DIAMOND RING BUYING GUIDE

• Elongated shapes usually appear larger for the same carat weight
• Oval, marquise and pear look the biggest on the finger
• Emerald and radiant can also look generous because of their long measurements

Round gives the most balanced sparkle, but the face-up size looks a touch smaller than the elongated cuts at the same carat. If you want “largest look per carat,” start with oval and marquise cut diamonds.

Yes. Book a free appointment at one of our UK showrooms spanning from Glasgow to London’s Hatton Garden. You can try different shapes, metals and settings with a diamond expert, zero pressure, just proper guidance.

Bring these with you or save this list on your phone:

• Certification: Is the centre diamond GIA/IGI-certified? What’s the cut/colour/clarity and fluorescence?
• Appearance: Are there any visible inclusions? How does it look in daylight vs store lighting?
• Measurements: What are the mm dimensions (not just carat)? Will it sit flush with a wedding band?
• Setting: Which prong style is safest?
• Metal: Pros/cons of platinum vs. gold for daily wear?
• Practicalities: Do you offer resizing, warranties, insurance valuations, cleaning, and maintenance services?
• Budget: Are there near-carat options (e.g. 0.90ct vs 1.00ct) that look similar for less? Any lab-grown alternatives?

• Try both in natural daylight and take videos on your phone to look back on.
• Compare what really matters to you: sparkle vs size, finger coverage vs profile height.
• Check how each ring pairs with a straight or curved wedding band.
• Consider long-term maintenance (lots of tiny diamonds = more cleaning).
• Sleep on it and ask yourself, which one makes me smile instantly?

If you’re still stuck, book an appointment, and we’ll help you decide without any pressure.

• Bring inspiration (photos, Pinterest boards, heirloom pieces)
• Set your budget
• Choose the centre stone (shape, carat range, cut/colour/clarity)
• We’ll design the setting (height, prongs, metal, hidden halo, engraving, etc.)
• Review CAD renders/3D visuals, request tweaks
• We craft, hallmark and finish your ring - typical lead time 4-6 weeks

Borrow a ring they wear on the left-hand ring finger, trace the inner circle (or measure with a ring sizer). Alternatively, ask a friend/family member to help. However, we also offer professional sizing and resizing options if needed.

Yes. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same physical and optical properties as natural diamonds, typically offering larger sizes for the same budget. You’ll still want a trusted certificate (GIA/IGI) and a strong cut grade for sparkle.

For most buyers:

Cut > Carat > Colour > Clarity.

A well-cut diamond will out-sparkle a bigger, poorly cut stone every time. Aim for Excellent/Ideal cut, near-colourless (G–H), and eye-clean clarity (VS–SI).

Because of finger coverage, oval, pear, and marquise shapes often look larger at lower carat weights. Try 0.70 - 0.90ct in an elongated shape, you may be surprised how “big” it looks on the hand.

Absolutely. Book a bespoke consultation, we’ll sketch or CAD your design, source stones that match your brief and budget, and keep you updated through to the final polish.

Typically, 3 to 5 weeks, depending on design complexity and stone sourcing. Bespoke pieces with CAD approval can take 4 to 6 weeks. If you need your ring by a specific date, let us know, and we’ll do everything we can to get your ring delivered in time.

Some settings (e.g. low-set solitaires, baskets, halos) may need a shaped/wishbone wedding band. If a flush fit is important, tell us, we’ll show you flush-fit settings or design the engagement ring with your future band in mind.