If you have ever planned a wedding or been involved in one, you will probably recall that terrible feeling in the pit of your stomach when you ask “how much is this going to cost.”
I know that there is a perception out there that the mere mention of the 7 letter word is going to push prices up 20% – 40%. But is this real or more of an urban myth?
At the end of the day, does it really cost any more to make something for a wedding than it does for a casual client? My belief is the answer is NO.
When we make a wedding ring, it doesn’t cost any more than someone who wondered in, looking to purchase the same thing to celebrate their one year anniversary. There are a number of elements that go together to make a wedding ring. You have the amount of gold or platinum used, the diamonds, the jeweller’s time to craft the ring and the setting cost of putting the diamonds into the ring. At the end of the day, if one ring costs more, then it is usually because there were more cost elements added into the equation.
The only exception that I can see in the wedding industry is that there may be some wedding business that needs to factor in some extra allowances because of the nature of their business. For example a wedding dress maker may need multiple consultations through the fitting process. Or a wedding florist may need to allow extra for the delivery of the flowers at a remote location or outside of normal business hours.
Of course you should always do your research. It is not always about the cheapest price, because there is always some willing to do it cheaper (even if it isn’t a better finished product). If you are paying more for one particular product, you want to make sure you are actually getting a better finished result. Look at reviews on Google to make sure that the business you are about to engage with has a good track record of happy clients.
There is really no reason that it should not cost more just because you mention the 7 letter word. Certainly if you find a wedding vendor that is trying to capitalise on the celebration of your wedding than you should definitely walk the other way.
If you would like help, in choosing the perfect engagement or wedding ring, there is a lot of great information in my recently published book, “Rock Her World”
If you’d like more tips like these about determining your ideal budget and choosing the perfect wedding rings, download a free copy of my book by clicking on this link here.
Alternatively, you can book a Discovery Session and come down to our luxury diamond showroom with a budget in mind and speak directly to our expert diamond consultants who can help you decide your maximum budget and find the right engagement ring for your needs.
The question of “How much does a 1ct diamond cost?” is something that I get asked often. Because there are so many factors that make up a diamonds price and quality. The usual answer here is how long is a piece of string. It is a common question that most men ask as they are about to embark on purchasing a new engagement ring.
At this point in time with the current exchange rate around the .82 cents. A beautiful 1ct F colour, SI clarity excellent cut grade diamond will typically cost around the $13000 all made up in a classic solitaire.
The rough rule of thumb is that under a carat the price will move about a $1000 for every ten points within a particular quality. So a 0.90ct F SI excellent cut grade round brilliant diamond will be approximately $11500 – $12000. The smaller the diamond the smaller the variation in price for the 10 points. Changing the size of a diamond always has a much bigger result on the price, than changing the colour or clarity of a diamond.
Are the difference between all the grades priced the same?
In nature anything that is rarer is also more valuable. So a pure white stone is going to carry more of a premium than a yellower diamond. Likewise a diamond that is flawless. Whenever you move to the top on any given scale the jump in price is going to be greater as that given stone becomes more rare and valuable. So while a jump in price from a G – F may be $300, going from an F to an E colour may be $350, and $400 to the top D colour
How much does the price change when changing the clarity of a diamond?
In todays market, changing the clarity of a diamond will have a bigger effect on the price of a given diamond than changing the colour.
For example moving from an SI2 to a VS2 may have roughly the same affect as changing the size by ten points. Depending on the size of the diamond, this could be as much as $800
How much does the price change for changing the colour of a diamond?
While changing this characteristic has the least impact on the price, the visual effect on the diamond can not be underestimated. Changing from a .50ct (half a carat) G to F will actually only cost around the $200 – $300. Which in my experience is well worth it, as most clients are able to tell the difference with their eyes.
