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.

Choosing the perfect engagement ring is one of the most exciting moments in your love story. With so many styles, metals, and gemstones to choose from, where do you even begin? Don’t worry, at Applebys, we have made thousands of happy couples' engagement rings so we’ve got you covered.

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.

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.

Each of the four C'S influences value in different ways, and it is a common misconception that the size of the diamond alone is the most important factor. For example, a two carat diamond with a lower clarity or cut grade may cost less than a one-carat diamond that is colourless with an excellent cut rating.

What Does The 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.

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.

Learn More Here

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.

Can My Engagement Ring Be Customised?

Yes! Appleby Jewellers have our own workshop here in Dublin that can happily customise your ring, whether you want a different band, change it to 18ct yellow gold, or a different diamond.

Don't think that "bespoke" means more expensive, this is a big misconception! If you see a ring you like, get in touch with us and we will do our best to work with you to create it with the metal and diamond specificatons that work for you.

If you have an idea for a beautiful piece of jewellery, we can turn it into reality - we are here to help and it will be something your loved one will treasure forever.

J'adore Solitaire Engagement Ring - Appleby Jewellers Dublin

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.

Our engagement ring collection includes a range of options at varying price points starting from €2,000. When you come to us to find an engagement ring, we work with you to understand your partner’s style, sharing with you our extensive collection of options in various styles and ultimately, helping you choose the perfect one.

What Style Engagement Ring Should I Choose?

When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, the style sets the tone for everything else. The classic solitaire remains the most popular choice. They’re elegant, timeless, and allow the single diamond to takes centre stage.

For those drawn to the elegance of another era, halo-style engagement rings offer a sense of vintage romance. Trilogy rings offer a beautifully balanced design that represents the past, present, and future. Works especially well with sapphire or oval centre stones.

The Toi et Moi ring, which translates from French as “You and Me”, is an engagement ring featuring two stones side by side. Traditionally, these rings feature two complementary stones, such as a diamond paired with another gemstone, and can be customized in various ways.

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.

Looking For Unique Engagement Ring Ideas?

For brides-to-be looking to break away from tradition and truly bring the wow factor, we have plenty of ideas for alternative engagement rings embrace unconventional arrangements, unique shapes, and creative design details that make traditional diamonds feel fun, flirty, and fresh.

Our East-West Pear Diamond Ring is a unique twist from the traditional solitaire, instead of setting the diamond vertically, it’s placed horizontally across the band for a sleek, modern feel. Add a personal touch with a pop of colour; think coloured sapphires or rubies for a striking, one-of-a-kind look.

Which Metals Are The Best For An Engagement Ring?

We always recommend 18ct gold and platinum. Both are precious, durable metals designed to last a lifetime.

Platinum is naturally white and exceptionally strong, hypoallergic and that resists wear and retains its colour without the need for re-plating.

18ct gold and blush rose gold offers a rich, luxurious look with excellent durability. Its higher gold content gives a warm tone and a timeless appeal.

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.

When it comes to insuring your engagement ring, a GIA certificate is invaluable because it gives insurers an authoritative record of your diamond’s quality and characteristics. This ensures your ring can be accurately valued and fully covered in the event of loss, theft, or damage. Without certification, insurers may rely on less precise valuations, which can affect your cover or replacement value.

What Diamond Shape Sparkles the Most?

The Round Brilliant Cut diamond sparkles the most — it’s designed with 58 perfectly angled facets that maximise light reflection and create that unmistakable fire and brilliance.

Other shapes, such as Oval, Cushion, and Radiant, also offer exceptional sparkle while giving a more distinctive, modern look. At Appleby Jewellers, our gemologists hand-select only the highest-grade diamonds for every shape, ensuring a dazzling sparkle in any light.

→ Diamond Shapes Explained

→ Round Brilliant Engagement Rings

Why A Diamond Ring?

A natural diamond engagement ring is more than a symbol of love — it carries a story billions of years in the making. Formed deep within the earth under rare conditions, every natural diamond is unique, timeless, and enduring, making it the ultimate expression of a lifelong commitment.

Its value lasts for generations, often becoming a treasured family heirloom passed down through time. When you propose with a real diamond ring, you are giving not just beauty, but something precious, ancient, and everlasting — a reflection of your love and promise for the future.

At Appleby, we are proud to offer GIA-certified, ethically sourced natural diamonds, chosen by our expert gemologists for their brilliance and integrity.

FAQ

Do Appleby jewellers provide resizing and aftercare?

Appleby jewellers offer lifetime aftercare, including complimentary cleaning and regular maintenance checks. This ensures your engagement ring remains as brilliant as the day it was purchased. We will resize your engagement ring complimentary on purchase.

How Do The 4 C's Effect The Price?

The price of an engagement ring depends on the ‘4 Cs’ — clarity, cut, colour and carat. Each of these influences value in different ways, and it is a common misconception that the size of the diamond alone is the most important factor. For example, a two carat diamond with a lower clarity or cut grade may cost less than a one-carat diamond that is colourless with an excellent cut rating.

At Appleby, our highly experienced team take the time to explain these details and work with every budget and preference. Whether you are seeking a classic solitaire or a bespoke design, we ensure every customer leaves with the ring of their dreams — chosen with confidence and care.

How do I find out my partner's ring size?

We will size the ring for you professionally. If there are any issues with the ring size after proposal, we will happily resize it.

How Often Should I Clean My Engagement Ring?

Since this is a jewelry piece you could wear for the rest of your life, it's important to take the proper precautions to ensure it can last for decades to come.

At Appleby, we provide a complimentary lifetime cleaning and inspection service with every diamond engagement ring purchased. This includes a close professional examination of the ring to check for any loose stones, followed by a careful polish to restore its shine. It’s part of our promise to ensure your ring remains as beautiful as the day it was placed on your finger.

Should I Insure My Engagement Ring?

Yes, it is important to have financial peace of mind if your engagement ring gets lost, stolen, or broken.

How Do I Choose The Right Engagement Ring?

An engagement ring should be a timeless, classic symbol of your love that will last forever, so the goal should be to find a diamond that is the perfect match for your future fiancée. Trends can offer great inspiration, but authenticity is paramount. We give you plenty of time to try on various styles that suit your budget, and you will know which one feels right.

What Metal Should An Engagement Ring Be?

We always recommend 18ct gold and platinum. Both are precious, durable metals designed to last a lifetime. Platinum is naturally white and exceptionally strong, hypoallergic and that resists wear and retains its colour without the need for re-plating. 18ct gold and blush rose gold offers a rich, luxurious look with excellent durability. Its higher gold content gives a warm tone and a timeless appeal.

Is Engraving An Option On My Engagement Ring?

Yes, Applebys have a state-of-the-art laser engraving machine and we are always happy to engrave your ring.

Are There Alternative Gemstones?

While diamonds are classic, some people love colored gemstones like sapphires and rubies. These add personality and can make the ring truly unique. Always inquire about the durability and care of alternative stones.

What Diamond Shape Sparkles the Most?

The Round Brilliant Cut diamond sparkles the most — it’s designed with 58 perfectly angled facets that maximise light reflection and create that unmistakable fire and brilliance.

Other shapes, such as Oval, Cushion, and Radiant, also offer exceptional sparkle while giving a more distinctive, modern look.

At Appleby Jewellers, our gemologists hand-select only the highest-grade diamonds for every shape, ensuring a dazzling sparkle in any light.

How Early Should You Go Ring Shopping?

Aim to start looking for your wedding rings about 3-6 months before your big day. This way, you have enough time to explore different wedding ring styles, consider custom designs, and make any necessary adjustments.