What to Consider When Choosing your Perfect Ring? 

What to Consider When Choosing your Perfect Ring? 

Types of rings 

Everyone is familiar with the significant rings to represent each moment of love. We have the engagement ring, wedding band and anniversary ring. Each represents a momentous occasion in your relationship. The engagement ring is like the 'seal the deal' ring, if you will. It is the ring you propose and says the most romantic words, "will you marry me?" hopefully followed by a "yes". This ring is the showstopper. The one everyone will ask to see, so it needs to be beautiful, true to your style and a reflection of your relationship. 

The wedding band is the ring that comes; next, this one is more just for the two of you. It is the symbol of your marriage. A wedding band signifies your eternal love whilst encompassing your promises two one another and showing the world you are married. 

Last but not least (because you will have a few), the anniversary rings. These rings are gifts that again represent the development and growth of your marriage. They can be chosen for you or selected by you as they are usually based on your style and what you like personally rather than what encompasses your whole relationship, like an engagement ring. 

Traditionally giving and choosing the ring is the role of the partner. However, this can be like sending them off into the unknown. Here is a collection of the most important things you can subtly tell them to ensure they pick the perfect ring for you.  

 

A close-up of a pear shaped diamond ring placed on a reflective surface

Know the four c's 

The 4'c are cut, clarity, colour and carat weight: 

The Cut

A diamond's cut is not to be confused with shape; cut refers to how well a diamond's facets interact with light. The cut depends on the proportions, symmetry and polish to ensure the most light return possible in the diamond. The cut has three essential effects on the look of the diamond: brilliance, fire, and scintillation. Brilliance; the brightness created by the white light reflections, fire; the flashes of colour created by the dispersion of light, and scintillation; the sparkle of the diamond. It's vital to ensure a skilled cutter cuts your diamond as they balance optimal cut against maximum yield (carat weight) so you will have the best cut without sacrificing too much of the carat weight. 

The Clarity

When diamonds are created naturally, they can have a variety of characteristics called inclusions and blemishes. The clarity of a diamond refers to the absence of these characteristics. The number of inclusions or blemishes in your diamond will determine how flawless it is. If it has none, it is entirely flawless. This will affect the transparency and brilliance of the diamond depending on where it sits on the scale. However, unless the clarity sits towards the bottom of the scale (slightly included or included), it would be tough to notice any inclusions or blemishes without a microscope. 

The Colour

The colour of a diamond makes quite a difference in the quality and, subsequently, price of the diamond. Evaluating the colour of the diamond is based on the lack of shade seen in the diamond. A pure and perfect white diamond has no colour or tone and is therefore highly valued. A white diamond with a colour tint has a yellow hue, which lowers the diamond's value. The colour is graded on a scale comparing the degree of colourlessness (A scale from D - Z) under controlled lighting, which establishes the colour value. The lower the alphabet, the higher the yellow tint and the more cost-effective value. 

The Carat

The carat-weight of a diamond is equivalent to one-fifth of a gram which means 1 carat is equal to 0.2 grams. Large-sized diamonds are so rare that the value of diamonds does not increase in proportion to their weight. This means that a two-carat diamond will cost more than double that of a one-carat diamond.

A close-up of a pear shaped diamond ring placed on a reflective surface

 

Know diamond shapes and styles

There are specific shapes of diamonds that are more popular than others and so are priced highly. The classic round shape remains the most popular shape for a diamond. Here are some shapes you can choose from:

Round Brilliant

The round shape is a classic and is the most popular shape of a diamond in demand. With 56 symmetrical facets, the brilliant round diamond produces an unparalleled shine.

Princess Cut

The princess cut is another popular diamond shape. It appears to be straight from the top but has a tapered bottom. The chevron-shaped facets beautifully reflect light and give the diamond a breathtaking brilliance.

Emerald Cut

Lately, the emerald cut has also become a shape favoured by jewellers and buyers alike. The shape is neat and looks eye-catching from every angle. Its rectangular facets give it a clean and modern look.

Cushion Cut

The cushion or pillow cut resembles the princess cut in its overall form. However, these are softened instead of angled edges for a unique and attractive look.

Oval Cut

Another classic shape, the oval-cut diamond, is rounded and oblong. It looks sophisticated and chic and gives a delicate look to any design.

Pear Shaped 

Pear-shaped diamonds are cut in a teardrop shape. This is a beautifully elegant and truly timeless shape due to its simple yet distinctive style.