The bigger the size of the diamond the larger the difference in colour is. Anyone who has been to a hardware store and had to pick out a colour for a wall will know this. Looking at colour as a postage paid stamp is much harder to visualise that looking at an A4 piece of paper. Diamonds are no different. The colour difference in a 1ct diamond is easier to see than a .50ct diamond. The difference in price however, because of the rarity will be more. Usually you can expect to pay around the $500 -$800 more for a jump in colour.
Always happy to help, if you would like to know “How much does a 1ct diamond cost” or another particular diamond size. Please email me, if you would like to compare the price of a particular diamond that you have been looking at.
Have you ever wondered what you should do, if you hate your engagement ring. I know hate is a very strong word, and most ladies would be happy with whatever their partner chose.
But for some the engagement ring is their most prized possession, so it simply has to be perfect.
So if you find yourself in the position with an engagement ring that is not your dream ring, don’t panic. There are always things you can do to make sure your engagement ring is perfect – the way you always dreamed it would be. Here are a few options that you have up your sleeve if you hate your engagement ring.
Timing To Tell Him You Hate Your Engagement Ring
If you are really unhappy with the engagement ring your partner has chosen for you. Telling him, when he is down on one knee professing his love for you, might not be the right time. Soak up the moment, and just enjoy the journey of being engaged. If you find that you still hate your engagement ring after a couple of weeks, then it might be a good sign that the engagement ring is not the perfect ring for you. If you decide that your engagement isn’t the ring for you, then you need to choose the perfect time to have the conversation with your partner. Choose a time when both of you are relaxed, a good option is after a romantic dinner, where you both have the time to talk openly.
Communication About Why You Hate Your Engagement Ring
Good communication is the key. Make sure you partner understands that it isn’t a reflection on the commitment you share to beginning your new life together. Understand that your partner, has probably put a lot of thought into choosing your engagement ring. Spent many hours researching and going from shop to shop, trying to find “The One”. It may have also been one of the most significant purchases of his life. Remember above all, he really wants you to be happy. Speaking from a guys perspective, i would want my wife to tell me, if she didn’t like something that i gave her. The worst scenario in my mind, would be to find out 20 years later that she never liked her engagement ring. Another way to explain it to your partner, is to imagine that they could only wear one shirt for the rest of their life, i am sure that they would want to make sure they really loved it.
Exchange It – If You Hate Your Engagement Ring
The best option here is to talk to the jewellery store where the ring was purchased. Any reputable jewellery store that is interested in keeping their clients happy, will be invested enough to help you with find an option that you are happy with. The first thing to keep in mind, if you go down the path of changing your engagement ring is to be clear on what it is exactly that you don’t like about your engagement ring. The worst outcome, would be to change the engagement ring, to something new, only to be unhappy with your second choice, and have to go through the process again.
Modify It – If You Hate Your Engagement Ring
Sometimes the thing you don’t like about the ring might be only minor. If the alteration you are wanting is not to major it might be possible to modify it. Things that are easy to do, are things like changing the profile of the band. For example, if you ring has a flat profile or a knife edge, you are able to soften the edges and make it look more round, giving it a more dainty finer look. Setting heights can also be lowered, if you feel the engagement ring is too high.
Remember issues of the heart always need to be treated with care. So make sure you always tell your partner how much you love them. Pick the right moment, and if you think it might help, buy him the gold club set that he has been eyeing off to soften the blow.
Would love to hear your thoughts, If you didn’t love your engagement ring, how did you tell your partner, and what did you do?
Love is a beautiful thing. It makes us do things we wouldn’t normally do. In the initial months of a relationship, even taking out the rubbish is done with a smile. In today’s world, more and more couples are living together before getting married – according to 2012 figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 75 per cent of couples are now living together before marriage. So having certain goals on your joint household ‘to do’ list is only natural.
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Women make the decisions
So whose decision is it really? Whether to get married or not is something most ladies have a say in. Now I’m not sure on the actual numbers, but it’s a well-known fact that, while us guys think we make most of the decisions, it is actually the ladies who are the main decision-makers. If you’re lucky, your lady may even let you ‘think’that you are in control of making the decision.
