You're ready and you've done your research.

By now you're familiar with the 4Cs through the many articles you have read across Google. But before we go in depth with this topic (and without boring you on the usual guide of Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat), here is a question for you: 

What would be the most important factor out of the above?

Once you have that figured out...

1) Determine your budget

Undeniably, this really is the most important factor apart from the 4Cs.

There is no formula to this, and do ignore the 3 month salary rule.

Instead, your budget should depend on how comfortable you feel spending on an engagement ring. 

As private jewellers, it is our job to consider your budget and work towards getting you the best diamond possible in accordance to the importance of the 4Cs you have prioritised.

2) Details matter, what is their jewellery style?

An engagement ring is a piece one will be wearing every day so it is important that it reflects their personal style. (Although, take it from us, the one who is being proposed to will fall in love with the diamond ring anyway)

You don't have to be a style connoisseur for this, however, knowing the 'look' of jewellery they wear on a daily basis is essential to the design process.

  • Start with the metal colour, do they often wear yellow gold, rose gold or white gold?
  • Consider their lifestyle, are they quite active with their hands?
  • Do they like their jewellery big and bold? Or, do they like it minimal and chic?
  • Do they gravitate towards vintage-inspired designs or perhaps something more modern?
  • Cut refers to shape: If they haven't already discussed their preferences with you, round brilliants are generally the safest option, it is the only diamond that receives a grade which determines how well proportioned the diamond is. That said, you should definitely find out their favourite shape through friends or family as this is where we start with the 4Cs.

3) The 4Cs: There is more to it than just Cut, Clarity, Colour, and Carat

When it comes to diamonds, we often talk about the 4Cs in depth, pretty much every article out there will give you a good idea what each C stands for. 

Here's what you do need to know though, each of the C attribute affects the price, but some matter more or less when determining which diamonds meet yours or their preferences and standards - this all comes down to what's most important and prioritised within the 4Cs. 

For some, they value an all-rounded decent quality diamond that takes all the Cs into account.

For most, the size and shape matter, in this case we'll select a diamond that will have a lower clarity and colour in order to maximise your budget. (Not to fret, quality will not be sacrificed here)

For a comprehensive understanding of the 4Cs, read about The Lieberati 4Cs Diamond Guide.

4) The 5th C: Certificate

There is no need to stress about the certificate or paperwork, all of our diamonds are GIA certified, natural (mind from the earth's ground, not lab-grown), and guaranteed by our suppliers to be conflict-free.

5) Consider buying slight points below the rounded Carat

Making the most out of your budget is what we're here for. 

Remember that Carat may refer to the size of the diamond, but it actually is the weight of the diamond (1ct = 0.2g).

On occasion, for example, a 1.98ct could look bigger (face-up) than a rounded 2.00ct. That means in this case, the diamond could weigh less but have a bigger surface spread than the full 2.00ct diamond.

Prices increase significantly at the rounded Carat mark.

6) Find their ring size

There is this notion that finding the ring size can be "quite a hassle". 
Mindset matters here, where there is a will, there is always a way ;)

  • Ask their closest friends or family
  • Have their closest friends fit it for you whilst they're casually shopping
  • Take one of their rings they do wear on their ring finger and measure across the middle of the diameter across the ring. For more info, see our guide https://lieberati.com/pages/jewellery-care-materials

7) Get excited, don't stress, and let us do the work

You've got enough to worry about planning for the perfect proposal, so let us guide you through this significant journey in producing the perfect ring for him/her.

If it isn't quite the right fit however, fret not, we're here to help make it the absolute dream ring. 

Rest assured, they're going to love it, and you're going to enjoy exploring the design and diamond process with us. You might even come out of this as a diamond expert yourself - that way, you'd be there to help all your other friends out! ;)