What should I consider before buying a Diamond Ring?

Whether you're buying a gift or just treating yourself, there is a lot to think about when you're choosing a diamond ring, such as the style, the budget you're working with, the quality of the diamonds, band metal and diamond shape. When it comes to quality, the 4C's should be looked at: colour, cut, clarity and carat. At Diamond Heaven, all of our diamonds are independently certified, meaning that you have all of the information you need regarding quality, and can be assured that your gift will be timeless.

What are the 4Cs of diamond quality?

The 4Cs of diamond quality are cut, colour, clarity and carat. Cut is the only one that is determined by man-made process. Some of the most popular cuts include round, cushion and princess. The way in which the diamond is cut will determine how it reflects light and is often determined by the condition of the diamond. The colour of a diamond scales from D to Z, with D being totally colourless and hints of yellow becoming more apparent as the scale runs down to Z. Clarity refers to how internally flawless the diamond is, measuring whether slight inclusions are present within the stone. Finally, carat refers to the weight of the diamond.

Can I finance my diamond ring?

Yes, there are a variety of different methods to pay for a Diamond ring and through finance is one of them. At Diamond Heaven we offer a variety of finance deals and our online application form is a fast and easy process. Once complete, your application will then be instantly sent to the finance company and they will get a response to you as soon as possible.

Diamond Rings | Buy Online & In Store

From the classic princess cut to the elaborate 7-stone diamond ring, our collection is perfect for any occasion - whether you're looking to pop the question, tie the knot or celebrate an anniversary. All our diamond rings are created with the 4Cs in mind - cut, clarity, carat and colour. So whatever your budget, you can be confident that your diamond ring is of the highest quality. We also offer 0% interest-free finance - so you can pay for your diamond jewellery in monthly instalments for no additional cost!

Visit our showrooms in Brighton and Hatton Garden to view our stunning range of natural and lab diamond rings and receive a bespoke jewellery design consultation. You can book an appointment or shop online from our Ready-to-Ship range of diamond rings. We also deliver free samples across the UK and offer a 30-day Returns policy to put your mind at ease.

How to choose a diamond ring

Whether you’re buying a diamond ring for yourself or a loved one, there are several factors you need to consider:

1. The price: it's always wise to set a budget before you start shopping.
2. Natural or lab grown diamonds: both share the same chemical and physical properties, but lab diamonds are ethically sourced and more cost-effective.
3. The style of the ring: we offer a wide range of diamond rings, from the classic solitaire style to the extravagant cocktail ring.
4. The cut of the diamond: we offer an impressive variety of shapes and sizes, including marquise, oval, emerald and princess cut diamond rings.
5. The metal of the band: our diamond rings are available in platinum, white gold, yellow gold and rose gold.

Still can't find what you're looking for? We also offer a bespoke diamond ring service. Simply visit us in-store or contact a member of our team, and we can help you create the perfect, personalised ring.

Diamond rings on finance

Our plans allow you to pay for your diamond ring in monthly instalments. We have several interest-free finance options available with 0% APR; these range from 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and more with varying interest rates. Simply select the "Finance" payment method at checkout and set the deposit amount you want to put in.

For more information about purchasing diamond rings on finance, get in touch with our diamond experts or visit us at our showrooms.

What is a diamond carat?

A carat is a unit of measurement used to describe the weight of diamonds. (Not to be confused with karat, which measures the purity of gold.) One diamond carat is 200 milligrams - so the bigger the carat, the heavier the diamond. Most diamond rings include diamonds ranging from 0.25ct to 1.00ct, but there is no real limitation on carat size.

To learn more about diamond carat, clarity cut, and colour, read our Diamond Buying Guide!

What are lab diamonds?

A lab grown diamond is a diamond that is created in a controlled environment like a laboratory or factory. Lab diamonds share the exact same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds, but they are quicker to produce, sustainably sourced, and around 20% cheaper.

At Shining Diamonds, we offer a premium selection of lab grown jewellery, including lab diamond rings. Shop the collection now, or read more about our lab grown diamonds.

How can you tell if a diamond is real?

There are several ways you can check if a diamond is real. You can drop it in a glass of water to see if it sinks. You can check for scratches - real diamonds are incredibly durable and do not develop scratches. Or, you can have your diamond inspected by one of our diamond experts at our Hatton Garden and Brighton stores.

Read our guide, How you can tell if a diamond is real, for more information.

How do you guess someone's ring size

Whether you're buying an engagement ring, a wedding ring or a gift for someone special, it's important you know their ring size before you start shopping.

If it's a surprise, you could ask their family or friends to find out their ring size for you. Or, you could borrow one of their rings and bring it in-store for reference. Alternatively, if the recipient knows you're shopping for a diamond ring, you can buy our ring sizer for just Â£1 and measure their finger at home,