style and diamond options, it’s time to consider the 4Cs of diamond quality, to ensure you are investing in only the best stone for your budget and preference. The four Cs refer to colour, clarity, cut and carat weight.
Colour is graded on a scale of D - Z, with D being a colourless diamond and Z, one with a more yellow or brown hue. Those closer to D are more rare and therefore desirable and valuable. As a result, D grade diamonds come at a premiumprice.
Clarity refers to the presence of any inclusions or imperfections in a diamond. Due to their formation process, inclusions are common but can impact the quality and value of a stone if they interfere with its brilliance and structure. Again, flawless diamonds or those with no inclusions are rare, more desirable and consequently are quite rare.
Carat refers to the weight of the diamond. It's a common misconception that a larger carat diamond is better, however, if colour and clarity are lacking, so will the quality of the stone, no matter its weight or size.
We often think of a diamond’s cut as its shape; round, oval, marquise etc. However, it actually refers to the way in which a diamond has been cut and how well a diamond’s facets interact with light. Jewellers have spent centuries perfecting their diamond cutting skills in order to maximise the brilliance of each stone. A well cut diamond will have noticeable brilliance and fire, with light reflected well inside the diamond resulting in a rainbow of colour.
When choosing an engagement ring, you should take into consideration all four Cs, along with your partner’s preferences as this will give you the best chance of settling on the perfect ring.
When did diamond engagement rings become popular?
Diamonds have been used to decorate jewellery and in particular, engagement rings, for centuries. However, it wasn’t until the 1940s that the trend really took off and the dazzling diamond designs we see today, started to flood the market and form the centerpiece of dream proposals for brides-to-be all over the world.
The trend was initiated by global diamond specialist, De Beers, in which the famous “a diamond is forever” slogan was coined. Following the campaign, there was a significant rise in the desirability of the dazzling stone and this has remained until today
Since then, it has been difficult to picture any other ring gracing the finger of a loved one to signify an intent to marry, commitment and a budding love story.
You can browse our full collection of diamond engagement rings online and in-store today.