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When asking for your beloved’s hand in marriage, the engagement ring plays a key role, representing a special promise and the beginning of a lifelong commitment. Selecting the perfect ring can sometimes seem daunting, as there are so many factors to contemplate—not to mention that it is a piece of jewellery that your significant other will wear daily for decades to come. If you’re planning on proposing soon, this guide should help demystify the important points to think of when purchasing a diamond engagement ring.
When it comes to diamonds, there are four “C”s to consider: carat, colour, clarity, and cut. Whereas carat determines the weight of a diamond, with one carat being equivalent to 200 milligrams, its colour is measured on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow). As for clarity, this refers to how many inclusions or blemishes a diamond has, while its cut is an indication of how well the stone reflects and refracts the light. Birks approaches the diamond selection process with meticulous care, choosing only the stones that meet its exacting standards in terms of all four “C”s to ensure maximum brilliance, dispersion, and scintillation.
The shape of a diamond greatly influences the overall appearance of the ring. Ranging from round and oval to emerald, princess, pear, and cushion, there are a variety of shapes to choose from. Different ones yield various levels of brilliance and sparkle, and may also influence the diamond’s size, as some give the appearance of a bigger stone for the same weight in carats. For example, a round diamond shape may reflect more light, while an oval shape can help elongate the finger and give the impression that the stone is larger. A pear-shaped diamond may also appear bigger thanks to its singular silhouette, which is rounded on one side.
A ring’s setting—or how its gemstone or multiple stones are mounted onto the metal band—plays a crucial role in its overall look. A few common settings are solitaire, three stone, and halo style. But finding the ideal configuration for a ring goes beyond questions of appearance: it is also crucial to factor in the lifestyle of the person who’ll be wearing it, as a specific type of setting can be better suited to certain activities. Another dilemma to ponder is whether to opt for a yellow gold, white gold, platinum, or rose gold ring. An expert can help you evaluate all the possibilities and make your final selection.
Since 1879, Birks has drawn its inspiration from the breathtaking wonders of Canada’s nature. Birks is immensely proud to offer the option of Canadian diamonds, which uphold high environmental standards, throughout our engagement ring collection.
The Birks Bell Box, whose shape evokes wedding bells, has accompanied our engagement rings for over 100 years. It provides a precious vessel for your engagement ring, a valuable keepsake symbolizing the Birks heritage.
When you select a Birks diamond engagement ring, it comes with a five-year guarantee, which covers maintenance and repairs, as well as semi-annual inspections to ensure your diamond stays in pristine condition. The guarantee also includes one complimentary engraving, for a personalized touch that makes your ring truly unique. You’ll also have the option to upgrade your Birks diamond engagement ring as your love flourishes thanks to the Birks Trade Up program. Simply bring your ring and its GIA certificate in, and Maison Birks will credit the original retail price of your jewellery, to be used toward another piece whose value is at least 100% more than the original.
Maison Birks is honoured to accompany you on this new chapter in your relationship. From selecting an exquisitely crafted engagement ring to planning your proposal, our Engagement & Wedding Guide is a treasure trove of resources. And should you need some extra guidance, our bridal experts are here to provide support.