Everything you need to know about jewellery to make an informed decision

We understand that choosing a diamond engagement ring is a really big deal. To help make this decision easy, we have included all of the most important things to consider on this handy page. If you'd like even more information, book an appointment in-store.

Diamond Shape

Far more than simply what shape a rough diamond has been polished into, the shape is the most important determiner of a diamond’s brilliance and light dispersion.

Round

Clean, classic, versatile and with more fire and brilliance than any other shape, it would be difficult to persuade anyone against this choice—as proven by the fact that it accounts for more than half of all diamonds sold today.

Emerald

Speaking volumes of vintage glamour and old world charm, and favoured by such style icons as Grace Kelly and Jackie O, the emerald cut was one of the first cuts to be used in jewellery design, and with its broad flat plane highlights the clarity and natural crystalline growth of a diamond to unparalleled measure.

Pear

Infamously given to Elizabeth Taylor by two-time-husband Richard Burton, the pear, or teardrop as it is sometimes called, is a unique and feminine shape with one rounded and one pointed end that makes for a delicate and stunning choice.

Princess

Much like the round brilliant, the Princess cut is a classic and elegant shape, although with its sharp corners boasts more of a contemporary edge. This shape is ideal way to capture the brilliance and simple elegance of the round and still be "à la mode".

Oval

Somewhere in between the round brilliant and the pear shape, the oval cut is the perfect choice if you’re wishing to savour the sparkle of the round brilliant in a slightly rarer and more elongated form.

Marquise

Originally commissioned in 18th century Paris by King Louis XV to emulate the smile of his mistress the Marchioness Madame de Pompadour, the Marquise harkens back to the glory of the age d’or, and is also an ideal way to optimise carat weight and elongate the finger.

Cushion

As its name suggests, the cushion cut is a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, resembling a pillow shape. One of the rarer and more unique choices, the cushion's large cut facets allow for great light dispersion, giving birth to a much larger range of spectral colours and making for a highly scintillating stone.

Radiant

A square or rectangular-shaped hybrid cut that combines the brilliance and depth of the round, emerald and princess cuts, the radiant is the most brilliant of all the squared shapes making it both a beautiful and dramatic choice.

Asscher

Replete with timeless elegance and Art-Deco cool, the Asscher cut is a rectangular shape similar to the more well-known emerald cut, with prismatic brilliance, tremendous lustre and a fascinating optical illusion known as the "Hall of Mirrors" effect.

Diamond Clarity

When diamonds are formed, imperfections in the crystal structure can form and mineral impurities become trapped inside the stone. The size of these impurities determine grading.

IF

VVS1

VVS2

VS1

VS2

Eye-clean

SI1

SI2

I1

Not eye-clean

Diamond Carat Weight

Instead of grams or kilos, diamonds are weighed in carats (not to be confused with gold’s karat which signifies purity). 1 carat = 0.2grams. The higher the carat weight, the larger the diamond.

Diamond Colour

Colour is a measurable grade given to an individual diamond to quantify how colourless it is along a diamond colour chart. Higher rated diamonds are as close to colourless as possible.

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

Alloy Composition & Metal Purity

9Y

9W

9R

9ct Gold

37.5% Gold Purity

37.5% gold content (375 parts gold per 1000). The rest is made up of other metals like copper, silver, or zinc. Available in yellow, white, and rose gold, with the colour depending on the alloy metals used. Durable and less expensive due to lower gold content. It is harder than higher carat gold, making it more resistant to scratching and bending. Commonly used in jewellery, especially in regions like the UK and Australia. Its affordability and strength make it popular for everyday wear.

14Y

14W

14R

14ct Gold

58.5% Gold Purity

58.5% gold content (585 parts gold per 1000). Yellow, white, and rose gold are all common, with alloys dictating the colour. A good balance between durability and purity, making it ideal for fine jewellery. It’s more resistant to tarnishing and scratching than higher-purity gold. Widely used in the U.S. and parts of Europe, often seen as a middle-ground for quality and affordability.

18Y

18W

18R

18ct Gold

75% Gold Purity

75% gold content (750 parts gold per 1000). Comes in yellow, white, and rose gold, depending on the alloying metals. Softer and more malleable than lower carat gold but still durable enough for regular use. It has a richer, deeper colour compared to 9ct or 14ct gold. A standard for high-quality jewellery, particularly in Europe and Asia, prized for its luxurious feel and high gold content.

22Y

22ct Gold

91.6% Gold Purity

91.6% gold content (916 parts gold per 1000). Predominantly yellow due to the high gold content. Very soft and malleable, making it less suitable for intricate designs or heavy-duty wear. It has a strikingly rich, vibrant colour. Traditionally used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Asian jewellery. Its high purity symbolises wealth and status in many cultures.

PT950

Platinum 950

95% Platinum Purity

95% platinum content (950 parts platinum per 1000). Naturally silvery-white with a bright, lustrous finish. Extremely durable, dense, and hypoallergenic. Its resistance to tarnish and corrosion makes it ideal for fine jewellery, especially engagement rings. Known for its rarity and strength, platinum became popular in the 20th century for high-end jewellery and industrial applications.

PT999

24ct

Platinum 999 & 24ct Gold

100% Platinum / Gold Purity

24ct Gold: 99.9% gold content (999 parts gold per 1000), rich yellow with unmatched vibrancy, extremely soft and malleable, unsuitable for most wearable jewellery. It’s mainly used in investment (bullion). Platinum 999: 99.9% platinum content (999 parts platinum per 1000), softer than Platinum 950 due to its high purity, making it less commonly used in jewellery, extremely corrosion resistant. Revered for purity, both metals have been considered symbols of wealth, divinity, and power in many cultures for thousands of years.