Our comprehensive engagement ring guide will help you to focus on all the elements of choosing an engagement ring. Bercotts are diamond and bespoke jewellery specialists based in Glasgow. Specialising in diamonds and engagement rings we know that choosing an engagement ring can be challenging so we have put together a guide to help you select the perfect ring.
Budget for the Engagement Ring
How much should I spend on an engagement ring? There is a lot of conflicting information out there as to what you should be spending on an engagement ring, for example 3 months wages. However the truth is that you should spend what feels comfortable to you. Our experts are here to help you and can show you and advise you on how to create your dream ring to any budget. We will show you and suggest different options that fit into your price range, for example, different diamonds or styles of ring.
Engagement Ring Style
The style and setting of the engagement ring is perhaps the most important design choice for the ring. With so many designs to choose from its best to have a browse through our website and see what styles you like or would like to view in our showroom. Starting with a classic solitaire is always a good place to start as this is a timeless setting which will still be loved many decades later. From looking at a solitaire you can then start looking at some other styles, for example; diamond shoulders, halo or trilogy rings. One design that has seen a rise in popularity recently is the hidden halo engagement ring.
Taking into account your partners style can also be a big help, try thinking about; if they typically wear a lot of jewellery or not, what colour of jewellery they wear, try and recall past conversations as you might remember getting some hints. If you are still unsure, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and we can help you choose the perfect ring.
Still not sure on what engagement ring style to go for? Simply pop into our store in Giffnock and we will help you pick the perfect ring.
Diamond Features
Now that you have an idea of budget and style it’s time to think about the diamond, a very important part of buying an engagement ring is the diamond. There are a few things to consider when buying a diamond and following the 4c’s (Carat, Colour, Clarity and Cut) will help you in the process as each factor can affect the stone’s appearance, however one of the main things to consider is the sparkle of the diamond, a diamond can be high in colour and clarity but not have an excellent sparkle at the end of the day.
When selecting a diamond it is important to know what you are buying, our team will help and educate you when buying a diamond and help you choose your dream stone and to make the process as easy and enjoyable as possible.
Another thing to consider is lab grown diamonds vs natural diamonds. Lab grown diamonds has seen a massive amount of interest recently. Why not pop in to our Glasgow store and our expert staff can help you discover the perfect diamond.
Lab Grown Diamonds – Find Out More
Engagement Ring Shapes
Round Brilliant Cut
By far the most popular cut is the Round Brilliant, Perfect for classic looks, the round brilliant diamond cut has been carefully engineered to produce the most sparkle.
Princess Cut
The princess cut diamond, first created in 1980, is the most popular fancy cut of diamond. Like round cut diamonds, princess cut diamonds are a good choice for their flexibility in working in almost any style of ring.
Pear Cut
The pear shaped diamond is a combination of a round and a marquise shape, with a tapered point on one end.
Marquise Cut
The marquise cut diamond is a rugby-ball shaped, modified brilliant-cut. Because the marquise diamond is long and narrow, it can also create the illusion of greater size. Carat for carat, the marquise diamond has one of the largest surface areas of any diamond shape.
Oval Cut
The oval diamond is a modified brilliant-cut, the two diamond shapes possess a similar fire and brilliance. However, oval cut diamonds have the added advantage of an elongated shape, which can create the illusion of greater size.
Emerald Cut
The unique look of the emerald cut diamond is due to the step cuts of its pavilion and its large, open table. Instead of the sparkle of a brilliant-cut, emerald cut diamonds produce a hall-of-mirrors effect
Heart Cut
The heart shaped diamond is a unique and unmistakable symbol of love, popular in solitaire pendants as well as rings.
Radiant Cut
The radiant cut diamond shape is a hybrid cut combining an emerald shape along with the round facets cuts of a round shape. The radiant cut will appear to be larger than an emerald shape.
Cushion Cut
The cushion cut diamond combines a square cut with rounded corners, much like a pillow (hence the name). This classic cut has been around for almost 200 years, and for the first century of its existence was the most popular diamond shape
Asscher Cut
The asscher cut diamond was first produced in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers of Holland, and is a forerunner to the emerald cut. The asscher cut diamond is similar to the emerald cut, but in a square shape with larger step facets, a higher crown, and a smaller table. This combination often produces more brilliance than the emerald cut.
Further guidance in choosing the perfect engagement ring
Whether you are looking for something sparkly or simple our expert team are here to help you create the perfect ring, so book an appointment for a face to face engagement ring guidance.
Our store provides the perfect setting for our by appointment service. Our experts will show you a range of diamonds and settings to suit and help you find the perfect engagement ring. There is never any hard sell or pressure, we’re totally focused on you and providing exceptional service and value that you won’t find anywhere else.
Contact us to start creating your dream engagement ring today!
