How To Choose An Engagement Ring… Cathedral Jewellers

Description

Our collection includes a wide variety of engagement rings in 9 and 18 carat gold, as well as Platinum, featuring diverse stones, carat weights, and price points. Check out our engagement ring category for our in stock pieces, or our inspiration category for ideas. Whether you’re buying directly from our store or opting for a custom-made piece, we offer assistance at every stage of the process, and our support extends beyond the wedding day.

So where do you start?

• Budget:

When considering a budget, the average engagement ring typically ranges from £1,800 to £2,500 or 3 months salary. However, life and personal circumstances may necessitate a different amount. Remember, it’s a symbol of love and commitment, and we can accommodate most budgets.

• Metal:

Deciding on the metal for the ring involves starting with yellow or white and then choosing the carat. A 9-carat will be less expensive than an 18-carat, but the colour will differ. For a white metal, consider the durable qualities of Platinum, and remember that white gold may require rhodium plating to maintain its bright white finish. Silver rings can be purchased but the softness of this metal and its lack of durability may cause issues. We don’t  offer titanium or tungsten rings as they are not resizable.

• Stones:

Which gemstones would you prefer to set into your selected metal? While diamonds are a classic selection, others favour sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, which can be just as stunning. We can also set stones from heritage pieces into new settings, keeping the mix of modernity and tradition for the next generation to love and cherish.

• Certificated:

Many of our stones are independently certificated. This is a process carried out to confirm and give a detailed breakdown of its characteristics.

The 4 C’s: These are the Globally accepted standard for evaluating the quality of a diamond. Created by the Gemmological Institute of America, the G.I.A. The higher quality the diamond, the rarer it is, and the more expensive it will be, this will be based on:

• Carat: The weight of the stone
• Colour: How colourless is it?
• Clarity: How free from inclusions?
• Cut: Round brilliant cut or fancy cut?

 

• Style:

When considering ring styles, you have several options:

• Solitaires
• trilogies,
• Halos
• Clusters

Whether it is a minimalist, glamourous or vintage style our goldsmith can guide you through the process. We can source stones from our diamond dealers, (we only work with those who are conflict free). Choose from a wide variety including:

• Asscher
• Marquise
• Oval
• Pear
• Round
• Baguette

• Setting:

Settings can be in either a 4 or 6 claw, rub over, bar, tiffany and many more. What your partner does for a living may affect your choice, hobbies may also be taken into consideration.

• Finger Size:

The finger size is only important for that first try on….our rings all come with a complimentary resize normally done on the same day.

• Aftercare:

With almost 50 years of experience and over a decade in our retail shop, Cathedral Jewellers. Clive, our Goldsmith can resize your rings, clean and polish them before your big day and alter and tighten stones. We also advise bringing your rings in once a year to have your prongs checked. This is to make sure they are securely holding your stones. We are normally available from 9.30 to 5.00 Tuesday to Saturday, call in and see us.

Also consider having your precious items insured, a valuation for insurance purpose is an appraisal of a ring’s monetary worth based on current market conditions.

And finally, when do you plan to propose? What is your timeline? We need time to source any components and complete any engraving if required. A custom ring can take time to finish to a high quality, we will work with you on this, and Clive has been known to work well to a tight timeline.