Quick checklist
Use this as a fast filter before you pay or commit to a design.
- 1Confirm the ring style fits daily life. High settings snag, thin bands bend, and delicate micro pave needs careful workmanship.
- 2Pick shape and proportions, not just carat weight. Two stones can weigh the same and look very different in spread.
- 3Choose metal with maintenance in mind. Platinum is low maintenance. White gold usually needs rhodium over time.
- 4Ask what happens if it is not right. Resizing, remake policy, warranty, and service timelines matter.
- 5Get a second opinion on value and durability before you lock it in. It can save you money and stress.
If you have no idea what she wants, use Dream Ring to capture preferences discreetly.
Open Dream Ring
Most common mistakes
These show up again and again, especially online purchases.
- ABuying for carat only, then being disappointed by the face up size or the sparkle.
- BChoosing a very high setting that catches constantly, then needing a remake.
- CThin band plus pave plus daily wear. It looks fine in photos, then it twists over time.
- DAssuming all lab grown diamonds perform the same. Cut quality still drives beauty.
- ENot checking aftercare, resizing limits, or who pays insured shipping if anything needs adjusting.
Lab grown diamonds, what matters Open
Lab grown diamonds can be outstanding value, but they are not all equal.
Prioritise cut quality and overall balance, then look at the grading report and inclusions.
- Cut quality drives sparkle and life, especially in rounds and ovals.
- For fancy shapes, look at length to width and how the stone handles light across the face.
- A good stone on paper can still look sleepy if proportions are off.
- If you are unsure, send the certificate and we will sanity check it.
Settings and durability, what to check Open
A ring should be built for real life wear.
The prettiest setting is not always the most practical.
- Prong height and profile affect snagging, comfort, and security.
- Very thin bands can distort over time, especially with pave.
- Hidden halos and under galleries need enough structure to protect the stone.
- If you have an active lifestyle or work with hands, tell your jeweller upfront.
Metals and upkeep Open
Metal choice is partly aesthetic and partly maintenance.
- Platinum is dense and low maintenance. It develops a patina over time.
- White gold is typically rhodium plated for a bright finish and can need replating later.
- Yellow and rose gold show scratches as part of normal wear and are easy to maintain.
- If skin sensitivity is a concern, platinum is often the simplest option.
Budget, size, and value Open
A higher price does not automatically mean a better ring.
Decide what matters most, then allocate budget accordingly.
- If sparkle matters most, allocate budget to cut quality and a clean make.
- If size matters most, consider a slightly lower colour or clarity that still looks eye clean.
- If durability matters most, allocate budget to a stronger setting and better workmanship.
- If you want to sense check value, we can tell you whether the price looks fair.
What to send for a second opinion Open
You can get a quick second opinion with three items.
- A link or screenshot of the ring or the diamond listing.
- The grading report number if there is one.
- Your target budget and any must have design details.
Next steps
If you are ready to move forward, start with Ring Design. If you are still learning, the FAQ and recent examples help.