This is often especially true when looking at decision relating to the home, with women having the final say on which house to buy, and basing their decision on the kitchen, bathroom and wardrobe space. Major renovating decisions are also often made by women. With the ever-increasing cost of organising a wedding, you may find yourself discussing with your partner whether to buy a ring, or a new kitchen. (If kitchens are not your thing, the choice might be between getting married and an overseas holiday or other significant purchase.)
Is it time to get married or not?
Sometimes the decision really just comes down to which one your partner wants more at the time. If the fixer upper you just moved into, has a kitchen only good enough for takeout, and you get the feeling from your partner that it’s a new kitchen or moving back in with her parents. Then maybe it might be worthwhile postponing the pending engagement while you make your new home liveable.
Timing is everything
For each couple, the timing of when to take the relationship to the next level is different. I have seen couples who have only been together for a matter of months before deciding to take the plunge. Likewise, I have seen couples who have been together for over 17 years, and maybe don’t really want to get married, but still choose to celebrate their relationship with a commitment ring. While there is no right or wrong length of time to ‘be together’ before marriage, one thing is for sure – once the decision has been made, it is time. A proposal is usually not too far away.
When to propose?
In my experience, the three-year mark is usually a rough guide for couples looking to get engaged. However, this time frame usually becomes shorter as you get older – some couples in their forties wait less than a year.
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So you have decided that it is finally time to choose an engagement ring. Whether you are the future groom to be and have popped the question, or choosing to find the dream engagement ring together as a couple, here are the 5 steps you need to follow when choosing an engagement ring.
1. CHOOSING AN ENGAGEMENT RING STYLE
Advice for the guys when choosing an engagement ring – This is ground zero and the first thing you should try and tie down. If you are going alone, try and choose a style that compliments her current jewellery tastes. If her style is vintage, then look for Art Deco designs. If she is more of a traditional girl, then a classic solitaire design is likely to be the winner. If you really get stuck, have a look at her Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram profiles. You are sure to find plenty of pointers there, about the style of ring she loves.
For the ladies – When choosing an engagement ring, try on as many different styles as you can. Look for the things you love in each design. A skilful designer will be able to combine all the different things you love into your one dream ring. You will know when you find “THE ONE” it will be the design that makes your heart skip a beat.
Advice tip – Don’t worry if you can’t find your dream ring in any of the stores you visit. If you could find it everywhere, it probably wouldn’t be as special and you wouldn’t love it as much.
At this stage of your journey forget about the diamond size, quality and budget. If you only ever look at a particular budget you might miss your dream ring. Once you have found your dream engagement ring, a professional jewellery designer should be able to customise your dream ring design to suit any budget or stone size.
2. THE STONE SHAPE
In the beginning when you are choosing an engagement ring you really want to just focus on what shape diamond. Do you love the traditional round brilliant cut diamond? Or are you looking for something a little more modern in the princess cut? If your partner has long slim fingers than maybe a fancy cut diamond like the pear, oval or marquise cut diamond might be ideal.Also consider whether it is a single stone ring you are after, or whether you would like to have shoulder stones. If you are wanting to have shoulder stones in your engagement ring, explore all the options. Whether to match the shape of your centre stones to your shoulder diamonds is really a personal preference.
3.THE QUALITY
This can sometimes be one of the most challenging elements to balance. Do you go for a larger diamond of lower quality? Or choose a diamond that is slightly smaller and more brilliantly cut? At the end of the day, where the diamond sits on the 4C’s will not only tell you how beautiful the stone is, but ultimately how much it costs. While everyone’s preferences might be slightly different, it is important to compare a number of stones side by side, to see which diamond appeals to you the most. As a rough guide, try and stick with an excellent cut grade, D – F colour, VS – SI clarity, and wherever the size fits within the budget. If you really want to learn more about why one diamond appears more brilliant than another, the best advice is to go to a jewellery store with a qualified diamond grader. Someone who can break down exactly where your diamond sits in the cut and quality spectrum.
