Diamonds are the ultimate sign of romance.
“The connection between diamonds and marriage is an old love story,” according to Bulgari. The very first engagement ring exchange is detailed in a document dating from 1503 – a ring and a diamond were joined and given as an engagement promise in Italy, in the city of Venice.”
According to the Italian jeweller, platinum is the best choice for a diamond ring as it “will never fade or tarnish … Rarer than gold, it’s stronger than other precious jewellery metals – the perfect accompaniment to the diamond.”
When it comes to budget, diamonds sit within a huge price range. The carat, quality and cut determine the cost and choosing the right diamond depends on a number of things.
Custom made rings can cost as much as you can afford, but there are plenty of ready made options available on the high street.
You can buy diamond rings from high street jeweller Michael Hill for as little as $199 – and even pay for it using Afterpay.
Tiffany sell diamond engagement rings from $2500 and offer free delivery.
But if you’re truly cashed up, a 5-carat round cut diamond from Blue Nile comes in at a mega $123,500. And that’s without the band to set it in.
So, ready to make that purchase? Here follows some of the best places to buy diamond rings.
Etincelle de Cartier ring
This 18 carat rose gold ring with emerald cut diamond from Cartier can be worn multiple ways. Delicate enough to wear on your index finger it can also work as an engagement ring.
Paved with brilliant cut diamonds it’s also available on platinum or rose gold.
RRP $4350
Tiffany Soleste Ring with Diamonds
If you’re looking for ideas for a diamond ring with a difference, the Tiffany Soleste ring in platinum is a real beauty.
With a gorgeous aquamarine at the centre, surrounded by a double row of brilliant diamonds the Soleste makes for a super stylish engagement ring and will last forever.
RRP $9900
Chaumet Josephine Splendeur Imperiale Solitaire
Far from simple, the Josephine Splendeur Imperiale solitaire design is so elegant you’d think it was custom made.
It houses a 1 carat diamond at the centre paved with brilliant cut diamonds and a pear shaped diamond.
The price? You’d have to ask the Paris-based store for a quote, but a similar (but less fancy) Chaumet ring available at Selfridges & Co costs $10,550.
RRP: POA
Blue Nile Bella Vaughan Sophia Triple Row Diamond Halo ring
That’s a very long name for a very big diamond but Blue Nile is one of the best places to shop for diamond rings. Providing you can afford them.
According to Blue Nile, this 3 carat ring has “triple rows of diamonds on the bands with side stones on the shanks.”
If 3 carat seems too much (said no woman ever…) then you could potentially replace it with a 2 carat diamond in the centre. You’d be saving thousands if you do.
The price of a 2 carat diamond at Blue Nile is $33,873. A 3-carat will set you back closer to $60,000.
RRP $15,973.65 (setting only – diamond is additional)
Bulgari Eternity Wedding Band
Bulgari believe in responsible sourcing of their diamonds and every purchase comes with a GIA certificate – a quality assurance certificate from the Gemological Institute of America.
Most diamonds have very slight flaws and are graded according to what can be seen under a microscope. The fewer the flaws, the more you’ll pay.
The colour also affects the grading and ranges from slightly yellowish to crystal clear (most expensive). But that only applies when buying a loose diamond that you’ll have custom set.
The Bulgari Eternity Wedding Band above is a high quality diamond ring but it has a set price so you know exactly how much your diamond ring is worth.
RRP $20,200
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