Engagement Ring FAQs

Appleby Jewellers, Dublin

Choosing an engagement ring is one of life's most meaningful decisions. At Appleby Jewellers, we believe the process should feel as special and considered as the ring itself. Below, we've answered some of the most common questions we receive.

How much should I spend on an engagement ring?

There is no fixed rule, we encourage choosing a ring that feels right for you. At Appleby, we guide you towards the best possible diamond and design within your budget focusing on beauty, craftsmanship, and longevity rather than trends or pressure.

What are the 4Cs of diamonds?

Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat are the global standard for assessing a diamond's quality:

  • Cut: How well the diamond reflects light (the most important factor for sparkle)
  • Colour: The natural tint of the diamond, with D being the most colourless
  • Clarity: The presence of natural inclusions within the stone
  • Carat: The weight of the diamond

Our gemologists carefully select each diamond to ensure exceptional balance across all four.

Read our Guide To The 4 C's here.

What is the most important factor when choosing a diamond?

While all of the 4Cs matter, cut is the most important when it comes to how a diamond sparkles. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully, giving it that unmistakable brilliance. Even a high-carat diamond can appear dull if the cut is poor, which is why we prioritise exceptional cut quality above all else.

Which diamond shape should I choose?

The right shape is deeply personal, and also very much depends on how they look on your hand. Some of the most popular include:

We always recommend trying on different shapes in our showroom to see what feels most natural on your hand.

How long does it take get my engagement ring?

Most couples walk out with an engagement ring that same day!

For bespoke designs, the process may take a few weeks, it really depends on the diamond and gemstone and various details. Once you come into us and discuss your idea, we can then advise you better.

Can I design a custom engagement ring?

Yes, this is one of the most special parts of what we do.

Our bespoke process allows you to choose your preferred diamond setting, and design details, resulting in a ring that is entirely your own.

How do I find the correct ring size?

We will always do the ring sizing here for you as we have decades of experience. If needed, we also offer resizing after the proposal to ensure a perfect fit.

Are your diamonds certified?

Yes. Our diamonds are GIA-certified diamonds, ensuring each stone has been independently graded to the highest international standards.

Can I upgrade my ring in the future?

Absolutely. Many of our cherished customers return over time to mark anniversaries or milestones.

We're always happy to guide you through upgrades, redesigns, or additions such as eternity rings.

Do you offer aftercare and maintenance?

Yes. We offer professional cleaning, polishing, and ongoing care to ensure your ring remains as beautiful as the day it was chosen.

Where is Appleby Jewellers located?

You will find us at  5 & 6 Johnson’s Court, off Grafton Street, Dublin 2 (D02 EH52).
Turn down the lane beside Bewleys Cafe and we are on the left hand side.

Do I need an appointment?

An appointment is not necessary. Please ring the doorbell and we will be there to welcome you! However, appointments are recommended, particularly for engagement ring consultations, so we can give you our full attention in a relaxed, private setting.

Why choose Appleby Jewellers?

For over 70 years, Appleby has been trusted for life's most meaningful moments.

  • Family-owned Irish jewellers
  • Diamonds hand-selected by expert gemologists
  • Rings crafted in our Dublin workshop
  • A personal, considered experience from beginning to end

Can I choose a coloured gemstone instead of a diamond?

Yes, you could choose blue sapphires, red rubies, pink sapphires, green sapphires, or yellow diamonds for something more individual. These gemstones bring personality and meaning to a ring, while still offering exceptional beauty. Our team can guide you on durability and suitability for everyday wear.

Book your private appointment today and enjoy dedicated, one-to-one guidance from our expert consultants as they help you find the perfect ring. Whether you are beginning an engagement ring journey or marking a personal milestone, you are guided with warmth, honesty, and care.

Why Choose a Natural Diamond Engagement Ring?

A natural diamond is created by nature over billions of years, they are rare geological treasures with a unique formation and enduring value.

When you choose a natural diamond engagement ring from Appleby Jewellers, you are choosing:

  • True rarity – natural diamonds are formed deep within the earth over billions of years
  • Timeless beauty – each stone has its own unique characteristics and brilliance
  • Enduring value – natural diamonds retain their significance across generations
  • A symbol of permanence – the perfect representation of lifelong love

Handcrafted Engagement Rings in Dublin

Each Appleby engagement ring is meticulously crafted by skilled goldsmiths using the finest precious metals including 18ct yellow gold, blush rose gold and platinum.

Our natural diamonds are set in a range of elegant designs, including:

  • Classic solitaire engagement rings
  • Trilogy and three-stone rings
  • Halo diamond engagement rings
  • Vintage and Art Deco inspired designs
  • Contemporary diamond settings

The Appleby Diamond Standard

Only a small percentage of diamonds possess the quality required to become an Appleby engagement ring. Our diamonds are chosen according to the Four Cs:

Cut

The most important factor in a diamond's brilliance

Colour

Exceptional diamonds appear beautifully white and luminous

Clarity

The purity of the stone

Carat

The size and presence of the diamond

Choosing Your Natural Diamond Engagement Ring

Selecting an engagement ring is a deeply personal moment. At Appleby Jewellers, our experienced diamond specialists are here to guide you through every step of the journey.

Whether you are searching for a classic solitaire, a vintage-inspired design, or a bespoke creation, we will help you find a ring that reflects your story.

Book your private appointment today and enjoy dedicated, one-to-one guidance from our expert consultants as they help you find the perfect ring.

FAQ

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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