How To Buy The Perfect Engagement Ring - A Step By Step Guide

Step 1: Research the 4 C’s

Researching the fundamentals of diamonds so you know exactly what you are buying. The old saying “knowledge is power” has never been more true. Once you are aware of the 4 most popular ways to assess diamond quality, Cut, Colour, Carat and Clarity, you’ll be able to search for that perfect diamond. 

Step 2: Determine Your Budget

Ignore the old sayings and traditions regarding how much you should spend on the engagement ring. Discuss how much you can afford to spend comfortably and stick to it. A reputable jeweller will always work with you to find a diamond within your budget, if they do try to up-sell stick to your guns or look elsewhere.

Step 3: Find The Style

Deciding the style you love solitaire, three stone, halo or something more contemporary, there is something to suit everyone. Try on all the various styles, what you think you may like often changes once you start trying them on. 

Step 4: Find a Reputable Jeweller

Choose your jeweller carefully, ask friends and family for recommendations, also check out customer reviews online. A reputable jeweller, both online and bricks & mortar, will encourage you to shop around, ask questions and compare diamonds among the competition.

Step 5: Look for Certification

Look at the certification for the diamond you are interested in. Diamonds are certified by independent laboratories; GIA, HRD, IGI, etc. Some retailers offer “their own” diamond grading report, NEVER accept this as a true reflection of a diamonds quality or value, request an independent evaluation from a trusted laboratory.

*Remember: GIA is the industry leader and is a non-profit grading laboratory - we recommend sticking with GIA

Step 6: Ask Questions

Make sure to ask questions, not just the obvious ones regarding the Cut, Colour, Carat and Clarity, also ask about Fluorescence, the dimensions of the stone, these can also affect the price of the diamond. 

*Remember: Before you make that final decision give consideration to the wedding ring you will wear next to the engagement ring and try both on together, then you will know how the finished combination will look.

Step 7: Make the Purchase!

You did your research, you chose the style, you found a reputable jeweller and you stuck to your budget. Congratulations, you are ready to make your engagement ring purchase with confidence!

*Remember: Insurance will protect your investment in case your diamond gets lost, stolen, or damaged. Ask your jeweller for an Insurance Valuation then speak to your home insurance provider, it can usually be listed as a specified item on your home insurance policy for a small fee.

HRD diamond certification

At McGuire Diamonds we also consider HRD certified diamonds. Our goal is find the best diamond available on the market at any given time.

Is Diamond Fluorescence good or bad?

What is diamond fluorescence? Is it good or bad? Should you buy (or not buy) a diamond because of it? These and other similar questions are often raised as diamond shoppers seek answers in making an informed buying decision.

1. What is diamond fluorescence?

Fluorescence is the glow you sometimes see when an object emits visible light. Some diamonds fluoresce when they are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sources like the sun and fluorescent lamps. This can cause them to emit a bluish light or more rarely, a yellow or orangey light. Once the UV light source is removed, the diamond stops fluorescing.

2. Do all diamonds fluoresce?

No. Only about 25% to 35% of diamonds exhibit some degree of fluorescence.

3. Is there a diamond fluorescence grade?