4. METAL CHOICE
One of the common questions raised when choosing an engagement ring is whether to go with platinum or white gold. The usual advice that I give to new clients choosing their engagement ring is “Do you have a spare $1000 dollars?” As this is usually how much the upgrade to platinum will cost. If the answer is yes, then by all means upgrade your metal choice to platinum. If No, then 18ct white gold is still an exceptional metal choice. For some clients, it might make more sense to upgrade their diamond to a larger or better quality stone, rather than upgrading their metal.
5. THE BUDGET
This is the last thing I often go through with couples and men that I see when they are choosing an engagement ring. Once you have found the design that you love, it is really easy to make it with a different size centre stone. While some might have you believe that you need to spend 3 months salary (before tax and including bonuses), the truth is that you just need to pick a figure that you both feel comfortable with. This is something special that you are going to have for a very long time, and you want to make sure that it is something that you can be proud of for many years to come. Whatever your maximum budget is, spend it and try and get the best quality you can. In the years to come, you will never regret the money that you spent.
Above all else, enjoy the process of finding and choosing an engagement ring. Your diamond consultant is there to help guide you through your journey. It should be an experience that you will never forget, and one that will bring you happy memories for many years to come. If you would like someone to help guide you through your journey of finding your perfect engagement ring, we always on hand to help you. If you would like to make an appointment to see one of our diamond consultants, please feel free to email us
This weeks Feature Engagement Ring is a princess cut diamond engagement ring with Pink shoulder diamonds. The centre diamond was a 0.59ct D VS2 Passion8 and the shoulder diamonds were 4 = 0.17ct 4P Pink diamonds.
Feature Engagement Ring Sketch
Design Features of the Engagement Ring
One of the special requirements of this design was that it had a setting that didn’t protrude too high above the band. Although the lady had small fingers it was important that the ring wasn’t set too low either. We were aiming for a medium height of 5.2mm.
Coming from central North Queensland the ring had to stand the test of time, as a short trip down the road to the jeweller would be a little more challenging to achieve.
We also incorporated an extra thickness in the band to make sure that the ring was as strong as it could be. Having a thicker circle means that the ring is less likely to flew, and make the stones loose.
Engagement Ring Setting
The four claw corner claw setting is the most secure setting for a princess cut diamond. The corner metal also has the added feature of squaring off the princess cut diamond, which accentuates its shape.
For the band we used a channel setting to give extra strength to the shoulder stones. Having the pink shoulder stones also created a striking contrast to the white metal.
With princess cut diamonds it is incredibly important to make sure that the engagement ring sits flush with a straight wedding band. The straight lines of a square diamond clash with a curved or fitted wedding band.
Feature Engagement Ring Finished
When using pink diamonds it is really important to use as white a diamond as possible. With the centre diamond being a “D colour”, we used “E coloured” shoulder diamonds to create a strong contrast effect.
One of the challenges with this design was to have the shoulder diamonds running all the way up to the centre stone. The setter had to push the shoulder diamonds between the two claws to create the full flow effect.
Engagement Design Questions
If you would love to know more about Pink diamonds or have an engagement ring custom made, please email me at design@xennoxdiamonds.com.au. I would be happy to answer any questions you have or talk about having your dream ring designed.
I think guys who are buying an engagement ring on their own deserve respect. It can be a really daunting experience and there is a lot of pressure to get it right. Over the last 20 years I have helped a lot of gentlemen choose a beautiful diamond engagement ring for their fiancées. Make sure when you are buying an engagement ring, you make it one she will love forever.
Here are the 7 Mistakes guys make when buying an engagement ring.
Only look at local chain stores
If your future fiancée is a one of a kind, then looking in a shop where the ring has a 1000 copies may not be the best start. The quality of mass manufacturing is also rarely comparable to a handmade ring.
