Engagement ring f.a.q.

The Engagement Ring Guide is designed to make the journey effortless and inspiring. A reassuring introduction to choosing an engagement ring with confidence and care.

We Are Here To Guide You

Finding the right diamond is much like finding the right person. It’s about a quiet certainty, a moment where something simply feels right.

Choosing an engagement ring is one of life's most meaningful decisions and is best done in person. At Appleby Jewellers, we understand that this moment can feel both exciting and daunting. Our expertise, built over generations, is here to guide you with clarity, care, and confidence.

What sets us apart is our attention to detail and our personal approach. From carefully sourcing each diamond to the final hand polish, our gemologists, master goldsmiths, and designers uphold the highest standards of quality, integrity and and craftsmanship.

The First C

Cut

The cut of a diamond is the most critical factor in determining its brilliance. It is not merely about shape, but about precision, the angles, proportions, and symmetry that allow light to dance within the stone and return to the eye as fire and sparkle.

At Appleby, we select only diamonds with exceptional cut grades, ensuring that each stone achieves its maximum potential for light performance. A perfectly cut diamond transforms light into beauty, creating the mesmerising brilliance that defines true luxury.

The Second C

Colour

The finest white diamonds are those that appear colourless, allowing light to pass through unimpeded and return as pure, brilliant white light. The colour grading scale ranges from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown), with only the rarest stones achieving the coveted D, E, and F grades.

Appleby prioritises diamonds within the colourless to near-colourless range, ensuring exceptional purity and luminosity. Each diamond is carefully evaluated under controlled lighting to guarantee that only stones of the highest colour quality enter our collection.

The Third C

Clarity

Clarity refers to the presence of natural characteristics within a diamond, known as inclusions, and surface imperfections, called blemishes. These are nature's fingerprints, formed over millions of years deep within the earth.

Choosing a stone that’s eye-clean rather than flawless is smart. It’s about how it looks on your hand, not under a microscope. Most tiny inclusions aren’t visible without magnification. VS2, SI1 and SI2 are usually eye-clean in real life. Avoid paying premium for flawless unless you love perfection under magnification. At Appleby, we select diamonds that ensure brilliance is never compromised, allowing each stone to radiate with unobstructed light and beauty.

The Fourth C

Carat

Carat refers to the weight of a diamond, not its size.

Carat weight measures a diamond's size, with one carat equal to 200 milligrams. While carat weight is often associated with value, true luxury lies in the balance between size and the other three Cs.

A larger diamond is not necessarily more beautiful. At Appleby, we believe in selecting diamonds where carat weight complements cut, colour, and clarity, creating a harmonious presence that captivates without overwhelming. The result is a diamond of perfect proportion, elegance, and enduring allure.

Engagement Ring FAQs

The way it catches the light, how it sits on your hand, the quiet sense of recognition that settles in. Often, it isn’t the one you expected, it’s simply the one you can’t stop looking at.

Trying on allows you to slow down and listen to that instinct. To notice how different shapes feel, how certain diamonds seem to belong to you in a way others don’t.

Choosing the Ring

How do I choose the right engagement ring?

Once you make an appointment, we are here to guide you every step of the day. The right engagement ring reflects your partner's personal style and the story you share. Consider their everyday jewellery preferences, lifestyle, and the metals and gemstones they naturally gravitate toward. At Appleby, we take time to understand these details, ensuring your choice feels both personal and timeless.

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.

What ring styles are most timeless?

Solitaire settings and three-stone designs have endured for generations because of their elegant simplicity and versatility. At Appleby, we craft each ring with meticulous attention to proportion and detail, ensuring it remains as captivating in decades to come as it is today.

What metals are best for an engagement ring?

We 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.

Diamonds & Gemstones

What should I look for in a diamond?

Focus on the four Cs: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. Of these, cut has the greatest impact on a diamond's brilliance. We recommend prioritising excellent cut quality, then balancing colour and clarity to suit your budget. Our gemmologists will guide you through each diamond's unique characteristics with transparency and care.

What are the 4Cs and which matter most?

Cut determines how light interacts with the diamond. Colour grades range from colourless to faint yellow. Clarity measures internal inclusions. Carat refers to weight. While all four matter, cut quality should never be compromised, as it defines the stone's fire and brilliance. We'll help you find the perfect balance for your priorities.

Do you offer GIA certified diamonds?

Yes. Applebys will only ever sell you ethically sourced natural diamonds, chosen for their rarity, heritage, and enduring value.

Are coloured gemstones suitable for engagement rings?

Yes. Sapphires, coloured diamonds and rubies have adorned engagement rings for centuries and offer a distinctive, personal touch. Sapphires, in particular, are exceptionally durable and available in a spectrum of colours. We'll ensure any coloured gemstone is set securely and suited to everyday wear.

Sizing & Practicalities

How do I find the correct ring size?

Our experts will always do that for you. We are highly qualified with decades of experience. Remember, fingers can vary slightly in size throughout the day and year, so we'll ensure a professional measurment to get you sized correctly.

Can engagement rings be resized?

Yes. We ensure any resizing is completed to the highest standard in our workshop.

How long does it take to make an engagement ring?

For bespoke commissions, allow 6 to 8 weeks from design approval to completion. Most couples choose one of our rings and get it re-sized on the same day. We'll always provide a clear timeline and keep you informed at every stage, ensuring your ring is ready when you need it.

Craftsmanship & Quality

What makes Appleby's craftsmanship different?

Every engagement ring is crafted in our Dublin workshop by master goldsmiths with decades of experience. We combine traditional hand-finishing techniques with modern precision, ensuring each piece meets exacting standards. This commitment to quality means your ring will be treasured for generations.

Do you offer certification for diamonds?

Yes. We have GIA certificates, detailing the stone's characteristics and confirming its authenticity. This certification provides peace of mind and protects your investment.

What aftercare do you provide?

We offer complimentary cleaning and inspection services for the lifetime of your ring. Our workshop can also handle repairs, resizing, and restoration work (this is not complimentary). We want your engagement ring to remain as beautiful as the day it was made, and we're here to support that.

Can I design a bespoke engagement ring?

Absolutely. Our bespoke service allows you to create a truly unique piece, tailored to your vision and your partner's style. From initial sketches to final polish, we'll collaborate closely with you, ensuring every detail reflects your story and meets our exacting standards.