This is the only guide you need when buying an engagement ring online.
We understand there’s a lot of things to consider when buying an engagement ring from an online jeweller, and that’s why we’ll guide you
through every step of the way to find the perfect choice of engagement ring with our expert help!
We understand there’s a lot of things to consider when buying an engagement ring from an online jeweller, and that’s why we’ll guide you through every step of the way to find the perfect choice of engagement ring with our expert help!
This guide will help you better your knowledge of diamonds and their key factors, which are crucial to ensuring you get a fair purchase and the true quality of the diamond is reflected in the price.
If your partner wears rings frequently, then you’ve got a good opportunity to check the ring size from their existing collection and take measurements. You can also see how the ring size fits on your own finger. Additionally, you can also download our online ring size guide. This works best with a simple band that can lay flat on the guide once you’ve printed it off.
Simply hold it up to the various sizes to get a good idea and remember, you’re checking the inner diameter and inner circumference, not the outer edge of the ring.
And if you’re stuck between two particular ring sizes, it's best to go with the bigger size for two reasons. Firstly, you don’t want to offend your partner by making it seem that they have fatter fingers than you’d expected. Secondly, it’s not cheap to resize a ring to the correct size.
There are four main types of settings available for diamond engagement rings. When buying online, you’ll often come across
the setting as the main way to categorise and filter down your options. Each of these styles has a unique look and purpose.
Learn about their differences below:
Choosing a diamond style isn’t straightforward unless you’re clued up on the many different terms. Here, we’ll explain the
main characteristics of a diamond so you can understand the important factors and ensure that you’re not paying more than
what you should be.
Diamond clarity is measured by the number of imperfections, also described as inclusions. The imperfections can be found either inside the stone or on the surface. The clarity chart for GIA diamonds ranges from Flawless (FL), which means the diamond is free from any blemishes or inclusions, to Included (I1, I2, and I3), where the brilliance and transparency may be compromised. There are 11 categories in total and each describes the level in which the clarity of the stone is affected when looking under 10x magnification. To the naked eye, it’s hard to spot any difference at all, therefore the clarity chart is required to grade the true quality of the diamond.
The diamond cut is how we describe the shape of the diamond internally, as well as the polish and symmetry. Usually, when people think of the cut, they think of round, marquise or pear, for example. However, the cut is actually how we define how well the diamond interacts with light. The more precise the cut and craftsmanship, the better the symmetry and polish, and the more light that is reflected. The cut ultimately defines how the sparkle will appear in terms of:
Carat ultimately represents the metric used to measure diamond weight. A single “carat” is equal to 200 milligrams. Each carat is then split into 100 points and presented as a decimal. This weight is a huge defining factor when it comes to price, a 1-carat diamond could be up to six times more expensive than a 0.5 carat. However, you still need to take into account the clarity and quality of the cut for example, as you may be paying for a heavier diamond, only to compromise on the sparkle factor. The dealer may decide to describe the carat as a decimal rather than the more common fraction, so we’ve provided a small chart here for you to convert carat metrics from fraction to decimal if required.
| Carat Fraction | Decimal Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1/10 | .09-.11 |
| 1/8 | .12-.13 |
| 1/7 | .14-.15 |
| 1/6 | .16-.17 |
| 1/5 | ..18-.22 |
| 1/4 | .23-.28 |
| 1/3 | .29-.36 |
| 3/8 | .37-.44 |
| 1/2 | ..45-.58 |
| 5/8 | .59-.68 |
| 3/4 | .69-.82 |
| 7/8 | .83-.94 |
| 1.0 | .95-1.05 |
We often think of all diamonds being transparent or white, although they can come in a range of colours including pink, blue, green and even yellow. However, if your white diamond has a yellow tint, this will reflect less true colour and will ultimately reduce the cost. The GIA colour scale grades diamonds from D at the high end (colourless), down to Z (light colour) at the lower end of the scale. So, while your white diamond might be white by definition, it may appear slightly tinted. The less body colour that they have, the greater their value will be.
The colour is tested when the stone is upside down so that less light is reflected, and it's easier to judge the colour or lack of. This also means that when the diamond is set, the colour may appear whiter.
Tip: a gold band may disguise the yellow tint of a J coloured stone for example, whereas a silver or platinum band is likely to highlight the defect more.