Only do internet research on diamonds
The internet is great for doing your initial research. But be warned – just because it is on the internet doesn’t make it true or factual. There is a lot of misinformation there. Sometimes a little bit of information can be dangerous. While the internet is a great place to go for some design suggestions it is terrible to use as a price comparison.
Not seeing a diamond specialist
A diamond specialist is the only one who can help you navigate the murky waters of diamond grading. I wish I could tell you that it is an exact science, but the truth is, it isn’t. A diamond expert who specialises in high performance diamonds will be able to help you pick a diamond that will blow her away.
Not knowing what she wants
One of the most common mistakes I see guys make. Not doing enough personal research into what she likes, and more importantly – what she doesn’t like. A growing trend at the moment is the use of social media to test out her tastes. Social media is a great way to see what she is liking & commenting on.
Getting sucked into a sale
There is no such thing as a secret diamond mine, where diamonds are mysteriously 40% cheaper. If someone is offering a repetitive sale multiple times a year, chances are it isn’t genuine. So don’t be pressured into making a decision because the salesperson tells you the sale is about to end.
Just picking something off the shelf
Most ladies love to know that you have put some thought into choosing or selecting a ring. So why not have something specially designed and crafted just for her. It is a common myth perpetuated by some stores that custom made rings are expensive. If you know where to go, good quality is affordable.
Not planning the proposal
While the process of buying an engagement ring can be consuming. Make sure you put some time into planning the perfect proposal. Presenting her the ring in front of the tv, is not going to earn you any brownie points
If you think i have missed anything, would love you to post it in the comments section below.
Passion8 diamond engagement rings don’t just have the most perfectly cut diamonds but they also have an excellent manufacturing standard. Today’s engagement ring review is on model Passion8 model 5294 in 18ct white gold with a 0.70ct F SI princess cut diamond. This engagement ring features a grain set halo surrounding the claw set princess cut diamond in the middle. One of the distinguishing aspects of this design is the diamond grain set band that comes up over the halo setting.
Passion8 Diamond Engagement Ring Review
Pro’s
A definite advantage of this halo design is that the main head setting sits on top of an under rail, which is perfect for a straight wedding band to sit next to. While the shoulder diamonds to interrupt the halo feature, this design is a perfect choice if you want the centre diamond to stand out as a feature. The extra fine 2.2mm wide band gives the centre diamond a bigger feel. The grain set diamonds surrounding the main diamond, help to create a contrast effect to further highlight the brilliance of the centre stone. Weighing in at over 5 grams, this ring certainly has a weighty feel to it that you will enjoy.
Cons
If you are looking for that really big diamond look, this may not be the design for you, as the shoulder diamonds do break the continuous circle of diamonds around the centre diamond.
Conclusion
This style is definitely a statement piece designed to showcase the amazing Passion8 princess cut diamond. Passion8 diamonds are arguably one of the world’s most perfect cut princess cut diamonds on the market at the moment. With the manufacturing standard backed by Passion8, it is a ring that will really stand the test of time.
If you love this design, or have any questions about this engagement ring review, please feel free to post in the comments section below.
Buying a diamond engagement ring is not only a big emotional commitment but a significant financial one for most couples. While the internet is usually a great tool for conducting some initial research before buying a diamond, it can become difficult when you need to make a price comparison. The key piece of advice that i give my clients is – Don’t believe everything the diamond certificate tells you. After all it is only an opinion, graded by humans, who as we all know are prone to mistakes.
Buying a Diamond Tips
1. Certificate type
While the GIA is considered one of the most renown independant certificate on the market, there are some certificates that are really not worth the paper they are written on. Some are consistently at least one colour grade and clarity grade out. (to the downside) So while it might seem cheap on face value, it isn’t when you compare what you are actually getting for your money.
