Both metals are highly sought after when purchasing your engagement ring. Platinum holds a natural silvery colour that is hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for those with an allergic reaction to certain metals. 18k white gold has nearly the appearance as platinum, but not recommended for those with a nickel allergy. Platinum requires less maintenance than white gold, as it is corrosion resistant and won't tarnish. White gold is rhodium plated, which may require to be re-plated over time to maintain its colour and lustre. White gold is more affordable than platinum. Either will make an excellent metal for an engagement ring, and ultimately should come down to preference.

Each diamond shape ranges in characteristics fit to match your personality. For a classic and timeless look, a round solitaire engagement ring is sought after for its eternal brilliance, fire, and light performance. Princess-cut diamonds offer an angular and geometric setting, with the same brilliance of a round diamond. Cushion-cut diamonds offer a vintage-inspired settings, while emerald-cut diamonds are sought after for their sleek and elegant appearance. Pear and oval-cut diamonds elongate the look of the finger, making it appear long and slender.

At Birks, we want to be the first name you think of when it comes to diamond quality, service and reliability. We pride ourselves on decades of savoir-faire in selecting the perfect diamond. We ensure the authenticity of our diamonds and sapphire engagement rings for years to come. The authenticity of each diamond is guaranteed and presented with an engraved identification number and certificate of authenticity. Birks provides you with a five-year guarantee on our diamond engagement rings and offers semi-annual inspections, free of charge, at any Maison Birks location. We also provide complimentary in-store cleaning for your engagement ring.

Diamond engagement rings should be analyzed using the 4Cs: cut, colour, clarity, and carat. Carat refers to the size of the stone and is often considered by many to be the most important factor. However, cut, colour, and clarity also affect the quality of a diamond. Cut is the most important quality to a round brilliant diamond; as it can make the diamond look dull and lifeless if not up to par. All Birks diamonds are selected with an excellent cut, the highest grade. Colour ranges from D, absolutely colourless, to Z, a diamond with a light yellow hue. Birks' diamonds are selected with a colour range between D and I. Clarity refers to the inclusions presented on a diamond. The higher the grade, ranging from FL to SI2, the less like you'll come across inclusions in your diamonds. Birks is committed to providing diamonds with a clarity range from FL to SI1.

Since 1879, Birks has set the standard across Canada for quality diamonds providing meticulous grading and certification for clarity, colour and proportions according to rigid international gemological standards. Birks has showcased the craftsmanship of our master artisans through exquisite engagement rings. Each ring is set with ethically sourced natural diamonds, a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality. Guided by exacting standards, every stone is thoughtfully chosen and seamlessly integrated into our designs. Birks transcends the ordinary, ensuring that every facet of your love story mirrors the exceptional quality of our diamonds. We ensure the authenticity and quality of our diamonds, as well as the care and durability of your engagement ring for years to come.

Yes. Birks was the first to support and work with the Kimberley process insuring integrity of the supply chain. Birks sources diamonds from only the most reputable purveyors or cutters who declare on their invoices that the diamonds sold have been obtained in compliance with the Kimberley process. Birks also reserves the right to audit their diamond suppliers to ascertain compliance.

While we favour the use of Canadian diamonds in the creation of our bridal jewellery and solitaire diamond jewellery, we also set our jewellery with non-Canadian diamonds, so long as they meet our Birks standards.

Canadian diamonds are guaranteed to have been extracted under strict supervision, compliant with the laws that have been developed to protect the diamond workforce, the mining areas, as well as the indigenous people and their land. Diamonds mined in Canada can be traced from the mine of origin all the way to the Birks Blue Box^® and are guaranteed conflict-free. Birks is proud to have been among the first to acquire and make available diamonds mined in Canada. These beautiful diamonds are tracked by Birks; from the rough crystal to the finished gem, assuring the pedigree and provenance of each. Reflecting the unsurpassed skill of the cutters who crafted them, each Canadian diamond is laser-engraved with the name “Birks”, a maple leaf and a unique Birks Diamond Card Number that can be tracked here.