Choosing the band colour for an engagement ring can be a tough factor to decide on unless your partner already has their heart set fully on a particular metal colour - this makes things very easy for you! However, if you’re buying a ring online then it makes sense to understand the benefits of one metal over another, so take a look at our ring metal comparison chart.
| Metal Colour | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum | Toughest and lasts longest | Durable colour and shape | Most expensive |
| Gold | Natural rich yellow colour | Rare and classic | It’s soft, needs strong alloys |
| White Gold | Gold mixed with rhodium alloys | Colour like platinum but more affordable | Rhodium fades, needs recoating |
| Rose Gold | Gold with rose copper alloy | Will not scratch and appears vintage | Redness fades over time |
So, there are a few ways to decide on the best metal choice for your engagement ring, however, if you wanted to class them by popularity and quality, we’d rank them in this order:
1) Platinum. It's luxurious to touch and is highly durable, so go with this if you have the budget.
2) Yellow gold. Versatile in price and rich in colour, so go with this if your partner likes the classic gold look.
3) White gold. While we love it just as much as platinum, it requires a little maintenance over time as the alloys fade.
4) Rose gold. Like white gold, it may require maintenance in the future.
Indeed, the lifestyle of your fiance-to-be could affect your choice when buying a diamond engagement ring online, as the intention is to find one that they’ll be able to wear every day. But there are some cases where people will remove their ring for certain activities to protect it and ensure they don’t lose any of the diamonds. However, the more they remove the ring, the more chance there is of losing it, so you might want to avoid certain settings.
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If your fiance-to-be works with their hands mostly in a manual based job, you should avoid diamond engagement rings with a defined prong setting, as there is more risk of catching it on something and losing a stone. In this case, we would recommend a ring with a bezel setting that holds the diamond in place with a rim around the perimeter of the stone. This style of ring is much less likely to snag on clothing and features fewer crevices to keep clean.
When looking at diamond engagement rings online, a good way to whittle down the last few options can be to look at the style
and personality of your fiance-to-be. A diamond engagement ring is also a testament to how well you know your partner, so if
you have no idea what to go for, start to think about their style of fashion and jewellery, as well as what the various diamond
shapes say about the personality of those who wear it.
This can give you hints as to what they will be happy to wear and what will go with most of their daily attire. For example:
Someone who only wears silver coloured jewellery would probably go with a platinum/white gold engagement ring over gold.
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Someone with a more discrete style would prefer something like a single solitaire over a cluster or multistone engagement ring
In addition to the clothes that they wear, you could also look at matching up your choice of engagement ring with your partner’s personality and characteristics. Allow us to explain:
Round Brilliant Cut Diamond - One of the oldest cut styles, classic and representative of a strong family ethos and the desire for a stable, comfortable life. It's said that people who wear these diamond rings are strong, direct and honest.
Square/Princess Cut Diamond - A more modern style cut, often chosen for its deep sparkle. It’s an ideal choice for someone who takes chances and enjoys the spotlight.
Emerald Cut Diamond - Glamorous but with a vintage feel about it. An emerald cut is an ideal choice for someone with strong self-confidence, assured and in control. Emerald cut stones make stunning large stones while their clean lines ensure it doesn't look too over the top.
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Heart Cut Diamond - The heart cut represents the true sentiment of traditional love. An ideal diamond cut for those who are playful and bubbly, perfect for the true romantic.
Pear Cut Diamond- A unique edge for those who like to stand out from the rest and take risks. The pear cut diamond represents someone who is outgoing and likes new experiences.
Marquise Cut Diamond - For those who are larger than life, this vintage-styled cut is perfect for those who like to break tradition and stand out with a creative edge
Cushion Cut Diamond - The cushion cut diamond provides a soft look for those who still like to sparkle a lot. This bold yet elegant cut is ideal for those who love tradition.
Choosing a diamond engagement ring based on hand type might sound slightly specific, however, this is an important part of narrowing down the options. Your fiance-to-be most likely has an idea of what ring styles don’t match their hand type, therefore these details can't afford to be missed when buying an engagement ring online.
All hands have a unique personality, so you must find a style of ring that is going to flatter and compliment this personality. The table below gives a starting point, however, remember to bear in mind their personal style too. Your partner's taste may not reflect the most flattering choice of ring, so you may need to get a second opinion if that's the case.
| Hand / Finger Type | Most Flattering Ring Designs |
|---|---|
| Wide or Large Fingers | Wide band, Split shanks, Elongated diamond |
| Slender Fingers | Smaller stones, Medium-thick bands |
| Long Fingers | Most cuts and sizes, Wide band will elongate |
| Short Fingers | Oval Pear and Marquise cut, Narrow band |
| Big Knuckles | Wider band, Multistone, Coloured stones |
| Small Hands | Round, Princess and Heart cut |
| Large Hands | Wider band, Multistone, Coloured stones |
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If you are worried about the idea of having an engagement ring delivered by mail, you can rest assured that you’re carrying out a safe and secure purchase with Marlow’s, and we will ensure that your ring arrives safely by recorded delivery.