2. Excellent cut grade – What does that mean ?
It used to be that approximately the top 20% of stones received an excellent cut grade, today this figure is probably closer to the top 40%, as the parameters for an excellent cut grade are widening. The diamond grading laboratories like Google won’t tell you when they move them. You just need to know exactly what a perfect cut diamond looks like. Where you sit in this spectrum will not only be seen in the brilliance of the stone but the price as well. Make sure that when you are buying a diamond you don’t pay for a top 10% cut grade stone, when you are actually getting a top 30%.
Buying a Diamond Tip – Never buy a diamond with a table facet greater than 60%
3. Independently check your colour grade.
Colour grading can be affected by so many variables. How tired was the diamond grader at the time and things like excess coffee can all affect the way we perceive colour. The margin for error is so small, that it only takes a small error to cost you thousands depending on the size of diamond you are looking at. Make sure your diamond is checked by a qualified diamond grader. The colour on the left is an F colour and the one on the right is a H colour.
4. Clarity grade – inclusion location
If you were deciding between two diamonds – one with an inclusion in the middle of the stone or one with a mark on the edge of the stone (that can be covered) i am sure you would choose the one on the edge. It is for this reason the diamonds with marks in the middle (table facet) are discounted and made cheaper. When buying a diamond always aim to have a girdle (edge) inclusion.
5. Fluorescence
A little understood characteristic. Basicly it is the way the diamond responds under ultraviolet light (like the one in discos). Anything slight to nill is ideal. Some medium fluorescent stones can be ok, but you really need to be careful as they can sometimes make the diamond look cloudy (which reduces the brilliance). Strong fluorescent stones are to be avoided – and they are much cheaper.
Buying a Diamond Tip – Never buy strongly fluorescent diamonds
6. Laser inscription
This is a little be a nice to have – not need to have. The inscription is only on the surface of the stone. If someone wanted to, it is possible to have it polished off by a diamond cutter. So don’t discard a beautiful stone just because a stone doesn’t have a laser inscription
7. Not consulting a diamond expert
For complete piece of mind, it is always important to see a diamond expert when buying a diamond. You wouldn’t take your car to be serviced to someone that just sold tyers ? Like jewellery there are some who specialise in diamonds and some that just sell general jewellery. A diamond specialist will not only be able to tell you why a diamond is a better quality but be able to show you and answer any question you have about your diamond.
At the end of the day, unless you want to look at your diamond certificate on the anniversary of your purchase every year, the diamond paper is not as important as finding the most brilliant diamond.
If you have found this helpful or have something you would like me to answer, pleaseemail me directly and i will answer any question that you have.
Research Shows – Size Doesn’t matter !!!
Diamond Size Vs Quality
A recent study found that 84% of respondents surveyed, stated that they would prefer a smaller diamond size if it was of a higher quality. This was in line with further questioning that showed that 86% didn’t want a showy engagement ring at the expense of quality.* (*Intertrade 2013)
When it comes to diamonds, diamond size is the least important characteristic. You can radically change the price of a ring by a $1000 by reducing the diamond size of a diamond by ten points (or 0.2mm, which is hardly discernable to the naked eye). To achieve the same saving without changing the size you would need to resort to having an incredibly flawed and yellow diamond, which is visible from a distance.
My advice is to always aim for a slightly smaller excellent cut high performance diamond like a Passion8 “hearts and arrows”, rather than just a larger one. Passion8 cut the most perfectly cut round and princess cut diamonds in the world. The precision cutting puts them in the top 1% in the world for cut grade. On average it takes them 6 times as long to cut a perfect cut “hearts and arrows” diamond as a regular excellent cut diamond. The also return 99% of the light that enters in through the table. One thing that clients comment on most is that their Passion8 diamonds sparkle for longer and even when dirty compared to their friends diamonds. Unfortunately diamonds are not like a bottle of wine – they are not going to get better in years to come. If you buy the best cut grade diamond you can now, it will always be the best and continue to sparkle for the rest of your life.
Come and see how much better a perfect cut looks than just going for a larger diamond size. If you have any questions or would like to know more about the Passion8 diamonds, please feel free to email at info@xennoxdiamonds.com.au