HOW TO DESIGN THE dream engagement ring

INTRODUCTIONWhether the engagement ring is a surprise for your future bride or you’ve talked together about this symbol of your future, shopping for a ring can feel more complicated than it is!

We have gathered together our expertise to share with you so you can be grounded in ‘ring-speak’, style trends, and the importance of the 4 C’s: Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat weight.

In the How To Design The Dream Engagement Ring Kit, you will be able to -

• Choose the perfect diamond;

• Gather your inspiration and ideas in one place in our inspiration guide;

• Learn how take steps to protect your investment;

• Be captured by the journey - learn about our personalised 6 step process to designing the dream engagement ring!

At Paradise Jewellers, we don’t only want to bring your dream ring to life, we want to work with you so that every tiny detail fits in with your vision.

Once you’ve gathered your inspiration - we’d love to offer you a complimentary Perfect Engagement Ring Design Consultation so that you can begin your journey.

Click here to send an enquiry to Kym, our designer and diamond consultant.

We can’t wait to share this journey with you,

The Paradise Team

CHOOSING THE PERfECT DIamONDJust like personal taste and style, diamonds are unique and no two diamonds are the same. It’s important to find a diamond that suits your own individual style and budget. We can help you find your perfect diamond and we have a large collection of loose diamonds available.

BUDGETWhile engagement rings do tend to be one of the more expensive purchases in a couple’s life, it is important that you first look at a realistic budget. Beautiful rings are within reach of everyone, so don’t be put off if your budget isn’t bountiful. Our designers and staff at Paradise Jewellers will work with you to help you get what you want within your budget.

THE VaLUE Of a DIamONDThe value of a diamond is determined based on several features, which are commonly known and referred to as the 4 Cs. By the 4 C’s, we refer to the Colour, the Clarity, the Cut and the Carat weight. The combination of all four of these features have an impact on the value of the diamond.

Where any of these four features differ, so does the value.

When it comes to choosing a diamond that is best suited to an individual, this is how we would personally and professionally help guide with the selection process.

Personally, we feel that the colour and carat are the two most important factors to consider – however, that is providing that a good to excellent standard is met for the other two factors – the cut and clarity. By that we mean, if the cut and clarity are not of a good standard, the it really doesn’t matter how good the colour, the diamond’s brilliance and value will be effected.

Let’s begin with the Cut and the Clarity and then explain the importance of the Colour and the Carat weight.

CUTOnly a skilled diamond cutter can unlock the true brilliance and natural beauty of a diamond. A good cut is all about the proportion. The diamond should be balanced and reflect the light from facet to facet, then out through the top of the diamond. This is what makes a diamond truly sparkle.

When we refer to the cut of the diamond, we are referring to the fact that if a diamond has a good to excellent cut, what can be referred to as an ideal cut, the maximum brilliance and sparkle will be visible, admired and enjoyed by all.

To truly understand this part of choosing a diamond, seeing a diamond that has an ideal cut v’s a diamond that is poorly cut side by side is the only way to go.

A well cut diamond will certainly show it’s unique natural brilliance that is for sure. A diamond that has been cut with good proportions will allow light to pass into the diamond and refract out the top of the diamond.

A diamond that is poorly cut will appear dull and lifeless. By poorly cut we mean, a diamond that has been either cut too shallow or too deep will have the light either refract out to the side or pass straight through the bottom of the stone. There are many reasons why a diamond would not be cut well, and a couple of those reasons would be that the diamond cutter either does not have very good cutting equipment or the cutter was trying to cut the diamond for size rather than overall quality.

When hand picking the diamonds for our Engagement rings and also loose diamonds, we put a very high priority on the cut of the Diamond and take great pride in sourcing our diamonds from the finest cutters in the world.

Now that we have shared the importance of choosing a well cut and eye clean diamond, it is time to learn about the colour and the carat weight.

