Expert guide to choose the perfect engagement ring your fiancé would love

Choosing an engagement ring is an exciting journey, and the start of a new life stage in marriage! Here are some tips to help you find the perfect ring for your partner:

1.Know her style & preferences: Close your eyes and reflect on your partner’s style, values, and lifestyle. Consider whether she prefers classic, modern, or unique and bespoke designs. Observe what she wears, including jewellery, or ask her friends and siblings if possible. If she wants something special, you may want a custom design from a jewellery designer.

Otherwise, feel free to head over to your local jewellery store!

The price of a diamond will depend on the 4Cs below. Read on to find out how the 4Cs affect a diamond's price!

2.Understand the 4Cs of diamonds: Before you go shopping for engagement rings, get expert advice here that affects the price of the ring!

• Clarity: Refers to the presence of flaws or inclusions within a diamond. Higher clarity diamonds have fewer imperfections (Flawless, Internally Flawless, VVS1 and VVS2), and thus would be more valuable.

Flawless (FL) No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification

Internally Flawless (IF) No inclusions visible under 10x magnification

Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) Inclusions so small they are difficult for a diamond grader to see under 10x magnification

Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) Inclusions are observed under 10x magnification, but can be characterized as minor

Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification

Included (I1, I2, and I3) Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification which may affect transparency and brilliance

• Cut: How well a diamond is cut and polished will affect its brilliance.

Brightness: Internal and external white light reflected from a diamond

Fire: The scattering of white light into all the colors of the rainbow

Scintillation: The amount of sparkle a diamond produces, and the pattern of light and dark areas caused by reflections within the diamond

A diamond's cut is graded based on 3 criteria: polish, symmetry and cutting style. If you come across a diamond with triple Excellent or Ex Ex Ex, this means that the diamond is very well cut, and thus the value increases.

• Colour: Diamonds range from colorless (D) to light yellow (Z). Colourless diamonds in D, E and F grade are more valuable than those with a yellowish colour.

GIA diamond colour grading chart

• Carat Weight: The size and weight of the diamond. 1 carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. Diamonds that weigh 1 carat and above will be more valuable. Prices would increase exponentially as the diamond gets bigger, because the rough stone that it is cut from is more rare.

3.Set your budget: Buying a diamond engagement ring for your future spouse is a milestone and a promise of a lifetime of selfless love. At the same time, you would also want to set a budget. A typical diamond engagement ring should be less than SGD5,000/RM17,000 (excluding the wedding bands) and can be as low as SGD2,000/RM7,000.

But if your budget allows, you can go for any diamond engagement ring beyond SGD5,000/RM17,000, and as high as SGD50,000/RM170,000.

At any price, keep in mind the 4Cs. A diamond that has the best qualities will cost more, so you would have to sacrifice some qualities if budget is a consideration.

If you want a diamond that has flawless clarity, has excellent cut, and colourless, then the price would be higher. Similarly, heavier diamonds would cost more, and the price would exponentially increase from 1.0 carats onwards.

Generally speaking, among the 4Cs, colour and cut would affect the appearance of a diamond more. You can sacrifice clarity, if it helps to bring the price of a diamond lower.

In conclusion, you should first set a budget. Then work backwards on the diamond that would fit your budget, in terms of the 4Cs. Remember, an engagement ring is just a symbol and reminder of your love, but keep your budget in check. You will still have plenty of opportunities to show your love during marriage!

Sources: GIA (Gemological Institute of America)

Exchange rates as of May 2024.