Heart Shaped 

Heart-shaped diamonds are just that; they are cut to resemble the shape of a heart, with two rounded edges at the top and a tapered bottom. Primarily used in engagement rings, the shape of the heart symbolizes eternal love.

Baguette Shaped 

The baguette-shaped diamond is usually rectangular in shape. However, it can be square as well. These are less expensive than other types of diamonds, like the round brilliant ones, because they have 14 facets instead of the 57 that the round one has. This means the shine on baguette diamonds is not as intense. Despite this, they look beautiful.

Marquise-Shaped 

The marquise-shaped diamond is another elongated shape, but unlike the emerald shape, the marquise diamond has pointed tips on two ends. The marquise or navette cut diamond is uniquely shaped. It makes the fingers of the wearer appear slender and elongated.

Unusual shapes:

If none of these seems quite right, there are alternative options outside of the mundane. At LKC, we like to work with unusual such as a kite or hexagonal shapes. Shapes like these add a point of difference to the design; they create a unique ring, one that your partner won't have seen anywhere else. In the Layla Kaisi Collection studio, you will be shown a range of stones and shapes, so don't hesitate to ask Layla about the unusual ones. 

 

A close-up of a hand wearing a diamond ring on its finger

 

Don't get caught up in trends!

It is effortless to choose from what is trendy when selecting the engagement ring, but don't forget that this ring has to last forever. Not to mention it has to fit in with the trend-changing jewellery it will be worn with. An easy way to avoid getting caught up in trends is to have a custom piece made specifically for the person who will wear the engagement ring. Has it been designed to their taste and personality? 

Don't be afraid to be different

Having a custom piece means there is no basic design you need to conform to; you could choose any diamond shape to play around with. We recommend working closely with a skilled designer to explore a variety of designs before settling on one that resonates with you and your partner the most. An engagement ring is not a piece of jewellery; it is a story told through the medium of diamonds, gems and precious metals. Create something that most accurately depicts your story. 

A close-up of a diamond ring

 

Pick a metal for the band, and consider side stones

These are the extra embellishments that will round off your custom design. You can choose from multiple metals for the band, including yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and platinum. The choice of metal depends on the design as well as what metal your partner usually prefers to wear. This will be important so the ring fits in with their other jewellery, but it is also an easy way to ensure it will suit their skin tone. 

Side stones create a more detailed design. They may be the same gem as the centre stone or different to add variety and colour. Consider choosing side stones that will complement the style your partner prefers. An abstract placement of side stones, perhaps in various shapes, would create a fashionable, unique design. In contrast, even arrangements of simple figures such as round or oval will create a more timeless, minimalist design.  

Measure ring size

This is potentially the most challenging part. You will need to get your partner's ring size, ideally without them knowing. There are a few ways you could go about this: sneaking through her jewellery box, asking their loved ones for help or, for the not-so-subtle approach, simply asking. When hunting through her jewellery, try and find a ring that you know she wears a lot and, ideally, one that fits her engagement finger. You can either bring this ring to a jeweller to get it professionally measured or trace it onto paper and use a ring measuring guide to do it yourself. Another approach is to ask their friends and family for help; they may already know or could more subtly ask. 

Does size matter?

Diamond prices do depend on size, as well as the 4'c discussed earlier. Size essentially depends on your budget. You may sacrifice clarity for the price if you want a large diamond. However, size only matters if it is important to your partner or your design of the ring. 

 

A close-up of a hand wearing a pear shaped diamond ring

 

The LKC experience: 

 At Layla Kaisi Collection, you will be guided through the entire bespoke design process of choosing the engagement ring, from the initial design stages right through to the final product, with Layla herself. You will meet Layla to discuss every detail relevant to you and your partner to craft the perfect material reflection of your story. Choosing an engagement ring at LKC is about writing your love story in the medium of fine jewellery rather than picking a generic diamond ring.

 

Interior of LKC newly designed studio


Image of Ophelia Mason author for the Layla Kaisi Collection Journal

Ophelia Mason

Ophelia Mason is a writer, content creator, and author for the Layla Kaisi Collection Journal. She transcribes the beauty of artistically handmade jewellery. She is passionate about sharing the stories woven through each design and retelling the moments captured in each piece in imaginative detail. She has an eye for creative harmony and an appreciation for individual reflection in the form of unique jewellery.

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