Make the ultimate, individual statement when popping the question

Words: Jemima Wilson

In association with:

As one of the most important investments of your life, it is worth taking your time and doing your research to ensure you pick the perfect engagement ring to make the proposal a memorable one – and to ensure you get a definitive ‘yes!’ – when you decide to pop the question.

Because, let’s face it, no matter where or how you do it, opening a box containing a spectacular diamond ring has the power to make the biggest statement and create the ‘wow-factor’ for the special occasion. It is also a timeless treasure your partner will be wearing for many years to come, not to mention showing all their friends and family (and the rest of the world) how much they mean to you. So yes, size does matter…

But fear not. While the ornate facades of jewellers on Old Bond Street can seem intimidating if this is your first serious jewellery purchase, the team at De Beers will be more than happy to welcome you into their friendly and refined boutique and talk you through the expansive range of all shapes and sizes of diamonds for every budget, each one meticulously hand-selected for its precise alignment of facets and angles. This maximises how the diamond reflects, refracts and disperses light, essentially resulting in the most scintillating sparkle.

When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, it is an incredibly personal choice, and a reflection of the wearer’s personality and sense of style – therefore, knowing your partner’s preference of precious metals and their taste when it comes to diamond cuts will give you a head start.

For example, white gold and platinum are popular metals, with platinum being stronger and more durable than gold, making it particularly suited to engagement and wedding rings that are likely to be worn every day. However, recently De Beers has been seeing more clients opt for yellow gold and rose gold, which is very much on trend and especially flattering on warmer skin tones.

As a tip, if your partner normally wears yellow gold jewellery for example, you may want their engagement ring to be the same metal. It’s also a good idea to ask a close friend of your partner’s for their thoughts, too!

Round brilliant diamonds tend to appeal to those who favour a more classic aesthetic, whereas striking fancy coloured diamonds are a bolder choice for more adventurous clients. Emerald-cut diamonds tend to appeal to lovers of both contemporary and vintage styles, while oval shape diamonds are traditional with a contemporary twist. Last year De Beers introduced marquise cut diamond rings to its bridal collection, and this year it has added the beautiful radiant cut.

What’s more, many people believe gemstones have an enchanting, magnetic energy, so don’t ignore the pull of the diamonds you feel particularly attracted to…

If you’ve looked at all the options and got some ideas and inspiration, but nothing in the boutique really draws you in, De Beers’ bespoke service, For You, Forever, is the answer. It enables clients to choose the ring setting, the material (platinum or gold) and the diamond, from a wide range of six cuts up to 2.99 carats, to create a truly unique, one-off piece that’s individually crafted in London.

Appointments can be conducted either in store, or online with one of the brand’s experts via a client facing app, and, from initial consultation to final piece, the whole process usually takes from between two to 12 weeks, depending on the diamond and setting availability. The De Beers experts will be on hand throughout to offer guidance on the design and to answer any questions you have along the way.

It is also important to know all De Beers diamonds are ethically sourced from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Canada, as well as being responsibly crafted. Indeed, it is the only jeweller that has a connection to the source – not only giving the house unparalleled access to the world’s most stunning diamonds, but also ensuring superior quality, traceability and a positive social and environmental impact across the countries it operates in.

This guarantees clients have complete peace of mind when buying directly from De Beers, ensuring you purchase a diamond your partner – and future generations – are proud to own and wear forever.

Want more advice on how to choose the best diamond engagement ring?

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