Selecting an engagement ring is an incredibly special moment and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The groom-to-be to is required to demonstrate his knowledge and understanding of his future partner. It is possibly the most important piece of jewellery you will ever purchase and something that she will wear forever.
It comes as no surprise then, that shopping for an engagement ring can seem a bit daunting. However, with the right help from Pleasance & Harper Jewellers you can find the ring that is perfect for your future spouse, so gentlemen, take notes.
If you’ve chosen a particular date to pop the question, make sure you start thinking about the ring early. Depending on when you order the ring, it can take a little time to set the stone and incorporate an engraving. As well as stocking quite possibly the most extensive range of diamond rings in Hereford, Pleasance & Harper also offer a bespoke service, so it’s possible to provide a custom designed engagement ring to suit you. If you’ve dreamed of creating the perfect ring for your partner then our knowledgeable staff are at hand to assist you every step of the way.
Finding her ring size can be tricky. A correctly sized engagement ring can be the perfect ending to a romantic proposal, so it’s important to try and find out. This can be achieved by borrowing one of her current rings that she wears on her right hand for a couple of hours so we can size it before swiftly returning the ring.
Enlist the help of a friend or family member. The mother or best friends of your future bride are those most likely to know her tastes in jewellery. She may have even dropped a few hints to them.
The 4 characteristics used to determine the value of any Pleasance & Harper diamond are the 4 C’s: Clarity, Colour, Cut and Carat. An understanding of these attributes is essential when choosing the perfect engagement ring.
Natural diamonds are made from carbon which has been exposed to tremendous heat and pressure deep in the earth. This process can result in a variety of internal characteristics, called ‘inclusions’ and external characteristics called blemishes. Evaluating the clarity of a diamond involves determining the size, number and size of these inclusions and blemishes, and more importantly, how these affect the final appearance of the diamond. The purer the diamond, the greater the value.
Considered one of the most important of the 4 C’s. A colourless diamond allows more white light to pass through it and therefore will emit more shine and sparkle than those with a yellow tinge, any presence of colour disfiguration will become more noticeable.
Pleasance & Harper use the GIA’s professional D-Z colour scale which measures the degree of colourless in any given diamond. Perfectionists at heart will demand diamonds that are classed in the ‘colourless’ D-F range. This is the range that the majority of the diamonds at Pleasance & Harper fall into. This is why Pleasance & Harper diamonds sparkle in such a superior way
Another important factor to bear in mind when selecting your diamond is the performance of the stone, or the ‘cut’. The cut of a diamond can be used to describe its overall shape – round, pear, emerald, marquis and so on. Only the finest artistry and workmanship will ensure that the stone’s proportions, symmetry, and polish deliver the spectacular return of light only possible in a diamond.
The mass of a diamond is measured using carat weight. All else being equal, diamond price increases with carat weight. It is important to remember however, that two diamonds of equal carat weight can have very different values depending on the 4 C’s as discussed above.
Engagement bands are made from one of the following metals: Platinum, White Gold and Yellow Gold.
There are a number of different settings available for engagement rings and your choice can radically affect the overall appearance of the ring. The ‘claw’ or ‘prong’ setting is generally the most popular as it holds the diamond securely in place whilst still allowing light to enter the stone and create an appealing sparkle.
With over 140 years of experience in quality jewellery, trust Pleasance & Harper to provide you with the help and expertise you deserve in what is one of the most important moments of your life.