At this point, this is where the real personal preference will have an effect. Here are a few things for couples to think about when it comes to choosing the colour and carat weight of their diamond, especially for their Engagement ring. Keeping in mind that at the end of the day, all decisions when it comes to choosing a diamond, is personal. What might be important to one couple can very much differ from the next couple.

COLOURDiamonds with absolutely no colour are extremely rare and very valuable. So too are Fancy diamonds, which are those with strong pure colour. Most diamonds have a hint of colour which is usually yellow but can vary. The most valuable diamonds are those with no colour and those with strong pure colour.

The diamond colours are grouped on a scale. The top range of colours are D and E and are referred to as ‘Finest White’. The next on the scale is ‘Fine White’ and referred to Diamonds that are F-G in colour and H colour is referred to as ‘White’. Diamonds in the D to G colour range have a white appearance and these diamonds have the highest quality look.

With regard to H colour, it is here that the colour just starts to minimally throw a faint hint of yellow. The difference in colour cannot be noticed as much in the D, E and F colour range, although, of course can be detected by a skilled and trained Diamond expert.

The purpose for choosing a D or E colour over an F colour would be the fact that

having the best is most important to you. There is always a great sense of pride in having the best and that is the common factor to the reason why a lot of our customers choose a diamond in the D, E or F colour range.

Wearing a Diamond in the ‘Finest White’ or ‘Fine White’ colour range has a particular class and uniqueness to it.

The fact that the higher quality D, E and F colour diamonds are not as readily available at most jewellery stores in Australia, or internationally for that matter, a D, E or F colour, combined with our unique craftsmanship, sets our customers’ engagement rings apart from most other engagement rings.

A G, Fine White colour diamond also looks great and is certainly very well priced. Our customers who choose a H Colour diamond, usually do so, as their personal preference is around size and not the colour so much, so their budget lends itself to an eye clean H colour slightly larger diamond.

I and J colour diamonds are also quite commonly offered at many stores, and although these are not colours we would generally recommend, they can be a choice to customers wanting to buy a big diamond that may have a modest budget.

CLaRITY

Inclusions are marks that were caused when the diamond formed millions of years ago. Most diamonds have inclusions and these are usually invisible to the naked eye. As a general rule, the less inclusions a diamond has, the more valuable it is. A flawless diamond has no inclusions and these are very rare and extremely valuable.

We start with choosing a diamond that is eye clean. Every diamond, unless flawless, has natural inclusions and we would always guide young couples to choose a diamond that those natural inclusions cannot be seen with the naked eye. By that we mean, choosing a diamond that has a clarity of a minimum of SI, so choosing a clarity somewhere between VVS to SI. VVS represents ‘very very slight inclusions’, VS represents ‘very slight inclusions’, SI stands for ’slight inclusions’). In short, VVS, VS and SI clarity diamonds are all good quality diamonds.

On a day to day basis, most people do not spend time looking through an eye glass or microscope at their diamond, so it only makes sense to have a diamond that is clean and flawless to the naked eye, a diamond with either a VVS, VS or SI Clarity, and then put focus and attention more on the remaining features of their diamond.

We also understand and appreciate also, that for some couples, having a diamond that is as close to Flawless grading is of the utmost of importance, so in this instance, choosing a diamond in the VVS, VS or even the rare Flawless category, would be their choice.

CaRaT This is how the diamond is weighed. One carat is equal to 0.20 of a gram. Each carat is divided by 100 points, so half a carat diamond is 50 points.

When it comes to the Carat, we are referring to the weight. The importance of the size varies for each couple also. Some choose a diamond that is of a higher colour and clarity over the size of the diamond. So for some they choose “quality over quantity” would be the best way to describe it. Others choose size and still go for a white diamond that may not necessarily be as bright as the next diamond. Others may choose a diamond by the size that they see as suiting the size of the finger, or on what their budget may fit. Again, size is also very much a personal preference. The best way to determine size is to try on rings with different size centre diamonds and that will then help steer you in the right direction.

As a general guideline: determine what is MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU and your partner. Size, Colour, Clarity or the quality of the Cut?

