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Engagement Ring FAQs
Choosing an engagement ring is one of life’s most personal and profound decisions — a symbol of something rare, authentic, and everlasting. It marks not just a milestone, but a promise and a love that endures.
In this ultimate guide, we share our expertise, from diamond shapes to precious metals, so you can explore your options, feel inspired, and discover the ring that is truly right for you.
At Appleby, we take immense pride in being part of this journey. With generations of knowledge and craftsmanship, we ensure every couple feels supported when choosing a diamond that will last a lifetime.
Why Are The 4Cs Important When Buying A Diamond?
Understanding helps you compare diamonds and find the best balance between beauty, value, and budget. It ensures you’re making an informed decision when choosing your engagement ring. The 4Cs — cut, colour, clarity and carat — all influence a diamond’s price, but some factors matter more than others.
Don't worry, we are here to explain everything simply!
What Does Diamond Cut Mean?
Cut doesn’t refer to shape (round, oval, etc.) — it means how well a diamond’s facets are proportioned and polished. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully, creating brilliance, fire, and sparkle.
Of the 4Cs, we say the cut is the most crucial when it comes to a diamond’s sparkle. It’s the cut that determines how well a diamond reflects light, creating that unmistakable sparkle and fire.
A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully — creating brilliance (white light), fire (rainbow flashes), and scintillation (the sparkle as it moves). Even a high-carat diamond can appear dull if poorly cut.
Why Does Diamond Colour Matter?
Diamond colour matters because it directly affects a stone’s beauty, rarity, and value. The less colour a diamond has, the more light it reflects, creating greater brilliance and sparkle.
The GIA grades diamond colour from D (colourless, rare, and most valuable) to Z (light yellow or brown). Colourless and near-colourless diamonds (D–H) are prized for their purity and beauty. Even subtle differences in colour can influence a diamond’s sparkle and value.
The Best Diamond Clarity Advice!
Clarity measures the presence of natural inclusions within the stone. The clarity affects price depending on the visibility of inclusions — flawless diamonds are rare and costly, but eye-clean VS and SI grades can look just as beautiful.
If a diamond looks flawless to the eye, don’t overpay for a higher clarity grade that doesn’t visibly enhance it. Focus on eye-clean diamonds, meaning any tiny inclusions are invisible to the naked eye.
What Exactly Is A Diamond Carat?
Carat refers to the weight of a diamond, not its size.
Carat refers to weight, not size. A well-cut 1.00ct diamond can appear larger and more brilliant than a poorly cut diamond of greater carat weight. Balance between carat and cut is key.
As diamond size increases, so does its rarity and value. Larger diamonds are found far less frequently in nature, making them significantly more rare — and therefore more precious. A one-carat diamond is not simply twice the value of a half-carat; its worth increases exponentially.
What are GIA Certified Natural Diamonds & Why Do They Matter?
A GIA Certified Diamond is a diamond that has been independently examined, graded, and documented by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) — the world’s most respected authority on diamonds. Choosing a GIA certified diamond matters because it is protecting you from overpaying or purchasing a misrepresented gem.
It also helps safeguard long-term value, since buyers and insurers worldwide recognise GIA grading as the benchmark of trust.
This means you can be certain your diamond is:
100% authentic
Conflict-free and responsibly traded
Graded to the strictest global standards
How Much Should I Spend On A Diamond Engagement Ring?
When it comes to promising a lifetime together, what matter is that it is real, authentic and feels right for your budget and priorities. At Appleby, we help you find the best quality diamond at your price point.
At Appleby Jewellers, our rings start from around €2,000, with everything from classic solitaires to one-of-a-kind bespoke creations crafted in our Dublin workshop.
What Engagement Ring Styles Are Most Popular?
Solitaire diamond rings remain the timeless choice, prized for their elegance and simplicity. Many couples also love halo settings, oval or emerald cuts, and vintage-inspired designs. Our consultants can guide you through styles to suit your partner’s hand and personal taste. Once you try on the ring, you will know what feels best for you.
What Are Diamond Shapes?
Diamonds are cut into a variety of shapes, each designed to maximise beauty in a different way.
The Round Brilliant is the most popular, prized for its symmetry and exceptional light performance.
The Princess cut offers a contemporary square profile with sharp brilliance, while the Oval, Pear, and Marquise cuts elongate the finger with elegant, flowing lines. Step cuts such as the Emerald and Asscher highlight clarity and create a sophisticated, vintage look. For those who prefer a softer outline, the Cushion cut combines rounded edges with classic sparkle, and the Radiant cut merges brilliance with a modern square shape.