If this is your first diamond purchase, it is much easier to determine what is most important to you when buying a diamond by having someone explain all the above features to you and actually seeing for yourself, the difference in the quality of the stones.

This may also help with price range, if that is an area still of some confusion.

Choosing your own diamond is extremely rewarding and is just the beginning of the journey. Once you have your diamond picked out, we can help you design your perfect new designer piece. It’s an experience you will cherish forever.

DREam ENGaGEmENT RING INSPIRaTION GUIDE

Your Dream Engagement Ring should let your personality shine. The perfect choice of metal, size, shape and settings will reflect your style and exactly who you are. Think about practicality too. If you work with your hands a lot or in the outdoors for example, then a bezel setting would be a safer and more secure option.

How would you best describe your personal style?

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What do you want your dream ring to say about you and your relationship?

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THE 4 C’SWhich diamond Cuts are you most attracted to?

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Which diamond Colour would you feel most comfortable with?

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Which level of Clarity would you like your diamond to have?

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How many Carats are you considering?

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Of course, we will take you through each of these when you arrive for your FREE Dream Engagement Ring Design Consultation.

DREam ENGaGEmENT RING INSPIRaTION BOaRD

Print your favourite ring designs and organise them here! We would love to see the designs that are already speaking to you.

Make sure you bring them with you for your FREE Dream Engagement Ring Design Consultation. Click here to book yours!

PROTECTING YOUR INVESTmENTINSURaNCE: a SmaLL PRICE TO PaY fOR PEaCE Of mIND.If you consider the emotional and financial investment you have or will make into an engagement ring, insurance is a must. A symbol of love, dedication and commitment from the moment the question was asked, it is an important milestone in anyone’s life and you deserve peace of mind knowing that it is covered.

Just like most jewellery, an engagement ring is small and not only easy to misplace but easy to steal. It is a favourite target for thieves.

It’s also not indestructible either. Diamonds and precious stones can crack and chip, the metal can be crushed or broken and accidents can happen.

Choosing the right insurance is not an easy task though, and there are many pitfalls to be aware of through the process.

Some jewellers provide a valuation certificate, some do not. Paradise Jewellers do of course, but it is important that you are made aware of this. In the case that you don’t have a certificate in the first place, you can have it valued by a qualified registered valuer. The valuation may consist of a reference to a Gemstone Grading Report. If it is a diamond over 50pts, this is to identify that the stone is natural and has not undergone a variety of treatments. It is also beneficial to get a grading on its colour, clarity and carat size. There should also be a detailed section of the rings setting, how the diamond is placed, a detailed description of the metal and any additional special features or stones in the ring.

It is a very small step to take for such a priceless piece in your life. It is not worth the risk to go without it.

Visit the Q Report for more information.

CaPTURED BY THE jOURNEYOUR PROCESSOur process is specifically designed to ensure that you get the perfect engagement ring - the one you’ve always dreamed about! We do everything we can to make your experience a relaxed and enjoyable one.

Step 1: Firstly we sit down with you and have a cappuccino, so you relax and enjoy the process!

Step 2: You’ll then try a few pieces of stock on from our window displays so that you can really visualise your end result. This also allows you to experience different colour, cut, clarity and carat rings to further narrow your focus on the ring you desire.

Step 3: In front of your eyes we will actually draw the piece, with you taking a driver’s seat for the design. Together we slowly take it step-by-step, we work from the top and work it out through the ring, considering every single detail so your piece is completely chosen by you.

Step 4: Your piece is then taken from design phase into the workshop to be brought to life. Here at Paradise Jewellers we’re all about quality! Our craftsmanship has a designer influence which means your piece is created to a world-class standard.

Step 5: We’ll then value and photograph it for you for your insurance to make sure your perfect new piece is secure now and in the future.

Step 6: Finally the day comes for unveiling the creation! The pleasure this moment brings to you is exactly what we enjoy most.

We can’t wait to sit down with you and make your vision a reality!

The Paradise Team

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WE’LL DESIGN YOUR dream engagement ring